Pirates Attempt To Hijack Miami Cruise Ship

December 2. 2008

Pirates today attempted to hijack a Miami based Oceania cruise ship that was traveling in African waters. The captain of the cruise ship told the passengers to get inside and hauled butt, getting away from the pirates. Thank God the passengers and crew are okay, but I thought this story was hilarious.

Considering Miami is the cocaine capital of America with speedboats dropping off shipments while trying to evade the Coast Guard, coupled with the fact for a time Miamians had to dodge carjackers on the streets, is there any wonder this ship got away from the pirates.

U.S. Cruise Ship Outruns Pirates in Gulf of Aden

In a statement on its Web site, Oceania Cruises Inc., based in Miami, said that pirates had fired eight rifle shots at the liner but that the ship’s captain increased speed and managed to outrun them.

“When the pirates were sighted, the captain went on the public address system and asked passengers to remain in the interior spaces of the ship and wait until he gave further instructions,” said Tim Rubacky, a spokesman for Oceania. “Within five minutes, it was over.”

Mr. Choong said the ship was carrying 656 passengers and 399 crew members. No one was injured and there was no damage to the vessel, Oceania said.

http://www.nytimes.com