Piracy Attack Drill

[Potstech]

I would hope they could buy some time until a warship could come and take command of the situation

 

Again how will they accomplish that!

[paul929207]

On our ship sailing thru the pirate area in the Indian Ocean, the ship had high frequency sound machine. It would burst the eardrums of those it was pointed at. It also had high power water hoses that would repel anyone trying to board the ship

[Cruise Junky]

This has been happening for years on cruises doing the Suez Canal. Nothing new. They run dark at night and certainly prepare for pirates.

[Micahs Grandad]

Again how will they accomplish that!

 

Go as fast as they can and shoot sound waves and high pressure water hoses at the pirates I would hope

[DrivesLikeMario]

I just found this posted on the cruise junkie website regarding the Emerald Princess, which, according to the bridge cam, is currently enroute to Dubai.

 

"With increased activity against ships in the region, passengers have been advised of a Piracy Attack Drill as the ship prepares to sail through waters near Yemen (Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean). Problems are not anticipated, but the drill is in the interest of caution. Hopes are the ship will go dark and sail the dangerous Mandib Gap at night."

 

I don't know about the rest of you, but given the situation in that area, I would not be on a cruise in an area where there was a risk of a pirate attack.

My grandson is in the US Navy and his ship is presently in that area, along with a number of other navy ships that are there to try to assure that ships traveling off the coast of Yemen can do so safely. His ship was actually shot at a couple of weeks ago!

 

I think it would be really exciting! I would LOVE to see Dubai, Abu Dhabi and most of all, the Suez Canal. The low potential risk of attack wouldn't stop me for a minute. Everyone weighs the risks differently. To me, seeing those amazing places would be worth the small amount of risk and I seriously think we may not even have this option in the coming years. Do it now while you can!

[Maddle]

The first Princess Cruise I took was in early 2006, and only my third cruise. We went to muster in a theatre (!) and after the usual "here's your muster station crew - your life jacket - cover your nose" we had a whole other paragraph in a new tone of voice about "we are committed to your safety. Our crew is highly trained and we will defend this ship and our passengers from every threat by every legal means available ."

 

I thought, "well, that's odd but it's a new cruiseline to me and maybe they say that all the time." As we sailed past Cuba (way off on the horizon) we were escorted by a Coast Guard jet helicopter and I believe a cutter as well.

 

I have never heard that serious announcement before or since, and I have never seen those jet helicopters patroling the waters. Something must have come to the attention of the Cruiseline's Security Detail and the Coast Guard.

 

That is the closest I have come to a "Pirate Drill."

 

Maddle

[Potstech]

Go as fast as they can and shoot sound waves and high pressure water hoses at the pirates I would hope

 

The submarines? OK Yeeeaaa.

[Lucky TGO]

I just found this posted on the cruise junkie website regarding the Emerald Princess, which, according to the bridge cam, is currently enroute to Dubai.

 

"With increased activity against ships in the region, passengers have been advised of a Piracy Attack Drill as the ship prepares to sail through waters near Yemen (Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean). Problems are not anticipated, but the drill is in the interest of caution. Hopes are the ship will go dark and sail the dangerous Mandib Gap at night."

 

I don't know about the rest of you, but given the situation in that area, I would not be on a cruise in an area where there was a risk of a pirate attack.

My grandson is in the US Navy and his ship is presently in that area, along with a number of other navy ships that are there to try to assure that ships traveling off the coast of Yemen can do so safely. His ship was actually shot at a couple of weeks ago!

For the life in me why would anyone go on a cruise that you could get killed or kidnaped??

Tony

[Cruise Junky]

For the life in me why would anyone go on a cruise that you could get killed or kidnaped??

Tony

 

Lol. There's probably been more cruise ship passengers killed in the Caribbean than by pirates.

[caribill]

I just found this posted on the cruise junkie website regarding the Emerald Princess, which, according to the bridge cam, is currently enroute to Dubai.

