April 4 – 8, 2023 – Days 104 – 108
A ship’s crewmember on pirate watch.
As you may remember, our ship took some precautions while sailing in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden, as this is an area known for modern pirate activity. Fortunately, we did not encounter any; at least that we are aware of! But I thought it would be fun to document a few of the things that went on around the ship on those few days.
In the picture above, you’ll see one of our favorite spots on the ship; Deck 2 Aft. Many days, after our last lecture for the day or returning from an excursion you’ll find us out here watching the water for marine life as the sun sets while we play cribbage. (Jeff will be happy to tell you he is leading our tournament at the moment!) For these past few days, we could also join the crew in watching for pirates. Should we see any pirates, or suspicious activity, instructions on reporting were posted for us. ‘HRA Transit’ apparently means High Risk Area Transit.
Also posted every few yards around the deck were what I think of as ‘IQ test’ signs …
As you can see, they reminded us to not get too close to the razor wire surrounding the ship. ‘Cuz, you know… it’s sharp! You would have had to hang over or reach through the railings to come into contact with it, but apparently some people…
You can see how far over the side it was hanging. It would take quite an effort to reach it from on deck!
Then, the next morning some very fit fellows, appeared on board. They boarded in the middle of the night as far as we know. We didn’t see much of the security team and don’t really know how many there were, but we think four. One of these fellows had the company name on his shirt, so of course we had to Google it. Ambrey is a company that provides security at sea for all different vessels and situations (according to their web site www.Ambrey.com).
One night we went up onto the top open deck to read our tablets and look at the stars. While up there we observed one of the security team on his rounds patrolling from way up there. It seems crazy that a small ship of pirates would attempt to take a very large cruise ship, but we were thankful the team was there to provide a deterrent. No one wants to go through a ‘Captain Phillips’ episode.
Can you guess which one is the security team member? Just saying…
Once out of the danger zone, taking down the Neptune’s necklace – off comes the razor wire.
On the day the team left the ship, lots of passengers, us included, were watching them board their transport from the side of the ship. They sure had a lot of gear! It would have been interesting to know just what was in those bags and cases! They got a rousing round of applause and shouts of thank you, then they were gone, seemingly as quickly as they had appeared.
Cozying up to the Neptune for the transfer.
Crew and gear ready to go.
The security team rejoining their transfer vessel. They met our ship as we entered the Red Sea and transferred off the crew. Job done.
This vessel accompanied the transfer ship. According to their web site, it was likely a floating armory in support of the security team. We sailed away, out of the danger zone as their ships went on to their next client.
Life onboard ship with our ‘extra passengers’ was not unlike any other set of sea days. We attended lots of interesting lectures, I honed my newly acquired Bridge skills, Jeff won some more hands of cribbage and we ate too much good food. We now sail up the Red Sea to our next three ports of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, then Aqaba (Petra), Jordon and finally Luxor, Egypt. These will be long, hot days of exploring. We’ll be on the lookout for Lawarence of Arabia and Indiana Jones!
We sure missed celebrating Easter with our church & family, but hope you and yours enjoyed a beautiful, blessed day. For those of you that celebrated Passover, blessing to you as well! The timing of our visit to the Arabian Peninsula and its repression of religious expression, save one, remind us to be thankful for the freedoms we enjoy in our homeland. Please treasure your freedom friends!