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Monday 18 December to Monday 25 December 2023 |
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Dear
Please find below our most recent Weekly Maritime Report. If you have any queries about our reports please contact us at africaops@castorvali.com
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Total no of incidents: 11 |
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Incident mapping - Overview |
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Threat Level
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Total of Incidents
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- One alert was reported this week.
○Alert of active piracy action group (PAG) in Gulf of Guinea on 12th Nov.
- Incidents involving local craft in Nigeria usually involves significant use of violence as part of the incident.
- Recent incidents underline continued risk faced by vessels and their crew members operating in this area, and the inability of regional authorities to respond expeditiously.
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Date
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Time
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Incident Type
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Latitude
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Longitude
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12/12/2023
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1011 UTC
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GENERAL ALERT
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1° 15' 36.00"N
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8° 52' 46.00"E
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MDAT-GOG has issued a security notification for the Gulf of Guinea, indicating heightened risks in the region, and has advised that a Piracy Action Group (PAG) is operating in the Zone D area.
Analysis:
An ongoing security operation in the Gulf of Guinea has identified several vessels of interest operating in the waters of Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, and Togo over the past 12 months. Notably, one vessel, initially flagged for persistent AIS signal disruptions, was recently intercepted and detained by Nigerian authorities. The vessel was found engaged in illegal activities, siphoning approximately 500MT of crude oil at the Ebesan Oil Field, off the coast of Awoye, Nigeria.
These latest developments in the Gulf of Guinea, despite a relatively quiet season, underscore the continued and persistent maritime security challenges that exist in the region. The interception of vessels involved in illicit activities also emphasizes the need for continuous vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate risks.
It is strongly recommended for all vessels transiting this area to exercise extreme caution when operating in these waters, implement enhanced security measures, maintain local surveillance, and apply BMP WA procedures.
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West Africa Weekly Comparison |
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2022-2023 West Africa Monthly Comparison |
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Threat Level
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Total of Incidents
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- 11 alerts reported this week.
○UAS Attack on vessel in Red Sea on 23 Nov. ○Military intercept of drones in Red Sea on 23 Nov. ○Hijacking of fishing vessel in Gulf of Aden on 23 Nov. ○UAS attack on vessel in Red Sea on 23 Nov. ○UAS attack on vessel in Indian Ocean on 23 Nov. ○Hijacking of Dhow near Eyl, Somalia on 22 Nov. ○Boat suspicious approach in Gulf of Aden on 19 Nov. ○UAV suspicious approach in Gulf of Aden on 19 Nov. ○Boat suspicious approach in Red Sea on 18 Nov. ○Explosion on vessel in Red Sea on 18 Nov. ○Boat suspicious approach in Gulf of Aden on 18 Nov.
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Date
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Time
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Incident Type
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Latitude
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Longitude
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23/12/2023
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1651 UTC
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ATTACK
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14° 41' 25.20"N
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42° 4' 25.20"E
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The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported an incident about 50 nautical miles west of Hodeidah, Yemen. Multiple reports have been received by the UKMTO of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) seen flying above a ship before it exploded approximately 1.5 nautical miles away from the vessel. Investigations are currently underway by the authorities. Further updates will be provided upon receipt of confirmed information.
Analysis: Additional incident reporting has indicated that there have been two separate incidents in the same day involving an Indian flagged tanker and Norwegian flagged tanker. Likelihood of correlation of one of these vessels to this report is moderate, given the proximity of the USS Laboon intercepting UAVs in proximity to the given coordinates.
Overall, this attack remains in line with ongoing tactics targeting international shipping in the region, to include UAV attacks/harassment, small boat harassment, AIS Spoofing and Missile attacks.
Successful deterrence has been indicated with presence of on-board armed security teams, in addition to remaining in proximity of international military vessels as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian. Ships are being cautioned to navigate carefully in the area and to report any unusual activities.The MARA team will continue to provide updates and analysis to support informed decision-making.
