Sitting Ducks

It's very hard to accurately shoot a rifle from one boat to another -  because of the way boats rock.

Obviously, it's harder in choppy water, and easier in calm water.

The remaining three pirates and the U.S. Navy, like barroom brawlers agreeing to take it outside, had decided to move their standoff to calmer waters. 

As night fell, the Bainbridge had the lifeboat under tow when two developments told the Navy the pirates might be getting desperate, U.S. officials said in their reconstruction of events.

Whoever talked them into moving to calmer water deserves a medal.

If you're a pirate, avoid calm water.
Don't let the Navy tow you to slaughter!