Passengers Escape Pirate Attack
Nov. 7, 2005 — -- An American cruise ship that was attacked by pirates is now safely docked off the coast of Africa.
The Seabourn Spirit was carrying 151 passengers on a 16-day cruise from Egypt to Seychelles when pirates in two small boats fired rocket-propelled grenades and machine guns at the ship, which was about 100 miles off the coast of Somalia on Saturday.
"I looked out and there was a boat down there with five men in it, and I looked and said, 'Oh my god, they've got guns,'" said passenger Donna McInnis. "It was the loudest bang noise I have ever heard in my life. Had I been standing, it would have gone straight through my head."
The passengers, many still in their pajamas, were told to make their way to the ship's dining room while the captain successfully out-ran the attackers.
"He (the captain) made it clear that this was no drill, and that we were under attack," said passenger Norm Fisher.
"It was a frightening experience," said passenger Mike Rogers. "You're not in control of your own destiny at that point."
Officials believe these pirates are the same ones who hijacked a United Nations cargo ship last June, holding its crew hostage for three months. One African shipping expert described the pirates as trained fighters with extensive maritime knowledge.
Related Stories
ABC News Live