Israeli Cruise Ship Receives False Bomb Threat Over VHF

The Israeli-owned cruise ship Crown Iris sometimes encounters confrontation when it calls in Greece, a product of differing views on the circumstances in the West Bank and Gaza. But the ship received a much more extreme and dangerous greeting when it arrived at the island of Syros last weekend: a fake bomb threat, called in via VHF radio.

The Crown Iris arrived at Ermoupoli, Syros on the morning of the 3rd. Leftist protesters had hoped to hold a demonstration on the pier during the ship's arrival, but the police prohibited it as a threat to public order. Without risk of altercations on the pier, passengers were able to disembark to visit local landmarks. One passenger described a "huge police presence" to ensure the peace while the cruise ship was in port, according to the Jerusalem Post.

Later in the day, prior to departure, the ship received a bomb threat over VHF. The Hellenic Coast Guard responded to assist with a thorough sweep. As a precaution, the crew interrupted dinner service and all 940 passengers were disembarked while the check proceeded. A canine unit helped with the search above the waterline, and a private diver assisted with a sweep of the hull. No anomalies were found, and the ship re-embarked its passengers and returned to Haifa.

This story was originally published by The Maritime Executive. Read the full story at The Maritime Executive →