![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E-QOnTGFX_o/SlX_FKaQrVI/AAAAAAAAH24/z1JqPWaDmKM/s400/GOA-winds.jpg)
![](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E-QOnTGFX_o/SlX_sNaJR_I/AAAAAAAAH3A/GKOrFotzq80/s400/WInds.jpg)
Conventional wisdom is that the Somali pirates don't attack often during monsoon season. However, as the recent capture of a Turkish ship indicates, there are exceptions. But the question that must be answered is "Why now?" - and the answer is with the winds. Look at the winds under the "red smear" I put on the wind chart above - the winds are about 10 knots - a range in which the Somali pirates operate - and the lowered winds are smack dab on the "secure" transit lane.
In short, weather - even during monsoon season - is sometimes favorable for pirates in small boats, and now is such a time. Ships transiting the area should keep alert.
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