Q+A: What can ships do if attacked by pirates?

By Jonathan Saul

LONDON (Reuters) - A fresh spate of attacks by Somali pirates on vessels off the Horn of Africa has heightened fears for shipping routes in the region.

Despite the presence of foreign navies in the Gulf of Aden, audacious Somali pirates have continued to strike at vessels traveling through remote Indian Ocean waters as naval forces remain stretched.

Maritime organizations have issued recommendations to captains and their crews when coming under attack by pirates.

HOW DO PIRATES OPERATE?

While piracy off Somalia's coast has been a problem for years, the lure of multi-million dollar ransoms for crews and vessels has increased the number of pirates willing to launch attacks.

Ransom money has allowed pirates to become better equipped, using satellite navigation systems, speedboats and operating from mother ships to prey on merchant vessels. Recent good weather has also bolstered the gangs' ability to operate.

WHAT SHOULD SHIPS DO?

Vessels are recommended to sail at least 600 nautical miles from the shore to deter attack due to the distance involved.