Please note the following key points that may be of relevance to you, especially if you transit of the sea area in the vicinity of Somalia PIRACY WARNING There continues to be Piracy activity in the Gulf of Aden and once again on the East Coast of Somalia. In recent attacks Pirates have played music on Ch.16 to try to jam the Channel and stop vessels contacting the coalition warships. If in any doubt or under attack, please call UKMTO immediately on + 971 50 552 3215 for assistance. Please note several vessels held for ransom off the coast of Somalia have completed, or are near completing ransom negotiations. Pirates will likely step up efforts to replace recently released vessels with newly hijacked ones. A Transit Corridor has been established to provide a route through the Gulf of Aden which will be patrolled by Military assets. Whilst it cannot guarantee that attacks will not happen it is hoped that these assets will be able to respond faster to any attacks and the patrols will act as a deterrent. Coordinates of the Transit Corridor in the Gulf of Aden are as follows: Waypoint: 12 25N 045E Waypoint: 12 35N 045E Waypoint: 13 35N 049E Waypoint: 13 40N 049E Waypoint: 14 10N 050E Waypoint: 14 15N 050E Waypoint: 14 35N 053E Waypoint: 14 45N 053E. Since the inception of the Transit Corridor, the Coalition has helped deter a great many attacks in the Gulf of Aden. However, criminals have still successfully targeted several vessels in the region. The Transit Corridor was established 22 Aug 2008 in support of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) call for international assistance to discourage attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden. The Transit Corridor is a
geographic area in the Gulf of Aden utilized by Combined Maritime Forces to focus their efforts against de-stabilizing activities. Coalition forces patrol the Transit Corridor, which is not marked or defined by visual navigational means, on a routine basis. "Coalition maritime efforts will give the IMO time to work international efforts that will ultimately lead to a long-term solution "said Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, Commander, Combined Maritime Forces."This is a problem that starts ashore and requires an international solution. We made this clear at the outset - our efforts cannot guarantee safety in the region. Our part in preventing some of these destabilizing activities is only one part of the solution to preventing further attacks." "Mariners must remain vigilant," said CTF150's commander, Commodore Christensen. "A ship's master and her crew are the first line of defence for their own ship." This fact has been highlighted by merchant mariners who have been able to take effective proactive measures to defend their vessels. Such measures have included deterring attacks simply by keeping a sharp lookout for suspicious small boats, operating both ahead and astern of their ships, increasing speed and manoeuvring to avoid small craft, and even repelling would-be boarders with water from fire monitors and hoses. Analysis to date, representing both firing incidents and vessel seizure (suspicious approach incidents that did not involve gunfire were not used in this risk quantification process) show all but one hijacking occurred during daylight hours. The single exception took place at 0430 local time during a period of 94% lunar illumination. The average service speed of the vessels that were fired upon but not boarded was 15 knots. The average service speed of the vessels that were successfully boarded by pirates was 14 knots. Attacks over the study period occurred in clusters east of longitude 046 degrees 38 minutes east and west of longitude 050 degrees 32 minutes east. Attack activity within these boundaries is likely due to a combination of factors that favour small boat operations, such as currents, prevailing winds, sea state, and distance from pirate staging areas. In addition to increasing standard anti-piracy precautions, all vessels are advised to proceed through the entire Gulf of Aden at maximum possible speed. Vessels with characteristics that put them at higher risk, like maximum speeds of 15 knots or less, as well as those with low freeboard, are advised to minimize risk by transiting as much as possible of the eastern Gulf of Aden in hours of darkness.
