If you haven’t read the passenger account of what occurred during the pirate attack on Oceania Cruises’ Nautica go read the story on Yahoo News. (Warning: Make sure you aren’t drinking near your keyboard while reading the story because you won’t believe what some passengers did.)

In reading this story a few things really stand out.

One, this pirate attack was more up close and personal than the details Oceania put in their official statement on the incident. Passenger accounts say the pirates were a lot closer than Oceania’s account of 300 meters — one passenger says it was a very large speedboat running alongside the Nautica. Passengers also contradict Oceania’s statement that vessel was not hit by bullets. “I couldn’t see them shooting, but I heard them hitting the ship, ‘Pop! Pop! Pop!’” said Oregon resident Clyde Thornberg.

Second, I can’t believe some of the passengers were totally stupid. When the ship was being attacked the captain made an announcement for all passengers to get inside and keep their heads down. “We heard the announcement, and of course we went straight out on the balcony to have a look,” says Lynne Pincini of Australia.

Is this a cultural thing? Captain says “get down” you get down. Most Americans, who are well-versed in drive-by shootings, would hit the floor without hesitation. Not the Aussies let’s get cheeky and go out on the balcony! Is it a kangaroo thing – you gotta jump up and see a pirate pointing an AKA 47 assault weapon right at you?  This wasn’t Captain Jack Sparrow people! Are you stupid or something?

Talk about “Darwin Awards” (pun intended)

What do you think?