The following is the NATO piracy update of reported incidents to NATO from November 25, 2024 to December 15, 2010. The map to the right (click for hi-res) is available in PDF form that matches hijacking incident numbers with location can be downloaded here (PDF), and is very useful for understanding what is taking place. Below are the incidents reported:December 15 2010From Reuters, the following ships are currently being held by Somali pirates:
WARNING Indian Ocean
Latitude: 12°07N Longitude: 060°26E
Alert Details: Alert number 540 / 2010.
At 0215 UTC a merchant vessel was reported under attack by 2 skiffs in position 1207N 06026E.
4 POB in skiffs. RPG and machine guns sighted.
***This vessel managed to evade hijack***
The Pirate action group is still in the area.
--------------------------
December 14 2010
WARNING INDIAN OCEAN
Latitude: 18°27N Longitude: 061°50E
Alert number 539 / 2010.
At 0756 UTC 14 DEC 10 a merchant vessel was reported under attack by 2 skiffs in position 18 27N 061 50E.
Mothership was reported nearby. The vessel was fired upon by RPGs.
***This vessel managed to evade hijack***
The Pirate action group is still in the area.
------------------------
December 14 2010
WARNING Somali Basin
Latitude: 05°28 S Longitude: 039°58 E
Alert number 538/ 2010.
At 2200 UTC / 13 DEC 10 / a merchant vessel was reported under attack by 2 x skiffs in position 05 28 S 039 58 E.
2 x speedboats were used. Shots were fired upon the vessel.
***This vessel managed to evade hijack***
The Pirate action group is still in the area.
-------------------------
December 13 2010
WARNING Gulf Of Aden
Latitude: 13°09N Longitude: 048°29E
Alert number 537 / 2010.
At 1000 UTC a merchant vessel was reported under attack by 1 armed skiff in position 1309 N 04829 E.
***This vessel managed to evade hijack***
The Pirate action group is still in the area.
------------------------
December 11 2010
---ALERT UPDATE--- Indian Ocean
Latitude: 06°11N Longitude: 067°25E
Alert number 536/ 2010.
Reference previous Alert number 534/ 2010.
At 0542 UTC / 11 DEC 10 /a merchant vessel was reported under attack by pirates in position 06 11 N 067 25 E.
***This vessel has been hijacked***
-----------------------
December 11 2010
WARNING Somali Basin
Latitude: 07°33S Longitude: 042°05E
Alert number 535/ 2010.
At 1030UTC / 11 DEC 10 / a Pirate Action Group consisting of pirated FV was reported in position 07 33 S 042 05 E.
-----------------------
December 11 2010
WARNING Indian Ocean
Latitude: 06°11N Longitude: 067°25E
Alert number 534/ 2010.
At 0542UTC / 11 DEC 10 / a merchant vessel is currently under attack by pirates in position 06°11 N 067°25 E.
1 skiff with 4POB, small arms and RPG. Mother ship in vicinity of pos 3NM.
-----------------------
December 10 2010
---ALERT UPDATE--- Indian Ocean
Latitude: 21°09N Longitude: 062°45E
Alert number 533 / 2010.
Reference previous Alert number 532 / 2010.
At 101504 UTC a merchant vessel was reported under attack by pirates in position 2051N 06246E.
***This vessel managed to evade hijack***
The Pirate action group is still in the area.
-------------------------
December 10 2010
WARNING Indian Ocean
Latitude: 20°51N Longitude: 062°46E
Alert number 532/ 2010.
At 1504 UTC / 10 DEC 10 / a merchant vessel is currently under attack by pirates in position 20°51 N 062°46 E.
-------------------------
December 10 2010
---ALERT UPDATE--- Somali Basin
Latitude: 10°00S Longitude: 041°51E
Alert number 531 / 2010.
Reference previous Alert number 530 / 2010.
At 101212 UTC a merchant vessel was reported under attack by skiffs in position 0957S 04146E.
***This vessel has been hijacked***
-----------------------
December 10 2010
WARNING Somali Basin
Latitude: 09°57S Longitude: 041°46E
Alert number 530 / 2010.
At 1212 UTC / 10 DEC 10 / a merchant vessel is currently under attack by pirates in position 09°57S 041°46E.
------------------------
December 05 2010
WARNING Somali Basin
Latitude: 04°07'24"N Longitude: 049°23'04"E
Alert number 529/ 2010.
At 1507 UTC / 05Dec / a Pirate Action Group possible mother ship operations was reported in position 04°07'24"N 049°23'04"E.
---------------------------
December 05 2010
---ALERT UPDATE--- Indian Ocean
Latitude: 08°12N Longitude: 071°55E
Alert number 528 / 2010.
Reference previous Alert number 527 / 2010.