Masters are reminded that while coalition assets will endeavour to assist vessels with genuine problems they may be diverted by false calls. Masters are asked to assess carefully the urgency of the situation before making a general call for coalition assistance. (UKMTO can offer telephone advice should masters require this in the early stages). Please note that Coalition Assets are dual watching VHF channels 16 and 08 in the GoA. SOMALIA 1. The MV VEESHAM 1, hijacked north of Mogadishu on 1 November 2006 was released on 7 November following an armed boarding of the vessel by Somalia's Islamic Courts Union (ICU) troops. 2. This represented a major step forward in removing the threat of piracy in Somalia as the ICU showed a commitment to policing its' earlier declaration that piracy is un-Islamic and will not be tolerated however the removal of Islamic militants from influence in this area by the interim Somali Government backed by Ethiopian troops has also removed the piracy deterrent. Vessels operating off the Somali coast are therefore reminded to be vigilant during this current period. 3. Reflecting this confused state, at 1632 GMT on 19 December 2006, a bulk carrier, the SHEILA McDEVITT, reported a suspicious distress call off the SEcoast of Somalia. According to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), the bulk carrier received a distress message from a vessel five miles off their starboard bow and began tracking the signal but did not change course. The bulk carrier caught sight of the suspect vessel within five minutes and due to the increased level of piracy in the area and the approaching vessel's relatively high speed became highly suspicious. The suspect vessel did not appear to be in any distress and a group of men appeared to be on the deck. Suspecting piracy, the McDEVITT's master altered course, increased speed and secured the bridge. The suspect ship followed for a further two miles before altering course and no further action was taken. 4. On 13 Jan 2007 the United States Coast Guard Headquarters Command Centre received a report at 0635 GMT of suspected piracy off of the coast of Somalia. The vessel GOLDEN CRANE, a Singapore-flagged chemical tanker, was being pursued by a vessel with hostile intent. The report was being relayed from the vessel, to the vessel's agent, to the Singapore Port Authority, then to the USCG. The vessel was transiting southbound, approximately 225NM
E off Somalia (approximately level with the port of Hobyo). The lat/long of the vessel at the time of the original report was 05-12N, 052-37.5E. 5. On the 2nd of June 2007 the Danish Flagged vessel DANICA WHITE was hijacked from offshore Somalia and sailed to an Anchorage of Somalia. This vessel was released on the 21st August 2007 after extremely lengthy negotiations. 6. Consequently the IMB, IMO, MARLO and UKMTO continue to prudently recommend that vessels should stay at least 200nm off the coast of Somalia where possible but this will obviously be under periodic review. In the meantime you are strongly recommended to maintain high vigilance and practice your standard anti-piracy procedures whilst transiting this area. However the high number of fishing vessels operating off the coast of Somalia are causing concern to some masters but it is assessed a number of suspicious approaches could be attributed to normal fishing activity in the area. 7. In addition to the obvious precautions of keeping a close watch and rigging of fire hoses etc, experience from vessels that have successfully evaded pirate attacks support the use of speed and 'aggressive manoeuvring' (to create a bow wave to hamper attempts to come alongside your vessel and throw grapples) to deter pirates from boarding your vessel. Please also note that you should not hesitate to activate your GMDSS, in addition to calling for assistance on VHF, if your vessel comes under threat. 8. While Coalition naval forces will respond to distress calls from mariners attacked by pirates, the task force is engaged in wider routine security operations across a large sea area and does not actively patrol for pirates.
As a consequence, your own security precautions should be well planned and practiced. In all cases telephone UKMTO as early as possible to help speed up Coalition notification. 9. GULF OF ADEN GROUP TRANSITS Vessels are encouraged to conduct their passage through the UKMTO Transit Corridor in groups based on their transit speed. Known as Gulf of Aden Group Transits, participating vessels should rendezvous at the east and west extremities of the Transit Corridor (Points Alpha and Bravo) at the times given below and transit the Transit Corridor at the published speed. Following the Group Transit will enhance mutual protection, optimise coordination of military assets in support and help merchant vessels in avoiding the higher risk piracy areas during the most vulnerable time of the