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Date
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Time
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Incident Type
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Latitude
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Longitude
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23/12/2023
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1200 UTC
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GENERAL ALERT
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13° 58' 0.00"N
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42° 30' 0.00"E
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Between 1200 and 1700 UTC, while on patrol in the Southern Red Sea as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, the USS Laboon intercepted and shot down four Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). These UAVs were reportedly launched from areas in Yemen under Houthi control and were directed towards the USS Laboon. No damage or injuries were reported on the USS Laboon. Following this, the USS Laboon responded to distress signals from a Norwegian-flagged tanker that had a near miss with a UAV, and an Indian-flagged tanker that reported a UAV detonation in close proximity. No injuries were reported from either tanker. Reports also indicated that two anti-ship ballistic missiles were launched from Houthi territory into the Southern Red Sea, but no vessels reported being hit by these missiles.
Analysis: While international military vessels are successful in intercepting immediate local threats, continued reporting of successful disruptions of maritime traffic highlights the continued need for vigilance while transiting the region, given continued missile and drone attacks.
UAVs, Missile, Small Boat harassment and AIS Spoofing among other threats comprise the complex threat environment vessels may face in region. The MARA team will continue to provide updates and analysis to support informed decision-making.
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Date
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Time
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Incident Type
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Latitude
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Longitude
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23/12/2023
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0000 UTC
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HIJACKING
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12° 0' 0.00"N
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44° 0' 0.00"E
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An advisory from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported a hijacking incident involving a Yemeni fishing vessel, 13KM north of Eyl. According to local authorities, the vessel was last seen heading north along the Yemeni coastline. Military authorities have assessed that the vessel may be utilized for future piracy attacks. The vessel, named EMARAT-2, is white in color, with a length of 17.7M, breadth of 4M, and depth of 2.1M.
Analysis: Given the direction of the vessel heading North towards Yemen, Houthi involvement is likely. However, overall, regional de-stabilization has resulted in a resurgence of Piracy within the region by Somali actors in addition to Houthi attacks.
The Castor Vali team will continue to provide updates and analysis to support informed decision-making.
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Date
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Time
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Incident Type
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Latitude
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Longitude
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23/12/2023
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0000 UTC
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ATTACK
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14° 34' 60.00"N
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42° 2' 60.00"E
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The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported an incident involving an unmanned aerial system (UAS) detonating near a ship in the vicinity of the Bab El Mandeb, 45 nautical miles southwest of Saleef, Yemen. The vessel reported no damage and all crew members are safe. The incident is currently under investigation by the authorities.
Analysis: Additional incident reporting has indicated that there have been two separate incidents in the same day involving an Indian flagged tanker and Norwegian flagged tanker. Likelihood of correlation of one of these vessels to this report is moderate, given the proximity of the USS Laboon intercepting UAVs in proximity to the given coordinates.
Overall, this attack remains in line with ongoing tactics targeting international shipping in the region, to include UAV attacks/harassment, small boat harassment, AIS Spoofing and Missile attacks.
Successful deterrence has been indicated with presence of on-board armed security teams, in addition to remaining in proximity of international military vessels as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian.
All vessels in the area are advised to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activities to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The Castor Vali team will continue to provide updates and analysis to support informed decision-making.
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Date
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Time
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Incident Type
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Latitude
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Longitude
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23/12/2023
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0000 UTC
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ATTACK
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18° 32' 39.64"N
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67° 31' 58.32"E
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An advisory from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported an attack on the Liberian-flagged Tanker CHEM PLUTO (IMO: 9624770) by an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) which resulted in an explosion and subsequent fire. The incident occurred 200NM Southwest of Veraval, India.
The fire has been extinguished and there has been no reported casualties of the 22 crew members on board, 21 of which are Indian nationals. Authorities are currently investigating the incident.
A P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, deployed by the Indian Navy after the UKMTO reported the incident, flew over the merchant vessel, established contact with it, and ascertained the safety of the vessel and its crew. The Indian Coast Guard has diverted the ICGS Vikram from patrol of the Indian EEZ to escort the CHEM PLUTO, which was reportedly carrying crude oil from a port in Saudi Arabia to Mangolore, India.