At 0942 UTC 05DEC a merchant vessel was reported under attack by pirates/1 skiffs in position 08°11N 071°43E.
***This vessel has been hijacked***
--------------------------
December 05 2010
WARNING Indian Ocean
Latitude: 08°10N Longitude: 071°43E
Alert number 527 / 2010.
At 0942 UTC / 05 NOV/ a merchant vessel was under attack by pirates/1 skiffs in position 08°10N 071°43E.
-------------------------
December 04 2010
WARNING Somali Basin
Latitude: 09°00 N Longitude: 067°10 E
Alert number 526 / 2010.
At 0230 UTC / 04 NOV 10 / a Pirate Action Group consisting of A Pirated Fishing Vessel was reported in position 09°00N 067°10E course 250° speed 10 knots.
---------------------------
December 01 2010
WARNING SOMALI BASIN
Latitude: 09°19N Longitude: 069°30E
Alert number 525/ 2010.
Reference previous Alert number 524/ 2010.
At 1341 UTC / 30 NOV 10 / a merchant vessel was reported under attack by pirates in position 09 19 N 069 30 E.
ONE SKIFF, WEAPONS WERE USED, 5POB.
***This vessel managed to evade hijack***
The Pirate action group is still in the area.
-------------------------------
November 30 2010
WARNING SOMALI BASIN
Latitude: 09°19N Longitude: 069°30E
Alert number 524/ 2010.
At 1341 UTC / 30 NOV 10/ a merchant vessel is currently under attack by pirates in position 09 19 N 069 30 E.
One skiff, weapons used.
-------------------------------
November 29 2010
WARNING RED SEA
Latitude: 13°35N Longitude: 042°56E
Alert number 523/ 2010.
At 1749UTC / 29NOV / a merchant vessel was possibly under attack by pirates/3 skiffs in position 13°35N 042°56E.
-------------------------------
November 29 2010
WARNING Somali Basin
Latitude: 16°57N Longitude: 067°15E
Alert number 522/ 2010
At 0254 UTC 29 NOV 10 a merchant vessel was reported under attack by pirates in position 16°57N 067°15E.
A Pirate Action Group consiting of one mother ship and one skiff 4-5 POB, weapons and ladders were used.
***This vessel managed to evade hijack***
The Pirate action group is still in the area.
-------------------------------
November 28 2010
WARNING Somali Basin
Latitude: 14°51N Longitude: 068°13E
Alert number 521/ 2010.
At 0700 UTC / 28 NOV 10 / a merchant vessel was reported under attack by pirates in position 14°51N 068°13E.
A Pirate Action Group consiting of one mother ship and one skiff 4POB, weapons and ladders.
***This vessel managed to evade hijack***
The Pirate action group is still in the area.
-------------------------------
November 28 2010
WARNING Somali Basin
Latitude: 13°34N Longitude: 057°06E
Alert number 520/ 2010.
Reference previous Alert number 517 / 2010.
At 0901 UTC / 27 NOV 10 / a merchant vessel was reported under attack by pirates in position 13°34N 057°06E.
One Dhow acted as mother ship and two skiffs, weapons were used, approx 10POB.
***This vessel managed to evade hijack***
The Pirate action group is still in the area.
-------------------------------
November 27 2010
WARNING Somali Basin
Latitude: 09°39N Longitude: 067°23E
Alert number 519/ 2010.
Reference previous Alert number 514/515 / 2010.
At 1255 UTC / 26 NOV / a merchant vessel was reported under attack by pirates in position 09°39N 067°23E.
***This vessel managed to evade hijack***
The Pirate action group is still in the area.
-------------------------------
November 27 2010
WARNING Somali Basin
Latitude: 00°39N Longitude: 065°03E
Alert number 518/ 2010.
Reference previous Alert number 516 / 2010.
At 0820 UTC / 27 NOV 10 / a merchant vessel is currently under attack by pirates/2 skiffs in position 00°39N 065°03E.
2 SKIFFS, 5 POB EACH, WEAPONS USED RPG.
***This vessel managed to evade hijack***
The Pirate action group is still in the area.
-------------------------------
November 27 2010
WARNING Somali Basin
Latitude: 13°34N Longitude: 057°06E
Alert number 517/ 2010.
At 0901 UTC / 27 NOV 10 / a merchant vessel is currently under attack by pirates in position 13°34N 057°06E.
-------------------------------
November 27 2010
WARNING Somali Basin
Latitude: 00°39N Longitude: 065°03E
Alert number 516/ 2010.
At 0820 UTC / 27 NOV 10 / a merchant vessel is currently under attack by pirates/2 skiffs in position 00°39N 065°03E.