day. Military assets (Naval with Air support) will be strategically deployed within the area to best provide protection and support to merchant vessels. Note that vessels should not expect to see a routine military presence at Point A and B at the commencement of each transit and are unlikely to gain VHF response at that time. Daily Group Transit schedule: EASTBOUND TRANSIT Point A: 12-30N 045-00E Read in Columns Transit Speed (Knots), ETA (GMT), ETA (local) 10, 1800, 2100, 12, 2300, 0200, 15, 0500, 0800, 18, 0800, 1100 WESTBOUND TRANSIT Point B: 14-40N 053-00E Transit Speed (Knots), ETA (GMT), ETA (local), 10, 2200, 0100, 12, 0300, 0600, 15, 0800, 1100, 18, 1100, 1400 When transiting the Transit Corridor it is recommended that eastbound, traffic navigate to the south of the transit corridor and westbound traffic navigate to the north. Notwithstanding this recommendation all vessels should at all times comply with the International Rules for Prevention of Collision at Sea. Masters using the Maritime Security Patrol Area (MSPA) and those following the 'group of protected vessels' are not relieved of their obligation and should continue to maintain a strict 24 hour 'all round'
lookout using all available means to get early warnings of an approaching threat. Some vessels have been attacked/hijacked in the corridor. GULF of ADEN 10. St Kitts and Nevis Flagged General Cargo vessel Blue Star hijacked in position 1355N 04758E on 1 Jan 09 at 0447GMT during Eastbound transit. The ship was not reporting under the VRS. Reports have stated up to 15 pirates boarded the vessel whilst in Yemini TTW. No distress message was sent to UKMTO or coalition forces. There are 28 crew onboard. Also on 1 Jan 09: Indian Flagged Tanker Abul Kalam Azad attacked with semi automatic weapons in position 1305N 04703E on 1 Jan 09 at 0337GMT during westbound transit. The ship was not reporting under the VRS. The vessel was attacked by 1 boat with 7 POB all wearing military style uniforms. The vessel suffered superficial damage and no casualties. Coalition forces disrupted the attack. Panamanian flagged Bulk Carrier S. Venus attacked with small arms fire and RPG by 2 speed boats on 1 Jan 09 during an Eastbound transit. The vessel was reporting under the VRS; initial attack position 1421N 05034E at 0330Z. Second attack position 1420N 05030E at 0630Z. Third and final attack in position 1447N 05147E at 1000Z. The Crew and Onboard Security Team displayed great leadership and courage and managed to fight off all attacks. Coalition vessel intercepted pirates and they were detained at 1230Z. Panamanian flagged Bulk Carrier Corina attacked by small arms in position 1353N 04929E on 1 Jan 09 1230GMT during an Eastbound transit. The vessel was attacked by 1 boat with 4 POB. The vessel conducted evasive manoeuvring and the pirates broke off the attack. NO casualties were reported. Panamanian flagged General Cargo vessel Super Star III attacked with small arms fire in position 1435N 05107E on 1 Jan 09 at 1430Z during Eastbound transit. The ship was not reporting under the VRS. The vessel was attacked by 1 speed boat with 8 POB. The vessel managed to fight off the attack and escaped with superficial damage to the bridge area. 11. Chinese flag semi-submersible container-crane carrier ZHEN HUA 4; attempted hijack in position 14 28N 051 36E on 17 Dec 08 at 0525GMT during eastbound passage. The ship was not reporting under the VRS, but UKMTO received early reports via telephone from other vessels in the vicinity, as a result of the vessel's transmissions on VHF. 9 armed pirates boarded the vessel from one or two skiffs. The pirates were unable to access the ship's accommodation from the well deck. Coalition helicopters responded. At 0910 GMT the pirates left the vessel in one skiff, making fast speed to the east.
The ship's crew are unharmed and the vessel has since resumed passage. 12. Malaysian flag tug MASINDRA 7 (loa33m) towing empty barge AMD1 was hijacked in position 13 54N 049 39E on 16 Dec 08 at 0415GMT on passage Yemen - Malaysia. There are 11 Indonesian crew onboard. Ship was not reporting to UKMTO. Initial report from charterers in Yemen came some hours after the hijack and was confirmed only today, 17 Dec, by owners in Port Klang. There is no record of any verbal or electronic distress message. 13. General cargo vessel BOSPHORUS PRODIGY hijacked in position 13 20N 047 57E 16 Dec 2008 at 0940 GMT. Unconfirmed reports state 2 fast skiffs attacked ship with small weapons and RPG, prior to boarding the vessel with between 7 and 10 pirates. Ship was in ballast. 11 Ukraine and Turkish crew are onboard. Ship was not reporting to UKMTO or MSCHOA. UKMTO was not aware of this attack until after the pirates had gained access to the vessel. UKMTO NOTE: It cannot be stressed enough that early warning to UKMTO and a robust effort by you to deter boarding will enable the coalition forces to have more time to respond to the incident and endeavour to thwart the attack. 