Analysis: Despite some reports claiming the vessel is Israel-affiliated, this attack on the Hong Kong and Japanese owned CHEM PLUTO marks a concerning development in maritime security throughout the Indian Ocean region, and underscore the evolving threat landscape faced by vessels with no apparent connection to Israel, or recent targets.
The incident also raises questions about the origin and intent of the UAS attack, necessitating a thorough investigation by relevant authorities. Vessels in the area are advised to proceed with caution, report any suspicious activities to the UKMTO, and adhere to heightened security measures, particularly in areas prone to such unconventional threats.
The Castor Vali team will continue to provide updates and analysis to support informed decision-making.
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Date
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Time
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Incident Type
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Latitude
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Longitude
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22/12/2023
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1310 UTC
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HIJACKING
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5° 51' 23.00"N
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49° 59' 1.10"E
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Multiple sources have reported an incident near Eyl, Somalia, involving a dhow which was hijacked by 20 heavily armed assaulters.
Analysis: The authorities are currently investigating the situation. All vessels are advised to keep well clear of this position, and proceed with extreme caution if in this area. Masters are requested to report any suspicious activities to the UKMTO.
The Castor Vali team will continue to provide updates and analysis to support informed decision-making.
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Date
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Time
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Incident Type
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Latitude
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Longitude
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19/12/2023
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0530 UTC
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SUSPICIOUS APPROACH
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12° 8' 28.20"N
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44° 18' 31.20"E
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The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received a report from a vessel's captain about an incident occurring 80NM Northeast of Djibouti. The exact location was not specified and the incident is currently under investigation.
The UKMTO confirmed that the ship was approached by four small boats, each carrying up to five individuals on board. The closest boat moved parallel to the ship, coming within 0.5NM before moving away. The boats were described as blue/grey. The captain reported no weapons were seen and there was no communication from the boats.
The UKMTO later confirmed that the ship has left the area and both the ship and crew are safe.
Analysis: Authorities are currently investigating the incident. All vessels are advised to proceed with caution in this area and report any suspicious activities to the UKMTO.
The Castor Vali team will continue to provide updates and analysis to support informed decision-making.
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Date
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Time
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Incident Type
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Latitude
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Longitude
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18/12/2023
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1650 UTC
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SUSPICIOUS APPROACH
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12° 7' 60.00"N
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44° 17' 60.00"E
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A report has been received by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) about two Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) sighted approximately 84NM East of Djibouti. The UAVs approached within 50 meters of a ship, circled it multiple times, and then vanished.
Analysis: Ships in the area are being advised to remain vigilant and report any unusual activities to the UKMTO.
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Date
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Time
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Incident Type
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Latitude
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Longitude
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18/12/2023
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0630 UTC
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SUSPICIOUS APPROACH
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13° 9' 6.00"N
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43° 3' 7.00"E
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The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued a warning following an incident 24NM Southwest of Port Mokha, Yemen. The vessel's Captain reported that a craft carrying several armed individuals was approaching their position. In response, warning shots were fired from the vessel, causing the craft to alter its course and move away.
Analysis: The incident is currently under investigation. Vessels in the area are advised to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activities to the UKMTO.
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Date
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Time
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Incident Type
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Latitude
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Longitude
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18/12/2023
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0000 UTC
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GENERAL ALERT
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13° 20' 3.00"N
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42° 59' 48.00"E
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The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported an explosion on the port side of a vessel. The incident occurred approximately 25NM Northwest of Port Mokha, Yemen. The ship's captain reported a potential explosion in the water about 2 nautical miles from one side of the vessel. The vessel and crew are reported to be safe.
Analysis: This is the 17th incident reported in the region in December; the 2nd today in this immediate area. Since the hijacking of the GALAXY LEADER on the 22nd of November, there have been at least 21 reports of attacks or attempted attacks, likely involving Houthi militants.
