Black African Pirates (crew of the Bantu Wind)

fierce efficient focused

The Black African Pirates (also referred to as the Black Pirates) are the crew of the tramp steamer Bantu Wind under Captain Simon (Katanga). Fierce, efficient, and loyal, they appear loading final stores at the misty Cairo docks and later bristle under a Nazi assault—herded across deck and beaten yet obeying orders to stand down. Their behavior across these scenes establishes them as the vessel's rugged, disciplined hands: reliable in preparation and combative in spirit even when overpowered.

4 appearances

Steamer Crew Operations

Also known as: Black African Pirates, Black Pirates, The Pirates, crewmembers, Bantu Wind crew

Black African …'s Journey

A timeline through the narrative

4 moments

S1E1 · RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK

Last Calm on the Bantu Wind

Focused and professional; their mood is workmanlike rather than emotional, concentrated on completing the task of getting the ship underway.

Several fierce Black African Pirates move efficiently across the dark waterfront, physically taking on the final stores and loading them aboard the Bantu Wind under the single pool of light.

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S1E1 · RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK

Into the Ship's Labyrinth — Hide and Hustle

Panicked and uncertain — the crew scrambles to understand orders and protect themselves amid an overwhelming and racist sweep.

Members of the pirate crew are being rousted from cabins as Nazis slam doors and sweep the lower deck; they react with panic and confusion under the soldiers' aggressive actions.

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S1E1 · RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK

Marion Seized on the Lower Deck — Indy Fades into the Maze

Startled and apprehensive; the crew’s initial bravado collapses into fear and pragmatic self-preservation under the Nazis’ armed sweep.

Members of the pirate deck crew are rousted as Nazis slam open cabin doors; they are alarmed and confused, some being accosted while others retreat or freeze at the sudden …

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S1E1 · RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK

Nazis Overrun the Bantu Wind and Seize the Ark

Humiliated and furious, masking a readiness to fight if circumstances permitted.

The Black Pirates are herded together on deck, receiving blows and insults while being ordered not to fight; they seethe and glower, contained by superior force despite an evident desire …

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Affiliation

Black African Pirates (crew of the Bantu Wind)

Tramp Steamer Crew Operations