14. Two general cargo vessels attacked 13 December 2008 at 1145 UTC in position 13 43N 048 17E with semi-automatic weapons and RPG, by a single blue coloured skiff with 5 to 6 persons, firing to accommodation area. Weather: calm sea, wind SE 10kts. Coalition helicopter responded quickly, arriving at the scene within 15 minutes. Only minimal damage sustained; crew not injured. Vessels continued on passage. A result of this incident was the arrest of some 24 persons onboard a dhow and associated skiff. Significant amounts of weapons, ammunition and an RPG launcher were also confiscated. The skiff involved in this attack is thought to be the same boat as used in the attack below. 15. Product tanker; attempted boarding 12 December at 0912 GMT, position 13 32N 048 37E, course 254 speed 12.4k. Vessel reports attack using weapons, from small blue coloured boat, acting alone, at speed 17kts. 7 or 8 men were onboard the boat, armed with semi-automatic weapons and RPG. Despite evasive manoeuvres, the boat came alongside, initially to starboard and then to port, but the crew managed to detach the boarding ladder. The blue boat then approached other vessels in the area, before departing to the south once approached by coalition helicopter. The ship reports no damage and no crew injuries. 16. Chemical tanker fired upon 3 Dec 08 at 0419 UTC while underway in position 12:59N - 047:41E. Speed boat observed approximately 2-3 NM off bow. The number of persons onboard the speedboat is unknown, but were carrying
firearms due to the crew hearing three gunshots. The attackers attempted to board by hanging a portable ladder twice, but failed. The crew conducted evasive manoeuvring and was able to avoid being boarded. The entire incident lasted approximately two hours. Any damage to the vessel was not confirmed. No injuries were reported. Incident was reported to UKMTO who sent coalition helicopter to investigate. 17. Passenger ship reported being fired upon on 30 Nov 08 at 0528 UTC while underway in position 14:02.7N-049:43.7E. Two speedboats with three pirates in each boat attempted to intercept the ship. The master reported seeing a gun on one of the boats and that the pirates fired upon the ship. The master increased speed. The speedboats were unable to follow the ship and aborted the attempt. 18. Chemical tanker (BISCAGLIA) hijacked 28 Nov 08 at 0447 UTC while underway in position 13:49N - 049:44E. Information received from the owners confirmed the tanker had been hijacked. The tanker was reportedly carrying a cargo of vegetable oil with 31 crew members onboard. Three crewmembers reportedly escaped by jumping overboard and were later rescued by a German helicopter and flown to a French frigate nearby. 19. Fishing vessel (EKAWATNAVA 5) was hijacked on 18 Nov 08 at 0600 UTC heading for Yemen in position 14:17.15N-050:15.7E. There were twelve crewmembers onboard. The fishing vessel was destroyed and subsequently sunk later the same day when the pirates onboard reportedly fired upon the Indian Navy warship (INS TABAR). TABAR returned fire, mistaking the hijacked vessel as a mother ship. One crewmember who survived the gunfire from the (TABAR) was rescued after six days adrift. All other crew members remain missing. 20. Bulk carrier (DELIGHT) was hijacked on 18 Nov 08 at 0600 UTC whilst transiting East in position 14:23N-051:05E. There are 24 crewmembers onboard. 21. Chemical tanker (CHEMSTAR VENUS) hijacked 15 Nov 08 at 0910 UTC while underway in position 12:51N - 046:42E. The tanker was proceeding westbound through the western part of the Transit Corridor with a cargo of palm oil and vegetable oil. There are 22 crewmembers onboard. 22. Chemical tanker (KARAGOL) hijacked 12 Nov 08 at 1415 UTC while underway in position 13:07N - 046:48E. The tanker was in transit from Haifa, Israel to Mumbai, India with a cargo of petroleum products. There are 14 Turkish crewmembers onboard 23. Chemical tanker (STOLT STRENGTH) hijacked 10 Nov 08 at 1440 UTC while underway in position 13:56N - 049:31E. The vessel was in route to Kandla, India from Senegal with a cargo of phosphoric acid. Twenty-three Filipino
crewmembers are onboard. 24. Loaded general cargo ship (CEC FUTURE) hijacked 12:52N 45:52E 07 November 1300UTC. Vessel was not reporting to UKMTO under the Voluntary Reporting Scheme. UKMTO was contacted by other parties once GMDSS alarm raised and pirates had already boarded the vessel. UKMTO understands that the pirates were in possession of AK47s and RPG. Vessel speed was 15kts, freeboard 2.3m. 13 Russian, Estonian & Georgian crew are onboard the vessel 25. Loaded chemical tanker (BRITTA MAERSK) attacked by automatic small arms 13:02N 46:37E 02 November 1100UTC. Vessel reported a small open boat with 4 or 5 persons (white hull, orange interior) which was hiding behind a larger fishing boat. Prompt use of foam monitors and other pre-positioned hoses quickly flooded the deck and the use of evasive manoeuvre deterred the attack. 