2 SKIFFS, 5 POB EACH, WEAPONS USED RPG.
-------------------------------
November 26 2010
WARNING Somali Basin
Latitude: 10°25N Longitude: 064°43E
Alert number 515/ 2010.
Reference previous Alert number 514/ 2010.
At 1255 UTC / 26 NOV / a merchant vessel was reported under attack by pirates in position 09°39N 067°23E.
MV last pos at 1710 UTC / 26 NOV / 10°25N 064°43E heading 270-11kts. Crew mustered in citadel.
-------------------------------
November 26 2010
WARNING Somali Basin
Latitude: 09°39 N Longitude: 067°23 E
Alert number 514/ 2010.
At 1255 UTC / 26 NOV / a merchant vessel is currently under attack by pirates in position 09°39 N 067°23 E.
----------------------------
November 26 2010
WARNING Somali Basin
Latitude: 00°02S Longitude: 070°00E
Alert number 513/ 2010.
At 0114 UTC / 26 NOV 10 a merchant vessel was reported under attack by pirates in position 00 02 S 070 00 E.
1 skiff with 6 POB, small arms and RPG were used.
***This vessel managed to evade hijack***
The Pirate action group is still in the area.
---------------------------
November 26 2010
WARNING INDIAN OCEAN
Latitude: 18°50N Longitude: 061°23E
Alert number 512 / 2010
At 0631UTC, 26 Nov.2010, a merchant vessel was chased by a pirated vessel named M/V HANNIBAL II. Last position 18°50N 061°23E, course 300°, speed 7.8 knots. The pirated vessel is conducting mother ship operations.
---------------------------
November 26 2010
WARNING INDIAN OCEAN
Latitude: 05°38N Longitude: 068°27E
Alert number 511 / 2010.
At 260310UTC a merchant vessel was attacked, in position 05°38N 068°27E. Pirates managed to get onboard.
--------------------------
November 25 2010
WARNING INDIAN OCEAN
Latitude: 09°29N Longitude: 068°44E
Alert number 510 / 2010.
At 1940UTC 25 November 2024 a Pirated Vessel, named M/V POLAR was reported in position 09 29N 068 44E, course 258, speed 12.6 kts. It is assessed that she is conducting mothership operations.
--------------------------
November 25 2010
---ALERT UPDATE--- Somali Basin,
Latitude: 19°47 N Longitude: 062°56 E
Alert Details:
Alert number 509/ 2010.
Reference previous Alert number 508/ 2010.
At 1439 UTC / 25 NOV 10 a merchant vessel was reported under attack by pirates in position 19°47 N 062°56 E.
1 skiff, weapons used i.e. RPGs. Skiff now in pos 19°46 N 062°56 E.
***This vessel managed to evade hijack***
The Pirate action group is still in the area.
--------------------------
SOCOTRA 1: Seized on Dec. 25, 2009. Yemeni-owned ship was
captured in the Gulf of Aden after it left Alshahr in Yemen. Six
Yemeni crew.
ICEBERG 1: Seized on March 29, 2010. Roll-on roll-off
vessel taken 10 miles from Aden. 24 crew.
JIH-CHUN TSAI 68: Seized on March 30: A Taiwan-flagged and
owned fishing vessel. 14 crew -- Taiwanese captain, two Chinese
and 11 Indonesians.
RAK AFRIKANA: Seized on April 11. The St Vincent and the
Grenadines-flagged 7,561-dwt cargo ship was taken 280 miles west
of Seychelles. Owned by Seychelles' Rak Afrikana Shipping Ltd.
Three Thai fishing vessels -- PRANTALAY 11, 12 and 14 --
hijacked on April 17-18. 77 crew.
TAI YUAN 227: Seized on May 6: Taiwanese fishing boat. 24
crew -- nine Chinese, three Vietnamese, three Filipinos, seven
Kenyans and two from Mozambique.
AL-DHAFIR: Seized on May 7. Yemeni fishing boat seized off
Yemen. Seven Yemeni crew.
MARIDA MARGUERITE: Seized on May 8. The chemical tanker en
route from Kandla in Gujarat, India to Antwerp, Belgium hijacked
in Gulf of Aden. 22 crew -- 19 Indians, two Bangladeshis, one
Ukrainian.
MOTIVATOR: Seized on July 4. Marshall Islands-flagged
13,065-dwt tanker hijacked in Red Sea. 18 Filipino crew.
SUEZ: Seized on Aug. 2. Panama-flagged cargo ship hijacked
in the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) in
the Gulf of Aden. Carrying cement. 23 crew from Egypt, Pakistan,
Sri Lanka and India.
OLIB G: Seized on Sept. 8. Maltese-flagged merchant vessel
seized in IRTC. 18 crew -- 15 Georgians, three Turks.