Authorities are currently investigating the incident. All vessels are advised to proceed with caution in this area and report any suspicious activities to the UKMTO.
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Date
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Time
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Incident Type
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Latitude
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Longitude
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18/12/2023
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1100 UTC
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GENERAL ALERT
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12° 18' 1.00"N
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43° 55' 9.00"E
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The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported an incident approximately 63NM Northwest of Djibouti. The authorities are currently investigating the situation. In the meantime, vessels are advised to proceed with caution in the area and report any suspicious activities to the UKMTO.
Update: Attempted Attack Thwarted by Coalition Forces
Updated information from the UKMTO confirms that a vessel was approached by armed individuals on five small boats. Reports suggest that the attempted attack was likely prevented by the presence of nearby coalition forces.
Analysis: Updated information from the UKMTO confirms that a vessel was approached by armed individuals on five small boats. Reports suggest that the attempted attack was likely prevented by the presence of nearby coalition forces.
This is the 18th incident reported in this region in December; the 3rd today in the area. Since the hijacking of the GALAXY LEADER on the 22nd of November, there have been at least 22 reports of attacks or attempted attacks, likely involving Houthi militants.
The strategic location of the Bab El Mandeb Strait raises significant concerns for vessels transiting through this critical maritime passage, and repeated Houthi threats and attacks on ships present a heightened risk environment. The potential disruption to global supply chains and logistics is a significant consideration, emphasizing the broader economic implications of this evolving maritime security situation.
The targeting of vessels with no direct links to involved nations, along with the recent series of attacks, suggests a complex and dynamic security landscape. Vessel Masters, and stakeholders with interests in the region, are strongly advised to closely monitor developments, maintain communication with appropriate authorities, and implement enhanced security measures. The Castor Vali team will continue to provide updates and analysis to support informed decision-making.
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Date
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Time
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Incident Type
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Latitude
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Longitude
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16/12/2023
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0001 UTC
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GENERAL ALERT
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14° 37' 60.00"N
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42° 13' 0.00"E
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[Previous Reporting Period]
Open source intelligence indicates that the US Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer, USS Carney, intercepted and destroyed fourteen Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the Red Sea during the early hours of the morning.
The UAVs, launched from Houthi-controlled regions of Yemen, were identified as one-way attack drones arranged in a wave. No damage to ships or injuries were reported as a result of the drone wave.
Additionally, the British destroyer HMS Diamond, which recently arrived in the region to support international maritime security efforts, successfully intercepted and destroyed a single UAV using a Sea Viper missile.
Analysis: These recent attacks underscore the escalating threat to international commerce and maritime security in the Red Sea. Ships in the area are advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
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Indian Ocean Weekly Comparison |
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2022-2023 Indian Ocean Monthly Comparison |
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Threat Level
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Total of Incidents
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- No reported incidents this week.
- Last reported incident was robbery of anchored container ship at Manila Bay, Philippines on 25th Nov.
- Phillip Channel remains key area of robberies and boardings within Singapore & Malacca Straits.
- There have been at least 63 incidents reported in the vicinity of Singapore Strait this year. 93 incidents were reported in the vicinity in 2022; 58 of which occurred in, or near, the TSS.
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Date
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Time
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Incident Type
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Latitude
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Longitude
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25/11/2023
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1845 LT
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ROBBERY
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14° 36' 43.20"N
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120° 49' 33.60"E
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[Previous Reported Period]
Reports indicate that an anchored container ship was boarded by five robbers at Manila Bay anchorage in the Philippines. The robbers gained access to the ship through the hawse pipe. The duty crew spotted the robbers during their rounds, prompting them to raise the alarm. The robbers managed to escape with stolen ship properties. Local authorities were alerted about the incident and a patrol boat was dispatched to search the surrounding area.
