The Strait of Malacca

Who likes Pirates of the Carribean? I do! but is it all really just movie fiction? I just read an article in the National Geographic about an area in Southern Asia which is infamous for the inhabitance of pirates and pirate attacks. The Strait of Malacca lies between the Malayasia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Each year, some 70,000 merchant vessels carrying a fifth of all seaborne trade and a third of the world's crude oil shipments pass through this critical waterway. This strait is also crucial because it is the direct connection between India and China. So, why do people in this region become pirates? Well, one reason is they need the money and attacking large ships with tons of cargo is worth a hefty sum. Many times, older generations recruit the young population and teach them the techniques and skills needed to be a successful pirate. One secret technique that pirates use is called the "Jumping squirrel" where you take a 2ft piece of root and shape it into a footlong spike then you take a 20 ft long bamboo stalk and lash it to the mangrove root. This creates a contraption that helps pirates climb onto the ship. Then after getting on to the ship they hold the captain or whoever at knife point and demand money. Deed done. Money plenty. Escape Easy.

Interesting Facts.

1.) Lanun: The Malaysian equivlaent of 'pirate'
2.) Since 2002, IMB has reported 258 pirate attacks in the Malacca Strait- more than 200 sailors held hostage and 8 killed
3.) Pancungs: wooden boats that are rigged with powerful engines used by 'jumping squirrel' pirates (They are not like the Flying Dutchman!)

bibliography
Gwin, Peter."The Strat of Malacca." National Geographic Magazine. October 2007: Pages 126-149.