Successful repulsion of armed pirate attack on Seabourn Spirit highlights solution to armed guarding debate says Securewest International

Date: 07/11/2005

This weekend’s attack on the cruise ship Seabourn Spirit by Somali pirates not only highlights the increasing risk to all shipping, both commercial and cruise, but also brings the debate over the merits of armed guarding sharply back into focus says global maritime security specialist, Securewest International.

The delivery of a carefully crafted and tested security routine proved to be a highly effective deterrent to the armed assault on the Bahamian-registered ship resulting in the attackers being repelled without returning fire, and limited casualties amongst its 302 passengers and crew.

Securewest International is convinced that this incident clearly shows that, despite the ever growing list of violent piracy attacks on world shipping leading to the frequent use of armed escorts, the immediate use of armed security teams should not be the first choice for vessels operating in piracy prone sea areas of the world.

“The Seabourn Spirit attack is an interesting example to all”, says Securewest International’s Paul Singer, Vice President Business Development. “Pirates armed with and discharging automatic weapons and RPGs were effectively repelled without any armed response from the vessel. This incident vindicates our opinion that accidental discharge of a weapon, poorly trained and inexperienced personnel, high liability and deployment costs are all strong reasons to look for a successful solution to the recent armed guarding debate.”

Recently this debate has also been brought to the fore with potential increases in war risk rating in another infamous pirate hot spot, the Malacca Straits, and the resulting comments and decisions from the governments in the region have left confusion and uncertainty for those operating vessels in the area. There have even been governmental statements hinting at the possible detention of vessels with armed personnel on board. Over the past eighteen years however, Securewest International have charted a security service worldwide that has often been proven to be successful and offers a cost effective alternative.

Securewest International’s, Vice President of Global Operations, Frank Sullivan reveals more.

“At Securewest International we focus on providing an immediate, short or long term contract service and often we receive repeat requests for our efficient and effective Gurkha Security Officer team who will provide peace of mind for any shipping company operating in hostile waters without having to resort to the use of firearms.

“We believe the use of weapons is a last resort. Although we appreciate the number and differing types of attacks on vessels, in certain areas of the world these are both on the increase or could be something more sinister than just an opportunistic strike. The frequent use of weapons will ultimately only escalate the tactics and weaponry deployed by pirates.

“The Gurkhas are renowned the world over as hardworking, dependable and versatile. In addition as well as their formidable reputation as soldiers in the British army they are gaining an ever increasing number of supporters and admirers as first class Security Officers in civilian life. At Securewest International we continue to use the Gurkha security teams successfully on both military and commercial contracts around the world.”

As the Asian governments seek to bring the menace of piracy under stricter control, a new and often unregulated industry has been born out of the rising tension centring on the armed guarding of vessels. Shipping companies that choose this route are often taking the first service offered and are usually assuming the only option is an expensive armed security team.

This attack on a cruise ship off Somalia, the recent hijacking in the Malacca Straits of the cargo ship Prima Indahwas with the crew set adrift by the pirates, and the startling statistic from MIG ( Merchant International Group) that Indonesian waters (excluding the Malacca Straits) will see 70 attacks over the next 12 months, and the East African coast to nearly 50, raise serious questions for the shipping industry. Shipping companies must now be asking themselves how to effectively increase security on board their vessels without necessarily resorting to the use of weapons.

“Providing an unarmed Gurkha, security team on board can be just as effective, very cost efficient and above all, carries far less risk than deploying armed Security Officers. A visible deterrent, regular deck security patrols day and night and taking a realistic security stance on board has been proven time and again to work”, says Sullivan.

Deploying armed security officers on board might be considered to be the only choice, but for Securewest International this is not necessarily the case.

“If the situation and circumstances dictates then we’ll recommend the deployment of armed Security Officers drawn from former members of the British or United States armed forces, but over the past eighteen years we have built a worldwide reputation for offering a service that is efficient and flexible based on a proper assessment of all the circumstances. The decision to deploy armed Security Officers though should not be taken lightly and there maybe just as effective and more cost effective alternatives that should be fully considered in the planning stages.”

In conclusion Sullivan offers some sound advice. “Seek advice early from a reputable source and ensure whatever security is ultimately used is right for everyone based on a proper assessment.”