US Admiral Urges Armed Security

As Reported in www.defense.gov HERE
WASHINGTON, April 16, 2010 – A top Navy commander suggested yesterday that commercial vessels should arm themselves when traveling through pirate-infested waters off the Somali coast.Video
Navy Adm. Mark P. Fitzgerald, commander of U.S. naval forces in Europe and Africa and of NATO’s Allied Joint Task Force Command Naples, told Pentagon reporters that the scope of the piracy problem is too great to be policed by military vessels alone.
“We could put a World War II fleet of ships out there,” Fitzgerald said, referring to the Gulf of Aden and the Mozambique Channel off the Indian coast, “and we still wouldn’t be able to cover the whole ocean.”
On an average day, 30 to 40 ships comprising international maritime forces monitor pirate activity in the Somali basin and the western Indian Ocean, Fitzgerald said, adding that five to 10 of these ships at any given time are American vessels.
Another issue, the admiral said, is what to do with pirates who are captured. The international community, he explained, has not yet answered the question of how to bring to justice pirates captured at sea. This issue has come to the fore with the recent capture of five suspected pirates by the crew of the USS Nicholas in the Indian Ocean west of the Seychelles.
“Catch and release is not a very good option,” Fitzgerald said. “How do we deal with this? We've got to come to some kind of solution.”
Somali-based piracy, the admiral said, will not go away until a government in Mogadishu is stable enough to confront the problem within its borders.
“Right now, we’re trying to shoot the arrow instead of the archer,” Fitzgerald said. He acknowledged that the prospect of a stable Somali government is unlikely in the near future.
The admiral’s comments echoed remarks Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates made last year after Navy SEAL snipers killed three Somali pirates while rescuing the kidnapped American ship captain of the Maersk-Alabama cargo ship.
Gates, emphasizing the limitations of a purely military approach to piracy, said some officials have suggested bypassing the central government of Somalia and instead establishing relationships with officials of functioning local governments there.
“There is no purely military solution to it,” the secretary told the Marine Corps War College in Quantico, Va., last year. “And as long as you’ve got this incredible number of poor people and the risks are relatively small, there’s really no way in my view to control it unless you get something on land that begins to change the equation for these kids.”
But in the near-term, Fitzgerald said yesterday, it is “incumbent upon the vessels who are sailing the high seas to either protect themselves or accept the dangers.”
Asked if he would recommend that commercial ships arm themselves, Fitzgerald said: “I think they should.”
“Commercial ships should take appropriate protections,” he added, “because we cannot offer 100-percent guarantees of protection as the ships go through.”
Fitzgerald also recommended tracking the spoils of successful piracy operations. “I think we'd be able to trace the financiers [and] the middlemen,” he said.

Training More Pirates?

As Reported HERE
Seems that the Coalition Governments are at it again, all kinds of good intentions with absolute poor planning. Tax Dollars at work.

Unpaid Somali soldiers desert to insurgency

AP – In this Wednesday, Feb.17, 2010 photo, Somali government soldiers patrol the street in the capital Mogadishu, …

By KATHARINE HOURELD, Associated Press Writer Katharine Houreld, Associated Press Writer – Tue Apr 27, 4:44 pm ET

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Hundreds of Somali soldiers trained with U.S. tax dollars have deserted because they are not being paid their $100 monthly wage, and some have even joined the al-Qaida-linked militants they are supposed to be fighting, The Associated Press has learned.
The desertions raise fears that a new U.S.-backed effort beginning next month to build up Somalia's army may only increase the ranks of the insurgency.
Somalia's besieged U.N.-backed government holds only a few blocks of the Somali capital, Mogadishu, while Islamic insurgents control the rest of the city and most of the country. That turmoil — and the lawless East African nation's proximity to Yemen, where al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula is based — has fed fears that Somalia could be used to launch attacks on the West.
In an effort to rebuild the tattered Somali military, the United States helped fund a training program for nearly 1,000 soldiers in neighboring Djibouti last year, Western diplomats told the AP. The French-trained troops were supposed to earn $100 a month, but about half of them deserted because they were not paid, Somali army Col. Ahmed Aden Dhayow said.
"Some gave up the army and returned to their ordinary life and others joined the rebels," he said.
Somalia's state minister for defense, Yusuf Mohamed Siyad, confirmed some trainees had joined the al-Shabab militants, but he declined to specify the number of deserters.
The development highlights a key problem facing efforts to rebuild the bankrupt nation's army — guaranteeing funding for soldiers' salaries, not just their training.
Failure to resolve the pay issue could threaten the success of a U.S. and European Union training program beginning in Uganda next month that has been touted as the biggest effort to rebuild the army in 20 years.
Funding for the Somali army is a complex affair involving contributions from donor nations, the U.N. and the Somali government. Individual countries sometimes pledge to cover salaries for a limited number of soldiers for a few months, and when the money runs out, salaries don't get paid.
The U.S. has provided $2 million to pay Somali soldiers and purchase supplies and equipment in Mogadishu since 2007, according to the State Department. Another $12 million went toward transport, uniforms and equipment, but the U.S. has declined to say how much of that paid for training.
During a recent AP visit, dejected-looking soldiers sat under dust-covered thorn trees at the government's main military base, Camp Jazira, which lacks toilets, a clinic or even a perimeter fence. They had not been paid, some for months, they said, adding that their wages were intercepted by senior officials.
When pressed for details, mid-level officers glanced at colleagues clutching plastic bags of spaghetti, the day's lunch ration, before saying they could not discuss the problem.
"There is not enough money to pay everyone," Col. Ali Hassan said as a group of officers listened, then added hastily: "But we are happy there is some money."
Earlier this year, trainee soldiers had their guns confiscated and replaced with sticks after a riot broke out between those who had been paid and those who had not. The African Union, which has peacekeepers at Camp Jazira, temporarily suspended payments over fears that men who had been paid would be killed by those who had not, an official involved with the training said.
Soldiers also had problems with some battalion-level commanders stealing their rations, a European official said. The U.S. has sent a shipment of food this month to try to help the malnourished soldiers regain their strength, he added.
Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.
Siyad, the defense minister, said the U.S. was currently funding the salaries of around 1,800 Somali soldiers, and another 3,300 soldiers were being paid by other donors. However, that is only about half the 10,000 troops allowed under the peace agreement that formed the coalition government.
Other countries have contributed to training programs for security forces, notably France and Germany. A German-funded training course for 900 Somali police recently ended in Ethiopia, a Western official in Nairobi said, but there are fears the trainees will desert because no provision has been made for their salaries.
Some international payments are channeled through a fund administered by PricewaterhouseCoopers, an arrangement designed to prevent the mass theft of salaries and combat a desertion rate of up to 90 percent that scuttled a previous U.N. effort to reform the police force.
However, diplomats complain the lists of soldiers the government has provided differ from those they have been authorized to pay. Officers including Gen. Ahamad Buraale, who is in charge of Camp Jazira, also say PricewaterhouseCoopers has been slow to issue the identity cards that allow soldiers to be paid.
The firm declined to comment, citing a confidentiality agreement with its clients.
Siyad said it is vital that the 2,000 Somali soldiers slated to undergo six months of training in Uganda be paid. The European Union will take the lead in training, while the U.S. has pledged to pay the salaries of graduates until January, said Patrick Geyson, a political adviser to the EU program.
"Both the police and soldiers need to feed their families," Geyson said. "They need to be paid every month. Otherwise they have to find other solutions."
Guaranteeing longer-term wages for the soldiers may be difficult. Many donors are reluctant to contribute money to an army once notorious for crimes such as rape, kidnapping and murder.
The new army commander is seen by international officials as a vast improvement over the previous one, a warlord who used the army as a clan militia to extort money from civilians. But donors remain wary.
In the meantime, the Somali government is forced to rely on donor nations that are often slow to pay, undercutting soldiers' confidence in regular paychecks, and feeding desertions and corruption. There are few signs Somalia's government will ever be able to deliver social services, shape military strategy and pay its army on its own.
Siyad said the success of the multimillion-dollar training programs funded by American and European taxpayers is completely dependent on being able to pay the graduates.
"If this is not done, then we shouldn't even start. Otherwise the soldiers will just join the opposition," he said.
___

