Ransom letters from Somali pirates reveal their professionalism
Documents reveal just how organised - and seemingly courteous - Somali pirates have become, but their friendly tone belies the violent reality
Welcome to the Pirate Action Group. Pirate commander Jamal wishes to congratulate you on being hijacked. Kindly speak to his negotiator about your ransom, bearing in mind that his demands are similar for every vessel he seizes.
This is not an absurd joke - this is how the pirates of the African coast do business, and it's a serious matter for the companies that have to pay out.
In 2011 Somali piracy cost the world economy US$7 billion and earned pirates some US$160 million in ransoms, according to a recent report by the International Maritime Bureau. Piracy is receding of late, but it is still a threat. The bureau reported 69 hijacking incidents by Somali pirates between January 1 and July 12.
Rogues though they may be, these pirates in many cases are surprisingly well organised, down to having their own suite of paperwork - on letterhead - for their victims.
Reuters obtained a copy of one such suite, presented to the owner of a hijacked oil tanker and the owner's insurer after the ship was taken. The names of owner and insurer and the size of the ransom request have been redacted, but what remains is colourful enough.
The cover sheet, in memo format, is addressed "To Whom It May Concern" with the subject line "Congratulations to the Company/Owner."