Hello, I'm an expert in the field of maritime security and piracy. I've spent a considerable amount of time studying the evolution of piracy and its modern manifestations. Let's dive into a detailed exploration of what modern-day pirates do. Step 1: Answer in English Modern piracy has evolved significantly from the romanticized notions often portrayed in popular culture. While the Golden Age of Piracy is long past, piracy continues to be a real and serious issue in certain parts of the world, particularly in regions with weak maritime security and high-value shipping lanes. Here's an overview of the activities and tactics employed by modern pirates: 1. Armament: As with their historical counterparts, modern pirates are heavily armed. They utilize a wide array of weapons, including but not limited to guns, knives, grenades, and in some cases, even rocket launchers. This level of armament allows them to overpower crews and take control of vessels with relative ease. 2. Threat and Assault: Pirates often use intimidation and violence to achieve their objectives. They threaten crew members, sometimes physically assaulting them to establish dominance and control. This can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. 3. Hostage-Taking and Kidnapping: Modern pirates frequently take hostages, either as a means to negotiate a ransom or to use as leverage in other criminal activities. Kidnapping crew members for ransom is a common tactic, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea and the waters off the coast of Somalia. 4. Marooning Victims: In some cases, pirates will abandon their victims on a life raft or a deserted island, effectively 'marooning' them. This is a tactic used to eliminate witnesses and avoid detection. 5. Ship and Cargo Hijacking: Pirates may also hijack entire ships along with their cargo. This is a highly lucrative endeavor, as the stolen cargo can be sold on the black market for a significant profit. In some instances, the pirates might transfer the crew to their own vessel and depart with the stolen ship. 6. Fishing and Resource Exploitation: In certain regions, pirates engage in illegal fishing or the plundering of natural resources, such as minerals or oil, from vessels operating in disputed or unprotected waters. 7. Cyber Piracy: A newer and less recognized form of piracy involves cyber-attacks on ships and maritime infrastructure. This can include hacking into navigation systems, communication networks, or even the financial transactions of shipping companies. 8. Collusion with Local Authorities: In some cases, pirates may have ties to corrupt officials who provide them with protection or information, allowing them to operate with impunity. 9. Drug and Human Trafficking: Pirates are sometimes involved in the broader criminal underworld, participating in drug trafficking or the trafficking of humans for forced labor or sexual exploitation. 10. Terrorism Links: While not all pirates are terrorists, there have been instances where piracy has been linked to terrorism, with pirates using their illicit activities to fund terrorist organizations or their operations. 11. Economic Disruption: The activities of pirates can have a significant impact on the global economy. They disrupt trade, increase insurance premiums, and can lead to higher costs for goods and services due to the risks associated with shipping through pirate-infested waters. 12. Use of Technology: Modern pirates are increasingly using technology to their advantage. This includes GPS for navigation, satellite phones for communication, and even drones for surveillance. 13. Adaptation and Learning: Pirates are known to adapt their tactics and strategies based on the responses of naval forces and the shipping industry. They learn from their successes and failures, making them a constantly evolving threat. In conclusion, modern piracy is a complex and multifaceted issue that poses significant risks to maritime security, global trade, and human life. It requires a coordinated international response that addresses the root causes of piracy, strengthens maritime security, and supports the development of affected coastal communities. **read more >>

As with Golden Age pirates, modern pirates arm themselves heavily. They use guns, knives, grenades and rocket launchers. Pirates threaten and assault crew members, take hostages and maroon their victims. They may also transfer the ship's crew to the attack vessel and depart with the entire ship and its cargo.read more >>