u/Sennior_Oscuro

I'd really like to see my pets in the heaven

The original word for the projectiles they used is lost to history, but that's why they are called arrows today. They would've said "arr" as they shot them, and if they could hear some else call "ow" then, they knew they landed a hit. Though the arr might also have started out as an exhausted moan as they drew and held their bow.

Also we're talking bronze age pirates in very primitive boats here, don't think Caribbean with big proud sailing ships. The arrows were made of wood and feathers with tips of bone. So they could float and could be retrieved if the wind and currents made that feasible. The archers would have stood at the front of the ship, which is of course called the bow still today. Further back there's be additional sailors rowing and steering the vessel.