Holland America ship in Indian Ocean, but 'way off' Somalia coast

mercedes · April 9, 2009

USA TODAY has learned that Holland America's Rotterdam is currently in the Indian Ocean on its way to Mombassa, Kenya, as part of its Grand World Voyage itinerary.

This as the White House today said it was closely monitoring the apparent hijacking of a U.S.-flagged cargo ship in the region. The coast of Somalia has become a hotbed for pirate activity. Late word was that crew of the captured cargo ship may have regained control from the pirates.

A spokesman for Holland America said the 1,316-passenger Rotterdam is in the region, but sailing "way off from where there are any problems." He added that the cruise line coordinates its itineraries with regional and local Navy forces, even if the ship is not being "officially escorted" through the region.

"We really take every precaution we possibly can so if there was any danger we wouldn't go. We are hundreds of miles off the coast (of Somalia)," the spokesman said. He said no change in itinerary is planned.

Asked if passengers on the Rotterdam would have been alerted about the cargo ship hijacking, the spokesman said if passengers were asking questions an announcement would probably be made.

"We want people to remain calm and collected. We don't want them to be nervous," he said.

Meanwhile, Michael Crye, executive vice president for technical and regulatory affairs for the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), said they were also monitoring the Somalia piracy situation today to see what "lessons can be learned."

Oceania's 684-passenger Nautica was attacted by pirates in two small boats last November, but was able to outrun its attackers. Other similar incidents have occured.

The Holland America spokesman said the hijacking of a cruise ship is unlikely. "If needed, a cruise ship could literally swamp a pirate boat with a few, quick turns. Additionally, with more than 1,000 passengers on board and another 700-plus crew, cruise ships are a formidable vessel to be reckoned with," he said.