Cruise Traveler Says Real Life Pirates Have Surrounded Her Ship

Table Of Content

• Cruise Line Adds “Glacier Day” to Its Alaskan Cruise Itineraries
• Are passengers on cruise ships at risk of being harmed in a pirate attack?
• Are there any industry-wide guidelines or regulations for cruise ships to follow regarding pirate attacks?
• Two Cruise Ships Brace For Potential Pirate Attacks
• How Do Cruise Ships Protect Themselves From Pirate Attacks?

The fact that the cruise ship's crew were armed apparently surprised the pirates. According to the account given by the MSC Cruises company, the pirates then rode away in their speedboat, but not before firing a few salvos at the ship with their AK-47 rifles. Individual cruise lines have different policies regarding cancellations due to security concerns. Passengers should refer to the cruise line’s terms and conditions or consult with their travel agent for information about cancellation policies and options. It is advisable to consider travel advisories and consult with the cruise line before making any decisions to cancel or modify travel plans.

Cruise Line Adds “Glacier Day” to Its Alaskan Cruise Itineraries

Their expertise in security protocols and crisis management is crucial for effectively dealing with any pirate-related incidents. Ensuring the safety and security of passengers and crew members aboard cruise ships requires the presence of trained security personnel who are well-prepared to handle potential pirate attacks. Cruise lines employ security professionals who undergo specialized training and are equipped to respond effectively in emergency situations. International naval forces play a crucial role in combating pirate attacks on cruise ships. They monitor high-risk areas, provide intelligence and support to cruise lines, and conduct patrols to deter and intercept pirate activities.

Are passengers on cruise ships at risk of being harmed in a pirate attack?

By investing in security personnel, specialized training, and advanced technologies, cruise ships aim to create a safe and secure environment for travelers to enjoy their vacation. Through collaboration with maritime security forces and the implementation of communication protocols, cruise ships are able to respond swiftly and effectively in the event of a potential pirate threat. Cruise lines maintain regular communication with maritime security forces to receive updates on the security situation in specific regions. This includes information on the level of pirate activity, recent incidents, and any operational changes in response to emerging threats. By staying informed, cruise ships can adjust their security protocols accordingly and maintain a heightened state of vigilance.

Are there any industry-wide guidelines or regulations for cruise ships to follow regarding pirate attacks?

Effective communication and a coordinated response are essential components in mitigating pirate attacks on cruise ships. Effective communication and coordinated response protocols are vital in mitigating pirate attacks. Cruise ships have established communication procedures in place to quickly alert security personnel and relevant authorities in the event of an incident. This allows for swift and coordinated action, ensuring the safety and welfare of passengers and crew members. Training for security personnel on cruise ships involves a comprehensive understanding of the maritime security environment and the specific procedures used to deter and respond to pirate threats. They are trained in risk assessment, surveillance techniques, crisis management, and conflict resolution.

Two Cruise Ships Brace For Potential Pirate Attacks

None of the vessel's 151 passengers, mostly Americans with some Australians and Europeans, were injured, Good said. Certainly, most will go through their careers at sea without ever needing to use that training and knowledge -- but most is not all. As well as providing extra look-outs around the clock, operators are advised to deploy razor wire and electrified barriers, and to fit grills over windows and portholes. Busy shipping routes are patrolled by a European Union task force drawn from international navies. The cruise line, apparently, doesn't want to have to rely on luck again as it did on Saturday. The details also tell a lot about the pirates -- the extent of their audacity and their high level of organization.

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Piracy along the Somalia coast is common — several ships a month are attacked or hijacked, with valuables stolen and crews held for ransom. The 10,000-ton cruise ship, registered in the Bahamas, sustained minor damage, Good said. The attackers never got close enough to board the Spirit, but one member of the 161-person crew was injured by shrapnel, said Debrah Natansohn, president of the cruise line. You're never going to hear too much from cruise lines about their tactics involving pirate security. Aside from the obvious "Why tip your hand to criminals?" rationale, one reason is that there are no official regulations with which lines must comply. Fire hoses and foam, sometimes with added slippery or smelly qualities, can be an effective deterrent.

Communication and Coordinated Response

Pirates Attack Cruise Ship - CBS News

Pirates Attack Cruise Ship.

Posted: Sat, 05 Nov 2005 08:00:00 GMT [source]

It was unimaginable, virtually impossible even, that flip-flop wearing pirates could attack them here. 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.

