Our Captain, Jurica Brajcic, hails from Dubrovnik, Croatia, and has had salt water in his family’s blood for at least several generations. He is a tall man, imposing, with gray hair and moustache. He has been with Oceania for many years and was the first captain to sail our Insignia when she was purchased from the floundering Renaissance Cruise Line by Oceania Cruises. His son is also a staff captain for the cruise line.

Dean and I had the privilege and pleasure to dine with Captain Brajcic one evening in the Grand Dining Room. Among his guests were several other “world cruisers” that are along for the second half of the original itinerary, and Jaina Mishra, our knowledgable onboard guest lecturer. Captain Brajcic shared with us his extensive wine expertise, his interesting professional and personal history, and pleasant conversation.

And while imposing in stature, the Captain has an unassuming demeanor that disguises the “hero” in him. A few days ago he conceded to give a presentation to the passengers about his brush with piracy on the high seas. On November 30, 2008 Oceania’s Nautica was sailing in the Gulf of Aden on a thirty-two day cruise from Civitavecchia to Singapore, with Captain Brajcic at the helm. The bridge spotted in the distance two motor boats approaching on the starboard side, each containing several men, suspected to be pirates. The Captain alerted authorities and announced to all passengers onboard to leave the open decks, retreat to the interior of the ship and sit down. He ordered the ship full speed ahead to about 21 knots. The small boats tried to follow, but the ship was able to outrun them and the pirates fired several gunshots before stopping and turning back. The whole incident took place in a span of about six minutes, from 9:00 to 9:36 in the morning.

The captain explained in his presentation the matter of fact realities of piracy at sea, and they do exist, though the number of highjackings has decreased in recent years. The most vulnerable areas are the Gulf of Aden, the Malacca Strait, the South China Sea, the coasts of East Africa and parts of west Africa. In 2008, Operation ATALANTA was initiated under the EU Council Joint Action 851 as a coalition of 25 nations to protect vessels and strengthen maritime security in parts of the Indian Ocean. Full international help is provided to a ship in danger until pirates have boarded. After that, onboard negotiation is the only defense.

Captain Brajcic explained the method in which attacks, driven by economic gain for ransom, typically occur. A large “mother vessel” sends out two smaller boats, usually constructed of white fiberglass, to approach the target. These boats may contain half a dozen men, armed with AK47s and RPG grenades, typically with an aluminum ladder for attempting to board the target. Sometimes a rope and grappling hook may be used, but this is less common and more difficult. Target boats usually have a low boarding deck for easier access. Attacks usually occur at nighttime or dawn.

Passenger and merchant ships carry no weapons on board, as it could provoke the pirates to use their weapons in return. The pirates’ “mother vessel” is never attacked because of the possibility of hostages on board. Passenger ships usually have a boarding deck high enough to discourage attacks. But other methods of protection include long-range acoustic devices (LRAD), water hoses, and cruising within the IRTC (International Recommended Transit Corrider). Cargo ships may use razor wire, water pumps, dummies, high-voltage, and broken glass as deterrents. Captain Brajcic said that the piracy depicted in the Tom Hanks movie, “Captain Phillips” was very realistic, and all the tactics shown may have occurred in reality, though not all in the same incident.

Following the attack on Nautica, Captain Brajcic was interviewed by the FBI and received high commendations from his own country for his brave and professional response. We have certainly felt safe under his command though his current commission ends in Shanghai, to be fulfilled by another capable Oceania Captain.