Somali Pirates Attack U.S. Cruise Ship
Pirates fired on a U.S. cruise ship over the weekend, but the ship was able to outrun its attackers and avoided falling victim to the growing scourge of Somali piracy.
The US-based cruise ship, M/S Nautica, was attacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia as it cruised from Egypt to Oman in the midst of a 32-day cruise throughout the Middle and Far East. Two small pirate skiffs carrying approximately 6 pirates approached the ship and fired approximately 8 shotgun shots at the vessel. The captain of the cruise ship increased speed and was able to outrun the attackers.
The ship was carrying over 1000 people, including over 600 and international tourists and nearly 400 crew members. The ship reached port in Oman as scheduled and the tourists continued sightseeing as normal. No one was injured in the attack and the ship did not sustain any damage.
And while this particular attack was unsuccessful, it is a grim reminder of the brazenness of the Somali pirates and their willingness to attack practically any type of vessel, regardless of its size or their prospects for success. Because it is very difficult for International naval forces to adequately protect the area, the pirates are free to take such wild risks. There is no downside to a failed attack on merchant or passenger vessels passing within striking distance of Somalia or one of the other pirate bases along this stretch of the African coast.
Pirates have attacked approximately 100 ships off the coast of Somalia this year - and successfully captured 40 vessels. Of that 40, 14 are still being held captive for ransom, along with over 200 crew members.
The ship was carrying over 1000 people, including over 600 and international tourists and nearly 400 crew members. The ship reached port in Oman as scheduled and the tourists continued sightseeing as normal. No one was injured in the attack and the ship did not sustain any damage.
And while this particular attack was unsuccessful, it is a grim reminder of the brazenness of the Somali pirates and their willingness to attack practically any type of vessel, regardless of its size or their prospects for success. Because it is very difficult for International naval forces to adequately protect the area, the pirates are free to take such wild risks. There is no downside to a failed attack on merchant or passenger vessels passing within striking distance of Somalia or one of the other pirate bases along this stretch of the African coast.
Pirates have attacked approximately 100 ships off the coast of Somalia this year - and successfully captured 40 vessels. Of that 40, 14 are still being held captive for ransom, along with over 200 crew members.
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