Five Piracy Attempts over the Weekend

As Reported by the ICC

Incident Details:	View
24.04.2010: Boma anchorage, Democratic Republic of Congo. Robbers boarded the tanker at anchor. They stole ship’s property and escaped unnoticed.	View
25.04.2010: 0515 UTC: Posn: 13:46.2N – 042:57.7E, Red Sea. Pirate boats chased and attempted to board a bulk carrier underway. Master increased speed and carried out evasive manoeuvres. After about 80 minutes, pirates aborted the attempt and moved away. No casualties and no damage to ship.	View
25.04.2010: 0523 UTC: Posn: 13:48N – 043:00E, Bab el Mandeb, southern Red Sea. Two skiffs were sighted at a distance of one nm from a chemical tanker underway. Suddenly, one skiff with high speed approached and came very close to the tanker. Four pirates armed with guns and an aluminium ladder was seen in the skiffs. Security personal onboard fired several warning shots in the air but the pirates kept approaching. Finally the security personal fired closed to the skiffs and the pirates aborted the attempted attack.	View
25.04.2010: 0348 UTC: Posn: 17:59n – 065:49e, around 760 nm from Socotra island (Arabian Sea), off Somalia. Six pirates armed with machine guns and RPG in a white coloured skiff chased and fired upon a chemical tanker underway with intent to hijack. Tanker contacted coalition forces, increased speed and took evasive manoeuvres. Pirates attempted to board the tanker several times but unable due to the evasive manoeuvres and finally they aborted the attempt. No injuries to crew.	View
25.04.2010: 0215 UTC: Posn: 18:06N – 065:47E, around 760 nm from Socotra island (Arabian Sea), off Somalia. Four pirates armed with machine guns and RPG in a white coloured skiff chased and fired upon a tanker underway with intent to hijack. Ship raised alarm, sent distress message, increased speed, took evasive manoeuvres and crew locked all accommodation doors. Pirates tried to board the ship using a steel ladder and hooks attached to ropes. They fired RPG at the accommodation and the ship continued with her evasive manoeuvres. After several attempts, finally pirates aborted the attempted boarding. No injuries to crew.	View
23.04.2010: 0640 LT: Posn: 14:48N – 065:18E, around 1395nm NE of Mogadishu (Indian Ocean), off Somalia. Five pirates in a skiff armed with RPG and guns chased and fired upon a chemical tanker underway. Master made evasive manoeuvres and contacted coalition forces for assistance. Ship raised alarm, increased speed, activated SSAS, sent DSC distress, and commenced evasive manoeuvres. The pirates chased the vessel for more than one hour and then aborted the attempted attack. No injuries crew. No damage to ship.	View
22.04.2010: 0300 LT: Posn: 01:19.8N – 104:16.1E, Eastern OPL anchorage, Malaysia. Three robbers on a boat attempted to boarded a chemical tanker at anchor. Duty watchman on deck sighted the pirates. Robbers aborted the attempt when the vessel raised alarm and ship’s horn. No casualties to crew and ship.	View
19.04.2010: 2100 UTC: Posn: 00:50S – 051:30E, Around 400 nm ESE of Mogadishu, off Somalia. During the night a mother vessel and two skiffs fired upon a warship which they mistook for a merchant vessel. The warship fired warning shots and chased the pirates. The skiffs were seized and pirates detained.	View
21.04.2010: 0308 LT: Posn: 10:13.7N – 107:05.0E, Vung Tau anchorage, Vietnam. Pirates armed with guns boarded an anchored tanker. Duty watchman from bridge deck sighted the pirates. The vessel raised alarm and ship’s horn. Pirates escaped with ship’s stores. Port authority informed.	View
21.04.2010: 1050 UTC: Posn: 01:10N – 065:00E, 1170 nm east of Mogadishu, Somalia. Four pirates armed with RPG and automatic weapons in a skiff chased and fired upon a bulk carrier underway with intent to hijack. Ship raised alarm, contacted coalition forces, increased speed and took evasive manoeuvres. A coalition warship responded and sent a helicopter to the location. Pirates stopped chasing the ship and aborted the attempted attack. No injuries to crew. Some damage to ship due to gun fire.	View
21.04.2010: 0605 UTC: Posn: 16:25N – 057:13E: 170 nm SE of Khuriya Muriya Islands, (Oman), Off Somalia. Pirates in skiffs opened fire, boarded and hijacked a bulk carrier underway. They took the 21 crewmembers as hostage.	View
19.04.2010: 2228 UTC: Posn: 04:32N – 104:29E: South China Sea. Owner reported to the IMB-PRC that tug and barge were hijacked and deviated from the original route to Thailand. The Centre notified the authorities in Malaysia and Indonesia. The Malaysian authorities/MMEA dispatched a maritime aircraft and a patrol boat. The aircraft reported sighting of the tug and barge and pirates casting-off the barge. A Malaysian Maritime patrol boat located the barge and handed it over to the Owners. Owners arranged another tug to tow the barge to Thailand. The Malaysian and Indonesian authorities continued to search for the tug. Later the pirates left the tug and the crew then continued to sail the tug to Singapore. A Singapore Naval ship spotted the tug and escorted her.	View
20.04.2010: 0345 LT: Tanjung Priok anchorage: Indonesia. Four robbers armed with long knives boarded an anchored general cargo ship. Duty AB returning after rounds to the forecastle deck saw one robber coming out from port side entrance and immediately informed OOW who raised the. Robbers escaped with ship’s equipment.	View
18.04.2010: 0200 UTC: Posn: 09:29N – 069:18E: 230 nm WNW of Minicoy Island (Indian Ocean), Off Somalia. Armed pirates in skiffs opened fire on a fishing vessel underway and ordered her to stop. Pirates boarded and hijacked the vessel and took her 26 crew members hostage. Vessel currently heading towards Somalia.	View
18.04.2010: 0200 UTC: Posn: 09:29N – 069:18E: 230 nm WNW of Minicoy Island (Indian Ocean), Off Somalia. Armed pirates in skiffs opened fire on a fishing vessel underway and ordered her to stop. Pirates boarded and hijacked the vessel and took her 25 crew members hostage. Vessel currently heading towards Somalia.	View
18.04.2010: 0200 UTC: Posn: 09:29N – 069:18E: 230 nm WNW of Minicoy Island (Indian Ocean), Off Somalia. Armed pirates in skiffs opened fire on a fishing vessel underway and ordered her to stop. Pirates boarded and hijacked the vessel and took her 26 crew members hostage. Vessel currently heading towards Somalia.	View
16.04.2010: 2000 UTC: Posn: 01:18.42N – 104:12.7E: 1.4nm south of TG. Ayam: Malaysia. Six robbers boarded an anchored tanker via the poop deck. OOW spotted them and raised the alarm. Crew mustered. Robbers escaped in their boat. An investigation was conducted and no robbers were found. Nothing was stolen.	View
14.04.2010: 2345 UTC: Posn: 12:42N – 047:23E: Gulf of Aden. Around seven pirates armed with RPG and guns chased and fired upon a general cargo ship underway. Master made evasive manoeuvres and contacted warship for assistance. Due to evasive manoeuvres ship escaped the attack. A coalition warship intercepted the pirate skiff. Ship sustained damages from machine gun and RPG fire.	View
17.04.2010: 1055 LT: Posn: 04:02.3N – 099:45E, Malacca Straits. One fishing boat with few persons onboard came very close to tanker drifting. Master suspected the persons intend to board the ship. Master sounded alarm, took anti piracy measures and commenced spraying water from the standby fire hoses. The boat stayed close to the vessel for sometime and then moved away.	View
18.04.2010: 0725 UTC: Posn: 09:29N – 068:56E, 260nm west of Minicoy Islands, (Indian Ocean), Off Somalia. Four pirates in a skiff armed with RPG fired upon a tanker underway with intent to hijack. Ship activated anti-piracy measures. The ship had a team of four security personal onboard. Pirates stopped firing and aborted the attempted boarding. No casualties to crew and ship. Tanker continued her passage.	View

