"3 things of no use on a fishing boat"

Spanish fishing companies are taking the fight to Somalian pirates in order to combat the continuing attacks on their huge tuna seiners in the Indian Ocean by employing armed British soldiers aboard the vessels. One tuna boat is currently being held by pirates and a ransom of $4 million being demanded.

Recently overheard in Newlyn's mission, a conversation broached the subject of new crew members. The skipper of one of the port's trawlers was describing new crew aboard another vessel and mentioned that one was an ex-squaddie. At the table, another fisherman recalled from his youth being told by an old hand that, "there are three things of no use aboard a fishing boat boy, a watering can, a step ladder and a soldier".