26. Loaded 82kdwt bulk carrier (YASA NESLIHAN) hijacked 29 Oct 2008 13:00N 046:41E. Vessel approached and fired upon by up to 4 small boats, possibly operating from a larger fishing boat. UKMTO was telephoned during the attack and the vessel tried to evade boarding for 15 minutes. Coalition forces arrived on the scene but pirates had already gained access to the vessel. Telephone contact with the vessel was lost as pirates broke into the bridge. 20 Turkish crew are onboard the vessel. 27. Loaded VLCC (LEANDER), 28 October 2008, 0520UTC, in position 13:23N 048:22E approached and fired upon by a group of 3 white, open boats, sustaining paintwork damage to the bridge area. The vessel carried out aggressive evasive manoeuvre. At 1300UTC, LEANDER was fired upon again in position 12:54N 046:40E. Vessel reported a white 'mother vessel' (2 miles c.p.a.) from which 3 white hulled skiffs departed and approached the tanker. There were 4 persons in each boat. This second attack was more resilient and involved sustained small arms fire from one of the boats. During the attack, the remaining two boats waited astern of the tanker. The closest boat was observed to have a boarding ladder arrangement in it. The freeboard of the tanker was 10m. Evasive manoeuvring and the approach of an aircraft deploying a smoke float deterred the attack. LEANDER is proceeding on passage. Also on 28 Oct at 1350UTC, cargo ship (AQUILO) fired upon by small, faded white colour boat 13:17N 048:35E. Pirates tried to board vessel with telescopic aluminium ladder, but were deterred by ship's evasive manoeuvring. A coalition warship was on scene within 15 minutes. AQUILO proceeded on passage with no damage. 28. Loaded bulk carrier (AFRICAN SANDERLING) hijacked on 15 October at 0400 UTC whilst underway in position 14:01N 050:07E. The attack was reported to
UKMCC by another vessel nearby. UKMTO immediately telephoned African Sanderling, but the pirates were already on deck and making their way to the bridge by that time. Telephone contact with the vessel was lost as the pirates broke into the bridge. 29. Loaded chemical tanker (ACTION) hijacked on 10th October at 1900hrs local time while underway in position 13:26N 048:02E. The attack was reported by the shipping company as no VHF call was made by the vessel and the satellite systems onboard were not functioning. The ships crew managed to get a telex to the company by GMDSS and the company then informed UKMTO. A coalition helicopter was on scene within 20mins of the call to UKMTO however when the helicopter arrived the pirates had already gained access to the vessel. Ship released 12 December. 30. Tanker (GENIUS) hijacked on 26 Sep 08 while underway in position 13:32N 048:26E, 30 NM off Yemen. The attack was reported to the shipping company by the ship's captain by radio shortly before the pirates boarded the vessel. The pirates fired a number of shots into the air to bring the ship to a halt. According to the Greek coastguard, 19 Romanian sailors are aboard the tanker. Ship released late November, crew safe. 31. Bulk carrier (GREAT CREATION) hijacked on 18 Sep 08 at 0618 UTC while in position 14:13.0N - 049:59.0E, Gulf of Aden. About eight pirates armed with guns boarded the vessel. The vessel was drifting due to engine problems and had not requested assistance. Vessel released in November, crew safe. 32. Chemical tanker (STOLT VALOR) hijacked 15 Sep 08 at 1047 UTC/1316 local time, while underway in position 13:33N-049:09E, 60NM south of Al Mukalla, Yemen. There are approximately 15 pirates onboard and 22 crewmembers held hostage. Vessel released November, crew safely repatriated. 33. Bulk carrier (BRIGHT RUBY) hijacked 9 Sep 08 at 0657 UTC while underway in position 13:09N-047:57E, approximately 100NM southwest of Al Mukalla, Yemen. Vessel released in October and crew safely repatriated. 34. Tanker (FRONT VOYAGER) fired upon 6 Sep 08 at 0950 UTC while underway in position 12:54.9N-047:05.1E, 39NM off the coast of Yemen. The vessel spotted a blue-hulled speedboat with five armed men onboard approximately 6NM away. The speedboat approached the vessel and opened fire. The alarm was raised, speed increased and coalition warships contacted. When the coalition warship and navy helicopter arrived, the speedboat aborted the attack and moved towards a potential mother-ship. The vessel sustained damages; however no crewmembers injured. 35. General cargo fired upon 5 Sep 08 at 0510 UTC, while underway in
