[VanShuyten]

What is the current law of the sea concerning pirates? Keel-hauling or hanging from the yardarm?

[Red Badger]

Summary execution.....................

[JohnBovenmyer]

I'm not sure what international "law" currently states, but you are correct in recognizing this as piracy. Moreover it is the standard form of piracy in the world at the time of our Founding and for most of the past 1500 years. The Hollywood romanticized Caribbean/ libertarian form of piracy was a minor blip in comparison. Now I don't know of any non-international reason for us to become involved in this case nor do I have hopes for any favorable changes to the international rules applicable. But for where there are clear US interests, as there was at our Founding when 1/4 of the federal budget was consumed by paying off pirates, we can revise our rules.

Article I § 8 The Congress [ie. not Biden] shall have power: …
    To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high seas, and offences against the law of nations;
    To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water;

IIRC European countries signed a treaty to ban letters of marque and reprisal, but the US declined to sign it. I wonder if Elon Musk might like to buy one.

[Elsie]

What is the current law of the sea concerning pirates?

You'll have to ask the maritime division of Lloyd's of London.