Table Of Content
- What role do onboard security teams play in protecting against pirate attacks?
- Are Cruise Ships Safe From Pirate Attacks?
- Strike up the band – Queen Anne joins Cunard’s fleet of stately ships
- Measures to Mitigate Pirates Attacks
- What measures do cruise lines take to protect against pirate attacks?
- Communication and Coordinated Response
The intensity of the sound emitted can be adjusted based on the proximity of the danger, providing a non-lethal yet highly effective means of deterring pirate attacks. On any given sailing, whether in known piracy waters or not, ships monitor movement in the area. Some cruise lines even contract with maritime information, research and tracking companies like Lloyd's Miu; Orbcomm, Inc.; or Global Marine Networks, LLC. They also have the complete ability to track vessels and can show any change in planned itineraries or signs of distress. Other efforts by cruise lines to protect vessels and passengers include vigilant lookouts by officers and crew members for suspicious movement in the water, as well as consistent viewing of surveillance cameras. Bright spotlights are used for lookouts on dark nights and to help ship officials spot approaching boats.
What role do onboard security teams play in protecting against pirate attacks?
Not until we fired warning shots across the bow of the attackers did they alter course and break off the attack. The light was low, but by the time the attack was aborted, we were within 400m. Security personnel onboard are well-trained and usually have ex-military backgrounds. However, cruise companies like to keep quiet about their capabilities for apparent reasons.
Are Cruise Ships Safe From Pirate Attacks?
Cruise lines are at the forefront of employing cutting-edge technologies to deter pirate attacks and ensure the safety of passengers and crew during voyages through high-risk areas. These innovative solutions encompass a range of sophisticated equipment and strategic measures designed to repel potential threats effectively. Pirate activity remains a concern in maritime regions worldwide, and cruise ships navigate through some of the known hotspots.
Strike up the band – Queen Anne joins Cunard’s fleet of stately ships
Supposedly, these pirates seek to act as modern-day Robin Hoods, distributing wealth from the hands of the rich to those of the poor by capturing vessels and holding onboard personnel for ransom. These cases also highlight the importance of maintaining a high level of awareness and preparedness when navigating through regions prone to piracy. The continuous evaluation and improvement of security measures, as well as the sharing of best practices within the industry, contribute to the collective effort in mitigating the risk of pirate attacks.
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Never has there been a yawning void in pirate attacks on the seas, but pirate activity has slowed a bit in recent years. Gone are the Blackbeards, Captain Kidds and other one-eyed, hook-handed robbers who plundered ships of yore. Instead the role has been filled by angry young men carrying guns, rifles, grenades and missiles.
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Posted: Wed, 17 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
These systems allow for real-time monitoring and recording of any suspicious activity, enabling security personnel to respond quickly and effectively. He explained that cruise ships are larger and faster than the boats used by pirates and that cargo ships have low freeboards, making it easier for pirates to board. In addition, the cruise ship’s crew is trained in preventive safety measures, so while Jasinskis’s story has certainly garnered a lot of attention, this does not mean that his ship is under an impending threat.
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. The Malacca Strait, a narrow passage between Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, is another region where piracy poses a significant risk to maritime activities. This heavily trafficked waterway connects the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea and is frequented by both commercial and leisure vessels. Pirate attacks in this area mainly involve armed robbery and theft rather than hostage-taking, but they still pose a risk to the safety of passengers and crew.
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. In the open seas, the high-risk area is defined by latitudes 15˚ N in the Red Sea and 22K N in the Gulf of Oman; longitude 65˚ E, and a line drawn due east from the African coast along latitude 5˚ S in the Indian Ocean. Somalia's 1,880-mile coastline is Africa's longest, and the country has had no effective central government since opposition leaders ousted dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991. They then turned on each other, transforming this nation of 7 million into a patchwork of battling fiefdoms ruled by heavily armed militias. None of the vessel's 151 passengers, mostly Americans with some Australians and Europeans, were injured, Good said.
Passenger Aboard Cruise Liner Reveals What Happens in a 'Pirate Drill' - Newsweek
Passenger Aboard Cruise Liner Reveals What Happens in a 'Pirate Drill'.
Posted: Mon, 23 Jan 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
When we talk about pirates, you might be thinking “Pirates of the Caribbean” – but modern-day pirates don’t look anything like the fictitious characters in movies. The bridge team fired flares to act as a warning, yet the suspect vessel continued its course, correcting to continue the intercept. At this point, our patrol vessel increased speed and moved from its position aft of the client vessel to us between the suspect craft of the cruise liner. But Sunday’s attack in the Gulf of Aden took place well away from where the Houthis operate. But after their initial questioning of the captured gunmen, U.S. officials concluded that the attack on Sunday was unrelated to the conflict.
Their expertise in security protocols and crisis management is crucial for effectively dealing with any pirate-related incidents. These case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of proactive security measures, including timely communication, surveillance systems, and collaboration with maritime security forces. By promptly detecting and assessing potential threats, and implementing response protocols efficiently, cruise ships can deter pirates and prevent potential attacks from escalating. 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.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has established guidelines and best practices for shipping companies, including cruise lines, to follow in order to protect against piracy. These guidelines include recommendations for ship security, reporting of incidents, and cooperation with naval forces. Shortly after the ship's passengers had helped fend off the attackers and the captain had alerted international warships, the satellite phone on the bridge rang. "Give us your coordinates and we will come to you." Captain Pinto thought the call was strange. The man on the other end of the line didn't want to give the name of his ship, so the captain refused to state the MSC Melody's position.
Security personnel on cruise ships are responsible for implementing and overseeing security protocols to mitigate the risk of pirate attacks. They work closely with the ship’s captain and crew members to ensure that security measures are properly executed and maintained throughout the voyage. Ship hardening techniques are continuously evolving, with cruise lines investing in research and development to enhance their security measures.
However, Somali pirates can still attack in the Somali Basin and in the Indian Ocean. In general, naval piracy is an antiquated practice, because many nations lack formidable navies, and many cruise ships are too well-protected for disorganized pirates to assail. If a pirate attack were to occur while on a cruise, passengers should follow the instructions of the ship’s crew, stay calm, and seek shelter in designated safe areas of the ship. Pirate attacks on cruise ships are relatively rare, but they do still occur in certain parts of the world. As mentioned before, incidents like the attack on the Seabourn Spirit in 2005 and the MS Caledonia Sky in 2018 are examples of such occurrences. 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.
Most cruise ships are capable of outrunning the small skiffs used by pirates. Although these craft – often deployed from larger “mother ships” – might theoretically be faster, their speed advantage is lost in choppy seas. Passengers on board P&O cruise ship Aurora, travelling on its annual world cruise earlier this year, were summoned to a briefing from the captain to be told what to do in case of a pirate attack. Firstly, cruise ships typically have a high freeboard and can reach speeds above 20 knots, so technically, they are more difficult to board. Zodiac Maritime, the London-based company that manages the vessel, said that the ship and crew are now safe and unharmed but provided few further details.
Suddenly, the pirates opened fire -- Tayler says he counted three salvos of 25 to 30 rounds each. Check out the rest of Cruise Passenger to learn more about cruise safety measures and confidently book your next voyage. But just in case, officers were on watch 24/7, and fire hoses were at the ready on Deck Seven.
The Spirit had been bound for Mombasa, Kenya, at the end of a 16-day voyage from Alexandria, Egypt. It was expected to reach the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean on Monday, and then continue on its previous schedule to Singapore, company officials said.
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