29 Apr 10
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Office of Naval Intelligence
Civil Maritime Analysis Department
Worldwide Threat to Shipping
Mariner Warning Information
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POC: Andrew Moulder:
Comm (301) 669-4784
Fax (301) 669-3247
E-mail amoulder@nmic.navy.mil
Tyrone Wheeler:
Comm (301) 669-3662
Fax (301) 669-3247
E-mail twheeler@nmic.navy.mil
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1. This message provides information on threats to, and criminal action against merchant
shipping worldwide in the last 30 days.
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A. To aid in our reporting, please add the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) as an information
addressee when possible to your normal corporate and organizational reporting requirements.
The ONI message address is ONI WASHINGTON DC//11// or, the ONI Violence at Sea (VAS)
desk may be contacted at commercial phone (301) 669-4784 or via e-mail:
amoulder@nmic.navy.mil. Report may also be made to the National Response Center (U.S.
Coast Guard) hotline: 1-800-424-8802 or the Maritime Administration, Office of Security,
MAR-420; TEL 202-366-1883; FAX 202-366-3954; email owen.doherty@dot.gov.
ONI's goal is to provide the maritime community with relevant information concerning
threats to safe commercial ship operations for use by maritime personnel in implementing
security. In order to promote consistent use of accurate terms of reference, the following are
adopted to describe the range of criminal anti-shipping activity and impediments to safe
navigation in our worldwide reporting and analysis:
Boarding - Unauthorized presence on the ship whether in port or underway.
Robbery - Theft from a vessel or from persons aboard the vessel.
Kidnap - Unauthorized forcible removal of persons belonging to the vessel from it.
Hijack - Unauthorized seizure and retention of a vessel by persons not part of its complement.
Firing upon - Weapons discharged at or toward a vessel.
Attempted boarding - Close approach or hull-to-hull contact with report that boarding
paraphernalia were employed or visible in the approaching boat.
Suspicious approach - All other unexplained close proximity of an unknown vessel.
Blocking - Hampering safe navigation, docking, or undocking of a vessel as a means of protest.
Please note that these terms relate to observable activity and are independent of target vessel status
and exclude actions by governmental authorities in lawful pursuit of their authority. ONI
welcomes comment and suggestions for addition or amendment.
3. INDIAN OCEAN: Spain captures eight suspected Somali pirates, 25 Apr 10. The
Spanish navy captured eight suspected pirates off the coast of Somalia on Sunday as part of
Europe's counter-piracy mission in the area, the Defense Ministry said. The Spanish frigate
VICTORIA captured a whaleboat and various skiffs, on which the ministry said arms and other
materials suitable for use in pirate attacks were discovered. Under instructions from Europe's
counter-piracy "Operation Atalanta," the Spanish navy destroyed the whaler and took its eight
crew on a skiff toward the Somali coast, the ministry said in a statement. European defense
ministries agreed on Sunday to extend their counter-piracy mission in the area beyond 2010,
Spain's Defense Ministry said in a separate note (Reuters).
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4. INDIAN OCEAN: French navy captures six men after pirate attack, 19 Apr 10. French
forces captured six suspected pirates in the Indian Ocean after a command and supply ship was
attacked by gunmen in speedboats, the French military said on Wednesday. Pirates in two skiffs
attacked the (SOMME) overnight on Monday, some 300-km (190 miles) off the coast of
Somalia. The French fired back and the speedboats fled. No one was injured and after a brief
search of the area, the Somme discovered the assailants' mother ship. "We found the suspected
pirates, petrol and equipment that could be used for anything but fishing," said Colonel Patrick
Steiger, a spokesman for the military. It was the second time in six months that the "Somme"
had come under attack while taking part in a European anti-piracy operation in the area
(Reuters).
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5. INDIAN OCEAN: Turkish navy commandos capture pirates, 18 Apr 10. Turkey's
military says navy commandos aboard a frigate captured 13 pirates in the Indian Ocean. The
military says the commandos aboard Turkey's (TCG GELIBOLU) stopped the pirate vessel on
Sunday as it sailed off the Seychelles on a route being used by a Turkish freighter heading to
Mombassa, Kenya. The commandos captured the pirates, destroyed their two skiffs and
confiscated other pirate material. The military says the pirates were photographed throwing
weapons and ammunition overboard, but didn't say how close the pirates were to the freighter.
The military did not say where the captured pirates would be taken (AP).