ASPHALT VENTURE: Seized on Sept. 29: The 3,884-dwt bitumen
carrier was heading to Durban from Mombasa. 15 Indian crew.
GOLDEN WAVE: Seized on Oct. 9. South-Korean fishing vessel
Golden Wave formerly known as Keummi 305. 43 crew -- 39 Kenyans,
two Koreans and two Chinese.
IZUMI: Seized on Oct. 10. Operated by NYK-Hinode Line Ltd,
the Panama-flagged ship was en route to Mombasa with cargo of
steel. 20 Filipino crew.
YORK: Seized on Oct. 23: Singapore-flagged, Greek managed,
LPG tanker seized 50 miles from Mombasa. The 5,076-dwt York was
sailing empty after discharging her LPG cargo in Mombasa. 17
crew -- a German master, two Ukrainians, 14 Filipinos.
CHOIZIL: Seized on Oct. 26. South-African owned yacht was
hijacked after leaving Dar es Salaam. European Union anti-piracy
task force in the area rescued one South African but two other
crew members were taken ashore as hostages.
AL-NASSR: Seized Oct. 28. Motorized dhow captured off
Yemeni island of Socotra.
POLAR: Seized on Oct 30: Liberian-owned Panama-flagged
tanker 72,825 tonne tanker seized 580 miles east of Socotra. 24
crew -- one Romanian, three Greeks, four Montenegrins, 16
Filipinos.
ALY ZULFECAR: Seized on Nov. 2. Comoran passenger boat was
taken inside Tanzania's territorial waters. Nine crew -- one
Tanzanian, four Comorian, four Madagascar. Also 12 Tanzanian and
8 Comorian passengers.
HANNIBAL II: Seized on Nov. 11. Panama-flagged chemical
tanker was taken 860 miles east of Horn of Africa, EU Navfor
said. The 24,105 tonne vessel was sailing to Suez from Malaysia
carrying vegetable oil. 31 crew -- 23 Tunisians, four Filipinos,
a Croat, a Georgian, a Russian and a Moroccan.
YUAN XIANG: Seized on Nov. 12. Chinese-owned cargo ship,
was captured off Oman. 29 Chinese crew.
ALBEDO: Seized on Nov. 26. Malaysian-owned cargo vessel
was taken 900 miles off Somalia as it headed for Mombasa from
Jebel Ali in United Arab Emirates. 23 crew -- from Pakistan,
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Iran.
JAHAN MONI: Seized on Dec. 5. Merchant ship was 1,300
miles east of Somalia. En route from Indonesia to Greece via
Singapore carrying 43,000 tonnes of nickel ore. 26 crew.
PANAMA: Seized on Dec. 10: Liberian-flagged container ship
operated by a U.S.-based company. En route from Tanzania to
Beira. 23 crew from Myanmar.
RENUAR: Seized on Dec. 11: Liberian-owned bulk cargo
vessel, 70,156 dwt, captured en route to Fujairah from Port
Louis. 24 Filipino crew.
For those looking for more information, the Office of Naval Intelligence does a fantastic job providing public information to those who monitor anti-shipping activity. The latest Google Earth KMZ file with all historic data through December 12, 2024 can be downloaded here (zip). I do not know who runs that shop for OSI, but I owe that person at least 1 case of beer.The image to the right is all reports in the Indian Ocean from November 9, 2024 7:00pm through December 12, 2024 7:00pm. Keep in mind the map includes sightings and suspicious vessels as well as violent incidents.
