Saturday, May 1, 2010

April 29th ONI Piracy Report


29 Apr 10
.
Office of Naval Intelligence
Civil Maritime Analysis Department
Worldwide Threat to Shipping
Mariner Warning Information
.
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
.
1.  This message provides information on threats to, and criminal action against merchant 
shipping worldwide in the last 30 days.
.
  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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      .
      
  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:
.
      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
.
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.
.
3.  This week's reporting:
.
  A.  Tanker fired upon 27 Apr 10, Lagos, Nigeria.
.
  B.  Tanker robbed 24 Apr 10, Boma, Democratic Republic of Congo.
.
  C.  Tanker reported suspicious approach 25 Apr 10, approximately 30NM northwest of Mokha, 
  Yemen.
.
  D.  Bulk carrier reported suspicious approach 25 Apr 10, approximately 30NM northwest of 
  Mokha, Yemen.
.
  E.  Tanker fired upon 25 Apr 10, approximately 815NM northeast of Socotra Island.
.
  F.  Tanker (ISUZUGAWA) fired upon 25 Apr 10, approximately 815NM northeast of Socotra 
  Island.
.
  G.  Tanker (PYXIS DELTA) fired upon 23 Apr 10, approximately 640NM northeast of Socotra 
  Island.
.
  H.  Chemical tanker reported attempted boarding 22 Apr 10, Eastern OPL anchorage, Malaysia.
.
  I.  Tug (PU 2402) robbed 27 Apr 10, approximately 70NM northeast of Kuantan, Malaysia.
.
  J.  Container ship robbed 28 Apr 10, Vung Tau anchorage, Vietnam.
.
  K.  Tanker robbed 21 Apr 10, Vung Tau anchorage, Vietnam.
.
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:  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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
  H.  INDIAN OCEAN-EAST AFRICA:
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).  
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
. 
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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).
.
      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.//

Thursday, April 29, 2010

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.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

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

In this Wednesday, Feb.17, 2010 photo, Somali government soldiers 
patrol the street in the capital Mogadishu, Somalia. Up to half of all 
Somali soldie AP – In this Wednesday, Feb.17, 2010 photo, Somali government soldiers patrol the street in the capital Mogadishu, …


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.
___

Monday, April 26, 2010

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
 

Friday, April 23, 2010

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.