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6. INDIAN OCEAN: US Navy ship captures pirates in Gulf of Oman, 5 Apr 10. The Navy
guided-missile destroyer MCFAUL captured 10 pirates after an attack on a ship near Salalah,
Oman. The pirates pulled alongside the motor vessel RISING SUN on Tuesday and were firing
small arms and rocket-propelled grenades, prompting the crew to send out a distress call,
according to a news release from the U.S. Navy. The RISING SUN’s crew increased its speed
and used evasive maneuvers such as spraying the attackers with fire hoses, the release says. The
maneuvers worked and the pirates broke off their attack and returned to their mother ship, an
Indian cargo dhow under their control. The Oman Navy warship AL SHARQUIYAH arrived
first on the scene, and as it approached the dhow, nine sailors who were being held hostage
jumped into the water, the release says. One of the sailors drowned, but the others were taken
aboard the Omani Navy ship. The MCFAUL arrived as the Omani crew was helping the sailors
who escaped. The MCFAUL’s crew directed the pirates to surrender by putting their hands in the
air and gathering on the bow of the seized dhow. As they complied, they could be seen throwing
weapons overboard. Two boarding teams from the MCFAUL took control of the dhow and
detained the pirates, who were transferred to the U.S. destroyer CARNEY, where they will be
held until they can be transferred for prosecution, the release says. The surviving sailors who
escaped their captors aboard the dhow were returned to the vessel, according to the U.S. Navy
(LM: Virginian-Pilot).
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7. INDIAN OCEAN: Dutch sidestep EU red tape to rescue German ship, 5 Apr 10. Gaining
fast on the pirates who had seized a German freighter, Dutch naval captain Col. Hans Lodder had
no time to waste on bureaucracy. Sidestepping the command of the European Union's anti-
piracy task force, he went instead to his own government for authorization to recapture the ship
by force. Lodder first ascertained that the freighter's crew had locked themselves in a bulletproof
room. Then he launched his ship's Lynx helicopter with a team of six special forces marines.
With troops providing cover fire from the helicopter, the marines rappelled onto the ship's deck
of the MV TAIPAN to shoot it out, if need be, with the pirates. But they met no resistance. The
15-man crew was rescued, and 10 Somali pirates were captured. "The pirates surrendered the
moment they saw the marines," Lodder said in a telephone interview Tuesday from the Dutch
frigate TROMP. No one was injured. Monday's successful rescue showed that, when swift
decisions are needed, it can be quicker to work around the European Union's command. It was
the first time a Dutch ship involved in the EU mission had used force to recapture a hijacked
ship. An EU spokesman could not immediately recall any incident when troops under EU
command had boarded a seized ship under the threat of fire. Lodder said he decided to seek
permission from his own command for an "opposed boarding" — one where pirates may resist
— rather than act under procedures laid down by Brussels. "We just told my force commander
we would operate under national command until after the boarding," Lodder told The Associated
Press. "We kept everyone in the EU informed of everything we did." A spokesman for the EU
mission acknowledged the Dutch action avoided a delay and was legitimate. "For speed of
reaction, if you're on the spot ... (and) dispatched at haste to react to something immediately, the
best thing to do is to go under national command," said Cmdr. John Harbour, U.K.-based
spokesman for the European Union Naval Force Somalia. "If we were about to conduct an
operation with a bit more time on our hands then we may well have gone through the standard
EU process with a view to consulting," he added. "That consultation just takes a bit longer." The
TROMP may turn over the 10 captured Somalis on Monday to German or Dutch prosecutors for
what would be a rare European piracy trial (AP).
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E. Source codes: Information contained in this report is derived through direct reporting and
analysis of reports of other agencies and commercial sources. Source codes will be added to
new reports to enable users requiring more detail to make contact. Codes currently in use are:
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AFP, Agence France Presse
AP, Associated Press
BBC, BBC News
BIMCO, Baltic and International Maritime Council, Denmark
DHS, U. S. Department of Homeland Security
DOJ, U. S. Department of Justice
DOS, U.S. Department of State
DOT, U. S. Department of Transportation
FP, Fairplay, London
IMB, International Maritime Bureau, London and Kuala Lumpur
IMO, International Maritime Organization, London
INFO, Informa Group, formerly LLP, Llp Limited, London
LAT, Latitude38.com website
LL, Lloyd's List, daily, London
LM, local media
MARAD, Maritime Administration, US
MSC, Maritime Security Council, US
MSCHOA, Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa http://www.mschoa.eu/
NATO, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Brussels
NGA, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Navigation
Safety System
ONI, Office of Naval Intelligence analysis and comment
Operator, owner or operator of affected vessel
OSAC, Overseas Security Advisory Council
USCG, United States Coast Guard
RAN, Royal Australian Navy
ReCAAP ISC, Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy
and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia, Information Sharing Center
http://www.recaap.org
Reuters, Reuters Press
Risk Intelligence/MaRisk, Maritime Security Risk Solutions
RNZN, Royal New Zealand Navy
SAP, Seafarers’ Assistance Program, Kenya
STATE, U. S. Department of State
TW, Tradewinds
UKMTO, United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization
UPI, United Press International
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2. Designation of a high threat area is based on an assessment of all source information relating
to the existence of, or potential for piracy and other crime, terrorism, civil unrest or low intensity
conflict. Every effort is made to ensure that incidents are not double-counted. In the event
double counting is detected or an event is later learned not to be as initially reported, an
explanation of the cancellation of the inaccurate report will be made in at least one message prior
to dropping the erroneous report. Specific incidents will be reported for one month.
