Drugs found with dead Maersk Alabama armed guardsDrugs found with dead Maersk Alabama armed guards

"We are saddened by the tragedy and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased men," said a Maersk spokesperson.

The Danish line announced a review of all security personnel records including drug tests and background tests and reinforced its zero-tolerance stance on drugs and alcohol. The Trident group, for which the contractors were working, is immediately introducing a random drug testing policy to increase the frequency of checks on its contractors.

Maersk Alabama employs armed guards as it transits high risk areas for piracy. Before it emplyed guards, the ship hit the headlines after a failed hijacking attempt led to its captain being taken hostage, an event adapted last year by Hollywood in the film Captain Phillips.

"Our foremost concern is safety at sea, and this policy is in place for all persons aboard Maersk vessels. Based on our experience with the contractor, this is an isolated incident; however, we have initiated a thorough review and set out... immediate action steps," Maersk stated.