Here is a firsthand account of a pirate attack on two yachts.
It took place only 30 miles off the coast of Yemen at 13°28'
North 48°07' East on 8 March 5pm local.

http://www.noonsite.com/Members/doina/R2005-03-14-1

wrote:
I just heard in the news that the pirates off the coast of Somalia
are threatening to kill their hostages if their comrades who were
captured last week by the U.S. Navy (USS Winston S. Churchill)
are not released.

I hope this situation will not become more and more like in Iraq
where the terrorists capture and kill innocent people when their
demands are not met, especially since it's probably a lot easier
for pirates to attack sailboats than larger ships.