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3. This week's reporting:
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A. Tanker fired upon 27 Apr 10, Lagos, Nigeria.
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B. Tanker robbed 24 Apr 10, Boma, Democratic Republic of Congo.
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C. Tanker reported suspicious approach 25 Apr 10, approximately 30NM northwest of Mokha,
Yemen.
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D. Bulk carrier reported suspicious approach 25 Apr 10, approximately 30NM northwest of
Mokha, Yemen.
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E. Tanker fired upon 25 Apr 10, approximately 815NM northeast of Socotra Island.
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F. Tanker (ISUZUGAWA) fired upon 25 Apr 10, approximately 815NM northeast of Socotra
Island.
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G. Tanker (PYXIS DELTA) fired upon 23 Apr 10, approximately 640NM northeast of Socotra
Island.
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H. Chemical tanker reported attempted boarding 22 Apr 10, Eastern OPL anchorage, Malaysia.
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I. Tug (PU 2402) robbed 27 Apr 10, approximately 70NM northeast of Kuantan, Malaysia.
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J. Container ship robbed 28 Apr 10, Vung Tau anchorage, Vietnam.
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K. Tanker robbed 21 Apr 10, Vung Tau anchorage, Vietnam.
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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:
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A. NORTH AMERICA: No current incidents to report.
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B. CENTRAL AMERICA-CARIBBEAN: No current incidents to report.
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C. SOUTH AMERICA:
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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).
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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).
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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).
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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).
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D. ATLANTIC OCEAN AREA: No current incidents to report.
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E. NORTHERN EUROPE-BALTIC: No current incidents to report.
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F. MEDITERRANEAN-BLACK SEA: No current incidents to report.
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G. WEST AFRICA:
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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).
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2. NIGERIA: Tanker fired upon 27 Apr 10 at 2145 local time while in position 06:10.1N –
003:20.92E, Lagos. An officer on the vessel noticed on radar a boat approaching from the port
bow. When lights were directed at the boat, the boat stopped and turned towards another vessel.
Later, the boat approached the tanker from astern. The men in the boat opened fire at the vessel
and attempted to board but failed due to razor wire around the deck and the vessel’s constant
maneuvering. All vessels in the vicinity were informed via VHF. No injuries to the crew were
reported (IMB).
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3. 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).
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4. DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Tanker robbed 24 Apr 10 while anchored at
Boma. Robbers boarded the vessel and stole ship’s properties before escaping unnoticed. No
further details to provide (IMB).
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H. INDIAN OCEAN-EAST AFRICA:
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1. RED SEA: Tanker reported suspicious approach 25 Apr 10 at 0523 UTC while underway
in position 13:48N – 043:00E, approximately 30NM northwest of Mokha, Yemen. Two skiffs
were sighted at a distance of 1NM from the vessel. One skiff approached the vessel at a high
speed, with four armed men and a hook ladder visible. Armed security personnel onboard fired
several warning shots at the skiff forcing the armed men to abandon the pursuit (IMB).
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2. RED SEA: Bulk carrier reported suspicious approach 25 Apr 10 at 0515 UTC while
underway in position 13:46.2N – 042:57.7E, approximately 30NM northwest of Mokha, Yemen.
Vessel reported being chased by two high speed wooden boats with approximately six persons in
each. The vessel increased speed and conducted evasive maneuvers. After approximately 80
minutes, the boats moved away (Operator, IMB).
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3. 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).
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4. 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).
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5. 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).
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6. GULF OF ADEN: Vehicle carrier reported suspicious approach 6 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).
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7. 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).
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8. 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).
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9. 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).