The following is ONI reports of active violence against shipping, a credible threat to shipping, or the potential for a situation to develop into a direct threat to shipping over the last 30 days for INDIAN OCEAN-EAST AFRICA:
1. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: A bulk cargo ship (JAHAN MONI) was hijacked 5 Dec at 1126 UTC while underway in position 08:12N - 071:55E, approximately 540NM west of Sri Lanka. At 0942 UTC, master reported two skiffs were approaching and that one attempted to board the merchant vessel. One pirate fell off the ladder while trying to board, and the skiffs departed the area. At 1126, the master reported that the two skiffs had returned and that six armed pirates successfully boarded the vessel. All 26 crewmembers were taken hostage. This hijacking is the farthest east recorded. (IMB, UKMTO)Also noteworth is WEST AFRICA:
2. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (KYTHIRA) fired upon 30 Nov at 1330 UTC while underway in position 09:19N - 069:30E, approximately 386NM northwest of the Maldives. Five armed pirates in a skiff chased and fired upon a tanker underway with intent to hijack. Master raised alarm, increased speed, took evasive maneuvers, and instructed all crew except the bridge and engine crew to muster in safe area. The pirates attempted to board the tanker from the port side and at the same time kept firing at the bridge and accommodation. Master continued the aggressive maneuvers and finally managed to evade the attempted boarding. (IMB)
3. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Chemical tanker (IVER EXACT) fired upon 29 Nov 10 at 0240 UTC while underway in position 16:58N - 067:26E, approximately 775NM northeast of Socotra Island. Five armed pirates in a skiff chased and fired upon a chemical tanker underway. Master raised alarm, increased speed, took evasive maneuvers, and instructed all crew except the bridge team to take shelter in the citadel. The pirates attempted to board the tanker several times and finally they managed to hang a ladder on the razor wire around the main deck. A pirate attempted to climb onboard, but was unsuccessful due to aggressive maneuvers. Later, the skiff aborted the attempt and was seen heading back toward mother ship. (IMB)
4. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (PISTIS) reported attempted boarding 28 Nov 10 at 0700 UTC while underway in position 14:51N - 068:13E, approximately 820NM southeast of Salalah, Oman. Four armed pirates in a boat chased and attempted to board a bulk carrier underway. Master enforced counter-piracy measures, including increased speed, and managed to escape boarding. (IMB)
5. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (26 AGUSTOS) boarded by pirates 27 Nov 10 at 0901 UTC while underway in position 13:34N - 057:06E, approximately 152NM northeast of Socotra Island. Crew mustered in citadel where they had initial steering control and access to the ship with CCTV. When pirates boarded, they were unable to take control of crew and later departed ship. (IMB)
6. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (D&K I) fired upon 27 Nov 10 at 0700 UTC while underway in position 00:39N - 064:51E, approximately 620NM northeast of the Seychelles. A tanker underway noticed a mother vessel launching skiffs, which started approaching the tanker. The pirates were armed with guns and RPG. The tanker increased speed, took counter-piracy measures, contacted authorities, and activated SAS. As the skiffs approached the vessel they opened fire. The pirates aborted attack. (IMB)
7. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship (MCL BREMEN) boarded by pirates 26 Nov 10 at 1255 UTC while underway in position 09:39N - 067:23E, approximately 1085NM east of Garacad, Somalia. The crew moved to a citadel and the pirates stayed onboard the vessel for approximately six hours. (IMB)
8. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (MEDI CHENNAI) fired upon 26 Nov 10 at 0114 UTC while underway in position 00:26S - 070:00E, approximately 185NM west of the Maldives. Six armed pirates in a boat chased and fired upon a bulk carrier underway. The vessels enforced counter-piracy measures and evaded the boarding. The vessel sustained some damages to RPG and gunfire. (IMB)
9. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (GURU GOBIND SINGH) fired on 25 Nov 10 at 1800 local time while underway in position 14:52N - 068:01, approximately 810NM northeast of Socotra Island. Seven pirates in a skiff chased and fired upon a tanker underway. Master enforced counter-piracy measures and evaded the boarding. (IMB)
10. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (HADI) fired upon 25 Nov 10 at 1439 UTC while underway in position 19:47N - 062:56E, approximately 234NM east of Masirah, Oman. Tanker fired on by pirates in a skiff with guns and RPG. Vessel increased speed, sent alert, took evasive maneuvers, and evaded attempt. No damage was reported. (IMB)
11. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship (ALBEDO) hijacked 25 Nov 10 at 0300 UTC while underway in position 05:38N - 068:27E, approximately 1140NM east of Garacad, Somalia. ALBEDO reported the hijacked ship POLAR chasing and acting as a mother ship. (IMB)
12. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk cargo (PAGONA) attempted boarding 24 Nov 10 at 1130 UTC while underway in position 14:47N - 065:58E, approximately 460NM southwest of Mumbai, India. No weapons or ladders were visible. Pirates attempted to board with a hook and rope. PAGONA took evasive maneuvers to evade the boarding. (UKMTO)
13. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Product tanker (NORNA N) fired upon 24 Nov 10 at 0312 UTC while underway in position 15:04N - 067:05E, approximately 400NM southwest of Mumbai, India. Master confirmed automatic weapons and RPG fired. NORNA N took evasive maneuvers as pirates made several unsuccessful attempts to board the vessel before returning to their mother ship. (IMB, UKMTO).
14(a). (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (CARMENCITA) fired upon 22 Nov 10 at 2300 UTC while underway in position 15:53N - 058:14E, approximately 250NM east-south-east of Salalah, Oman. Two white skiffs with five armed pirates in each skiff chased and fired upon a bulk carrier underway. Master raised alarm, activated SSAS, sent distress message, increased speed, and contacted warship for assistance. The pirates attempted to board the ship several times and finally aborted the attempted boarding upon seeing the presence of a warship and two helicopters at the location. No injuries but the ship sustained some damages. (IMB) .
