SOME DRAMA AT SEA (WHERE ARE THE PIRATES?)

 

April 8, 2023

From Mumbai India our ship headed west across the Indian Ocean/Arabian Sea then north through a relatively narrow passageway into the Red Sea.  In doing so we passed fairly close to Somalia and just south of Yemen.   Pirates have been known to cause mischief in these waters attacking and controlling ships, mainly cargo vessels, and then extorting the ships' owners for money.   In an abundance of caution Viking took preventive measures.   They strung razor wire around the entire circumference of the ship on Deck 2 and brought on board a small team of armed tough guys from Ambrey Ltd., a company that provides marine services including protection.   We didn't get to see their weapons, but we know they brought them on board.   One of the Ambrey guys looks like a cross between Superman and Popeye after he downed a can of spinach.  His biceps are bigger than Rich's thighs.   Some Neptune staff were also stationed with binoculars outside as lookouts.   Anyway, we sailed through without incident.  They are removing the razor wire today and will let our well-fed tough guys off the ship this afternoon before we get to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia tomorrow.   Although the Captain emphasized this was just standard procedure, it did add a bit of drama to our trip.  

Razor wire strung below and outside the guard rail on Deck 2 where we walk and some jog.   

                                           Warning sign

                      Instructions posted for the staff member assigned as lookout in the aft section of Deck 2


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