From an Al Jazeera special report:

Many of the pirates operating off the coast of Somalia were given special forces-style training from Western firms, a special report by Al Jazeera has found.


Some security firms currently protecting shipping from the pirates had been engaged to train them a decade ago.


One company, Hart Group, coached trainees to be the “coastguard” of Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region - providing protection from illegal fishing in the region.


In this exclusive report, Al Jazeera’s Dan Nolan found that Western companies, involved at all levels of the business, can now expect to make up to half a million dollars from the avergage $2m “ransom and release” contracts they are awarded to solve.

(Al Jazeera: Somali pirates profit western firms)

 
“It’s like a safari, only better.”  This mildly persuasive-looking site for Somali Cruises offers to ferry thrill-seeking travelers all the way from Mombasa to Djibouti.  To better combat pirates, they suggest you bring along your high-powered weaponry.  Don’t have guns?  No problem, they’ll rent you what you need—and throw in 100 rounds of tracer ammo in the caliber of your choice.

Here’s a testimonial: “Six attacks in 4 days was more than I expected.  I bagged three pirates and my 12-year-old son sank two rowboats with the mini gun.  PIRATES: 0—PASSENGERS: 32!  Well worth the trip.  Just make sure your spotter speaks English.”  Well, thanks for that tip on “spotters,” Donald from Salt Lake City!  I’m afraid, though, I won’t be joining you port side.  Somali Cruises isn’t—yet—taking credit cards.  Ah, well, there’s always this.