position 12:57N-047:04E, 118NM east of Aden, Yemen. The ship reportedly sighted a suspected mother-ship described as a blue tug towing a small boat about six miles off, bearing 155 degrees from the ship. At 0515 UTC, a small boat began approaching the ship at high speed. They duty officer raised the alarm and all crew mustered. At 0530 UTC, four armed suspected pirates were seen on the vessel. The vessel had one man steering the vessel, one man with a rocket launcher, and two men armed with machine guns that reportedly fired at the vessel, and reportedly attempted to board. The ship increased speed, altered course, and began evasive maneuvers to prevent the small vessel from coming alongside the ship. The crew used a hose, bottles, shackles, screws, dishes, etc, to throw at the pirates. The pirates reportedly attacked the ship four times with no success. The pirates moved away at 0600 UTC. 36. Bulk cargo vessel fired upon 3 Sep 08 at 1450 UTC while underway in position 13:36.8N-049:13.16E approximately 40NM off the Yemen coast. Reported pirates attempted to close in on the vessel for boarding; however the vessel was able to increase its speed and diverted its course. A coalition navy warship was dispatched to the area. The pirate boat moved away. No injuries to crew, or damage to vessel. 37. Cargo ship (BBC TRINIDAD) hijacked 21 Aug 08 at 0945 UTC while underway in position 12:57.9N- 048:56.7E, 107NM south of Al Mukalla, Yemen. Vessel now released. 38. Chemical tanker (IRENE) hijacked 21 Aug 08 at 0358 UTC, while underway in position 14:26.42N-049:56.46E, 45NM east of Al Mukalla, Yemen. The vessel is transporting approximately 10,000 mt of chemical / flammable cargo. There are19 crewmembers onboard, two Russians, one Croatian, and 16 Filipinos. Vessel since released & crew repatriated. 39. Bulk cargo vessel Iran Deyanat hijacked 21 Aug 08 at 0223 UTC, while underway in position 13:49.3N-050:23.9E, approximately 82NM southeast of Al Mukalla, Yemen. The vessel was fired upon and boarded, no further information. Vessel since released. 40. Chemical tanker (BUNGA MELATI DUA) hijacked 19 Aug 08, 1730 local time while underway in position 12:45.2N-047:57.7E, 123NM southwest of Mukulla, Yemen. Vessel since released. 41. Cargo vessel (THOR STAR) hijacked 12 Aug 08 at 1418 UTC while underway in position 13:07N 050:10.E, 75NM northwest of Caluula. A Yemeni naval official reportedly stated that the ship sent out a distress signal after coming under heavy fire from armed pirates about 100 miles off the Yemen coast. Vessel released October and crew safely repatriated. 42. Tug (YENAGOA OCEAN) hijacked 4 Aug 08, 0500 local time, near Bosasso.
The vessel travelled to an unknown destination. Pirates are reportedly demanding 1million USD. The vessel had a crew of nine Nigerians. It has been reported that the (YENAGOA OCEAN) may be being used as a mother-ship to support pirate attacks. 43. Bulk carrier (STELLA MARIS) hijacked 20 Jul 08 at 0430 local time/0011 UTC while underway in position 13:16N-050:02E, approximately 87NM northwest of Caluula, Somalia. The vessel was enroute Suez when UKMTO was alerted via INMARSAT that pirates were onboard, repeated three times before the line went dead. No returned calls were answered. The ships operators were alerted and at the same time a SSAS message was received by the operators and forwarded to UKMTO. According to Puntland presidential advisor Bile Mohamoud Abowsade, there were 38 heavily armed pirates that stormed the ship while sailing in international waters. Hared Ise Umar, the District Commissioner of Caluula, stated that the hijackers sailed the vessel close to Caluula and indicated he expected the vessel to sail to Eyl. Vessel released October and all crew safely repatriated. 44. There have also been a number of reports of possible piracy incidents in the Bab el Mendab involving small fast boats. Current assessments would suggest that they are more likely to be smugglers (attempting to use larger merchant vessels to avoid radar detection or to create a lee from adverse weather). Similar reports in the Northern Gulf of Aden are assessed to be predominantly Yemeni Fishermen. An extensive study by coalition assets on local fishing patterns of life show that Yemeni fishermen fish from dawn to dusk, fish for Tuna using hand lines and not nets (as first thought), chase tuna using fast erratic course changes which can be confused for attacks by Merchant vessels. 45. Cargo ship (LEHMANN TIMBER) hijacked 28 May 08 at 1040 UTC while underway in position 13:09N-048:58E, 56NM south of the Yemen coast. The vessel was attacked by four heavily armed pirates. The vessel has since been released and all crew members safely repatriated. 46. Cargo ship (AMIYA SCAN) hijacked 25 May 08 at 2235 local time while underway in position 13:13N-050:49E, 117NM south of Qishn, Yemen, 80NM off the Somali coast. An unknown number of pirates hijacked the vessel and took a total of nine Russian and Filipino crewmembers hostage. The vessel was sailing to Costanza Port, Romania from Mombasa, Kenya carrying a decommissioned oil platform when it was seized. The vessel has since been released with all crew members safely repatriated. 47. Human smuggling activity leading to multiple fatalities continues off Yemen coast. Up to 66 people drowned after being forced overboard by smugglers, according to survivors. The tragedy involved two smugglers' boats that left the Somali coastal town of Bossaso on 20 Oct 07, with 244 people
