In wartime, ships of an enemy are prime targets of hostile action. This may be to stop them taking supplies of men or equipment to a war zone. Equally, it can be to try to stop an enemy nation waging war by cutting off its supplies of raw materials or food. Ships are also vulnerable when ports are bombed, as happened at London, Liverpool, Southampton and many other ports during the Second World War (1939-45).

Terrorism

Terrorists have recognised that merchant ships are vulnerable targets. Passengers on cruise liners, such as the Achille Lauro, have been held hostage by terrorists. Bombs have been set off aboard British-owned cargo ships in Northern Ireland.

Piracy

Mention of pirates makes you think about sailing ships flying the skull and crossbones. However, piracy still continues to be a very serious problem for the shipping industry. This is particularly true in South East Asia, where ships are regularly captured by armed bands who take them into little-known ports to steal the cargo. Even more widespread is the practice where armed robbers come aboard in a port to steal money and possessions from the crew.

It is clear that the sea is a dangerous environment, where many things can go wrong for a ship. It is therefore very important that crews are well trained and ships well built and maintained. Quick thinking and careful handling of a ship can prevent a serious incident from becoming an accident.

Weather

Human error

Poor Stowage of Cargo

Poor Maintenance

Mechanical Failures

Hostile Acts