An Increasing Obstacle to Maritime Trade

We have been following the news about the first American ship that was captured in a wave of pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia. Indeed, very interesting circumstances that turned out to be a successful process. A heroic move of Capt. Richard Phillips who had saved the lives of his crew and above all, his own life. It was such a great act of faith. Oh, I can’t wait to watch it on the movie soon, lol!

You know, it always scares me whenever I hear piracy (hijacking) news. Most of my high school friends worked as a sailor or it’s more popular to us as “seaman”. I can just recall how they dreamed of becoming a sailor someday just to tour around the world. In fact, my baby brother is now on his last year in college and worked as an OJT in a shipping company (Interisland) in the Philippines.

It’s quiet a lonely job but they’re paid better. Even two of my close friends were married to sailors. They seemed prepare for the long separation and the absence. And if they’re lucky, the wife can get pregnant whenever the husband takes off to work.

Well, I hope this piracy issue will soon be stopped and resolved. I just can’t help but worry for my brother and some other Filipinos who are most likely to encounter such situations. The majority of the ship, if not all had some Filipinos (crew/captain) and then few other nationalities working on it.