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Sea
Marshals Ride Shotgun
Abridged Version
From a news story by
CNN San Francisco Reporter Rusty Dornin
November 3, 2001
Twelve miles outside San Francisco's Golden Gate, a Korean cargo
ship awaits some armed visitors. Sea Marshals Shawn Copp and Terry Wunder
climb aboard. They are along with a local harbor pilot. Soon they begin
issuing commands to the ship’s crew.
"I need these two doors locked."
After September 11th, the Coast Guard here began putting Sea Marshals
aboard ships before they enter San Francisco Bay. This is just in case
the unthinkable happens on the high seas.
Captain Herith says, "A terrorist could infiltrate a member of
the crew. A terrorist could come on board a vessel on a stowaway kind
of capacity, in a container for example. A terrorist could board as
a passenger. A terrorist could board while the vessel is underway."
Crews are watched for any signs of suspicious behavior. The sea marshals
make sure the ship stays its course.
And that course best be far from things like the Golden Gate or any
other bridge. A ship may be slow, but it is one of the largest moving
objects in the world. A hijacked ship could be a devastating weapon
of destruction.
Ninety-six hours before a ship enters the bay, the crew's identities
are run through an intelligence database. The ship’s cargo and
recent routes must be accounted for. Local pilots have always guided
ships to berth. Before this, they did it alone.
The pilot says, "There's security in the wheel house. Up until
now we didn't think we needed it, but apparently it's a good thing."
Security measures like this are rare in the international shipping industry.
Eugene Kratuls, ship’s chief mate says, "As far as the crew,
it's hard for me to believe we're in danger out here, but in case it
happens then of course it's good these guys are here."
They are here, making sure that when the ships come in, they steer straight
for the dock.
Further discussion
For additional information about the U.S. Coast Guard and Operation
Noble Eagle—Homeland Defense, look at these Web sites:
Related Websites:
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