Queen Anne Faces Piracy Threat in Sulu-Celebes Sea

Passengers aboard the luxury cruise liner Queen Anne received warnings about potential piracy threats while traveling through the Sulu-Celebes Sea, a region known for piracy by groups such as Abu Sayyaf. The ship, on its 111-night maiden voyage, implemented heightened security measures, including closing promenade decks at night, dimming exterior lighting, and advising passengers to keep curtains drawn and lights off. Despite the warnings, Cunard representatives assured that the risk of an attack on a large cruise ship like the Queen Anne was minimal and onboard experiences remained uninterrupted. Modern security measures, such as Long-Range Acoustic Devices and water cannons, are in place to deter potential attacks. Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge emphasized the importance of passenger safety, while marine safety experts noted that cruise ships are well-prepared for such threats. The last recorded pirate attacks on cruise ships occurred over a decade ago, highlighting the rarity of such incidents.