 

Latest ONI Piracy Report

As Reported by ONI 
.
A. Container ship reported attempted boarding 12 Apr 10, Lagos roads, Nigeria.
.
B. General cargo ship (THOR TRAVELLER) fired upon 14 Apr 10, approximately 125NM
northwest of Bosasso, Somalia.
.
C. Amphibious dock landing ship (USS ASHLAND) fired upon 10 Apr 10, approximately
240NM east of Aden, Yemen.
.
D. Bulk carrier fired upon 21 Apr 10, approximately 665NM northeast of Port Victoria,
Seychelles.
.
E. Bulk carrier (VOC DAISY) hijacked 21 Apr 10, approximately 280NM northeast of Socotra
Island.
.
F. French warship (FS SOMME) fired upon 19 Apr 10, approximately 400NM southeast of
Mogadishu, Somalia.
.
G. Tanker fired upon 18 Apr 10, approximately 865NM southeast of Socotra Island and
430NM west of Kochi, India.
.
H. Fishing vessels (PRANTALAY 11) (PRANTALAY 12) (PRANTALAY 14) hijacked 18
Apr 10, approximately 230NM northwest of Minicoy Island, India.
.
I. Tanker (SEMUA GEMBIRA) robbed 17 Apr 10, approximately 1NM south of Tanjung
Ayam, Malaysia.
.
J. Tanker reported suspicious approach 17 Apr 10, approximately 55NM northwest of Lumut,
Malaysia.
.
K. General cargo ship robbed 20 Apr 10, Tanjung Priok, Indonesia.
.
L. Tug (PU 2007), towing barge (PU 3316) reportedly hijacked 19 Apr 10, approximately
57NM northeast of Kuantan, Malaysia.
.
4. DETAILS: There is reported active violence against shipping, a credible threat to shipping,
or the potential to develop into a direct threat to the safety of shipping in the following areas:
.
A. NORTH AMERICA: No current incidents to report.
.
B. CENTRAL AMERICA-CARIBBEAN: No current incidents to report.
.
C. SOUTH AMERICA:
.
1. VENEZUELA: General cargo ship reported attempted boarding 8 Apr 10 at 1050 UTC
while anchored in position 10:38N – 071:35W, inner anchorage, Maracaibo port. Four robbers
in two boats attempted to board the vessel at anchor. The robbers aborted the attempt after the
ship’s alarm was sounded. Port authorities were informed (IMB).
.
2. PERU: Chemical tanker boarded 9 Apr 10 at 1918 local time while in position 12:00S –
077:12W, Callao. A robber was seen climbing the anchor chain of the vessel. The alarm was
raised and the crew mustered. The crew used water to force the robber to jump back into the
water and escape. Authorities were informed and a patrol boat was dispatched (IMB).
.
3. PERU: Container ship robbed 05 Apr 10 at 2000 LT while at anchor in Callao anchorage.
Four masked robbers armed with knives were seen on the forecastle of the ship. The general
alarm was raised and the crew mustered on the bridge and all access to the accommodation was
locked. Owner CSO contacted IMB PRC for assistance. IMB PRC contacted local authorities,
but the thieves escaped with stolen ships stores (IMB).
.
4. PERU: Tanker robbed 28 Mar 10 at 0118 UTC while moored in position 12:15.5S –
076:55.8W, Conchan terminal. Three robbers boarded the vessel from a small wooden boat.
The alarm was raised and the crew proceeded to the forecastle to investigate. The robbers
jumped overboard and escaped with ship’s stores (IMB).
.
D. ATLANTIC OCEAN AREA: No current incidents to report.
.
E. NORTHERN EUROPE-BALTIC: No current incidents to report.
.
F. MEDITERRANEAN-BLACK SEA: No current incidents to report.
.
G. WEST AFRICA:
.
1. CÔTE D’IVOIRE: Chemical tanker robbed 3 Apr 10 at 0145 local time while anchored
at Abidjan anchorage. Robbers boarded the vessel unnoticed by the crew. The duty officer
spotted them and informed the captain. Upon investigation it was discovered one robber armed
with long knives lowering ship’s stores into the sea. The robber jumped into the water and a
small boat was seen recovering the rope. The vessel weighed anchor and proceeded to open seas
(IMB).
.
2. NIGERIA: Container ship reported attempted boarding 12 Apr 10 at 1215 UTC while
drifting in position 06:16.6N – 003:26.9E, Lagos roads. Three men armed with automatic rifles
in a fiberglass motor boat approached the vessel with intent to board. The duty officer raised the
alarm and conducted evasive maneuvers. The armed men aborted the attempt due to the
alertness of the crew. Port authority and ships in the vicinity were informed (IMB).
.
3. NIGERIA: Chemical tanker robbed 25 Mar 10 at 2100 UTC while anchored in position
06:18.7N – 003:24.1E, Lagos anchorage. Eight robbers armed with knives boarded the vessel,
injuring two crew members who had to be taken ashore by a pilot vessel for treatment. Ship and
crew properties were stolen (IMB).
.
4. CAMEROON: Vessel (GULL) boarded, crew members kidnapped 27 Mar 10 while
underway off the coast of Camerooon near the Bakassi peninsula. Armed robbers boarded the
vessel and kidnapped the captain and one other crew member once they found nothing worth
stealing. The crewmembers were eventually released a few days later (AP).
.
5. REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: Crane ship robbed 27 Mar 10 at 0055 UTC while
anchored at Pointe Noire anchorage. Two robbers boarded the vessel from the stern. After being
spotted by the crew, the robbers immediately escaped with ship’s stores (IMB).
.
H. INDIAN OCEAN-EAST AFRICA:
.
1. GULF OF ADEN: General cargo ship (THOR TRAVELLER) fired upon 14 Apr 10 at
2345 UTC while underway in position 12:42N – 047:23E, approximately 125NM northwest of
Bosasso, Somalia. Approximately seven men armed with RPGs and guns in a skiff chased and
opened fire on the vessel underway. The captain conducted evasive maneuvers and contacted
nearby warships for assistance, who later intercepted the skiff. The vessel sustained damages
from gunfire (IMB, CMF).
.
2. GULF OF ADEN: Amphibious dock landing ship (USS ASHLAND) fired upon 10 Apr
10 while underway approximately 240NM east of Aden, Yemen. Suspected pirates opened fire
on the US warship, causing the ship to respond by returning fire, destroying the skiff. All six
suspects were rescued and detained onboard the ASHLAND. No damage to the ASHLAND was
reported (AP, Mercury chat).
.
3. GULF OF ADEN: Chemical tanker reported suspicious approach 4 Apr 10 at 0545 UTC
while underway in position 13:58.8N – 051:25E, approximately 135NM southeast of Al
Mukalla, Yemen. Vessel reported being chased by three white skiffs and one mother ship. The
captain conducted evasive maneuvers and reported no further incidents (IMB).
.
4. GULF OF ADEN: Vehicle carrier reported suspicious approach 06 Apr 10 at 0840 UTC
while underway in position 14:06.8N – 051:51.8E, approximately 160NM southeast of Al
Mukalla, Yemen. Armed men in skiffs began initial approaches to the vessel, but never got
within boarding range as the vessel master employed counter-piracy measures and the skiffs
aborted the chase (IMB).
.
5. GULF OF ADEN: Tanker (TORM RAGNHILD) fired upon 3 Apr 10 at 0539 UTC while
underway in position 13:51.7N – 051:05.1E, approximately 120NM southeast of Al Mukalla,
Yemen. Men armed with RPGs and automatic weapons chased and opened fire on the vessel.
The vessel enforced counter-piracy measures, conducted evasive maneuvers, and sent out a
distress call. The IMB PRC relayed the request to authorities. A military aircraft arrived on
location and circled the tanker, forcing the attackers to abort the attempt (IMB, AFP).
.
6. GULF OF ADEN: General cargo ship (ICEBERG I) hijacked 29 Mar 10 at 0930 local
time while underway in position 13:15N – 046:40E, approximately 10NM off the Yemeni coast.
Armed pirates boarded and hijacked the vessel, taking hostage the 24 crewmembers onboard
(IMB, Reuters).
.
7. GULF OF ADEN: Tanker (VALLE DI CASTIGLIA) fired upon 28 Mar 10 at 1524 UTC
while underway in position 13:08N – 048:45E, approximately 80NM southwest of Al Mukalla,
Yemen. Four men in a skiff armed with machine guns chased and fired upon the vessel. The
alarm was raised, SSAS alert sent out and coalition forces were contacted. A warship advised it
would arrive at location within 40 minutes. The vessel increased speed, adopted evasive
maneuvers, and escaped the boarding attempt (IMB, Intermanager.org).
.
8. GULF OF ADEN: Tanker (JO BETULA) fired upon 26 Mar 10 at 1510 UTC while
underway in position 13:15.4N – 049:11.4E, approximately 75NM south of Al Mukalla, Yemen.
Six armed men in a skiff opened fire and tried to board the vessel. The captain enforced counter-
piracy measures, contacted coalition forces, and increased speed. The armed men eventually
aborted the attempt (IMB, MSCHOA).
.
9. GULF OF ADEN: Chemical tanker reported suspicious approach 26 Mar 10 at 1245
UTC while underway in position 12:32.2N – 044:45.1E, approximately 20NM southwest of
Aden, Yemen. Armed men in a skiff approached the vessel at a distance of 2NM. The vessel
increased speed to 16 knots as the skiff continued to approach. At a distance of less than a mile,
the master and onboard security noticed three men in the skiff and due to persistence of
approach, the security team fired warning shots. The skiff continued to approach the tanker and
the security team fired about 30 warning shots until the skiff abandoned the approach. Coalition
forces were informed and a helicopter arrived on scene to investigate incident (IMB).
.
10. GULF OF ADEN: Vessel fired upon 24 Mar 10 at 0515 UTC while underway in
position 13:24N – 048:16E, approximately 80NM southwest of Al Mukalla, Yemen. Vessel
reported shots fired, and reportedly a security team was on board. No further information to
provide (Mercury chat).
.
11. INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier fired upon 21 Apr 10 at 1050 UTC while underway in
position 01:10.05N – 065:00.08E, approximately 665NM northeast of Port Victoria, Seychelles.
