The Mouse That Roared

It has been announced that Manx-flagged vessels will, in line with their UK counterparts, begin carrying armed guards to counter piracy. The Isle of Man has a substantial shipping register with vessels plying their trade globally. Manx registered vessels have faced the same problems as those faced by

It has been announced that Manx-flagged vessels will, in line with their UK counterparts, begin carrying armed guards to protect against piracy.

The Isle of Man has a substantial shipping register with vessels plying their trade globally. Manx registered vessels have faced the same problems as those faced by other nations, particularly in the area Horn of Africa/Indian Ocean (audio clip from the Department of Economic Development (DED) on Manx Radio):

http://www.manxradio.com/newsread.aspx?id=56102

Details of the extent of the Manx shipping register can be found on the DED (link):

http://www.gov.im/ded/shipregistry/

Of course there is nothing new about armed Manx vessels taking to the seas as anyone familiar with the Manx Song `The Cruise of the Tiger' will know. On that occasion, the merchants of the Island armed a merchant vessel to support England in its war with the French.

Let us hope that these new military `adventures' by Manx vessels will meet with greater success than that which befell `The Tiger' (see link):

http://www.isle-of-man.com/manxnotebook/fulltext/ms1896/p004.htm

(The report compiled for Celtic News by Bernard Moffatt Celtic League Director
of Information)

For comment or clarification on this news item in the first instance contact:

Rhisiart Tal-e-bot, General Secretary, Celtic League:

Tel: 0044 (0)1209 319912
M: 0044 (0)7787318666

gensec@celticleague.net

The General Secretary will determine the appropriate branch or General Council Officer to respond to your query.

ISSUED BY THE CELTIC LEAGUE INFORMATION SERVICE.

14/11/11