Cruise Ship Passengers Warned of Potential Piracy Threat
Luxury cruise voyages typically promise relaxation and leisure for passengers, allowing guests to enjoy their journey without concern. However, recent reports indicate that passengers aboard a cruise liner were instructed to close their curtains due to a possible security risk.
Unusual Security Alert on Maiden World Voyage
Guests aboard the Cunard liner Queen Anne were alerted to an unusual hazard during their 111-night maiden World voyage. The cruise, which departed from Germany and included stops at ports such as Penang, Hawaii, and Cape Town, among others, presented a danger more significant than seasickness.
Captain’s Announcement Raises Concerns
In a recent TikTok video, the ship’s captain was heard informing passengers of a “heightened level of security alertness” because of potential “piracy” threats.
These possible threats necessitated instructions for passengers to close their window coverings and extinguish their lights.
Passengers were further advised to remain vigilant for potential pirate activity while navigating the waters between Darwin, Australia, and Manila, Philippines, specifically within the Sulu-Celebes Sea.
A loudspeaker announcement informed passengers that “this area is known for piracy threats” and consequently, the ship was “operating at an increased security vigilance during this period.”
Security Measures Implemented
The security advisory also entailed the nightly closure of the ship’s outer promenade and the illumination of deck lights to “minimize the ship’s external illumination.”
The announcement specified that only “essential” lights would remain operational in communal outdoor areas, with the external promenade closed from 9 PM to 5 AM for a two-day duration.
The captain reassured passengers that “precautionary protocols are in place to mitigate any improbable occurrences,” adding that the risk of pirate engagement remained “extremely low.”
TikTok user @lillydapink shared the video documenting the Queen Anne cruise ship warning, captioned: “I was unaware of pirate presence in this region. We are en route from Darwin to Manila.”
Comments on TikTok regarding the unsettling cruise alert expressed a combination of concern and surprise.
Public Reaction and Historical Context
One commenter questioned, “People pay for this???? That’s crazy,” while another indicated the clip had “introduced a new apprehension.”
Although pirate attacks on cruise ships are infrequent, history shows they are not impossible, as illustrated by an incident in 2005.
This involved an attack on the luxury vessel Seabourn Spirit near the coast of Somalia.
Pirates were unsuccessful in boarding the cruise liner but launched rocket-propelled grenades and fired machine guns at the vessel.
Out of 230 reported pirate attacks on ships, only six targeted cruise liners, none of which resulted in a successful hijacking.