Piracy Situation Risk Assessment, September 2014, Issue 29 Highlights of the Past Month:
Last month has seen some rise of incident reporting around Indian Ocean region with at least 7 suspicious incidents. In the Western African region the attacks or suspicious events were reported in 7 occasions and South China Sea region counted at least 16 reports, including another serious theft of cargo near Malaysia's east coast.
The unusual approach has likely happened near Karala, India, around 22nm West of Kovalam, where a bulk carrier was approached twice by skiffs with armed persons. On both occasions, the embarked armed security team displayed their weapons and the skiffs stopped their approach. However, it is rather unusual area for Somali pirates taking in consideration the ongoing monsoon period. If those approaches prove true and hostile or we will see any similar incidents in near future, it may be a show stopper for the reduction of the High Risk Area. It is interesting to note that the incident was initially posted on IMB website (Incident 155-14) but it is gone now without an explanation that is rather unusual and may provoke some speculations.
Possibly more serious attempt of an attack may have happened in Gulf of Aden, where an Italian tanker possibly became surrounded by eight suspicious boats. According to the news the standoff was ended once the armed guards fired some warning shots. The news channel reporting the incident notes that a rocket was shot but it remains unclear what type rocket and by who. Was it a flare as a warning by the security team or RPG by likely pirates towards the ship? However, the report looks suspicious as there is no solid follow-up on the incident with more precise details.
Yet another serious cargo theft took place in vicinity of Malaysia. This is tenth occasion this year in the series of Western African style oil cargo lifting from the tankers passing the area. Clearly the incidents are not random but conducted by well organized crime syndicate that is tough to crack down by local authorities. The likely protection against these crimes would be armed guards on board like on Indian Ocean but the very restrictive regulations of the States in the region make the arms related logistics nearly impossible.
Western African pirates have reached out more than before. There was an ambush type hijack attempt of a product tanker transiting 200 nautical miles south of the Nigerian shoreline. This is so far furthest distance recorded the West African criminals have operated. Also, the tactics were different than usual, more similar what Somali pirates have been using – waiting for the victim far out on sea with mother vessel instead of attacking in anchorage. The vessel escaped due good alertness and well prepared piracy drills. As a single incident, it is not so called “game changer” yet. However, it is a good reminder that the alertness and readiness must be maintained all the times not just close to shoreline.
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Latest major incidents: INDIAN OCEAN, RED SEA, PERSIAN GULF INDIA: On 25 Aug – 08 21 7N, 076 36 7E at 0300 UTC a vessel was approached at speed to within 100m by a white and blue-hulled skiff with x 5 POB. At 0730 UTC in posn 08 53 4N, 075 59 1E the same MV was approached to within 300m by x 1 skiff matching the same description with x 6 POB. Both skiffs had speeds of 15-20 knots during their approach. The vessel reported sighting of weapons on board the skiff. The MV’s embarked Armed Security Team responded by showing weapons, after which the skiff backed off. (UKMTO) RED SEA: RED SEA: On 20 August, six persons in a skiff approached an underway tanker near position 12:48N – 043:14E, approximately 19 nm north of the Bab al Mandeb. As the skiff closed to a distance of 0.2 nm, the Master raised the alarm, increased speed, activated fire hoses, and mustered non-essential crew in a safe room, while onboard armed security team took positions on bridge wings. When the alarm was raised, the skiff altered course and moved away. No weapons, ladders, or fishing equipment were observed. (IMB) RED SEA: On 18 August, four skiffs approached an underway bulk carrier approximately 19 nm north of the Bab El Mandeb. As the skiffs approached the vessel, the Master raised the alarm, increased speed, commenced evasive maneuvers while nonessential crew mustered near the citadel. At a distance of approximately 0.5 nm the armed embarked security team noticed a ladder in one of the skiffs that had six individuals onboard. When the armed security team displayed their weapons, the skiffs moved away. (IMB) GULF OF OMAN: On 16 Aug – 24 33N, 57 58E – At 0543 UTC a vessel was approached by 2 skiffs (x 4 POB in one skiff, x 2 in the other) at speed closing to within 8 cables. The MV reported an alleged sighting of a ladder. Weapons were reported to have been fired from the skiffs in the water and in the direction of the MV; the embarked Armed Security Team responded by showing weapons and firing flares, the skiffs backing away. (UKMTO)
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GULF OF OMAN: On 12 Aug – 25 11N, 056 57E – At 0930 UTC an MV observed 3 white colored skiffs closing at speed; the MV carried out evasive zig-zag maneuverers, activated fire pumps and increased to maximum speed. 1 skiff with 5 POB, masked faces and alleged to be carrying weapons approached to within 50m. The MV continuing to be chased carried out evasive maneuvers making it difficult for the skiffs to follow. During the incident no ladders were sighted nor shots fired. By 1100 UTC the skiffs had given up the chase and fallen 2nm astern. (UKMTO) BAB EL MANDEB: On 6 Aug – 12 53.9N, 043 14.6E. At 0735 UTC a vessel reported the sighting of one white and blue skiff with 5 POB and allegedly, a ladder closing to within 3 cables. The vessel carried out protection measures and the embarked AST fired two flares whereupon the skiff stopped with no resulting action, no weapons were seen. (UKMTO) GULF OF ADEN: On 6 Aug at around 11 a.m. LT a pirate attack against an Italian tanker has been foiled by armed guards onboard the vessel. The vessel was en route to Fujairah (United Arab Emirates) when it became surrounded by eight suspicious boats. The armed security guards and the crew members onboard followed the procedures against piracy. According to ASSIV (news agency), they fired a rocket but the pirates were pushed back after the guards fired warning shots. Note that the wording is confusing; did pirates fire an RPG at the ship? If so, this would be a significant move and is something we haven’t seen in some time. (vesselfinder.com; marsecreview.com) RED SEA: 31 July – 15 50.4N, 041 30.08E At 2045 UTC a vessel reported being approached by three skiffs. Visibility was extremely limited and no tripwires were seen. The skiffs closed to 0.1 nm. Warning shots were fired by the AST and the skiffs dispersed, two further approaches were made before the skiffs withdrew. Vessel and crew are safe.
