For the loyal Cunard passengers it may come as a shock to the news that has emerged that in the 1970's the IRA used the beautiful QE2 liner to smuggle weapons and explosives!!
Brendan Hughes a former member of the merchant Navy, revealed the secret in an interview with a Boston researcher in 2008.
Mr Hughes helped crew members who supported the IRA 'cause' by hoarding guns and grenades!
Since the confession has been ousted another IRA member has come forward to confirm the statement to be true and even adding that rifles were taken off the liner by being hidden in the lining of long coats!! It all sounds a bit 1920's to me. I certainly wouldn't want to be caught in the middle of the smugglings.
But there is a silver lining to this story as on one the missions he met his wife! Bet he didn't tell her at first what he was really doing on board.
Cunard have stated the smuggling operations were carried out WITHOUT consent and they had been unaware of the situation.
Hearing a story like this does make me think what else has gone on over the years of cruising and travelling. Or in fact does anything else happen in the present day? I feel it also makes us aware and understand the importance of high security measures needed.
Have you heard about the smugglers? Do you have your own story to tell?
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