Trained terrorists take over a Third-World-flagged cargo ship before it enters a major US port. Explosive charges are placed in a cargo hold and are detonated after the ship has rammed a vital bridge adjacent to the port complex. The increasing specter of a maritime terrorist scenario like this is prompting the Bush Administration and Congress to cobble together a program that will decrease the vulnerability of the US' 350 ports to terrorists and weapons of mass destruction. While congressional and military experts agree that new legislation and a proposed funding increase in maritime security programs for FY03 will improve security in the US' ports and on its waterways, there is an awareness that more resources and legislation are required to defeat maritime terrorism.
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