Pirate Attack on Luxury Cruise Liner

[rogue]

Pirate Attack on Luxury Cruise Liner

As the Seabourn Spirit pulled into the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean

today, passengers recounted how the ship's captain outran and

outmaneuvered the pirates.

"There were two boats altogether, and we tried to run one over and took

zigzag evasive measures, and then just blasted out to sea to outrun

these guys," said Ray Albers, a passenger onboard the luxury yacht. "And

we succeeded."

The pirates, who were captured in photographs taken by a passenger, were

heavily armed. One man was even seen loading a rocket grenade launcher.

"The captain did say that they had not shown up on radar because they

were fiberglass boats," said Meg Rhian, another passenger on the cruise

liner. "The captain came on pretty early and said, 'We will not let them

board this ship. Period.'"

One Gang May Be Behind Many Attacks

Shipping industry experts said large numbers of pirates operate off the

coast of Somalia, where the attacks like that on the Seabourn Spirit

take place every day.

"Within 36 hours, there were three attacks on ships and two further

attacks on merchant vessels, and we suspect the same gang is at work,"

said David Osler of Lloyd's List of London.

At least two of the rocket-launched grenades had hit the ship. One,

which had not exploded, was embedded in the deck.

"It was the loudest bang noise I have ever heard in my life. Had I been

standing it would have gone straight through my head," said Donna

McInnis, a third passenger.

Crew members on cargo ships attacked by pirates, however, have not been

so fortunate.

"They won't stop killing an entire crew if that fits their mission,"

said Osler.

Security officials said today the cruise industry needs to prepare for

another round of attacks.

[lilrosie]

thats scary....

[JoeyandDavid]

wow... howard thanks for the post... could you imagine....

[SCIROCCO]

I hear there was another try at Hijacking a cruise ship off of Somalias coast and they used a loud horn that was ear splitting and they outran them , the Coast Guard is there now with the request of the Government to help Patrol for Pirates! :wink: I just wonder if they will try in the Caribbean! :

[jacketwatch]

:cool: Another one? I hope these buggers don't get bigger boats!

[saltydog]

I don't want to sound like a hard a** or anything but maybe the cruise lines should let some of the crew be armed. I'm guessing the only thing

these pirates will understand will be someone firing back at them. Loud noises may disrupt them but a bullet will send a clearer message. Certainly the cruise lines should not have to alter their itineraries.

Cheers

[SCIROCCO]

Their security probably arent trained in the use of firearms :wink: and also the liability in case they shoot a passenger! :rolleyes: And Im sure they dont want to spend the money to train them :wink:They need to let the Law enforcement Officers carry their weapons on Board and they have the trainig at least thats some protection! :wink:

[sailingrose]

Don't think I'd cruise in that area at all. Just too risky.

[JohnG]

This attack happened on Nov 5, 2005.

The Seabourn Spirit is currently on a 14 day cruise from Venice to Athens, not anywhere near Somalia or the Seychelles

[SCIROCCO]

This attack happened on Nov 5, 2005.

The Seabourn Spirit is currently on a 14 day cruise from Venice to Athens, not anywhere near Somalia or the Seychelles [/quote

Hello JohnG :wink:

Your right on this one, but I was talking also about one prior to this one where they used their air horns and outran them I dont remember what ship and what date it was, but its been awhile, there was only one Boat Involved in that attempt! Im going to do some googling unless you can find the prior one for me! :wink: Id appreciate it because it bothers me when I cant remember must be the Old age creeping up on me! :grin: Thanks much Sir! :wink: