On Nov 30, 2008, at approximately 9:28 Eastern Standard Time, 5:28 GMT, Oceania Cruises' M/S Nautica was transiting through the Gulf of Aden within the prescribed Maritime Safety Protection Area, which is patrolled by international anti-piracy task forces. As the vessel sailed past several groups of non-hostile fishing vessels, two small skiffs were sighted by the Officer on Duty and deemed potentially hostile. The skiffs, presumably manned by pirates, approaching from a range of approximately 1000 meters, attempted to intercept the vessel’s course. Captain Jurica Brajcic and his officers immediately began evasive maneuvers and took all prescribed precautions. Nautica was immediately brought to flank speed and was able to out run the two skiffs. One of the skiffs did manage to close the range to approximately 300 yards and fired eight rifle shots in the direction of the vessel before trailing off. No one aboard Nautica was harmed and no damage was sustained.All guests and crew on board are safe and there were no injuries. All requisite international authorities have been notified and all anti-piracy precautions were in place prior to the event and all necessary measures were taken during the event.
Carnival Cruise Lines will increase capacity on its seasonal cruise program from New York in 2010 with the 2,978-passenger Carnival Glory scheduled to operate a variety of 4- and 5-day Atlantic Canada voyages from June to Sept, followed by a series of five week-long fall foliage cruises.
