WBZ

Hijacking ships is big business for Somali pirates. They’ve attacked about 50 ships so far this year off the horn of Africa.

Read: Dodging Pirates Off The Horn of Africa

MG is Curious: “Why is there not enough protection from Somali pirates? We have armed marshals on planes. Why not aboard the U.S. ships and vessels?

The answer: There are patrols in that area, but it’s just too much ocean to cover.

There are also too many commercial ships to protect.

And the U.S. has limited legal authority at sea.

Read tales of recent pirate attacks

Learn more about the pirating issue worldwide:

Read: Off The Lawless Coast Of Somalia

The History Of Piracy

Read: Piracy Grips Gulf Of Aden

© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.