Many Filipino Mariners Willing To Risk Lives For Higher Salaries Aboard Aden-Bound Vessels

December 9, 2008 11:50 a.m. EST

Manila, Philippines (AHN) - While German cruise line operators are not willing to place the lives of their passengers every time their vessels pass through the Gulf of Aden, a growing number of Filipino seaman are not scared of working in ships that navigate the piracy-prone area, provided the salary is right.

The biggest incentives for Filipino crews, who make up almost one-third of the mariners aboard ocean-going vessels, is the high pay. Somalia-bound ships pay cooks $3,000 monthly, which is probably what a Manila cook will earn in one year.

Aside from the tempting compensation, what bolsters the confidence of Filipino sailors and cruise liner personnel is that fact that while 300 of Filipino crew have been help captive by Somali pirates, none of them were hurt or killed, while some have even been released.

Meanwhile, German cruise lines operator Hapag-Lloyd said it will fly the 246 passengers aboard the MS Columbus from an unidentified port to Dubai as a preventive measure against piracy. The vessel just started its around-the-world tour when stories of vessels being held captive by Somali pirates spread, prompting the company's management to have an air travel portion for its global adventure.