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Dubai tour company offers pirate hunting cruises off horn of Africa
After years of murders, kidnappings, and heists, the lawless sea near the horn of Africa seems to be getting worse. A Dubai firm is capitalizing on these pirate infested waters with a strange new form of pirate tourism. The tour company, Dubai based Seahunters LLC, sells both 7 and 14 day cruises embarking from Salalah, Oman and Abu Dhabi, UAE. Unlike the quintessential cruise, the cruisers do not board in hopes of devouring mid-morning nacho buffets or snorkeling with dolphins. These cruisers board in hopes of embarking on a hunting trip with the most taboo of target - humans.
Like any proper cruise, you can choose a type of stateroom with offers ranging from the humble sounding "standard inside" to the opulent "Hemingway suite." The similarities to any other cruise end abruptly when you begin assembling your personal armory. With offerings such as the predictably yielding "bazooka package" and a "mercenary madness" kit, you can personalize your weapons cache almost endlessly. The "mercenary madness" package includes rental of a M107 .50 caliber sniper rifle, an AR 15 assault rifle, and an 18kt gold plated Desert Eagle pistol. Bow and arrows are also available for purists. Flamethrowers can be rented as well, though require a 3 day licensing course prior to departure.
Ports of call include the otherworldly Socotra island known for its Dragon's Blood trees, and Mogadishu - the most dangerous city on the planet.
With only 17 rooms, the pearl white yacht is sized to attract attention from opportunistic pirates while spending days drifting aimlessly through the Gulf of Aden. Seahunters does not guarantee that pirates will attempt to board the boat, but in the event that they do, the cruisers are free to defend themselves with their weapons. What this defense entails has been the target of several human rights organizations. Decrying this bizarre form of freelance privateering, many groups feel that baiting the pirates into the line of fire is an extreme example of human insensitivity and a case of morbid exploitation. Seahunters maintains that their program will provide substantial positive externalities such as safer waters due to a fearful pirate population.
A typical seven night cruise itinerary
Day 1 - Flight to Salalah Airport from Dubai, welcome dinner and concert
Day 2 - Boat departs
Day 3 - At sea
Day 4 - Mogadishu tank tour
Day 5 - At sea
Day 6 - The "Splendor of Socotra" tour on Socotra Island
Day 7 - At sea
Day 8 - Return to Salalah
flickr image via dvidshub
With only 17 rooms, the pearl white yacht is sized to attract attention from opportunistic pirates while spending days drifting aimlessly through the Gulf of Aden. Seahunters does not guarantee that pirates will attempt to board the boat, but in the event that they do, the cruisers are free to defend themselves with their weapons. What this defense entails has been the target of several human rights organizations. Decrying this bizarre form of freelance privateering, many groups feel that baiting the pirates into the line of fire is an extreme example of human insensitivity and a case of morbid exploitation. Seahunters maintains that their program will provide substantial positive externalities such as safer waters due to a fearful pirate population.
A typical seven night cruise itinerary
Day 1 - Flight to Salalah Airport from Dubai, welcome dinner and concert
Day 2 - Boat departs
Day 3 - At sea
Day 4 - Mogadishu tank tour
Day 5 - At sea
Day 6 - The "Splendor of Socotra" tour on Socotra Island
Day 7 - At sea
Day 8 - Return to Salalah
flickr image via dvidshub
Filed under: Activism, Africa, Asia, Somalia, Oman, United Arab, Yemen, April Fools Posts, News, Cruises, Middle East, Travel Security
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
brad Apr 1st 2011 10:58AM
1st of April, ah?
Malaycobra Apr 1st 2011 11:15AM
Nice try guys. This was an email joke 3 years ago...
Justin Delaney Apr 1st 2011 11:22AM
I had no idea there were people out there as clever as me, figured this was a virginal hoax. I appreciate the heads up malaycobra. By chance, did the original joke include flamethrowers?
Malaycobra Apr 1st 2011 11:30AM
Snopes is your friend.
The flamethrower might be a new twist though.
Is it wrong that I'm always disappointed when this turns out to be a hoax?
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/hoaxes/piratecruise.asp