Cruise Ship Pirates

Cruise ship life: manning the LRAD.

A Carnival cruise ship attacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia defended itself by shooting a sonic blast at the intruders:

The 10,000-ton Seabourn Spirit came under fire at about 5.30am. The pirates approached in 25ft speedboats and shot at the ship with the grenade launcher and machineguns. Terrified passengers watched as the pirates tried to get aboard — only to be repelled by crew members who set off what one described as a “loud bang”...

The liner used a sonic blaster to foil the pirates. Developed by American forces to deter small boats from attacking warships, the non-lethal weapon sends out high-powered air vibrations that blow assailants off their feet. The equipment, about the size of a satellite dish, is rigged to the side of the ship.

The weapon is known as a long range acoustic device (LRAD). According to it’s manufacturer the sound compares to a shrill tone, similar to a smoke detector, only much louder. So much louder, targets of the weapon can lose their hearing for good, while operators and those standing nearby remain unaffected.

Funny, there is a debate on weather or not commercial pilots should carry firearms, but did you know that your friendly cruise ship director also pulls double-duty manning an LRAD, and defending against sea-pirates?

Recently, Carnival mentioned they were staffing-up. I must have missed the job posting for this position:

WANTED: Ex-Navy Seal. People-Person With Bartending Skills A Plus.

Via: BB

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