Four men in a blue skiff armed with RPGs and automatic weapons opened fire on the vessel for
approximately three minutes. The vessel increased speed and conducted evasive maneuvers,
forcing the attackers to abandon the attempt (IMB, Operator).
.
12. INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (VOC DAISY) hijacked 21 Apr 10 at 0605 UTC while
underway in position 16:25N – 057:13E, approximately 280NM northeast of Socotra Island.
Suspected pirates in skiffs boarded and hijacked the vessel, taking 21 crewmembers hostage (AP,
IMB).
.
13. INDIAN OCEAN: French warship (FS SOMME) fired upon 19 Apr 10 at 2101 UTC
while underway approximately 400NM southeast of Mogadishu, Somalia. Two skiffs opened
fire on the ship, causing the SOMME to return fire with warning shots. When the skiffs
attempted to flee, the SOMME pursued the skiffs and was able to capture one, detaining four
suspected pirates (Reuters, MSCHOA).
.
14. INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker fired upon 18 Apr 10 at 0725 UTC while underway in
position 09:29N – 068:56E, approximately 865NM southeast of Socotra Island and 430NM west
of Kochi, India. Four men in a skiff armed with RPGs opened fire on the vessel. Counter-piracy
measures were enforced and an embarked security team fired warning shots at the skiff, forcing
them to abort the attack. No casualties to the crew or ship were reported (IMB, Operator).
.
15. INDIAN OCEAN: Fishing vessels (PRANTALAY 11) (PRANTALAY 12)
(PRANTALAY 14) hijacked 18 Apr 10 at 0200 UTC while underway in position 09:29N –
069:18E, approximately 230NM northwest of Minicoy Island, India. Armed men in skiffs
opened fire on the three fishing vessels and ordered them to stop. They boarded and hijacked the
vessels to possibly use as motherships. The three Thai vessels have 77 total crewmembers
onboard (AP, IMB, Operator).
.
16. INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship reported suspicious approach 11 Apr 10 at 0930 UTC
while underway in position 02:26.9N – 059:59.8E, approximately 500NM northeast of Port
Victoria, Seychelles. Three speed boats were detected on radar at a distance of about 3NM.
Two skiffs with speeds of 20 knots commenced chasing the ship. The ship alarm was raised,
speed was increased, and evasive maneuvers were conducted. The skiffs closed to 1.6NM and
aborted the pursuit (IMB).
.
17. INDIAN OCEAN: General cargo ship (RAK AFRIKANA) hijacked 11 Apr 10 at 0741
UTC while underway in position 04:45S – 051:00E, approximately 565NM southeast of
Kismayo, Somalia. Pirates boarded and hijacked the vessel and have sailed it to an undisclosed
location off Somalia (IMB, AP).
.
18. INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship (NADA) fired upon 9 Apr 10 at 1005 UTC while
underway in position 13:38N – 056:08E, approximately 115NM northeast of Socotra Island.
Armed men in skiffs chased and fired upon the vessel using machine guns and RPGs. The vessel
increased speed and conducted evasive maneuvers (IMB, LM: Xinhua).
.
19. INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship fired upon 8 Apr 10 at 0622 UTC while underway in
position 13:43N – 056:41E, approximately 150NM northeast of Socotra Island. Armed men in
skiffs chased and opened fire on the vessel. The vessel increased speed, conducted evasive
maneuvers and avoided the attack (IMB).
.
20. INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship fired upon 8 Apr 10 at 0622 UTC while underway in
position 13:34.5N – 057:26.7E, approximately 185NM northeast of Socotra Island. The captain
initially reported a suspicious approach by one skiff with three persons onboard at 0430. The
skiff continued to pursue and then opened fire on the vessel at 0622. Vessel increased speed to
22 knots and activated fire hoses before the skiff finally abandoned the attack (Mercury chat,
IMB).
.
21. INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (YASIN C) hijacked 7 Apr 10 at 1243 UTC while
underway in position 04:59S – 043:52E, approximately 260NM east of Mombasa, Kenya.
Pirates boarded and hijacked the vessel with its 25 crewmembers and have sailed it to an
undisclosed location (IMB, MSCHOA).
.
22. INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship (HAMBURG BRIDGE) fired upon 5 Apr 10 at 1205
UTC while underway in position 13:38.2N – 055:38.2E, approximately 90NM northeast of
Socotra Island. Armed men in skiffs chased and fired upon the vessel, using automatic weapons
and RPGs. The vessel increased speed and conducted evasive maneuvers to escape (IMB,
MSCHOA).
.
23. INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship (TAIPAN) boarded 5 Apr 10 at 0749 UTC while
underway in position 12:23N – 060:21E, approximately 340NM east of Socotra Island. Armed
men in two skiffs boarded the vessel underway. The crew locked themselves in a bulletproof
safe room and contacted authorities for assistance. The Dutch frigate TROMP arrived on scene
and dispatched a helicopter to board the vessel. The marines rescued the crew and detained the
attackers. No one was injured (IMB, AP).
.
24. INDIAN OCEAN: Chemical tanker (RISING SUN) reported attempted boarding 5 Apr
10 at 0313 UTC while underway in position 18:21N – 059:01E, approximately 110NM south of
Masirah Island, Oman. The master reported being chased by three skiffs. A distress message
was sent requesting help. Two skiffs came close to the tanker and the men placed a ladder on the
vessel’s side to board. Due to evasive maneuvers conducted by the crew, the men failed to board
the vessel. A warship arrived in the vicinity to provide assistance. No injury to the crew was
reported but the vessel sustained RPG damage (IMB, LM: Virginian-Pilot).
.
25. INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship fired upon 4 Apr 10 at 1340 UTC while underway in
position 09:24.3S – 044:30.2E, approximately 340NM southeast of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Men in a skiff armed with RPGs and automatic weapons chased and fired upon the vessel. The
vessel increased speed and conducted evasive maneuvers to evade the attack (IMB).
.
26. INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (SAMHO DREAM) hijacked 4 Apr 10 at 0740 UTC while
underway in position 08:21N – 065:00E, approximately 900NM east of Eyl, Somalia. Pirates in
skiffs boarded and hijacked the vessel. The vessel and 24 crewmembers have been taken to an
undisclosed location off Somalia (IMB, AP).
.
27. INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship (WESTERMOOR) fired upon 2 Apr 10 at 1100 UTC
while underway in position 11:06S – 046:07E, approximately 160NM northeast of Comoros.
Two skiffs with armed men onboard chased and opened fire with RPGs and automatic weapons.
Vessel conducted evasive maneuvers and successfully escaped (IMB, EUNAVFOR).
.
28. INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship (ITAL GARLAND) fired upon 2 Apr 10 at 0834
UTC while underway in position 12:50.6N – 058:10E, approximately 210NM east of Socotra
Island. Two wooden boats with seven armed men onboard chased and opened fire on the vessel.
The master increased speed to maximum and carried out evasive maneuvers. After 30 minutes
of pursuit, the two boats aborted the attack and moved away (IMB, EUNAVFOR).
.
29. INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship reported suspicious approach 31 Mar 10 at 1830 UTC
while underway in position 14:25N – 064:40E, approximately 600NM northeast of Socotra
Island. The vessel reported two skiffs approaching the vessel. The captain raised the alarm and
conducted evasive maneuvers before the suspicious skiffs moved away (Operator, IMB).
.
30. INDIAN OCEAN: Frigate (USS NICHOLAS) fired upon 31 Mar 10 approximately
150NM northwest of Port Victoria, Seychelles. Three skiffs fired upon the warship. The
NICHOLAS returned fire, sinking one skiff and detaining three pirates (Reuters).
.
31. INDIAN OCEAN: Vessel (DELMAS NACALA) fired upon 31 Mar 10 at 1713 UTC
while underway in position 01:28N – 065:09E, approximately 680NM northeast of Port Victoria,
Seychelles. The vessel reported being chased and fired upon by two small fast boats while
traveling at a speed of 18 knots. Vessel conducted evasive maneuvers and managed to prevent
further pursuit (IMB, MSCHOA, Mercury chat).
.
32. INDIAN OCEAN: Fishing vessel fired upon 31 Mar 10 at 1700 UTC while underway in
position 10:32N – 058:00E, approximately 235NM southeast of Socotra Island. Vessel reported
being fired upon while transiting at a speed of 10 knots. One crewmember was reportedly shot
in the leg during the attack (IMB).
.
33. INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (DL COSMOS) fired upon 31 Mar 10 at 1320 UTC while
underway in position 05:24S – 040:05E, approximately 60NM southeast of Mombasa, Kenya.
Captain reported being fired upon by two skiffs from the stern. Vessel was moving at
approximately 14 knots when the attack occurred. The captain increased speed and was able to
separate from the skiffs. No casualties were reported (Mercury Chat, Tradewinds).
.
34. INDIAN OCEAN: General cargo ship (CHOL SAN BONG CHONG NYON HO) fired
upon 31 Mar 10 at 0610 UTC while underway in position 02:15S – 041:31E, approximately
150NM northeast of Mombasa, Kenya. Armed men opened fire on the vessel with automatic
weapons and RPGs, resulting in severe injuries for nine crewmembers. Kenyan Coast Guard
responded to the distress call to provide assistance (IMB, MSCHOA).
.
35. INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (EVITA) fired upon 31 Mar 10 at 0513 UTC while underway
in position 02:03N – 052:27E, approximately 425NM east of Mogadishu, Somalia. Vessel
