Captain Shane Murphy, Chief Mate of the Maersk Alabama, has seen pirates up close and has observed an increase in weaponry sophistication, tactics and technology
Alexandria, VA (PRWEB) November 20, 2009 -- "Obviously, being attacked by pirates is an extremely traumatic event. I am personally still reeling from it. It is vital that we as a society, and an industry, are proactive enough that no other merchant marine is forced to deal with this in the future," says Captain Shane Murphy, who helped to repel the first attack on the Maersk Alabama. "Unfortunately, small arms, fire hoses and sonic weaponry do not sufficiently deter attacks, due to rapidly-evolving piracy tactics."
Pirates are reinvesting their profits in bigger boats with greater range and heavier fire power, including RPGs.
"The maritime industry needs to adapt with the pirates. Moreover, we need to stay one step ahead. It was demonstrated earlier this week that pirates are willing, able and capable of using deadly force," said Captain Murphy.
Over 40,000 cargo vessels annually traverse the hostile waters of the Gulf of Aden, and attacks by Somali pirates are alarmingly on the rise. But, the astronomical odds against an attack occurring on a single vessel twice in a short span of time - as occurred with the Alabama - is leading some to believe that the Alabama was specifically targeted by the pirates who are utilizing more sophisticated technology and intelligence than shipping companies seem willing to believe.
"It is highly possible that the pirates in the Gulf of Aden are utilizing some form of tracking to follow and target specific American vessels like the Alabama," said Captain Murphy. "The fact of the matter is that either the Maersk Alabama was specifically targeted, or any vessel on this route can be hit twice in seven months. Either option is chilling to a mariner out there trying to maintain innocent passage. Shipping companies are leaving far too much to chance and playing roulette with American lives and cargo."
"When minutes matter, the naval forces are taking hours to respond," said Kevin Doherty, CEO of Nexus Consulting, a Virginia-based LLC that arms cargo vessels with elite, ex-military forces trained in counter-piracy. "When we are talking about RPG attacks, immediate, on-site response is what is needed. Any response measured in more than mere moments is simply not fast enough. It is for this specific reason that Nexus provides cargo vessels with a security barrier that goes beyond the range of any tactical RPG weaponry to ensure crew and cargo safety."
Nexus Consulting Group eliminates the growing threat of the RPG by providing vessels with a 1000 meter security barrier. Dangerously, however, over 80% of US-flagged vessels do not travel with any type of armed security, posing a monumental risk to the safety of crew and cargo. "By providing a 1000 meter buffer around the vessels that we are protecting, Nexus has effectively deterred at least eight known pirate attacks this year," said Kevin Doherty.
For more information about Nexus Consulting and to receive a free consultation please contact: (703) 980-0293. For legal, please contact (508) 423-5988.
About Nexus Consulting Group of Alexandria, LLC
Established in 2005, Nexus Consulting is a US veteran owned and operated private security company that places unprecedented focus on US law while actively protecting US citizens, equipment and cargo from the threats of terrorism and criminal activity. Nexus Consulting is currently taking the lead on international agreements regarding maritime commerce under the Nexus Solution.
Founded by a former US Special Agent and staffed by former US intelligence operatives, former Navy Seals and former Special Forces, teams of elite Nexus security personnel are already deployed throughout the world (including the Gulf of Aden) and stand ready to protect US vessels against any armed threat in full compliance with US maritime laws.
Please visit Nexus online at: www.ncga.us
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