|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Daily Piracy Update
Last updated: Wednesday 16 May 2012
Recent Activity
There have been no significant changes over the past 24 hours.
|
|
Current Situation
On 11 May 2012, NATO and Counter Piracy (CP) forces from EU successfully disrupted 2 PAGs. The first, in the Northern Somali Basin (SB) was made up of a single dhow towing 2 Skiffs. The second in the Southern Arabian Sea was made up of a single Dhow.
On 10 May 2012, a merchant vessel was pirated (Alert 040/12) by two skiffs in position 15 58N 06103E in the South Arabian Sea. The ship is now under pirate control and is anchored off the Somali coast at position 09 46N 050 53E. Also a merchant vessel was attacked (Alert 041/12) by a skiff in position 14 18N 058 27E approximately 150nm South West from the pirated vessel on the same day. The vessel is SAFE.
On 09 May 2012, a merchant vessel was attacked (Alert 039/12) by 2 white skiffs in position 10 40N 060 04E approximately 360nm South East of Socotra Island. A mothership and a total of 8 skiffs were reported at the same location.
Pirate Attack Groups (PAGs) operating to the East of Socotra and off the coast of Somalia may be using dhows and whalers as motherships. Masters are advised that PAGs may continue harassing behaviour in darkness.
Please see PAG map for all areas of concern: http://www.shipping.nato.int/operations/OS/Pages/PAGmap.aspx as well as the mothership section of the NSC website for updated pictures: http://www.shipping.nato.int/pages/motherships2.aspx
Guidance
The above incidents highlight the need for continued adherence to Best Management Practices (BMP4) when navigating throughout the entire region of the HRA. Masters are advised that the threat of piracy against merchant shipping is always present throughout the entire HRA, and are advised to ensure all necessary Self Protection Measures are implemented as recommended in BMP4. Prudent and timely application of BMP4 can make the difference between being approached, attacked or pirated. Please be reminded that BMP4 highly recommends maintaining maximum vessel speed when transiting the High Risk Area (HRA) to prevent being pirated.
Masters are reminded that a large number of fishing vessels operate in the Southern Red Sea (SRS), Bab al-Mandeb (BAM) and up to 50 nm off the west coast of India. Fishing vessels may approach a merchant ship in order to maximise fishing opportunities or to safeguard fishing nets. Fishing off India is generally carried out by mechanized or single hull boats with outboard motor carrying 4-5 crew using long lines. Masters are requested to ensure they distinguish between fishing vessels and potential pirates; fishermen may carry small arms.
If an incident occurs, Masters are to report immediately to UKMTO via telephone and provide as much information as possible and as accurate regarding the incident. This will ensure the information is quickly provided to other ships in the area for their awareness and vigilance. If Masters are safely able to take pictures and/or video of the suspicious activity, please provide these via email to UKMTO at ukmto@eim.ae, NSC (NATO Shipping Centre) at info@shipping.nato.int and Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) at postmaster@mschoa.org. This information will be used by Counter Piracy forces to combat piracy activities.
|
Link to previous Daily Updates
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|