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Monday 29 January 2024 to Monday 05 February 2024 |
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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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- No alerts reported this week.
- Last reported incident - robbery of anchored supply vessel at Luanda anchorage, Angola on 25 Jan.
- Current intelligence indicates a Piracy Action Group operating in the Gulf of Guinea.
- 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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Previous Reporting Period |
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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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25/01/2024
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0130 UTC
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ROBBERY
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8°44'18.00"S
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13°17'12.00"E
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[Last Reported Incident]
On 25th January 2024, at 01:30 local time, a Supply Vessel anchored at Luanda Anchorage was reportedly boarded by robbers.
The on-duty ISPS watchman spotted a small canoe about 20 meters away from the vessel, moving away. Two mooring ropes, each 50 meters in length, were stolen in the incident.
Analysis: This is the fifth incident reported in an Angolan port this year, the fourth occurring in Luanda, since January 8. In 2023 the Angolan ports of Soyo and Luanda saw at least six reported incidents, most occurring while the vessels were at anchorage.
Modus operandi among these incidents remains the same; robbers attempt to access via anchor chains, or by boarding smaller crew/OSV/tug/barge vessels, steal ships' properties, and then depart on small vessels.
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West Africa Weekly Comparison |
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2023-2024 West Africa Monthly Comparison |
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Threat Level
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Total of Incidents
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10 alerts reported this week.
- Firing exercise in Red Sea on 5 Feb.
- Suspicious approach in North Indian Ocean on 3 Feb.
- UAS Alert in Red Sea on 2 Feb.
- Missile attack in Red Sea on 1 Feb.
- Missile and UAS intercept on 31 Jan.
- Firing exercise in Indian Ocean throughout Feb.
- Suspicious Approach in Indian Ocean on 31 Jan.
- Missile intercept in Red Sea on 30 Jan.
- PAG Advisory in Indian Ocean on 30 Jan.
- Suspicious Approach in Red Sea on 39 Jan.
Attacks have begun to escalate in both frequency and in targeting on non-Israeli linked vessels, posing significant risk to transiting vessels.
Severe risk level due to recent attacks on international shipping related to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Region related to the Israeli-Hamas conflict.
Spillover effects have been indicated with recent spikes of Somali based piracy, in addition to piracy in unusual locations
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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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05/02/2024
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16:00 UTC
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Firing Exercise
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20°48'6.00"N
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38°37'60.00"E
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The UKMTO and Pakistan Hydrographic Office, which oversees NAVAREA IX, has announced that a firing practice will take place 50NM southwest of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The practice is scheduled from the 5th to the 8th of February, between the hours of 0730-1200UTC in the area bounded by the following coordinates: 20-48.10N 038-38.00E, 20-48.10N 039-00.00E, 20-26.50N 039-00.00E, 20-26.50N 038-38.00E. This message will be cancelled on February 8th at 1400 UTC.
Analysis: Ships and crafts are advised to steer clear of the designated danger area during the specified schedule. All vessels in the area are urged to stay alert and report any incidents to the UKMTO. Additionally, vessels are asked to notify the UKMTO if any interference is detected on Radios/Radars/GPS
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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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02/02/2024
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21:00 UTC
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General Alert
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14°51'38.00"N
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41°54'36.00"E
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The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO and military authorities are aware of heightened Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) activity within a 30NM radius to the West of AI Hudaydah, Yemen. As of now, there are no signs that commercial vessels are being targeted.
Analysis: Vessel Masters are urged to report any UAS activity and to follow industry guidance on loitering munitions. This security notification is valid for a 72-hour period from the stated time. If the heightened threat continues beyond this period, an update will be issued.
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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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03/02/2024
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1040 UTC
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Suspicious Approach
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13°1'0.00"N,
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60°28'60.00"E
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A cargo ship navigating the Indian Ocean reported an encounter with a medium-sized vessel behaving unusually. The unidentified vessel launched a small boat that pursued the cargo ship for approximately 20 minutes. During this time, another small boat was spotted approaching. In response, the cargo ship's Master increased speed to 16.5 knots and altered course to the south, causing the small boats to cease their pursuit. No weapons or ladders were observed. The Master confirmed the safety of all crew members and the cargo ship is continuing its journey.
