Pirate Alert Issued Aboard Cunard’s Queen Anne Amid High-Risk Waters
Piracy may seem like a relic of the past, but Cunard’s Queen Anne recently learned otherwise. On March 14, 2025, passengers received a stark reminder that pirate activity is still a threat in certain parts of the world. As the ship sailed through the high-risk waters of the Sulu and Celebes Seas, located about 800 miles south of Manila, the captain issued a precautionary pirate alert. This alert, though rare for modern-day cruise ships, highlights the importance of heightened security measures in these notorious waters.
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Precautionary Measures Taken Aboard the Queen Anne
On March 14th, Cunard’s Queen Anne was navigating this route as it traveled between Darwin, Australia, and Manila, Philippines. With the ship entering a region known for its security challenges, the captain made the decision to issue a pirate alert to passengers as a precautionary measure.
Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge communicated with passengers, reassuring them of their safety while emphasizing the need for vigilance. For the night of March 14-15, the promenade deck was temporarily closed, exterior lighting was dimmed, and passengers were advised to keep their stateroom lights off and their curtains drawn. The crew took these measures to reduce visibility and prevent any unnecessary risks.
Additionally, passengers were given instructions on emergency procedures. The captain asked that they stay in their rooms or move to protected areas in the unlikely event of a security issue. Despite these heightened precautions, Captain Thorhauge reassured guests that the likelihood of an attack remained minimal.
Understanding the Piracy Threat in the Sulu and Celebes Seas
Although incidents of piracy targeting cruise ships are extremely rare, the threat has not disappeared. The most recent attacks on cruise ships occurred in 2005, on the Seaborn Spirit, and in 2009, on the MSC Melody. Both were successfully prevented thanks to coordinated efforts between cruise lines, military forces, and advanced ship security systems. Neither of these attacks occured in Sulu region that the Queen Anne was sailing. However, the Sulu and Celebes Seas, located between the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, are notorious for their high levels of piracy. Previous attacks include targeting commerical vessels and ransom kidnappings.
Advanced Security Features Protecting Modern Cruise Ships
Cruise ships today are equipped with sophisticated security systems that go far beyond basic defense mechanisms. They utilize advanced deterrents such as sound deterrents, enhanced surveillance, and even naval escorts in certain high-risk zones. In addition, many cruise ships have high-powered water cannons, the modern-day equivalent of a cannonballs. The water cannons are capable of shooting over 1,000 gallons of water per minute and can quickly flood a smaller vessel, making it an effective defense.
In addition to the ship’s security systems, local military forces patrol these piracy-prone regions. These forces, in coordination with maritime security agencies, work to minimize piracy incidents and provide rapid response capabilities if needed.
A Smooth Journey Ahead Despite Pirate Alert
Thankfully, the Queen Anne passed through the high-risk waters without any incidents. As it continues its maiden world voyage to Hong Kong, passengers can rest assured that enhanced security measures remain in place to keep them safe as the ship sails through other potentially dangerous regions. While the pirate alert may have caused some initial concern, the combination of modern technology, proactive security measures, and expert planning ensured a safe and incident-free passage.