aboard, mostly Somalis and Ethiopians. The two vessels reached the Yemen coast off Hawrat Al Shatee on 21 Oct 07, the passengers were then forced into deep water and many drowned. A total of 28 bodies were buried on the beach, while 38 (29 Ethiopians and nine Somalis) remain missing. Mariners in the Gulf of Aden are more likely to have encounters associated with smuggling activities during the transition periods between monsoon seasons. Mariners are advised to maintain strict vigilance and report all suspicious activity. RED SEA 48. To assist in building our situational awareness, we would be very grateful if you could advise us of ANY abnormal activity you observe during your transit, including vessels acting suspiciously, providing as much detail as possible to allow us to take any appropriate action if required. INDIAN OCEAN 49. Container ship fired upon 14 Nov 08 at 2134 UTC while underway in position 04:25S - 048:58E. Pirates armed with automatic weapons and RPGs in Two speedboats chased and fired upon a container ship underway. The master increased speed, took evasive maneuvers and activated fire hoses. Pirates aborted the attempted attack at 2256 UTC. The ship sustained damages due to gunshots and RPG fire. No injuries to the crew. 50. VLCC (SIRIUS STAR) hijacked 15 Nov 08 at 0723 UTC while underway in posn 04:41S - 048:20E 550nm East of Mombasa. The tanker was in transit, fully loaded, from Fujairah to St Eustace. There are 25 crew members onboard. 51. Container vessel (KOTA HENING) attacked, shots fired by 2 small boats, approx 180 miles east of Mombasa, 23 October 2008 1800UTC. Position 03:35.4S 042:49.9E. Ship avoided boarding. 52. General cargo ship fired upon 09 Oct 08 at 1330 local time while underway in position 02:07S-043:09E. The ship conducted evasive maneuvers and avoided boarding. 53. Roll-on/roll-off cargo vessel (FAINA) hijacked 25 Sep 08 at 1600 local time while in position 02:01N-050:40 E, approximately 280NM east of Mogadishu, Somalia. Three pirate boats attacked the ship. Pirates, armed with automatic weapons, then boarded the vessel. 54. USNS (JOHN LENTHALL) reported suspicious approach 23 Sep 08 while underway off the central east coast of Somalia. Despite defensive measures to deter them from approaching, the small boats continued to approach the
ship. An embarked security team aboard the ship fired warning shots in the vicinity of two small boats. The rounds impacted the water approximately 50 yards from the closest boat and resulted in both small boats ending their pursuit. All shots were accounted for as they entered the water. There were no reports of casualties. "This incident is clear proof that all mariners must remain vigilant," said Captain Steve Kelley, the commander responsible for all Military Sealift Command (MSC) ships in the region. "I am extremely pleased with the actions taken by the ship's master and ultimately by the security personnel aboard. They initially used defensive measures and when those weren't enough the security personnel took action to defend the ship." While it is unclear if personnel on the boats were intent on attacking the 41,000-ton ship, it is clear they were not following the international rules of the road observed by mariners around the globe. More importantly, the location of the incident, the types of boats involved (small open skiffs), and the manoeuvring they undertook was consistent with reports from previous attacks on merchant vessels in the region. 55. Bulk carrier (CAPT STEFANOS) hijacked 21 Sep 08 at 0310 UTC while underway in position 02:30.0N - 051:59.5E, 250 nm off Somali coast. Four pirates in three speedboats boarded a bulk carrier underway. They took hostage the 19 crewmembers composed of 17 Philippine nationals, one Chinese national, and one Ukrainian. The owners were unable to contact the ship. 56. Tanker fired upon 20 Sep 08 at 1700 UTC while in position 02:37N 051:25E, 250 nm east of the Somali coast. Three pirates armed with machine guns and RPG in a white-coloured fast boat chased and fired upon the ship. The ship's master increased speed, took evasive maneuvers, sent distress message, raised alarm, mustered crew and activated fire hoses. Pirates aborted the attempted boarding after 30 minutes. There was visible damage to the vessel but no injury to the crew and no damage to cargo. 57. Bulk carrier (CENTAURI) hijacked 18 Sep 08 at 0250 UTC while underway in position 02:22.22N - 050:55.26E, 250nm east of Mogadishu, Somalia. Five armed pirates in a speedboat attacked the carrier. 25 crewmembers were taken hostage. 58. Fishing vessel (TIAN YU 8) hijacked 14 Nov 08 early morning while off the coast of Kenya. The Chinese vessel was hijacked by pirates armed with rocket launchers and automatic weapons while it was fishing off the coast of Kenya. The vessel had 24 crewmembers. INDIA 59. General cargo ship (THIANJIN) boarded, bandits apprehended 20 Feb 08 at 0930 local time, while at anchorage in position 08:45.08N-078:16.3E, port Tuticorin, per 02 Apr 08 reporting. Three fishing boats approached the