reported coming under fire by two skiffs. Vessel conducted evasive maneuvers and evaded the
attack. No injuries were reported (UKMTO, MSCHOA).
.
36. INDIAN OCEAN: Fishing vessel reportedly hijacked 30 Mar 10 while underway in last
reported position 10:08N – 056:06E, approximately 165NM southeast of Socotra Island. Owners
reported losing contact with the vessel on 30 March after no longer receiving daily updates from
the captain. Vessel is assessed as hijacked and possibly being used as a mothership to conduct
pirate attacks. No further information to provide at this time (IMB, Mercury chat).
.
37. INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (SAVEH) fired upon 28 Mar 10 at 0815 UTC while
underway in position 01:01.1S – 057:14.4E, approximately 245NM northeast of Port Victoria,
Seychelles. Two skiffs with 2-3 armed men in each, chased and fired upon the vessel with
machine guns and RPGs. The armed men continued the attack for over two hours before
eventually moving away. No injuries to the crew but the vessel sustained minor damage (IMB,
EUNAVFOR).
.
38. INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship fired upon 25 Mar 10 at 0804 UTC while underway
in position 03:49S – 046:10E, approximately 300NM southeast of Kismayo, Somalia. Vessel
reported coming under fire from two skiffs with 4-5 persons onboard. Vessel increased speed
and the two skiffs aborted the attack (UKMTO).
.
39. INDIAN OCEAN: Cargo ship reported suspicious approach 24 Mar 10 at 1649 UTC
while underway in position 14:09N – 052:27E, approximately 105NM northwest of Socotra
Island. Vessel reported being approached by two skiffs and a mothership. Master increased
speed and the skiffs broke off pursuit (UKMTO).
.
40. INDIAN OCEAN: Cargo ship (TALCA) hijacked 23 Mar 10 at 1258 UTC while
underway in position 17:28N – 056:42.7E, approximately 325NM northeast of Socotra Island.
Pirates in two speed boats boarded and hijacked the vessel with 25 crewmembers while
underway. The vessel is currently sailing to an undisclosed location off the Somali coast (IMB,
Operator, LM: Xinhua).
.
41. INDIAN OCEAN: Cargo ship (ALMEZAAN) fired upon 23 Mar 10 at 0808 UTC while
underway in position 03:45N – 048:07E, approximately 30NM from the coast of Somalia and
200NM northeast of Mogadishu. Owner reported the vessel came under attack by three skiffs
while underway. A security team onboard returned fire, killing one pirate. Six suspected pirates
were captured and detained by the Spanish navy (UKMTO, AP, BBC).
.
42. INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (FRIGIA) hijacked 23 Mar 10 at 0137 UTC while
underway in position 11:41.5N – 066:05.3E, approximately 680NM east of Socotra Island.
Pirates boarded and hijacked the vessel with 21 crewmembers and are sailing it to an unknown
destination off the Somali coast (IMB, Operator, LM: Xinhua).
.
43. INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker fired upon 22 Mar 10 at 1200 UTC while underway in
position 14:56.4N – 055:01.6E, approximately 140NM northeast of Socotra Island. Six armed
men in a speedboat chased and fired upon the vessel while attempting to board from the port
quarter. The master raised the alarm, fired rocket flares, increased speed and conducted evasive
maneuvers. The attack was aborted after approximately 20 minutes. No injuries to the crew
were reported while the tanker sustained minor damages (IMB).
.
44. BANGLADESH: Container ship robbed 7 Apr 10 at 0400 local time while berthed in
position 22:14.3N – 091:49.6E, Chittagong port. Shore watchman onboard spotted three robbers
armed with long knives on the poop deck. The robbers stole ship’s stores and jumped overboard
and escaped. Attempts to contact authorities were unsuccessful (IMB).
.
I. RED SEA: No current incidents to report.
.
J. PERSIAN GULF: No current incidents to report.
.
K. SOUTHEAST ASIA:
.
1. MALAYSIA: Tanker (SEMUA GEMBIRA) robbed 17 Apr 10 at 0600 local time while
anchored in position 01:18.42N – 104:12.7E, approximately 1NM south of Tanjung Ayam. Six
robbers armed with swords and parangs boarded the vessel via the poop deck. They tied up the
greaser in the engine room and stole ship’s engine parts. The watch officer spotted them and
raised the alarm to muster the crew, but the robbers managed to escape (ReCAAP, IMB).
.
2. STRAIT OF MALACCA: Tanker reported suspicious approach 17 Apr 10 at 1055 local
time while underway in position 04:02.3N – 099:45E, approximately 55NM northwest of Lumut,
Malaysia. One fishing boat with a few persons onboard approached the tanker while drifting.
The master suspected persons intended to board the vessel and sounded the alarm. The vessel
conducted counter-piracy measures and activated fire hoses. The boat stayed close to the vessel
for sometime before eventually moving away (IMB).
.
3. INDONESIA: General cargo ship robbed 20 Apr 10 at 0345 local time while anchored at
Tanjung Priok. Four robbers armed with long knives boarded the vessel. The duty watch
noticed one robber coming out from the port side entrance and immediately informed the officer
on watch who raised the alarm. The robbers escaped with stolen ship’s equipment (IMB).
.
4. INDONESIA: General cargo ship reported attempted boarding 10 Apr 10 at 2236 local
time while anchored at Pemancingan anchorage. A robber attempted to climb up the anchor
chain. The crew spotted him and informed the bridge. The alarm was raised and ship’s whistle
was sounded. The robber jumped into the water and escaped (IMB).
.
5. INDONESIA: Tanker robbed 10 Apr 10 at 0515 local time while anchored in position
01:28.6S – 116:48.9E, Lawi anchorage, Balikpapan. Robbers boarded the vessel by breaking
open the hawse pipe cover. They entered the forecastle and stole ship’s equipment by breaking
the lock on the booby hatch (IMB).
.
6. INDONESIA: Chemical tanker reported attempted boarding 30 Mar 10 at 0030 local time
while berthed in Dumai port. Seven robbers using a rope, attempted to climb aboard the vessel.
The duty watch spotted them and informed the duty officer. Upon being spotted, the robbers
retreated back into their boat and escaped (IMB).
.
7. SOUTH CHINA SEA: Tug (PU 2007), towing barge (PU 3316) reportedly hijacked 19
Apr 10 at 2328 local time while underway in position 04:25.51N – 104:18.92E, approximately
57NM northeast of Kuantan, Malaysia. The tug activated its SSAS while underway at the above
position and subsequently every 30 minutes after that. Suspected that it had been hijacked, the
owners reported the incident. It is assessed that the tug and barge had deviated from its planned
course and heading easterly. The last assessed position of the tug is approximately 91NM east
northeast of Kuantan, heading easterly at almost 4 knots towards the Philippines. On 20 Apr 10
at 1525 local time, the barge was spotted at position 04:29.9N – 104:56.8E, approximately
105NM east northeast of Kuantan (ReCAAP).
.
8. SOUTH CHINA SEA: Bulk carrier (STAR YPSILON) robbed 9 Apr 10 at 0200 local
time while underway in position 03:19.1N – 105:28.9E, approximately 20NM northwest of
Pulau Jemaja, Indonesia. Seven men armed with guns and long knives boarded the vessel and
stole the ship’s cash box and two mobile phones. The alarm was raised and authorities were
informed. No crewmembers were injured. ReCAAP ISC Comment: The STAR YPSILON
and THERESA LIBRA incidents were likely involving the same group of men as the modus
operandi was similar. Both incidents occurred during hours of darkness while the ships were
underway, mostly along the north-easterly recommended route in the South China Sea
(ReCAAP).
.
9. SOUTH CHINA SEA: Chemical tanker (THERESA LIBRA) robbed 7 Apr 10 at 2300
local time while underway in position 02:44.2N – 105:16.3E, approximately 6NM west of Pulau
Damar, Indonesia. While underway at approximately 12 knots, eight men armed with knives
boarded the vessel from a boat. They took the engineer hostage and entered the accommodation
area. Upon reaching the bridge, they threatened the crew with knives and took the captain
hostage. They proceeded to raid the cabin of the captain and officers, taking cash and valuables.
After approximately 20 minutes, the robbers escaped in their boat, which was alongside the poop
deck. The men were casually dressed, spoke English with a local accent and were aggressive
throughout the incident. No crewmembers were injured (ReCAAP).
.
10. SOUTH CHINA SEA: Fishing vessels fired upon 23 Mar 10 at 0901 UTC while
underway in position 05:16N – 106:30E, approximately 205NM northeast of Tanjong Berhala,
Malaysia. Armed robbers in a 15-meter long boat chased and fired upon two fishing vessels.
The vessels increased speed and managed to evade the boat. No injuries to the crew were
reported (IMB).
.
11. VIETNAM: Chemical tanker robbed 3 Apr 10 at 0230 local time while berthed in
position 10:38N – 106:46E, Hiep Phouc. Three robbers armed with knives boarded the vessel
and took the 2nd officer as hostage. They stole ship’s properties then escaped. The hostage
crewmember was injured and sent to shore for medical treatment (IMB).
.
12. PHILIPPINES: Chemical tanker reported suspicious approach 4 Apr 10 at 0215 UTC
while underway in position 04:10.3N – 120:41.3E, south of Tawi Tawi, Celebes Sea. Vessel
reported being chased by skiffs for 30 minutes. Evasive maneuvers were conducted and the
vessel continued its transit (IMB).
.
L. NORTH ASIA: No current incidents to report.
.
M. PACIFIC-ANTARCTIC OCEAN: No current incidents to report.
.
N. ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC NON-STATE ACTIVIST GROUPS: No current
incidents to report.