Analysis: This is the eighth reported incident in the vicinity of Manila this year. However, four similar incidents were reported in the area of Batangas Port last year (2022); all but one aboard anchored or berthed vessels. Incident times vary but range from 1600-2200 hours for all reported incidents this year.
Most incidents report unidentified personnel attempting theft undetected and escaping in the event of detection without altercation.
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Southeast Asia Weekly Comparison |
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2022 - 2023 Southeast Asia Monthly Comparison |
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Threat Level
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Total of Incidents
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- No alerts reported this week.
- Last reported incident was a robbery of anchored bulk carrier in Callo Anchorage, Peru, on the 16th of Nov.
- Callao Anchorage, Peru remains an area where there is a higher frequency of reported incidents in the region; specifically, commercial vessels at anchor.
- Among the 12 incidents reported this year in the Americas, 8 occurred within Callao Anchorage; all between 0000-0800 hrs UTC.
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Date
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Time
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Incident Type
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Latitude
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Longitude
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16/11/2023
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0540 UTC
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ROBBERY
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11° 58' 60.00"S
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77° 13' 0.00"W
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[Last Reported Incident] Reports indicate that a Bulk Carrier anchored at Callao, Peru was boarded by two armed robbers who stole from the ship's stores at the forward station. The incident was reported to the local port authorities. All crew members are confirmed to be safe.
Analysis: This is the eighth incident of this type to be reported in Callao anchorage this year, with eight similar incidents occurring in the anchorage last year. In most reported cases in this area, robbers were armed with knives and were able to escape with ship's and/or crew property.
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Americas Weekly Comparison |
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2022 - 2023 Americas Monthly Comparison |
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Weekly Alert Comparison by Area |
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2022 - 2023 Overall Monthly Comparison |
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All findings are predictive and estimative. To communicate these findings clearly and in order to accurately compare threat levels, the report uses a variation of terminology used by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
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Piracy: CV has adopted the definition of piracy similar to that given in the BMP. Content within this document uses the term ‘piracy’ which includes all violent and non-violent acts against vessels, her crew and cargo which have taken place either in internal waterways, territorial waters or deep offshore. CV classifies piracy incidents into six categories:
Hijacking – Crew lost control of the vessel for a sufficient period of time and then pirates kidnapped at least one crewmember and/or passenger(s).
Pirate Attack – Vessel was attacked with gunfire or RPG fire and/or then boarded the vessel with the intent to hijack and/or kidnap at least one crewmember(s) and/or passenger(s).
Robbery – Vessel is boarded with criminal intent, theft does not have to occur.
Suspicious approach/vessels – Suspicious activity reported (i.e. a vessel was approached by unidentified craft with one or more persons on board) or sighting of firearms and boarding equipment on board a suspicious vessel and/or sighting of a confirmed pirate mother ship.
General Alert – A reported incident has been released by authorities to notify seafarers of a possible incident which is still being investigated/confirmed. This can also be a warning of an imminent Danger to seafarers.
Caution – An unconfirmed warning of an incident that could affect seafarers.
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With our head office in the UK, and regional offices in East, West and South Africa, the Castor Vali Group specialises in International
Protective Services, Corporate Security and Risk Management services to governments, multinational organisations and the energy
sector in emerging and high risk markets. We have extensive experience and a thorough understanding of the risks when operating in
remote and hostile environments with safety at the heart of our operations and we are proud to consistently deliver the most complex
projects safely, on time and on budget. Our security and advisory experts are highly experienced and qualified to provide a dedicated,
client focused service, delivering risk mitigation solutions carefully tailored to project priorities.
Contact us:
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Disclaimer
You have received this report as part of your organisation’s subscription. Castor Vali assessment and advice is given based on the information received and processed by us and the surrounding circumstances known to us to exist at the time. Subsequent changes to relevant information or the surrounding circumstances may affect the reliability of our assessment and advice, but we do not accept responsibility for that effect. We do not accept responsibility for the outcome of any action taken or not taken as a result of our assessment and advice unless the possibility of that action being taken or not taken is set out in specific terms in our instructions.
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