Originally posted by evecasino
Whats to say that AQ won't try to attach something to a ship while still many miles from port?
Nothing at all, except the fact that attaching a limpet mine below the waterline (it would be detected if left above the waterline) on a moving ship
-- while also theoretically possible -- is not a trivial exercise.
Even if the ship were stationary outside port, it would be difficult to approach without attracting attention, since navigational radar (which can
typically pick up surprisingly small objects, such as zodiac boats) is always monitored at sea, visual watches are posted as a matter of routine, and
all cruise ships are operating under tightened security procedures these days.
Use of some other type of device, such as a mine-carrying torpedo, for example, presents significant challenges of its own, and is probably more
complex than necessary from the standpoint of Al Qaeda planners, who, sophisticated though they may be, seem to prefer simple and reliable tactics
when it comes to delivering the goods.
Having said that, your point is a good one in that it is possible that AQ might plant explosives on a ship at a location less secure than the intended
destination for an attack. However, the longer any devices or other preparations are left on a ship, the more likely they will be detected by the crew
or by security sweeps. The risk is multiplied if more than one ship is prepared, since a detection on one ship would lead to thorough searches on
other ships.
In this case, I’m considering the use of limpet mines through the prism of SBP’s premonitions. She saw suitcases used as the means of delivery. While
not necessarily an obvious connection, I can see limpet mines being a reasonable candidate for such a method of deployment.
Of course, some other form of prefabricated and sealed explosive product designed to be portable by a single person and being potentially concealable
in a suitcase would also make sense under SBP’s scenario.
Lest anyone get the wrong idea, I am a skeptic with regards to these predictions, but see no shortage of skepticism on this thread. Working with the
idea need not be confused with credulity.
Skeptic that I am, I nonetheless think it is more constructive to approach SBP’s premonitions from the standpoint of how they might come to pass,
since if they do not, all discussion to the contrary will be moot anyway.
So I choose instead to offer more speculation in a sea of speculation, because you never know.
Sorry! 