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10. INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker fired upon 25 Apr 10 at 0348 UTC while underway in
position 17:59N – 065:49E, approximately 815NM northeast of Socotra Island. Six men armed
with automatic weapons and RPGs in a white skiff chased and opened fire on the vessel. The
vessel contacted coalition forces, increased speed, and conducted evasive maneuvers. The men
attempted to board the vessel several times before finally aborting the attack. No injuries to the
crew were reported (IMB).
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11. INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (ISUZUGAWA) fired upon 25 Apr 10 at 0215 UTC while
underway in position 18:06N – 065:47E, approximately 815NM northeast of Socotra Island.
Four men armed with automatic weapons and RPGs in a white skiff chased and opened fire on
the vessel. The vessel raised the alarm, sent out a distress call, increased speed and conducted
evasive maneuvers, while the crew locked all accommodation doors. The armed men tried to
board the vessel using a steel ladder and hooks attached to ropes. They fired an RPG at the
accommodation and the ship continued with evasive maneuvering. After several attempts, the
men aborted the attack. No injuries to the crew were reported (IMB, MSCHOA).
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12. INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (PYXIS DELTA) fired upon 23 Apr 10 at 0215 UTC while
underway in position 18:06N – 065:47E, approximately 640NM northeast of Socotra Island.
Five armed men in a skiff chased and opened fire on the vessel with RPGs and automatic
weapons. The master conducted evasive maneuvers and contacted coalition forces for
assistance. The vessel raised their alarm and increased speed. The armed men chased the vessel
for more than an hour and aborted the attack. No injuries to the crew or damage to the vessel
was reported (IMB, Tradewinds).
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13. 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).
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14. 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).
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15. 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).
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16. 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).
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17. 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).
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18. 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).
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19. 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).
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20. 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).
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21. 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).
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22. 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).
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23. 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).
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24. 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).
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25. 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).
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26. 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).
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27. 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).
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28. 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).
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29. 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).
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30. 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).
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31. 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).
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32. 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).
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33. 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).
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34. 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).
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35. 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).
.
36. 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).
.
37. 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).
.
38. 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).
.
39. 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).
.
40. 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: Chemical tanker reported attempted boarding 22 Apr 10 at 0300 local time
while anchored in position 01:19.8N – 104:16.1E, Eastern OPL anchorage. Three robbers in a
boat attempted to board the vessel. The duty watchman on deck spotted the robbers and raised
the alarm, forcing them to abort the attempt. No casualties were reported (IMB).
.
2. 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).
.
3. 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).
.
4. 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).
.
5. 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).
.
6. 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).
.
7. 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).
.
8. SOUTH CHINA SEA: Tug (PU 2402) robbed 27 Apr 10 at 2138 local time while
underway in position 04:44.16N – 103:58E, approximately 70NM northeast of Kuantan,
Malaysia. Seven robbers in a small boat came along the port side of the vessel. Six of the
robbers boarded the vessel while one of them armed with a parang waited in the boat. The ship
master managed to activate the vessel’s SSAS, but was disabled by one of the robbers. All nine
crew was led to the master’s cabin with their hands tied. The robbers threatened the crew with
machetes, demanding they hand over their cash and valuables. The incident lasted
approximately 30 minutes. The robbers left the tug taking with them cash, a laptop, and the
crew’s mobile phones. The incident was reported to Singapore’s Port Operation and Control
Centre (ReCAAP).
.
9. 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).
.
10. 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).
.
11. 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).
.
12. VIETNAM: Container ship robbed 28 Apr 10 at 1848 UTC while anchored at Vung
Tau. Two robbers boarded the vessel at anchor. The duty watchman spotted the robbers and
immediately raised the alarm. The robbers managed to escape with ship’s stores. Port authority
was informed (IMB).
.
13. VIETNAM: Tanker robbed 21 Apr 10 at 0308 local time while anchored in position
10:13.7N – 107:05E, Vung Tau. Armed men boarded the tanker. The duty watchman from the
bridge spotted the robbers and raised the ship’s alarm. The robbers escaped with ship’s stores.
Port authority was informed (IMB).
.
14. 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).
.
15. 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.
.
5. Originator of this WWTTS report requests consumer feedback. Originator will incorporate all
anti-shipping events and violence against the maritime industry into this weekly message where
appropriate. The Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) can be contacted via message traffic at ONI
WASHINGTON DC//11// or, the ONI violence at sea (VAS) desk may be contacted at comm.
Phone (301) 669-4784 or via e-mail at amoulder@nmic.navy.mil.//
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