Smoke on the Water

Sealand, a tiny country located aboard an abandoned anti-aircraft deck six miles off the British coast, was devastated last week by a fire. The United Kingdom, like every other member in good standing of the Family of Nations, has always refused to recognize the floating principality's independence. For once, this worked in Sealand's favor: The Royal Air Force evacuated the only Sealander on board and the National Maritime Incident Response Group battled the blaze.

For a refresher course on Sealand's history, go here. Sealand's roots in the '60s pirate-radio scene are remembered here. A recent attempt to make the place a data haven is described here. More micronations are catalogued here.