I have to admit that I’m no expert on maritime law or rules of engagement.
But why is it these ships are not equipped with the means to repel an unauthorized seizure of their ship?
“why is it these ships are not equipped with the means to repel an unauthorized seizure of their ship?”
1. Oil tankers burn magnificently.
2. The owner is sure to get it back or its cash value as it is actually owned by well-connected folks.
I too am no expert on maritime law, but if the ship was seized by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) it was seized by ships of Iran’s military, not by pirates. I don’t think civilian ships are allowed to resist a nation’s navy.
Ships flying a Panamanian flag are not our monkeys, but Panama’s.