Kalistan

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Tragedy on the Embargo Line
Two Privateer Ships lost as Kundrati Navy appears to protect shipping
Karzon Strait, Anantonese Ocean
May 18, 5586


Kundrati Frigate destroys two privateer Ships in short naval battle on Embargo Line

The Naval Embargo is holding for the most part, and yet occasionally, Kundrati Ships make it through. Recently, for example, as Privateer ships "Candy O" and "Sweet Leaf" made the move to interdict a Kundrati Merchant vessel attempting to cross into the Anantonese Ocean, both ships were mercilessly attacked by a Kundrati naval escort sailing with them. The two Privateer vessels were lightly armored to stay in accordance with the Privateer Authorization, and attempted to halt a 200 ton Cargo ship that sailed from Etxea. When the Ship refused to stop, the Privateers announced the Embargo Proclamation, and informed the Kundrati vessel that they intended to board it.

The Kundrati at this point cut communications at which the Candy-O fired a warning shot from its 50 Caliber machine gun that was mounted to its deck. The Privateer crew then began loading into the LAFA they had tethered to the hull, and began preparing a boarding party when a shot landed ten feet from the Candy O, from the west. Both Candy O and Sweetleaf swing around to take evasive actions, but the naval Escort, a Kundrati Light Frigate, fired again, disabling the motor of the Sweetleaf, and starting it on fire. Meanwhile the Candy O continued its turn when the Kundrati Navy put another round through its bridge, completely disabling its steering mechanism and also starting it on fire.

Before long, the wooden ships were both completely consumed in flames, and the Kundrati Cargo Ship continued on its voyage into the Anantonese Ocean. Meanwhile, a third Privateer vessel, the Hermione Marques, struck its colors in surrender. The remainders of the crew from the Candy O and the Sweetleaf were fished out of the ocean and taken captive on board the Kundrati Vessel, while the Hermione Marques was boarded, looted and set ablaze. In all 8 Kalistani Privateers died in the battle while another 13 were taken captive on board the Kundrati Vessel.

The disaster along the embargo line demonstrates the dangers of Kalistani Privateering, but it is a risk that the Privateers take, because it is an opportunity for them to earn a bounty for each ship they take. Usually, unarmed ships are the focus, but this is the first instance where there has actually been a naval escort present to help move the Kundrati ship through the Embargo line. Given the destruction of the three Privateers, news did not get back to Kalistan for more than a day, at which point, contact with the Kundratis could not be re-established.

Her Imperial Majesty's government could not be reached for comment, but it is a well known fact that Privateers will experience high risk for the very small chance of major reward, and so the news of the sinking of two Privateer ships and the destruction of a third will likely not deter those who seek to apply for Letters of Marque in Kaliburg or Sulari.