LORETO — Delfin Amazon Cruises has stepped up its security measures in the wake of the robbery onboard the Amazon Discovery.

In addition to unarmed guards already in place 24 hours a day, Delfin’s ships are now protected by armed plainclothes members of the national police force. A laser security system has also been installed on every ship, according to Travel Weekly.

Amazon Discovery passengers endured a terrifying ordeal earlier this month when the river cruise vessel was attacked by Peruvian pirates. Eight men armed with large-caliber weapons took control of the ship at 3 a.m. on July 14,  pistol-whipped the 65-year old captain of the ship and robbed passengers of possessions and money worth some US$20,000. The passengers included 33 Peruvians, 20 Americans, six Australians and two New Zealanders.

“The safety of guests aboard the ship is of utmost importance to Delfin Amazon Cruises, which owns and operates Amazon Discovery,” said Delfin in a statement following the robbery. “This isolated incident – the first in the company’s 10 years of cruising the Amazon – is not reflective of the Amazon region today, which continues to be an increasingly desirable destination for visitors.”