SeaHunt
February 2nd, 2005, 06:22 PM
Interesting news item on Orlando Channel 9 News (WFTV) tonight:
PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A ship out of Port Canaveral was ordered not to leave for the Super Bowl because of a possible security breach. The ship was supposed to leave for Jacksonville around noon, but was delayed after reports that a crewmember violated security.
Dive teams and security forces were out at the ship first thing Wednesday morning to perform a security sweep before it headed up to Jacksonville for the Super Bowl. The Holland America Zaan Dam cruise ship is supposed to be one of ten cruise ships being used as floating hotels to house Super Bowl guests.
During the sweep Wednesday morning, the Coast Guard noticed a ship crewmember go through a metal detector and continue going despite the alarms sounding, and no one stopped the person.
At that point, the Coast Guard decided they needed to hold the ship until they could go through it again and make sure it is safe. They are using dogs and other means to make sure there are no weapons on board. They say it is a very serious situation they want to address.
"We observed a breakdown in their security procedures this morning and, therefore, we have the delay," explains Lt. Pat Eiland, Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard says the ship's staff is aware of the severity of the mistakes made.
Inspectors expect the ship will leave Wednesday night and be in Jacksonville in time for its Super Bowl guests.
Holland America has not returned phone calls.
*****************
The reporter also mentioned that a gun was found onboard last week - yikes!
We just returned to Port Canaveral from a cruise on the Mariner a couple weeks ago, and I really noticed the presence of the Coast Guard at Port Canaveral, more than most ports - probably because there are less ships in so they really stick out. We saw the scuba divers go in after we docked and scan the bottom of the ship, and I haven't seen that before.
But I have to say that I don't mind the extra precautions in this day and age at all!
PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A ship out of Port Canaveral was ordered not to leave for the Super Bowl because of a possible security breach. The ship was supposed to leave for Jacksonville around noon, but was delayed after reports that a crewmember violated security.
Dive teams and security forces were out at the ship first thing Wednesday morning to perform a security sweep before it headed up to Jacksonville for the Super Bowl. The Holland America Zaan Dam cruise ship is supposed to be one of ten cruise ships being used as floating hotels to house Super Bowl guests.
During the sweep Wednesday morning, the Coast Guard noticed a ship crewmember go through a metal detector and continue going despite the alarms sounding, and no one stopped the person.
At that point, the Coast Guard decided they needed to hold the ship until they could go through it again and make sure it is safe. They are using dogs and other means to make sure there are no weapons on board. They say it is a very serious situation they want to address.
"We observed a breakdown in their security procedures this morning and, therefore, we have the delay," explains Lt. Pat Eiland, Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard says the ship's staff is aware of the severity of the mistakes made.
Inspectors expect the ship will leave Wednesday night and be in Jacksonville in time for its Super Bowl guests.
Holland America has not returned phone calls.
*****************
The reporter also mentioned that a gun was found onboard last week - yikes!
We just returned to Port Canaveral from a cruise on the Mariner a couple weeks ago, and I really noticed the presence of the Coast Guard at Port Canaveral, more than most ports - probably because there are less ships in so they really stick out. We saw the scuba divers go in after we docked and scan the bottom of the ship, and I haven't seen that before.
But I have to say that I don't mind the extra precautions in this day and age at all!