John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

That was the question, Senator. I am aware of media reports of the incident involving pirates and a luxury cruise ship, the Oceania Nautica, in the Gulf of Aden between Somalia and Yemen on Saturday, 29 December. I understand that approximately 50 Australians were among the 684 passengers. Our embassy in Riyadh has confirmed that shots were fired at the ship but no passengers or crew were injured and the ship has continued with its cruise. The embassy is attempting to make contact with the shipping company concerned to offer any consular assistance required.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade travel advice ‘Travelling by sea’ includes strong advice on the dangers of piracy, particularly in and around Somali waters and the Gulf of Aden. Australians are advised to exercise extreme caution when anywhere near these waters. To our knowledge, no other Australians nor any Australian vessels have been subjected to recent attacks by pirates in the region. This of course does not lessen the gravity of the situation. As senators may be aware, the UN Security Council is currently considering what further steps can be taken to address piracy off Somalia’s coast. (Time expired)