Somali Pirates Seize Lobster Off African Coast
Oh, how times have changed...
As reports about Somali pirates capturing ocean-going vessels increase in frequency, my own memories of time spent in Somalia came flooding back. Although I never witnessed any Somalis land ashore with armfuls of gold (or, bags of cash), I’ve watched first hand as many returned from sea with an even more spectacular treasure.
Granted, it was a long time ago. In 1993, pirating as a pastime in Somalia had not yet taken hold. Instead, most people kept their feet dry, and only ventured beyond the shores if absolutely necessary.
Inland, Somalia was experiencing a severe drought, and food was extremely scarce. Deployed to the country for months (during Operation Restore Hope) to help feed millions of starving people, we learned quickly that ARMY MREs, while safe and wholesome, tasted awful. And, because with each passing meal they tended to taste even worse, we ended up giving most away to the locals.
Thus, short on our own food, we also found ourselves (like many storied adventurers before us) asking whether, and to what extent, the ocean might satisfy our most extravagant needs. Young and restless, it wasn’t long before we mapped out a plan, commissioned a hardened “crew” of Somali hands, and armed them with dirks, daggers and nets. Heading beyond the coral reefs and into the sparkling shoal, our sailors each gave us a salute (and, we saluted back) as they embarked upon their journey to capture our most wanted trove.
With incredible efficiency, the Somali buccaneers fanned across the ocean, struck their targets with lightning speed, and returned, arms overflowing, with some of the most beautiful lobster we’d ever seen. As the sun set on the Somali coast, and the waters drew dark, we laughed, we sang, and we ate like Kings . . .
Looking back, that probably wasn’t a good idea. At the risk of sounding foolish, I can’t help feeling somewhat guilty as I watch the nightly news. Although it was merely food, we may have been the first ever to so strongly encourage, and then handsomely pay, our Somali corsairs to capture, and then deliver, such an incredible prize.
In any event, in case you were wondering, there’s a deeper (and, still hidden) message here. Food safety stories associated with Somalia (and other struggling countries) are virtually endless. In many countries, millions of people worry daily about finding any food to feed their families. In the end, many die needlessly because they have no food at all. I've watched it happen with my own eyes - and, risked my own life to prevent it.
Trust me. These people would, in an instant, trade their own circumstance for what many here in America repeatedly (and sometimes viciously) attack as our “broken food safety system.” Thus, just to make sure we’re never blinded by our own arrogance, incredible accomplishments and very good fortune, we’ll be sure (in coming posts) to explore the dichotomy between food safety here at home and food safety in those corners of the world which, to put it mildly, are much less fortunate.
In the meantime, enjoy your lobster, and steer clear of Somalia.