vessel. Two groups of men boarded the vessel by climbing up the vessel using grapnel and ropes. One group reportedly consisted of 18 men and the other comprised of 10 men. The ship master alerted the crew and reported the incident to the Tuticorin port control via VHF. The Tuticorin port control alerted the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) which dispatched a patrol boat to intercept one of the fishing boats and apprehended seven men. The men were handed over to the local police for further investigation GULF OF OMAN & ARABIAN SEA 60. Tanker reported suspicious approach 18 May 08 while underway in position 21:07.5N-059:47.10E, 30NM off coast of Oman, 55NM northeast of Masirah Island. The vessel sighted a small speedboat trailing the vessel from the right astern, and was reportedly closing in at a distance of five cables. The crew was alerted, rigged fire hoses and posted extra lookouts. Another speedboat was sighted visually, and a weak echo of which was also sighted on the radar on the port quarter at a distance of approximately 2NM, travelling at about 16knts. The vessel executed zigzag maneuvers and deterred any possible boarding. The speedboat passed less than 100 meters from the vessel on the starboard quarter, and was observed doing about 16knts as well. The port quarter boat was also observed to have altered its course to portside and moved away from the vessel. The boats were white and approximately 15-20 meters long. One vessel was observed with three men on board. NORTHERN ARABIAN GULF 61. Container ship reported suspicious approach 26 Aug 08 at 1930 local time while underway in position 25:41.3N-054:49.2E, 36NM northwest of Dubai, UAE. A small craft was sighted stationary, 4NM off the starboard bow. The small craft had a CPA of .7NM down the starboard side. At the time of the CPA, the small craft increased speed to approximately 20kts and headed towards the vessel, crossing the bow closely from starboard to port. The second officer called the captain to the bridge. The captain took the conn with small craft now on port bow, range .2 nm. The small craft reportedly increased its speed again and crossed the bow from starboard to port flashing a search light at the vessel's bridge. At 2040 local time while in position 25:54.9N-054:45.0E, a second small craft approached the vessel from the starboard side at a range of 5NM and a 0 CPA with a speed of 22kts and closing. The master altered its course starboard with the small craft 3NM off while it kept altering course to remain at 0 CPA. The master conducted evasive maneuvers and increased its CPA from the suspicious crafts, sounded the alarm and assumed security positions. The suspicious crafts moved away due to an excellent security response. UKMTO NOTE: This report was passed onto CTF-152 for investigation.
62. Cargo vessel (WESTWARD VENTURE) reported suspicious approach, warning shots fired 24 Apr 08 at 0800 local time. The vessel was approached by two unidentified small boats. Following procedure, the vessel issued standard queries to the small boats via bridge-to-bridge radio, but received no response. The vessel then activated a flare, which also did not receive a response. The small boats continued toward the vessel and the vessel's security team fired warning shots and the small boats left the area. A short time later, the vessel received a query from a unit identifying itself as the Iranian Coast Guard. It is not clear if this was one of the small boats or a separate boat. 63. Container vessel boarded 12 Oct 07 at 0225 local time/2225 UTC while at anchor in position 29:52.0N-048:41.4E, near No. 5 buoy at entrance to Shatt al Arab. One small boat (about 7m) came along the starboard side. Four persons were in the boat, two of them climbed on deck. The Duty AB noticed them and warned the duty officer on the bridge. According to the Duty AB, the perpetrators were armed with guns. The Duty officer immediately sounded the general alarm and ship's typhoon while, at the same time, switching off the lights for a moment. That action distracted the pirates and they ran away in ESE direction. The incident was reported immediately to a coalition warship via VHF. The Master noted that the inner anchorage off the Shatt al Arab river entrance should be avoided and that the outer anchorages under control of the Coalition Forces should be used instead. Please pass this information to your owners/operators/managers. If we can offer any assistance while you are in the region, please let us know. Regards OIC UKMTO Tel +971 50 552 3215 Fax +971 4 306 5710 Telex (51) 210473 Email ukmto@eim.ae