U.S.Admiral Encourages Armed Guards on Ships

As reported by VOA news.com

U.S. Admiral Mark Fitzgerald says commercial ships in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean should carry armed guards to help defend against Somali pirates.

"The area is enormous and we just do not have enough assets to cover every place in the Indian Ocean," said Fitzgerald, who commands U.S. Naval Forces in Europe and Africa.

While trying to open a corridor through the Gulf of Aden, some of the pirates have been forced into the Indian Ocean as far away as the Seychelles.

"There has got to be security on these ships in my opinion," said Fitzgerald. "Those security detachments that are on some of the large commercial ships have been very effective. It is up to the commercial industry to figure out how to deal with this. But I do not think that we can give them a 100 percent guarantee that we can protect them, nor should we."

Somali pirates have stepped up hijacking attacks in recent months, making tens of millions of dollars in ransom by seizing ships, including oil tankers, despite the presence of dozens of foreign naval vessels. They have been particularly active in recent weeks, and now hold about 20 ships with hundreds of crew members.

The U.S. Navy says it has five to 10 ships, ranging from speed boats to frigates, involved in counter-piracy efforts off the coast of East Africa.

Fitzgerald says Somalis enriched by piracy are buying up properties in the Kenyan cities of Nairobi and Mombassa, as well as in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He says the international community must organize a joint campaign to crack down on those who finance the pirates.

"We really need to go after, in my opinion, the money, the logistics, how are they being supported with ships, fuel, those kinds of things," he said. "And we really need the rule of law piece to be fixed so that when we do catch these pirates, we are able to bring them to justice."

The admiral says it is difficult to find countries willing to prosecute the pirates.

He says the U.S. State and Justice departments are working on a plan to prosecute pirates being held on board Navy ships.

The United States and international partners are helping to train African navies through what are called African Partnership Stations. According to Admiral Fitzgerald, the program focuses on enforcing a country's laws in its own waters.

"It is a lot cheaper and a lot more constructive to train the allies how to do the job and let them enforce their own territorial seas, their own economic exclusion zone, than for us to have to come down there in a shooting war," said Admiral Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald says it is unrealistic to expect a stable government in Somalia anytime soon, so there needs to be a stronger international effort to address the piracy problem.

The admiral cautions that naval patrols alone will not solve the dilemma because calmer waters are now allowing the pirates to operate thousands of kilometers off the African coast.

IMB Report Useless

The IMB is trying to soften the blow of the pirate activity by releasing a report, a bit late, to state the statistics of the first quarter of this year. By stating that piracy attacks are down in the first quarter, and relaeasing that well into the second quarter, is a useless report. Piracy this month alone is a dramatic increase.

Thier report as reported by RTT News;

There has been a sharp drop in the number of pirate attacks on ships during the first quarter of 2010, says the International Maritime Bureau(IMB).

An IMB released on Wednesday said pirate attack of ships worldwide had come down to 67 during the first three months of the current year from 102 reported in the corresponding period of last year.

