Cruise ships are a luxurious way to travel the world and experience different cultures, but unfortunately, they’re not entirely immune to piracy threats. Pirates have been known to Target cruise ships, putting the lives of passengers and crew members at risk.
So how do cruise ships fight off pirates? Let’s find out.
Understanding Piracy Threats
Before we dive into the methods used by cruise ships to fend off pirates, it’s essential to understand why piracy is a real threat. Piracy is the act of attacking or robbing ships at sea by people who are not authorized to do so. Pirates usually operate in areas where they know they can easily attack and escape without getting caught.
Why Do Pirates Target Cruise Ships?
Cruise ships are attractive Targets for pirates because they’re usually filled with wealthy passengers who have valuables like jewelry, cash, and electronics. In addition, cruise ships often follow predictable routes and schedules, making them easy for pirates to track.
How Do Cruise Ships Fight Off Pirates?
Cruise lines take piracy threats seriously and have implemented various measures to protect their passengers and crew members. Here are some of the most common methods used by cruise ships:
- Increased Speed: If a ship detects a potential pirate attack, one of the first things it will do is increase its speed. Most modern cruise ships can travel at speeds of around 20-25 knots (23-29 mph), making it difficult for pirates in smaller boats to catch up.
- Barriers: Some cruise lines have installed physical barriers on their ships that prevent pirates from boarding. These barriers include razor wire fences or spikes on the ship’s hull.
- Lights: Bright lights can disorient pirates who are attempting an attack at night.
Cruise ships will often turn on all the exterior lights to deter pirates.
- Water Cannons: Water cannons are powerful jets of water that can be used to repel pirates who are trying to board a ship. These cannons have a range of up to 100 meters and can shoot up to 1,200 gallons of water per minute.
- Armed Guards: Some cruise lines hire armed guards to protect their ships from pirate attacks. These guards are specially trained to handle dangerous situations and carry weapons like guns and pepper spray.
In Conclusion
While piracy is a real threat, cruise lines take the safety of their passengers and crew members seriously. By implementing various measures like increased speed, physical barriers, bright lights, water cannons, and armed guards, cruise ships can effectively fight off pirates and keep their passengers safe.