“On the announcement of the code word Safe Haven over the [ship’s loudspeakers],” she explains, “passengers are instructed to move away from the windows and outside areas of the cruise ship to head towards the middle of the ship. 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. Last year, during a 104-day World Cruise, passengers experienced a 10-day, dusk-to-dawn lock-down which saw outdoor events canceled and an order for curtains be drawn after dark and lights dimmed to avoid attracting unwanted attention. "The ship had been completely blacked out and made invisible to the pirates," MSC chief Vago says. "But we've become certain in the meantime that the pirates were trying to get the position data so they could attack us again." The captain has said he believes he heard street sounds in the background in the telephone conversation.

Facial recognition technology helps identify individuals of interest who may pose a potential threat, allowing for early detection and prevention of security breaches. Many cruise ships also incorporate fencing and razor wire as barriers surrounding the perimeter of the ship. These barriers make it difficult for pirates to climb aboard and act as a visible deterrent. The use of razor wire, when strategically placed, adds an additional level of physical hindrance to impede pirates trying to gain access to the ship.

Reinforced windows, doors, and barriers are common deterrents, as are increased fencing and razor wire surrounding ship perimeters. Some ships are also equipped with citadels, safe rooms where passengers and crew can take refuge in the event of an attack. Passengers can stay informed about potential pirate threats by consulting travel advisories, researching the safety of cruise itineraries, and following any guidance or updates provided by the cruise line. While the risk of passengers being harmed in a pirate attack is low, cruise lines take the safety and security of their passengers very seriously and have protocols in place to protect them in the event of an attack. Over the past few years, there have been some pirate attacks on cruise ships in areas off the coast of northeastern Africa, Malaysia, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Sudan. While the image of pirates may bring to mind swashbuckling characters from a bygone era, modern-day pirate activity poses a real danger.

Bright spotlights are used for lookouts on dark nights and to help ship officials spot approaching boats. All of this occurs even when pirates are not sighted, and passengers are rarely, if ever, aware of these tactics, although many of those who have sailed through the Gulf of Aden attest to the use of minimal lighting. Cruise ships take proactive measures to minimize the risk of pirate attacks, but there are signs that may indicate an increased risk. These signs include approaching small boats with suspicious behavior, attempted boarding by unauthorized individuals, or any other unusual maritime activity in close proximity to the ship. Coordinated response is another critical aspect of dealing with a potential pirate attack.

That said, some support is available for ship operators cruising in troubled waterways. And other countries have beefed up security for cruise ships (as well as cargo vessels) around the busier areas. They often work together to keep ships safe; it's more common now to see ships cruising through the Gulf of Aden, for instance, in a convoy of other vessels with protection at both ends. Navies from various nations, as well as NATO and the European Union have all shared in the patrolling duties. Larger cruise ships have a high freeboard – the distance between the waterline and open decks – that makes boarding difficult for pirates using grappling hooks to climb from a moving boat. He says journalists have told him that a Somalian who claimed to be the head of the pirates bragged about the attack by phone on Saturday.

This engagement fosters a strong working relationship and mutual trust, allowing for smoother collaboration during potential security incidents. Additionally, cruise lines may share their security plans and protocols with maritime security forces for review and feedback. This collaborative approach allows for expert input and recommendations from the authorities who have a deep understanding of the region’s security challenges. Incorporating their insights strengthens the overall security measures in place and ensures alignment with local security expectations and practices. Cruise ships are designed with reinforced structures and features that make it difficult for pirates to gain access to the ship.

These areas have a history of piracy due to economic and political factors, making them higher-risk zones for cruise ship travel. Ship hardening techniques also include the deployment of sonic devices called Long-Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs). These devices emit high-pitched and loud sounds that are designed to disorient and repel potential pirates.

The captain is only permitted to distribute the guns after an alarm has been given. Cruise ships have established communication protocols with international naval forces operating in high-risk areas. These protocols enable timely reporting of incidents and allow for coordination of responses. Cruise lines typically maintain close communication with naval forces through appropriate channels, such as dedicated frequencies or liaison offices. By understanding the areas where pirate activity is most prevalent, cruise ships can take the necessary precautions to mitigate the risk of an attack. The next section will delve into the various measures employed by cruise ships to protect against pirate threats.