Well then M.Tted and Charley, I fervently hope that the pair of you get the opportunity to display that "certain child-like delight" when you actually experience a battle with pirates. A friend of mine, a Norwegian Merchant Navy Captain, has had three such encounters, all of which he said were terrifying, in the last he lost his left arm just below the elbow - he was wearing a watch you see. Because of this he will not be subjected to another mainly due to the fact that he can no longer "follow the sea" as a profession.

I read reports today that following attacks on three Chinese vessels the Chinese Government is sending a naval force to the area which should be interesting. It's the first time in 600 years that Chinese warships have left "home" waters.

On this the EU wants to pull its head out of its a**e and forget all this nonsense about "Piracy" being a crime, its not, its an act of war and should be responded to as such. Instructions with regard to rules of engagement to warships patrolling the area should be fire on sight and destroy. The intention should be to make anyone in Somalia think twice before they think of even taking a walk along the beach. I am totally disinterested in whatever excuses are invented for what is happening in that corner of the world, what is going on is totally unacceptable and that message must be impressed upon those engaged in this "business". The sooner that this is done the better as far as I'm concerned.