Do Cruise Ships Get Attacked by Pirates? Demystifying Pirate Threats!
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The ongoing commitment to the safety of their passengers and crew members remains a top priority for the cruise industry. Cruise ships are designed with reinforced structures and features that make it difficult for pirates to gain access to the ship. Reinforced windows, doors, and barriers are common deterrents, as are increased fencing and razor wire surrounding ship perimeters.
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State Department has increased infrastructure assistance to help combat illegal fishing. And USAID’s Indo-Pacific Transparency Initiative, aimed at strengthening political institutions, is another area of increased assistance to the region. Conflict over maritime boundaries also undermines efforts to combat maritime crime.
Q1. What was your role in cruise ship security?
The pirates opened fire on the vessel and launched three RPGs at the ship, according to Good. Says more than a few passengers are irritated by the captain's posturing, and they in no way view him as a hero. "Many are now asking why the captain first had to be alerted about the shots through the passengers," says R.
‘Has this ever happened to anyone??’: Cruise traveler says ‘real life’ pirates have surrounded her ship - The Daily Dot
‘Has this ever happened to anyone??’: Cruise traveler says ‘real life’ pirates have surrounded her ship.
Posted: Fri, 08 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
European ocean cruises
Before venturing into the waters off Somalia — a known hot-spot for pirate-related activity — passengers on board the Sun Princess underwent exercises designed to help them be prepared should the unthinkable happen. Although these craft – often deployed from larger “mother ships” – might theoretically be faster, their speed advantage is lost in choppy seas. Carnival Paradise can welcome 2,124 passengers aboard at double occupancy, or up to 2,697 travelers when fully booked. Moreover, security personnel are trained to interact with passengers in a professional and reassuring manner, ensuring that they feel secure throughout their journey. This includes providing information and guidance on security procedures, highlighting the efforts taken by the cruise line to maintain a safe environment, and addressing any concerns or questions raised by passengers. In 2005, the cruise ship Seaborne Spirit was attacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia.
Mission possible: Onboard the Scenic Eclipse II
Collaboration with maritime security forces also extends to ensuring a coordinated response in the event of a potential pirate attack. Cruise ships have established communication protocols and procedures to quickly alert and request assistance from relevant authorities. This ensures a rapid response that maximizes the chances of thwarting an attack and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew members. Besides physical barriers, cruise ships also employ security personnel and provide specialized training. Trained security professionals are stationed onboard to oversee and respond to any security threats. These personnel are trained in handling potential pirate attacks and work closely with the crew to coordinate a rapid response.
By working hand-in-hand with maritime security forces, cruise lines can leverage the expertise and resources of these agencies to enhance their security measures. This collaboration reinforces the commitment to maintaining a secure environment for passengers and crew members, demonstrating the collective effort in tackling the threat of piracy in maritime regions. In the event of a potential pirate threat, security personnel are trained to initiate the security protocols and communication procedures. They alert the bridge team, which is responsible for navigating and controlling the ship, to ensure that the necessary maneuvers are implemented to deter the pirates and ensure the safety of everyone on board. Additionally, security personnel undergo regular drills and exercises to sharpen their abilities in dealing with potential pirate attacks.
In another case, a cruise ship navigating through the Malacca Strait encountered a small skiff with armed individuals onboard, behaving suspiciously. The ship’s security personnel immediately alerted the bridge team and implemented evasive maneuvers. The onboard surveillance systems captured the incident and provided real-time footage to the security team for analysis. Some cruise ships are equipped with citadels, which are secure rooms designed to provide a safe haven for passengers and crew in the event of an attack.
One of the primary ship hardening techniques is the reinforcement of windows, doors, and barriers. Cruise ships are equipped with sturdy windows made of laminated glass or polycarbonate materials that are resistant to impact and shattering. This makes it difficult for pirates to gain access to cabins or public areas through windows.
List of ships captured or attacked off the Somali coast
By staying informed, cruise ships can adjust their security protocols accordingly and maintain a heightened state of vigilance. Case studies of successful incident avoidance highlight the effectiveness of these security measures and the importance of proactive strategies. Through timely communication, surveillance systems, and collaboration with relevant authorities, cruise ships have deterred pirates and prevented potential attacks from escalating. One such case study took place in the Gulf of Aden, a piracy hotspot off the coast of Somalia. A cruise ship sailing in this region detected several suspicious boats approaching.
To fortify the physical defences of cruise ships, razor wire barriers may be installed around the outer edges of handrails. These sharp and densely packed wires act as physical deterrents, making it exceedingly difficult for pirates to use grappling hooks or other climbing mechanisms to board the vessel. Razor wire barriers effectively reinforce the ship’s perimeter, providing additional protection against unauthorised intrusions.
The women asked him if the bands of marauding pirates posed a problem for the cruise. After all, the ship was far -- 1,000 sea miles -- away from the Somali coast as it made its course across the Indian Ocean, a few hundred miles south of the Seychelles, on a 22-day cruise from Durban, South Africa, to Genoa, Italy. It was unimaginable, virtually impossible even, that flip-flop wearing pirates could attack them here.
One of the most well-known piracy hotspots is the Gulf of Aden, located off the coast of Somalia in the Horn of Africa. This region has faced a significant pirate threat for years due to weak law enforcement, political instability, and high poverty rates. Attacks in this area have targeted both commercial vessels and luxury cruise ships, making it crucial for cruise lines to take necessary precautions.
As of mid-November, pirates were holding six vessels and 100 mariners hostage, according to Mukundan. News accounts reported that the captain attempted to run down the pirate boats, but Good cast doubt on those accounts. “I think probably what he was doing was creating a bow wave to try to swamp them or drive them away, to make it real ugly for guys in open boats,” Good said. Pedersen turned the vessel out to sea, sped up and took evasive action, with the two pirate boats in pursuit, according to Good.
The ship is currently doing a 99-day World Cruise, and is chartered by one of the largest travel companies in Japan. This is not the first time such precautions have been taken aboard this particular ship. Uploaded by user @trogelstad on March 6, the video depicts scenes from a cruise ship accompanied by dramatic on-screen captions detailing a supposed encounter with pirates. A TikTok user claiming their cruise ship has been surrounded by “real life” pirates has gone viral, but upon closer inspection, viewers are questioning the claims in the clip.
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