Dolphins Block Pirates from Chinese Vessel

From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley --I have always had this fascination with dolphins. I'm not sure why or how it came to be. Maybe it was the early years of trying to spot one when we used to visit Pawley's Island and now and then we would get a glimpse. We see them more frequently at Tybee Island. Perhaps, it is all that I have read about their intelligence and their habits as mammals, how they treat their children, and fight off and kill sharks that threaten their pods. Whatever it is once again they have shown their intelligence and their compassion --- T. J. McGregor where ever you are this one is one you will want to know about.

Love, peace and grace,
Dr. Darryl


Thousands of Dolphins Block PIrates from Chinese Cargo Ship

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-04/14/content_11184581.htm

BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhuanet) -- Thousands of dolphins blocked the suspected Somali pirate ships when they were trying to attack Chinese merchant ships passing the Gulf of Aden, the China Radio International reported on Monday.

The Chinese merchant ships escorted by a China's fleet sailed on the Gulf of Aden when they met some suspected pirate ships. Thousands of dolphins suddenly leaped out of water between pirates and merchants when the pirate ships headed for the China's.

The suspected pirates ships stopped and then turned away. The pirates could only lament their littleness befor the vast number of dolphins. The spectacular scene continued for a while.

China initiated its three-ship escort task force on Dec. 26 last year after the United Nations Security Council called on countries to patrol gulf and waters off Somalia, one of the world's busiest marine routes, where surging piracy endangered intercontinental shipping.

China's first fleet has escorted 206 vessels, including 29 foreign merchant vessels, and successfully rescued three foreign merchant ships from pirate attacks.

About 20 percent of Chinese merchant ships passing through the waters off Somalia were attacked by pirates from January to November in 2008, before the task force was deployed.

A total of seven ships, either owned by China or carrying Chinese cargo and crew, were hijacked.

Tianyu No. 8, a Chinese fishing vessel with 16 Chinese and eight foreign sailors aboard, was captured by Somali pirates on Nov. 14 and released in early February.

The second fleet of Chinese escort ships arrived at the Gulf of Aden on Monday to replace the first fleet.