Sympathy for Pirates?

As reported HERE

EU NAVFOR rescues Iranian crew left to die by Somali pirates

22/03/2010 14.32 UTC

EU NAVFOR Spanish warship NAVARRA assists the Iranian Dhow UAID 400

On 19th March the EU NAVFOR Spanish warship NAVARRA was despatched by the Force HQ (ITS ETNA) to assist an Iranian dhow that had sent out a distress call.
The Iranian fishing dhow, named UAID 400, with 13 crew members, had suffered a pirate attack some days before and had been left without food, water or sufficient fuel to return to shore.
After a high speed dash, the NAVARRA's helicopter located the dhow early the following morning, 60 NMiles from its last known position. The crew were seen on deck waving their arms and making desperate signs for help as the helicopter approached them.

Once EU NAVFOR warship ESPS NAVARRA arrived in the vicinity of the dhow, a boarding party was sent onboard and confirmed that the fishing vessel's radio equipment was broken and their mobile phones were not working. The crew were already drinking sea water and there was no food onboard. The crew confirmed that it had been  four days since the attack.
The fishermen reported that the pirates had kept them tied up for two days without food or water.  When the pirates left they looted the vessel and also took the crew's possessions.
The NAVARRA provided the crew with sufficient food, water and fuel to ensure that that they could make it back to the nearest harbour. The Iranian crew, who are now all well, were extremely grateful for EUNAVFOR's quick reaction to their distress call that clearly saved their lives.

This is a prime example of why there should be no sympathy given to pirates, and maybe another example of how providing armed security to vessels should be considered and not condemned.