Cruise ship enforces strict security measures while crossing piracy hotspot in Southeast Asia
- Passengers aboard Cunard’s Queen Anne were warned to maintain vigilance due to piracy threats in the Sulu-Celebes Sea while traveling from Darwin to Manila.
- The ship implemented heightened security protocols, including reducing external lighting and closing external decks during nighttime.
- Despite the precautionary measures, Cunard emphasized that there was no specific threat and the likelihood of piracy incidents on large cruise vessels like the Queen Anne remains minimal.
Recently, the Cunard luxury cruise liner, Queen Anne, traversed the Sulu-Celebes Sea while on its maiden world voyage. During this part of the journey, passengers were alerted to the heightened risk of piracy in the area, a known hotspot for kidnapping and piracy incidents, particularly involving the Abu Sayyaf group, which has been active in the southern Philippines. Onboard announcements instructed passengers to adhere to security protocols, including turning off cabin lights, closing curtains, and avoiding external decks during the night to minimize visibility from potential threats. The precautionary measures emphasized that the cruise would operate with increased alertness due to the region's safety concerns, which have been echoed in past cruise incidents. However, Cunard representatives assured passengers that no specific threats had been reported against the ship and that the likelihood of an incident was minimal given the vessel's size and security capabilities. The Sulu-Celebes Sea has been infamous for piracy over the years, with numerous kidnappings reported, with the last significant attack on cruise ships dating back to two incidents in 2005 and 2009. Industry experts commented on the rarity of cruise ships navigating these dangerous waters without military escorts. Nonetheless, as precautionary protocols are standard in maritime operations, the cruise line's safety measures included the implementation of sonic cannons and close monitoring of the ship’s course during these stretches. Social media reactions highlighted a mix of fear and humor from passengers as they adapted to the heightened security measures while enjoying their cruise experience.