 

"With increased activity against ships in the region, passengers have been advised of a Piracy Attack Drill as the ship prepares to sail through waters near Yemen (Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean). Problems are not anticipated, but the drill is in the interest of caution. Hopes are the ship will go dark and sail the dangerous Mandib Gap at night."

 

I don't know about the rest of you, but given the situation in that area, I would not be on a cruise in an area where there was a risk of a pirate attack.

My grandson is in the US Navy and his ship is presently in that area, along with a number of other navy ships that are there to try to assure that ships traveling off the coast of Yemen can do so safely. His ship was actually shot at a couple of weeks ago!

 

We were on another cruise line through the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, and then on to Dubai.

 

We also had pirate drill (basically if in an outside cabin, stay in the hallway.)

 

Going through the Canal and the Red Sea we were in a ship convoy with military protection. There were ship's personnel on the promenade deck 24 hours as lookouts. At dusk all outside cabins had to have curtains drawn and passengers in balconies had to stay inside, areas such as the Spa which would be lighted at night had to close down, passengers could not go on the Promenade Deck, etc.

 

During the day there were no restrictions on what passengers would normally do or normally go on the ship.

 

The transit through the area was non-eventful and I would willingly do it again if an itinerary I liked went that route.

 

Also there was a "security kit" that was brought onboard for this transit and removed once the possible pirate area was passed. Passengers were not told what was in this "kit."

 

 

By the way, we have also seen precautions taken on Princess ships in some areas of the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Not nearly as extensive, but usually at least setting up a Long Range Acoustic Device that could carefully direct very loud painful noises towards any attackers. (see photo below)

 

LRAD not really in operation (it is covered).

Edited October 12, 2016 by caribill

[Lucky TGO]

Lol. There's probably been more cruise ship passengers killed in the Caribbean than by pirates.

 

You are right but I still don't think it's funny. So I won't LOL Sorry.

Tony

[caribill]

And the real difference is? When someone comes on the ship with guns and threatens passengers they are terrorizing people.

 

The difference is that this was the first ever terrorist attack on a cruise ship and it was totally unexpected. With pirates operating in a known area, it is easy to prepare for their possible presence.

 

This cruise law website brings up some valid points. It's highly unlikely I would take a cruise anywhere near where terrorism can't be secured.

 

http://www.cruiselawnews.com/2016/01/articles/terrorism-1/is-your-cruise-ship-prepared-for-a-terrorist-attack/

 

These days a terrorist attack on a cruise ship could occur anywhere in the world, whether at sea or even while in port.

 

If you would not take a cruise anywhere near where terrorism "can't be secured," then you will not be taking any cruise anywhere.

[caribill]

Or you could come prepared to defend yourself.

 

 

[Micahs Grandad]

Or you could come prepared to defend yourself.

 

 

 

Can they offer this as an excursion?:)

[flamomo]

Responses to the original post the indicate that the writer thinks I am going to stay home, never travel, and huddle my house quaking at every sound are making pretty big assumptions about me.

Just so you know .... I do travel and cruise multiple times a year, visit various parts of the world, and make it a habit to stay alert and aware when out and about no matter where I am, in my neighborhood or on the other side of the globe. I try not to allow the crazies who would destroy us to dictate my lifestyle, but I also choose to not put myself in places where the crazies are concentrated (such as the Middle East). And, yes, I do realize that there are potentially dangerous people no matter where in the world one goes these days. Hence the alert and aware philosophy.

I still have many other places to go and things that I want to see!!

[elliair]

The difference is that this was the first ever terrorist attack on a cruise ship and it was totally unexpected. With pirates operating in a known area, it is easy to prepare for their possible presence.

 

 

 

These days a terrorist attack on a cruise ship could occur anywhere in the world, whether at sea or even while in port.

 

If you would not take a cruise anywhere near where terrorism "can't be secured," then you will not be taking any cruise anywhere.

 

I'll take chances closer to the US. It's just a matter of time before a cruise ship gets hit. There's lots of money on board, activities on board goes against some religious beliefs in certain countries, and there's lots of people on board to kill. I'm surprised it hasn't happened already, but it will no doubt in my mind. You run the same risk and even more so just walking down the street and getting gunned down.

