Linked to GPS devices and sonar positioning beacons on the seafloor, the thrusters can keep the ship in a steady position even in 95mph winds.

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The weak signal can cause a ship's instruments to gradually drift out of true, without setting off any alarms, leaving the ship in a different position to where it "thinks" it is.

BBC: Navigational backup to aid ships in Dover straits

The ship cannot stay in its current position, as it represents a danger for the environment, he added.

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"The ship will drift away from its true position, and slowly start to turn, " said Prof Last.

BBC: Navigational backup to aid ships in Dover straits

The Foreign Affairs Select Committee, which has recommended that that the government should review how it handles the kidnap of British nationals abroad, said there was limited guidance on the use of lethal force against pirates trying to ambush vessels, and that ship captains were left in a difficult position trying to decide what action to take.

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Bermuda's penchant for ship swallowing can be largely explained by its position in the Atlantic Ocean.

BBC: Wreck diving in Bermuda

Once pirates have taken a ship, they are usually in a strong position.

ECONOMIST: Piracy

The drill ship is equipped with computer-controlled thrusters, swiveling propellers, that can keep it in position in any kind of inclement weather, up to a hurricane.

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Would I really leave my position as editor of Engadget to try my hand at plugging the holes in Moto's sinking ship?

ENGADGET: Motorola's cellphone business needs a new leader: okay, I'm in.