http://www.spiegel.de/panorama/justi...634278,00.html
Der Spiegel reports about an email by the captain of the Hansa Starvanger, which is held hostage since over three months. I assume the email is part of the communication in negotiations over the ransom. The captain says that the crew is being mistreated, exposed to psycho-terror, fake-executioned, gets no food, water and medicine, and most are ill.
Puts comments on how pragmatic and non-hostile pirates are on a personal level into relation, doesn't it.
The Germans had a mission running to assault the vessel with their special unit GSG9 some time ago, but the mission was blown off again while already being under way.
No need to consider tougher actions on the piracy issue. After all its just some silly hostages that had been stupid enough to allow themselves getting captured. They probably get what they deserve.
Last time I heared a number, 25 ships are currently held hostage.