The report attributed the drop in incidents to the close vigil maintained by naval forces in the pirate-infested waters of the Gulf of Aden as well as steps taken by mercantile marines.

"This marked reduction can be attributed to the continued presence and success of the navies in the Gulf of Aden along with the robust anti piracy measures adopted by the merchant navy fleet," it said.

Out of the 67 hijackings recorded so far in 2010, Somali pirates carried out 35 and the IMB called for extreme caution in dealing with corsairs from the war-ravaged nation who were equipped to fire automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades at ships.

"Somali pirates are dangerous and are prepared to fire their automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades at vessels in order to stop them," the report pointed out.

The coasts off Nigeria and Indonesia were the only other regions from where pirate attacks were reported in 2010.

Nigeria recorded just two incidents while Indonesia had eight which the IMB said should not be read too much into as Indonesian waters were notoriously unsafe during the eighties and nineties. But diligent action on the part of Indonesian authorities ensured that the menace posed by sea piracy was effectively and properly tackled.

In all, anti-piracy forces patrolling the high seas boarded 26 vessels this year and 18 ships were fired upon by pirates, 12 were unsuccessfully targeted and 11 vessels hijacked. Further 194 crew members were taken hostage by the outlaws, out of which 12 were injured.

A total of 18 incidents including the capture of five vessels and 11 attacks by pirates off the coast of east and south Somalia were recorded in 2010 whereas there were 21 incidents including four hijackings and 11 attacks in the previous year.

What they are not reporting is the dramatic increase in hijackings in April alone. Why are they releasing what they must deem a good report, so late? It seems that the Admirals of the Naval Fleets are the realistic ones, by suggesting that ships should be armed, and the IMB taking the soft line.

Third Ship Seized This Week

As Reported HERE

AFP/File – An armed Somali pirate is seen on a beach in nort

By KATHARINE HOURELD, Associated Press Writer Katharine Houreld, Associated Press Writer – 14 mins ago

NAIROBI, Kenya – Four suspected Somali pirates carrying AK-47s and a rocket-propelled grenade seized a bulk carrier with 21 crew on board Wednesday, the fourth ship pirates have seized in less than a week, officials said.

The Panamanian-flagged, Liberian-owned Voc Daisy was taken about 200 miles (300 kilometers) outside the corridor where international warships guard convoys of merchant vessels, said Cmdr. John Harbour, a spokesman for the EU Naval Force.

The hijacking of the Voc Daisy follows an attack on three Thai fishing vessels Sunday. Pirates now hold 15 vessels and 326 crew, according to an Associated Press count.

The Voc Daisy, which had been heading from the United Arab Emirates toward the Suez Canal, was registered with security officials and raised an alarm before the four armed pirates stormed aboard. It was hijacked in the Gulf of Aden about 200 miles southeast of Oman.

The hijacking of the three Thai vessels Sunday was almost 600 miles (965 kilometers) outside the normal operation area for the EU Naval Force. Pirates have expanded their range south and east in response to an increase in patrols by European and American warships off the Somali shore.

The International Maritime Bureau said Wednesday that sea attacks worldwide fell by more than a third in the first quarter this year thanks to a decline in pirate raids in the Gulf of Aden.

The number of attacks dipped by 34 percent to 67 in the January to March period, down from 102 incidents in the same period a year ago, the IMB's piracy reporting center in Kuala Lumpur said. Eleven vessels were seized, with 194 crew members taken hostage including 12 who were injured, it said.

The IMB said pirate attacks in the Gulf of Aden dropped to 17 from 41 a year ago, thanks to patrols by international navies and anti-piracy measures by merchant vessels. The east and south coasts of Somalia recorded 18 incidents, down from 21 a year ago.

IMB Director Capt. Pottengal Mukundan said there were cases where international navies in the Indian Ocean have disrupted suspected pirates, destroyed their boats and confiscated equipment.
"Such positive and robust action by the navies against mother ships, pirate skiffs and pirate action groups has been vital to keeping the attacks under control and must be sustained," he added.

Last year, sea attacks worldwide surged 39 percent to a six-year high of 406 cases, with 49 vessels hijacked.
Analysts blame Somalia's nearly 20 years of lawlessness for fueling piracy's rise. The IMB said the attacks were opportunistic in nature, with pirates sometimes paid multi-million-dollar ransoms.

Admiral Urges Arming Vessels

As Reported HERE

WASHINGTON: A top Navy commander suggested yesterday that commercial vessels should arm themselves when traveling through pirate-infested waters off the Somali coast.

Navy Adm. Mark P. Fitzgerald, commander of U.S. naval forces in Europe and Africa and of NATO’s Allied Joint Task Force Command Naples, told Pentagon reporters that the scope of the piracy problem is too great to be policed by military vessels alone.

“We could put a World War II fleet of ships out there,” Fitzgerald said, referring to the Gulf of Aden and the Mozambique Channel off the Indian coast, “and we still wouldn’t be able to cover the whole ocean.”
On an average day, 30 to 40 ships comprising international maritime forces monitor pirate activity in the Somali basin and the western Indian Ocean, Fitzgerald said, adding that five to 10 of these ships at any given time are American vessels.

Another issue, the admiral said, is what to do with pirates who are captured. The international community, he explained, has not yet answered the question of how to bring to justice pirates captured at sea. This issue has come to the fore with the recent capture of five suspected pirates by the crew of the USS Nicholas in the Indian Ocean west of the Seychelles.

“Catch and release is not a very good option,” Fitzgerald said. “How do we deal with this? We've got to come to some kind of solution.”

Somali-based piracy, the admiral said, will not go away until a government in Mogadishu is stable enough to confront the problem within its borders.

“Right now, we’re trying to shoot the arrow instead of the archer,” Fitzgerald said. He acknowledged that the prospect of a stable Somali government is unlikely in the near future.

The admiral’s comments echoed remarks Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates made last year after Navy SEAL snipers killed three Somali pirates while rescuing the kidnapped American ship captain of the Maersk-Alabama cargo ship.

Gates, emphasizing the limitations of a purely military approach to piracy, said some officials have suggested bypassing the central government of Somalia and instead establishing relationships with officials of functioning local governments there.

“There is no purely military solution to it,” the secretary told the Marine Corps War College in Quantico, Va., last year. “And as long as you’ve got this incredible number of poor people and the risks are relatively small, there’s really no way in my view to control it unless you get something on land that begins to change the equation for these kids.”

But in the near-term, Fitzgerald said yesterday, it is “incumbent upon the vessels who are sailing the high seas to either protect themselves or accept the dangers.”

Asked if he would recommend that commercial ships arm themselves, Fitzgerald said: “I think they should.”
“Commercial ships should take appropriate protections,” he added, “because we cannot offer 100-percent guarantees of protection as the ships go through.”

Fitzgerald also recommended tracking the spoils of successful piracy operations. “I think we'd be able to trace the financiers [and] the middlemen,” he said.

Anything more worthwhile to report about?

As reported HERE

Barack Obama plays more golf than George W Bush

Mr Obama often plays Vice-President Joe Biden for a dollar a hole

US President Barack Obama has played golf 32 times since he took office, more than his predecessor George W Bush did during his entire presidency.

He most recently played on Sunday, when the volcanic ash cloud over Europe forced him to cancel plans to attend the funeral of Poland's president.
The golfing figures were compiled by Mark Knoller of CBS Radio, the unofficial White House statistician.
Mr Bush, who played 24 times, was mocked for his fondness of the game.
In an interview following the bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, the former president was filmed on a golf course calling on "all nations to do everything they can to stop these terrorist killers", then pausing before saying: "Thank you. Now watch this drive."
Mr Bush later gave up playing golf while in office, saying in 2008: "I don't want some mom whose son may have recently died to see the commander-in-chief playing golf.
"I feel I owe it to the families to be... in solidarity as best as I can with them. And I think playing golf during a war just sends the wrong signal."
Golf Digest has ranked Mr Obama eighth among the list of golfing presidents, behind Bill Clinton but ahead of Ronald Reagan, who was known for practising putting in the aisle of Air Force One.
John F Kennedy, widely considered the best golfing president, took great pains to ensure he was never photographed on the course.

