Tips for Surviving Maritime Piracy

The European Union Naval Force has been given the responsibility of conducting operations to deter and prevent piracy attacks and robberies. This mission was given in the hope that maritime workers and seamen would know how to successfully deter pirate attacks, and that the number of offshore injuries would decrease as a result. If you are a maritime worker, and you are kidnapped or held for ransom by pirates, it is important for you to realize that pirates may be more agitated than normal during the ransom payment process. During this tense time, confine yourself to established behavior patterns so that you do not attract unnecessary attention, and do not expect to be released immediately after payment occurs.

It is likely that weapons may be brandished or used during a pirate attack, so try to remain calm. Statistics show that weapons are mainly used to intimidate crews and not for actual violence. Seek to maintain a calm composure during the entirety of the attack and subsequent ransom process in order to avoid injury or harm to yourself. Avoid interfering with disputes between your captors and cooperate wherever possible.

When you are released from a kidnapping, it is important that you contribute to a post incident debrief as soon as possible. The authorities can use the information you provide to better understand the methods and tactics employed by pirates. Information on pirate equipment, weaponry, routines, personnel changes and communication methods can all be used to reduce and deter pirate attacks in the future. In order to ensure that your rights are protected, you need to contact a Texas maritime piracy attorney soon after your attack. As a seaman, you have legal rights under the Jones Act and other maritime law. A Texas offshore injury lawyer at our firm has the experience and expertise needed to help you recover compensation for your offshore injuries, so call today if you have been the victim of a pirate attack.