[iceleven]

Again, more missile attacks on U.S. Naval ships today off of Yemen.

[kruisey]

Responses to the original post the indicate that the writer thinks I am going to stay home, never travel, and huddle my house quaking at every sound are making pretty big assumptions about me.

Just so you know .... I do travel and cruise multiple times a year, visit various parts of the world, and make it a habit to stay alert and aware when out and about no matter where I am, in my neighborhood or on the other side of the globe. I try not to allow the crazies who would destroy us to dictate my lifestyle, but I also choose to not put myself in places where the crazies are concentrated (such as the Middle East). And, yes, I do realize that there are potentially dangerous people no matter where in the world one goes these days. Hence the alert and aware philosophy.

I still have many other places to go and things that I want to see!!

You got it in a nutshell . Clever you, agree with every word:)

[Lucky TGO]

Responses to the original post the indicate that the writer thinks I am going to stay home, never travel, and huddle my house quaking at every sound are making pretty big assumptions about me.

Just so you know .... I do travel and cruise multiple times a year, visit various parts of the world, and make it a habit to stay alert and aware when out and about no matter where I am, in my neighborhood or on the other side of the globe. I try not to allow the crazies who would destroy us to dictate my lifestyle, but I also choose to not put myself in places where the crazies are concentrated (such as the Middle East). And, yes, I do realize that there are potentially dangerous people no matter where in the world one goes these days. Hence the alert and aware philosophy.

I still have many other places to go and things that I want to see!!

I totally agree with you!!!

Tony

[Pam in CA]

Again, more missile attacks on U.S. Naval ships today off of Yemen.

Yup. Scary.

[Dobby_The_Ship_Elf]

I think it would be really exciting! I would LOVE to see Dubai, Abu Dhabi and most of all, the Suez Canal. The low potential risk of attack wouldn't stop me for a minute. Everyone weighs the risks differently. To me, seeing those amazing places would be worth the small amount of risk and I seriously think we may not even have this option in the coming years. Do it now while you can!

 

Interesting fact - Most folks in Dubai don't like "The Flintstones" cartoons but those in Abu Dhabi do ...... ......

 

I'll get my coat :D

[jamesr3939]

You are absolutely right You are guessing.

 

Yeah, not really a guess. Just didn't want to give away to much OPSEC.

 

You know what they say, "I know a guy, who knows a guy."

Edited October 14, 2016 by jamesr3939

[Micahs Grandad]

 

Yeah, not really a guess. Just didn't want to give away to much OPSEC.

 

You know what they say, "I know a guy, who knows a guy."

 

Wonder if we both know the same guy:)

[Brisbane41]

Responses to the original post the indicate that the writer thinks I am going to stay home, never travel, and huddle my house quaking at every sound are making pretty big assumptions about me.

Just so you know .... I do travel and cruise multiple times a year, visit various parts of the world, and make it a habit to stay alert and aware when out and about no matter where I am, in my neighborhood or on the other side of the globe. I try not to allow the crazies who would destroy us to dictate my lifestyle, but I also choose to not put myself in places where the crazies are concentrated (such as the Middle East). And, yes, I do realize that there are potentially dangerous people no matter where in the world one goes these days. Hence the alert and aware philosophy.

I still have many other places to go and things that I want to see!!

 

For me I will not travel to the middle east at this stage due to the political situation and the ideology that exists in regards to freedom and human rights. It is more of a conscious vote of avoiding an area that is troublesome and has governments or (lack of government) dictators a better word, that hate our way of life. I am not prepared to invest money in their tourism scheme when they hate our way of life. When the hate things like the food we chose to eat, the clothes we choose to wear or the fact we choose to drink alcohol then I avoid the area. Respect works both ways. If they are not prepared to respect our way of life then I wont give them time of day.

[Bill B]

For me I will not travel to the middle east at this stage due to the political situation and the ideology that exists in regards to freedom and human rights.

 

I'm sure there are people from the middle east who will not travel to the Caribbean because of Guantanamo Bay.