WEST AFRICA NIGERIA: On 27 August, an underway product tanker en route to Port Harcourt was attacked by pirates near position 04:12N - 005:15E approximately 33 nm southwest of the Bayelsa coastal area. The crew prevented the boarding by employing anti-piracy measures. (NGA) NIGERIA: On 16 August, four Nigerian construction workers were kidnapped from a dredging site along the Nembe waterways in Nembe Local Government Area in Bayelsa State. A witness stated that the dredging crew members were taken from their dredging base by armed men who came in a speedboat. (www.premiumtimesng.com) GULF OF GUINEA: On 9 August, up to three small boats approached, and fired upon the underway vessel transiting 200 nautical miles south of the Nigerian shoreline. The ship’s crew reported hearing multiple gun shots, including automatic gunfire coming from the attacking small boats. The crew initiated piracy counter measures and took cover within the ship’s interior. No injuries were reported. (The Maritime Executive)
3/5
CONGO: On 4 August, two robbers in a small boat attempted to board an anchored bulk carrier using grappling hooks and ropes near position 05:52S – 013:24E, Matadi Inner Anchorage. Duty crew noticed the robbers and raised the alarm. Seeing the crew’s response, the robbers aborted the attempted boarding and escaped in their boat. (IMB)
SOUTHEAST ASIA MALAYSIA: On 28 Aug 14 at or about 2040 hrs, six pirates armed with guns boarded a Thailand- registered oil product tanker at approximately 30 nm north of Pulau Tioman (03° 24’ N, 104° 04.80’ E). The vessel of 1074 GT was en-route from Singapore to Bangkok, carrying 1,296 tonnes of lube oil. The pirates came alongside in a wooden speed boat, approached the vessel on the portside, and boarded from stern. The pirates took control of the vessel, sailed about 10 nm away from the location of boarding. They ordered the crew to open all cargo valves, activate the cargo pump and transfer the lube oil to two tankers which came alongside. The pirates also stole the crew’s personal belongings, damaged the navigational and communication system before they left. The crew was not injured. (ReCAAP) BANGLADESH: On 25 August, a group of 36 fishermen aboard three trawlers were attacked by a group of pirates near Hatiya Upazila. At least ten of the fishermen were injured, most by gunfire, while ten others were reportedly thrown into the sea. Pirates departed after looting the ships. Local Coast Guard is investigating the incident. (www.thefinancialexpress-bd-com) INDONESIA: On 22 August, twelve robbers armed with knives boarded of an underway container ship near position 01:10N - 103:34E, 5 nm west-northwest of Nipah Island. They entered the engine room and took hostage the Electrical Officer who managed to alert the crew. The crew raised the alarm and mustered. Seeing the crew response, the robbers fled with engine spares. (IMB) MALAYSIA: 10.08.2014: 2300 LT: Posn: 01:19N –104:16E, Around 2nm South of Teluk Ramunia. Fifteen armed robbers boarded an anchored water barge. They tied up the crew, covered their faces, slapped and punched them and asked them the details of the cargo on board. As the vessel was a water barge the robbers stole the vessel’s communication equipment and crew property before escaping. MALAYSIA: 02.08.2014: 2200 LT: Posn: 05:241N – 100:05E, around 6nm West of Penang Island. Six robbers armed with guns in a skiff approached and attempted to board a product tanker underway. Duty crew noticed the robbers and informed OOW who raised the alarm and switched on the deck lights. All crew mustered and fire hoses charged. Seeing the crew alertness the robbers aborted the attempted boarding.
4/5
Summary and recommendations:
The suspicious small boat actions in Indian Ocean region will likely increase due easing of the SW Monsoon. The suspicious incident near Indian coast is not confirmed as hostile yet but it is worth to pay attention to any similar occurrence. Once something like this repeats then the vessel owners are highly advised to rethink will this route be considered safe to sail without guards.
Another hijack and theft of cargo from a tanker near Malaysia is a clear sign of a wellestablished criminal organization operating in the area. The small and medium size tankers are at the greatest risk. The pirates also understand well that as long they don’t kill or seriously injure the seafarers they are not put under the serious pressure by law enforcement forces. Therefore it is always a tough choice of the master, under attack, either surrender the cargo or implement the repelling measures that will likely upset the pirates and recall the violence. Unfortunately no good solution exists to employ armed guards in the region so far and that is definitely something to pressure authorities around the area.
In Gulf of Guinea the new trend may be developing – ambushes from mother ships far out on open sea. Those operations require good intelligence so it is highly advised to not reveal the further transit plans to no-one who do not need to know them once leaving the coastal area. Again, as the armed guards are nearly impossible to employ in the region, due restrictive regulations, the vessels need to rely on well prepared defensive counter measures and active lookout further than 200 nm from the shoreline.
Sources: ICC, NATO, ONI, NGA, UKMTO, Oceanus Live, Shipping Position, Maritime Bulletin, Marsecreview, Reuters, CNN, BBC, NYT, Al Jazeera, All Africa, cCaptain, Hellenic Shipping News, Want China Times, DefenceWeb, New Straits Times, Sahara Reporters, IHS Maritime, Maritime Security Asia, Handy Shipping Guide, International Business Times etc.
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