You would think that reporters could come up with more worth while stories

Three Ships Hijacked

As reported HERE

Somali pirates seize Thai vessels

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:44:10 GMT

Font size :

File photo of a group of captured Somali pirates

The unrelenting Somali pirates have hijacked three Thai fishing vessels with 77 crew members over the weekend, raising fears over the expansion of their territory.

The spokesman for the EU anti-piracy naval force to Somalia, Commander John Harbour, confirmed the hijackings for Press TV on Tuesday.

“This was in the Indian Ocean but far away from the east coast of Africa…This is the farthest hijacking to date. They are now operating near the Maldives and India,” said Andrew Mwangura, coordinator of the Kenya-base maritime watchdog, East African Seafarers' Assistance Program.

The three ships — named Prantalay 11, 12 and 14 — belong to a Thai-based company, PT Interfishery Ltd. The pirate-held vessels were reportedly heading towards the Somali coast.

The Thai crew members are believed to be in good health.

The naval mission patrolling the area since December 2008 has failed to stop the spread of piracy in one of the world's most important trade routes.

The bold sea bandits are now launching more and more attacks south to the Seychelles and farther out towards India as piracy has turned into a lucrative business with cash ransoms worth millions of dollars.

According to the International Maritime Bureau, Somali pirates were responsible for more than half of the reported global piracy attempts in 2009, and nearly all of the hijackings, with 47 successful captures.

Hijacking Off of Seychelles

As reported HERE

Cargo Ship Rak Afrikana

The St Vincent & Grenadines flagged cargo ship MV RAK AFRIKANA has been hijacked this morning 11 April approximately 280 nautical miles west of Seychelles.
Previously, EU NAVFOR Maritime Patrol Aircraft spotted the MV and reported 8 POB (3 of them possible pirates) and several fuel barrels. ITS Scirocco from CTF 508 is heading towards the position to investigate. The RAK AFRIKANA has currently stopped due to engine problems. MV RAK AFRICANA has deadweight of 7,561 tonnes and is owned by Rak Afrikana Shipping LTD fromSeychelles. The nationality of the crew is at this moment unknown.
EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA’s main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the ‘World Food Program’ (WFP) and vessels of AMISOM, and to protect vulnerable ships in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean and to deter and disrupt piracy. EUNAVFOR also monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia.

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Pirates Choosing Wrong Targets

As Reported HERE

US Navy holds 6 suspected pirates after battle

 

 AP – In this photo released by the U.S. Navy, a suspected pirates' skiff burns after being destroyed near …

• Slideshow:Somali Pirates

By BRIAN MURPHY, Associated Press Writer Brian Murphy, Associated Press Writer – 2 hrs 50 mins ago

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – A U.S. warship captured six suspected pirates Saturday after a battle off the Horn of Africa — the Navy's third direct encounter with seafaring bandits in less than two weeks.
The Navy has taken at least 21 suspected pirates since March 31 in the violence-plagued waters off Somalia and nearby regions, where U.S. warships are part of an international anti-piracy flotilla.
A statement by the U.S. Navy said the suspected pirates began shooting at the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland just before dawn about 380 miles (610 kilometers) off Djibouti, a small nation facing Yemen across the mouth of the Red Sea.
The Navy said the Ashland returned fire and the suspected pirate skiff was destroyed. All six people on board were rescued and taken aboard the Ashland.
The Ashland suffered no injuries or damage in the second recent attack on a U.S. warship by suspected pirates.
On March 31, the frigate USS Nicholas exchanged fire with a suspected pirate vessel west of the Seychelles, sinking their skiff and confiscating a mother ship. Five suspected pirates were captured.
On Monday, the destroyer USS McFaul responded to the distress call from a merchant vessel and captured 10 other suspected pirates.
The Navy said it was reviewing "multiple options" on the suspects' fates.
Some suspected pirates have been turned over to Kenya for trial, but there has been some reluctance by African nations to become a center for prosecutions. In December, the Dutch government released 13 suspected Somali pirates after the European Union failed to find a country willing to prosecute them.
One of the suspected pirates accused of attacking the U.S.-flagged merchant ship Maersk Alabama last year is facing trial in the United States.
At the United Nations, Russia has introduced a draft resolution to the U.N. Security Council that calls for strengthening the international legal system to ensure captured Somali pirates do not escape punishment.
In Turkey, a news agency reported Saturday that Somali pirates have abandoned a commandeered Turkish ship.
The Dogan agency quoted Fatih Kabal, an official of Bergen Shipping based in Istanbul, as saying the pirates left the MV Yasin C, which was seized Wednesday 250 miles (400 kilometers) off the Kenyan coast.
Kabal said the crew had locked themselves in the engine room and realized that the pirates had left the ship on Friday. He said crew members, who were unharmed, took the damaged ship to the Kenyan port of Mombasa.
Somali pirates have been known to give up on ships they believe have no ransom value, such as vessels owned or hired by Somali traders.
Meanwhile, the owner of a hijacked supertanker has begun negotiations for the ship's release, a South Korean Foreign Ministry official said on condition of anonymity, citing the sensitivity of the talks. Repeated calls to the vessel operator, South Korea-based Samho Shipping, seeking comment went unanswered on Saturday night. The vessel is owned by a Singaporean company.
A South Korean naval destroyer that had been monitoring the ship began sailing away from the pirates Saturday and heading back toward the Gulf of Aden after the pirates warned the sailors not to come any closer.
Authorities say Somali pirates hijacked the 300,000-ton Samho Dream in the Indian Ocean on April 4. The ship was transporting crude oil worth about $160 million from Iraq to the U.S. with a crew of 24 South Koreans and Filipinos.
More than a dozen ships and their crew are believed to be currently held by pirates off the lawless coast of Somalia.

Piracy Organized?

Over  a period of time, ISSG Holdings, Ltd. and Evolutionary Security Management, Inc. have been tracking piracy incidents as part of our risk assessment program. Below is a representation of a possible pattern emerging, to indicate that piracy may be a bit more organized than some may think.

With a study of the map, with documented attacks and hijackings, we can see a pattern definitively emerging.
This is where the question arises, are the pirates coordinated enough to assign areas of responsibility to various groups?

In the representation above, there are four very distinctive piracy groupings, and one emerging piracy zone. It should be noted that there are attacks and hijackings that are not included in the actual represented zones, and there may be unreported attacks outside the represented zones.

Most of the piracy maps we see, have a lot of dots on them and really do not make a lot of sense, other than the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean are Pirate areas. We have tried to identify what could be an emergence in piracy patterns. your comments are welcome.

Contributed by:
Allan McDougall
Evolutionary Security Management, Inc.
www.evolutionarysecurity.ca

Pirates Seriously Wound Nine Seafarers

As Reported HERE
Heavily armed Somali pirates shot and wounded nine seafarers during a bloody attempt to hijack a North Korean cargo ship off Kenya on Wednesday, a maritime watchdog said. "There was a very violent attack against a North Korean vessel by Somali pirates who used automatic rifles and RPGs (rocket-propelled grenades)," Pottengal Mukundan, director of the London based International Maritime Bureau (IMB) told AFP.
"Nine crew members have been seriously injured as a result of the attack," he added.
Mukundan said Somali pirates, who have become a serious hazard for shipping in the region, attacked the ship which was heading to Mombasa.
"Despite coming under heavy attack, the pirates were unable to board the ship," he said.
Mukundan said IMB had relayed news of the attack to the relevant authorities to provide assistance to the crew.
Urging seafarers to remain alert, he said pirates were shifting their attacks against ships "well south of the previous areas of risk, threatening the trade route into Mombasa and Dar es Salaam."
"The level of violence has increased against ships. We call on the navies to continue robust action against mother ships when the mother ships are located," he said.
Somali pirates have expanded from the Gulf of Aden into the open seas of the Indian Ocean, venturing as far as the Seychelles and beyond.
Despite the increased international military presence off Somalia's coastline - the longest on the African continent - pirates have raked in huge ransoms.
Alongside the EU, the United States and other national navies deployed warships off the Somali coast in December 2008 to protect shipping and secure maritime routes in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.