The pirate captain was the $$8$$\textsuperscript{th}~pirate and there were as many pirates in front of him as behind him, which means there were $$7$$ pirates in front of him and there were also $$7$$ pirates behind him. The total number of pirates is~~$$7+7+1=15$$. 
A ship was attacked by pirates. One by one the pirates climb a rope to get on the ship. The pirate captain was the $$8$$\textsuperscript{th}~pirate to climb in line, and there were as many pirates in front of him as behind him. How many pirates climbed the rope? (2015 Math Kangaroo Problem, Level 1 - 2, Question \#18)  $$\textasciitilde$$ 

[1] $$7$$ 
[2] $$8$$ 
[3] $$12$$ 
[4] $$15$$ 
[5] $$16$$ 