14(b). (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Product tanker (SEA SPIRIT) fired upon 22 Nov 10 at 0904 UTC while underway in position 01:31N - 055:48E, approximately 620NM east of Mogadishu, Somalia. Five skiffs with four to five armed pirates each chased and fired upon a product tanker underway. Ship increased speed, employed evasive maneuvers, and communicated with naval authorities. Pirates aborted attempt. Suspected mother ship noted in the area. (IMB)
15. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Fishing vessel (CAMPOLIBRE ALAI) fired upon 22 Nov 10 at 0500 UTC while underway in position 01:30N - 055:25E, approximately 600NM east of Mogadishu, Somalia. Armed pirates in two skiffs launched from a mother ship chased and attempted to board a fishing vessel underway. Counter piracy measures used and pirates aborted attempt. (IMB)
16. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship (NORTHERN PROMOTION) fired upon 21 Nov 10 at 1114 UTC while underway in position 14:49N - 059:55E, approximately 360NM southeast of Salalah, Oman. Pirates armed with guns in a skiff chased and fired upon a container ship underway. Vessel activated counter-piracy measures and took evasive maneuvers. The vessel managed to evade the attempted boarding. (IMB)
17. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (FRONT ALFA) illegally boarded 21 Nov 10 at 2145 UTC while underway in position 15:30N - 059:17E, approximately 580NM southeast of Salalah, Oman. Armed pirates in a skiff chased and boarded a tanker underway. The crew locked themselves in the citadel. On 22 Nov 10, naval helicopter confirmed no pirates seen on vessel. Later crew regained control of vessel. (IMB)
18. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Fishing vessel (INTERTUNA TRES) fired upon 21 Nov 10 at 0720 UTC while underway in position 02:43N - 055:20E, approximately 600NM east of Mogadishu, Somalia. Pirates armed with guns and RPG in skiffs chased and fired upon a fishing vessel underway. Ship increased speed, took anti-piracy measures, and managed to evade the attempted boarding. (IMB)
19. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (VEGA LIBRA) fired upon 20 Nov 10 at 1015 UTC while underway in position 13:05N - 067:34E, approximately 720NM east of Socotra Island, Yemen. Pirates armed with guns and RPG in two skiffs chased and fired upon a bulk carrier underway with intent to hijack. Ship increased speed and took evasive maneuvers. The pirates attempted to board the vessel several times. Ship continued with the aggressive maneuvers and evaded the attempted boarding. Ship sustained some damages. (IMB)
20. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Multi-function large load carrier (TAI AN KOU) illegally boarded 20 Nov 10 at 0824 UTC while underway in position 20:30N - 060:51E, approximately 438NM northeast of Salalah, Oman. 15-20 people in three speed boats with RPG and AK-47 approached the ship, and four men boarded ship by hand. Crew used evasive maneuvers, fired rocket flares, activated water spray, and used citadel. (IMB)
21. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk cargo ship (GRACEFUL MADONNA) fired upon 20 Nov 10 at 0715 UTC while underway in position 01:07S - 067:05E, approximately 493NM northwest of Diego Garcia. One skiff approached vessel from port side firing eight to ten shots from automatic weapon. Skiff closed to within 70 meters on port quarter and aborted attempt after 30 minutes. No mother ship was noted. (IMB)
22. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship (NYK ALTAIR) fired upon 20 Nov 10 at 0310 UTC while underway in position 12:23N - 066:19E, approximately 700NM east of Socotra Island, Yemen. Eight to ten people in skiff approached first from port and then from starboard side with RPG and machetes. RPG fired three times with one confirmed hit in funnel. Crew used evasive maneuvers and pirates aborted attempt after 25 minutes. A mother ship was noted in the vicinity. (IMB)
23. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship (NORTHERN VALOR) fired upon 18 Nov 10 at 1945 UTC while underway in position 00:18S - 052:47E, approximately 460NM southeast of Mogadishu, Somalia. Master confirmed automatic weapons and RPG fired. Vessel maintained maximum speed and non-essential crew mustered in safe room. (IMB, UKMTO)
24. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Cargo vessel (LE CONG) fired upon 18 Nov 10 at 1250 UTC while underway in position 12:25N - 066:33E, approximately 704NM east of Socotra Island, Yemen. Individuals in two skiffs chased and fired upon the vessel. (IMB) B.
25. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Fishing vessels fired upon 17 Nov 10 at 0516Z while underway in position 06:34S - 050:01E, approximately 639NM east of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. Pirates operating out of two skiffs fired RPGs at the vessels. Armed security fired warning shots. No damage to ship and no casualties. (Mercury)
26. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: POL Tanker fired upon (SAMURAI) on 16 Nov 10 at 0645 local time while underway in position 05:09N - 066:42E, approximately 412NM west of Male, Maldives. Individuals in one skiff conducted the attack. A supporting mother ship was nearby. (IMB)
27. (U) KENYA: Bulk Cargo Carrier (AFRICAN EAGLE) fired upon on 16 Nov 10 at 0642 UTC while waiting for berthing instructions at position 04:35S - 039:57E, approximately 17NM east of Mombasa, Kenya. Individuals in one skiff conducted the attack. (IMB and Open Press)
28. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Chemical Tanker (VALERIE) fired upon on 15 Nov 10 at 0805 UTC while underway in position 14:03N - 049:08E, approximately 27NM south of Al Mukalla, Yemen. A blue skiff with approximately six people on board fired on the tanker. Security personnel on the tanker fired warning shots and the suspected pirates broke off the attack. (IMB)
29. (U) KENYA: Kenyan Naval Patrol Boat on 12 Nov 10 at 2300 local time illegal boarded by Somali pirates near Kilifi, Kenya. Four pirates boarded the underway patrol boat. Kenyan navy officers shot dead three of the pirates, one pirate jumped into the water and likely died. (Open Press)
30. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Cargo vessel YUAN XIANG hijacked on 12 Nov 10 at 0701 UTC while underway in position 18:02N 066:03E, approximately 634NM east of Salalah, Oman. (IMB)
31. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: POL tanker fired upon on 11 Nov 10 at 0540 UTC while underway in position 17:12N - 065:33E, approximately 660NM east of Salalah, Oman. One skiff with 6 people on board fired on the vessel. (Mercury)
32. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Chemical tanker HANNIBAL II hijacked on 11 Nov 10 at 0433 UTC while underway in position 11:26N - 066:05E, approximately 680NM southeast of Socotra Island, Yemen. (IMB)
33. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Cargo vessel BBC ORINOCO illegally boarded on 11 Nov 10 at 0512 local time while underway in position 17:06N - 064:57E, approximately 625NM east of Salalah, Oman. Armed pirates operating from two skiffs fired on and boarded a bulk carrier underway. All crew retreated into the steering gear room and engine control room where they controlled the ship until pirates abandoned the ship. (IMB)
34. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship fired upon 9 Nov 10 at 0834 UTC while underway in position 0603N - 065:00E, approximately 525NM northwest of Male, Maldives. Vessel reported two white-hulled skiffs approached at 20kts with three people on board in each skiff. Mother vessel was viewed but was not with skiffs. Master reported weapons were fired on merchant vessel and they observed pirate tripwires. (UKMTO)
35. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Chemical tanker (FLOYEN) fired upon 9 Nov 10 at 0500 local time while underway in position 01:01N - 052:58E, approximately 350NM north of the Seychelles. Two white skiffs with nine people in each chased a tanker for two hours and fired upon the tanker. (IMB)
1. (U) GUINEA: Bulk carrier robbed 28 Nov 10 at 0330 UTC while at anchor in position 09:22N - 013:47W in Conakry. Six robbers armed with machine guns boarded an anchored bulk carrier. Officer raised alarm and tried to contact port control without any success. The robbers entered bridge and accommodation and stole ship’s cash and equipment. All crew safe. (IMB)Finally, slightly edited update on Convoys:
2. (U) IVORY COAST: Tanker robbed 21 Nov 10 at 0235 local while at anchor in position 05:13.5N - 004:02.1W in the Abidjan anchorage. Three robbers armed with knives boarded a tanker at anchor. Duty officer noticed the robbers and raised the alarm. Robbers managed to escape along with stolen ship’s stores. (IMB)
3. (U) NIGERIA: On 17 Nov 10, a Nigerian military task force free 19 hostages being held by militants in Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) camps in the creeks of the Niger Delta oil region. The hostages included two Americans, two Frenchmen, two Indonesians, one Canadian and 12 Nigerians. (Reuters, AFP)
4. (U) NIGERIA: On 14 Nov 10, Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) attacked an Exxon Mobil oil platform off the southeast coast and kidnapped seven Nigerian workers. (Reuters)
5. (U) NIGERIA: Personnel kidnapped from offshore oil rig 9 Nov 10. Gunmen in Nigeria attacked an offshore oil rig operated by exploration firm Afren, kidnapping five crew members including foreigners and injuring two others. The two injured are stable, and the kidnapped are two French nationals, two U.S. citizens, and one Canadian national. The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) did not yet claim responsibility for the incident; however, MEND did warn of a series of attacks on oil installations across the Niger Delta “in the coming days.” (Reuters)
