Why Were Passengers On Cunard Cruise Instructed To Switch Off Lights & Stay Alert?

Passengers on the Cunard luxury cruise ship, Queen Anne, were recently asked to exercise safety measures as the ship sailed through pirate-infested waters. The threat of piracy on the cruise vessel prompted a security notice asking guests to switch off their bedroom lights and draw their curtains. The steps were taken as the ship sailed from Darwin, Australia, to Manila, Philippines, crossing the Sulu-Celebes Sea, an area infamous for previous piracy attacks.

The Cunard Cruise Ship Piracy Threat In The Sulu-Celebes Sea

In order to counter any possible threats, the cruise was put under increased security. A loudspeaker message alerted passengers to the cruise ship piracy threat, instructing them to be cautious. The ship’s outside promenade deck was closed at night, and deck lights were minimised to reduce visibility from the open sea.

An official from Cunard reassured the passengers that there were adequate precautions in place, highlighting the possibility of an attack as minimal.

As a normal maritime practice, cruise ship captains usually give out precautionary announcements while transiting high-risk routes. The ship was not facing any direct danger, and operations went on unhindered.

Queen Anne is designed with sophisticated security measures to discourage potential attacks. In one TikTok video, which received millions of views, a passenger pointed out the ship’s onboard security personnel and complimented their vigilance. The ship also carries a Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), which is an extremely high-pitched sonic cannon deployed to deter attackers.

The Sulu-Celebes Sea has been associated with piracy in the past, with groups such as Abu Sayyaf that are known for previous kidnapping cases. However, more security efforts and concerted maritime actions have lessened the number of such attacks in recent times.

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A Safe Travel Despite Regional Dangers

Though the major pirate attacks on cruise ships occurred in 2005 and 2009, the shipping industry is still vigilant while sailing through high-risk zones.

The Queen Anne continues its 111-night global cruise, scheduled to be back in Hamburg on April 29 after halting at several destinations around the world.

Visitors are reassured that contemporary security measures provide a secure and unimpeded cruise experience, notwithstanding the odd cruise ship piracy risk in specific locations.

Also Read: Emirates Renews Partnership With TUI Cruises, And Here’s What It Means For Cruise Customers

Have you ever encountered a travel advisory or surprise safety measure while discovering new destinations?

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons 

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