Somalia's pirates are individuals or groups who engage in acts of piracy in the waters off the coast of Somalia. They typically operate small boats and use weapons such as AK-47s and rocket-propelled grenades to attack larger ships and demand ransom payments.
One example of a real story involving Somali pirates is the hijacking of the MV Maersk Alabama in 2009. In this incident, a group of pirates boarded the ship and took the crew hostage, demanding a ransom for their release. The situation was eventually resolved after a team of US Navy SEALs freed the crew and captured the pirates.
Another example is the hijacking of the MV Smyrni in 2010. In this incident, Somali pirates boarded the ship and demanded a ransom of $3 million for the release of the ship and its crew. The pirates were eventually paid the ransom and released the ship and its crew.
Somali pirates typically use small, fast boats to approach larger ships, such as cargo ships and oil tankers. They may also use ladders or grappling hooks to climb aboard the ship and gain access to the deck. Once on board, the pirates may use weapons such as guns and knives to take control of the ship and its crew.
Pirates may also use other tactics to board ships, such as pretending to be in distress and asking for assistance, or launching surprise attacks from hidden positions. In some cases, pirates may even use other ships, such as fishing boats, to approach and board their targets.
Ransoms paid to Somali pirates can vary greatly, depending on the size and value of the ship and its cargo. In some cases, ransoms have been as high as several million dollars, while in other cases they have been much lower.