A. (U) GULF OF ADEN: South Korean Navy convoy schedule for December 2010. Rendezvous Point “A” (Eastbound Convoys): 12:07N - 044:11E. Rendezvous Point "B" (Westbound convoys): 14:54N - 054:41E. Transit speed for both directions: 12kts. Please note that the base speed can be changed to match the speed of vessel with lowest speed. Eastbound convoys are on: 04 DEC, 18 DEC, 24 DEC 2010. Vessels will muster at 0400 UTC. Westbound convoys are on: 01 DEC, 15 DEC, 21 DEC 2010. Vessels will muster at 0400 UTC. Vessels should submit the application directly to ROK Naval Warship. If vessel has ETA delayed more than 2 hours, ROKN cannot guarantee convoy. Vessels that are registered with ROK Naval escort must establish good communication with the warship at least 24 hours prior to convoy start time. If possible, update vessel’s position, course, speed, and ETA every four hours beginning 36 hours prior to convoy start time. It is always a good idea to update vessel’s movement to UKMTO regularly.Finally, Lloyd's List ran a special on December 1, 2024 discussing the possibility of terror links to pirates. As you might imagine, this resonated as a big thud. With naval forces unable to control piracy, it no longer matters whether there are links between pirates and terror organizations in Somalia - the west will simply live with it even if the proof is indisputable. The bottom line is, ransoms remain the only way to effectively manage Somalia piracy. With that in mind, there is no way the $7.6 trillion maritime industry is going to allow any government cite terrorism as a reason why ransoms shouldn't be paid when the most outrageous cost of piracy cited has been somewhere around $25 billion.
B. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Government of Japan convoy schedule for December 2010. The Government of Japan (GOJ) provides the escort operation by Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) for vessels in accordance with the following schedule. Due to the end of the monsoon season, JMSDF will shorten the east end of the transit corridor (point C to point B) beginning in December. The rendezvous (start & end) position: “A” 11-50N, 045-00E, Base speed: 12 kts. “B” 14-28N, 053-00E, Base speed: 12 kts. Escort schedules in December 2010: Westbound (start “B”): 1400 UTC 05 DEC, 09 DEC, 16 DEC, 20 DEC, 28 DEC 2010. Eastbound (start “A”): 1400 UTC on 03 DEC, 07 DEC, 14 DEC, 18 DEC, 26 DEC, 30 DEC 2010.
C. (U) GULF OF ADEN: People’s Liberation Army Navy convoy schedule for December 2010. Rendezvous Point "A" (Westbound convoys): 14:50N - 053:50E. Rendezvous Point "B" (Eastbound convoys): 12:18N - 043:49E. Eastbound convoys are on: 06 DEC, 12 DEC, 18 DEC, 24 DEC, 30 DEC 2010. Vessels will muster at 0500 UTC and start transiting at 0800 UTC. Westbound convoys are on: 03DEC, 09 DEC, 15 DEC, 21 DEC, 27 DEC 2010. Vessels will muster at 1000 UTC and start transiting at 1300 UTC. The convoy’s transiting route is to the north of IRTC. The convoy speed is 11-12 knots. China Navy Warship(s) will be conducting the escorting missions by following the convoy.
In a $7.6 trillion dollar industry, even the highly optimistic figure of $25 billion is nothing more than a rounding error.
Loyds List also has a rather entertaining article where Gianluigi Aponte of MSC is very critical of EUNAVFOR and Tanzania for not assisting MV Panama while the vessel was being hijacked earlier this week.
Gianluigi Aponte’s MSC has described the situation as unacceptable and is calling for a much more aggressive approach from both local law enforcement authorities and the international community when ships come under attack.MSC is based in Geneva, Switzerland and MV Panama is Liberian-flagged. Perhaps Mr. Aponte should take up his complaints with the naval authorities of Switzerland and Liberia. Or not.
The 1,700 teu MSC Panama, which has been on charter to MSC since April 2008, was hijacked on Friday afternoon some 80 nautical miles east of the Tanzanian/Mozambique border.
“Clearly our main concern is for the 25 crew and for their safety. However we are also concerned about the vessel, its cargo and containers,” MSC said in a statement to Lloyd’s List.
“We cannot accept that international trade is disrupted in this way and call for a more vigorous and proportionate response. ”
A rocket-propelled grenade was used in the attack, according to EU Navfor which said the latest incident was a further example of the “constantly expanding area of pirate activity”.
The crew of the 21-year-old ship, which is managed by Florida-based Ship Management Services, are all from Myanmar. MSC has not yet been able to obtain any information about their plight.
The Geneva company, which operates the world’s second largest containership fleet, said that the Tanzanian authorities failed to respond to the vessel’s emergency call. Furthermore, EU Navfor observed the attack, with helicopters hovering overhead, but did not intervene.
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