They are terrorists, but not in the same sense as say Hamas or al Qaeda. They are more of a nuisence than an actual threat to life and limb. But they are only doing it because they are getting publicity. They are not really much of a threat, certainly not enough of a threat to warrant sinking their ships. That would only give them more publicity and encourage them, which is exactly what they want. Ignoring them would be a better option than attacking them.

__________________
... ..................
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.