Analysis: This sighting remains in line with increasing reports of small boat harassment or attacks taking place within the broader Northern Arabian and Indian Ocean. Further, within this broader region since Dec. 15th 2023 a Somali Pirate Action Group has been reported operating off Puntland and northern Arabian Sea. Further, a second alert for PAG operating in the region has been reported on the 30th Jan.
The types of tactics described in the report reflect a Mothership vessel deploying small boats, which support the evidence towards an organized effort such as the Somali PAG, and is in line with tactics seen from the early 2000's. Continued deterioration of regional stability, related to the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict and Houthi attacks on international shipping may in part be a cause of the recent resurgence.
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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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31/01/2024
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16:40 UTC
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Firing Exercise
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24°21'1.20"N
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61°45'1.80"E
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The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has announced that naval vessels will be conducting live firing exercises from 0400 - 1700 UTC from 01-02, 05-07, 12-16, 19-23 and 26-29 February 2024 in the following areas:
24-24.30N 066-42.00E | 24-19.00N 066-58.00E | 24-00.00N 066-39.00E | 24-11.00N 066-27.00E
24-36.02N 062-30.03E | 24-36.02N 063-15.03E | 24-21.02N 062-15.03E | 24-21.02N 062-30.03E
24-36.02N 061-45.03E | 24-36.02N 062-30.03E | 24-21.02N 062-30.03E | 24-21.02N 061-45.03E
DEPTH CHARGE FIRING AREA | 24-22.00N 066-27.00E | 24-16.30N 066-33.00E | 24-10.30N 066-27.00E | 24-16.18N 066-20.50E
Analysis: Ships and craft are to keep well clear of assigned danger area on above specified schedule. All vessels in the vicinity are advised to remain vigilant and requested to report any incidents to UKMTO. All vessels are requested to inform UKMTO if any interference is noted on Radios/Radars/GPS.
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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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01/02/2024
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09:50 UTC
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Attack
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14°37'1.80"N,
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41°49'1.80"E
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Open- and closed-source reports indicate a Liberian-flagged Container Ship experienced a close call with two missiles while navigating Northbound in the Red Sea, roughly 64NM West of Hodeidah, Yemen.
The missiles detonated in the water about 0.5NM from the vessel; one on the Port side, and the other on the Starboard side. Despite the proximity of the explosions, the vessel remained undamaged.The crew members have gathered and are confirmed to be safe, and the vessel is continuing her journey as part of a convoy.
Analysis: All 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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31/01/2024
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17:30 UTC
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Attack
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12°7'60.00"N
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44°27'0.00"E
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According to open-source reports, the USS Carney (DDG-64) successfully intercepted an anti-ship ballistic missile launched from areas in Yemen under Houthi control.
The missile was destroyed over the Gulf of Aden, though the exact location was not specified. Later, at 18:10 UTC, the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer also intercepted three Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) operating nearby; making at least 27 interceptions this deployment. There have been no reports of injuries or damage.
Analysis: This incident underscores the threat the Houthis continue to pose to US naval assets and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, despite multiple US and British strikes on Houthi infrastructure inside Yemen.
All 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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30/01/2024
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0830 UTC
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Attack
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14°15'30.00"N,
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42°20'30.00"E
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According to open-source reports, the US Destroyer USS Gravely (DDG-107) successfully intercepted an anti-ship cruise missile on the night of January 30 that had been launched from a Houthi-controlled region in Yemen towards an unspecified location in the Red Sea.
The missile reportedly came within 1NM of the USS Gravely before it was shot down, the closest a Houthi attack has come to a US warship. The USS Gravely used its Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) to down the missile, the first time since the US began intercepting the Houthi missiles late last year. In previous attacks in the area, these missiles have been intercepted by US destroyers at a range of 8NM or more. No injuries or damages have been reported.
Analysis: This incident underscores the threat the Houthis continue to pose to US naval assets and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, despite multiple US and British strikes on Houthi infrastructure inside Yemen. It also comes just days after three US service members were killed in a drone attack by Iran-backed militants at a US outpost in Jordan.
A US official has stated, however, that the fact the Gravely was not able to intercept the missile sooner does not indicate that the Houthis’ attacks have gotten more sophisticated.
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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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31/01/2024
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1120 UTC
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Suspicious Approach
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12°44'24.00"
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62°29'42.00"E
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Reports indicate a suspicious approach on a merchant ship approximately 470NM East of the island of Socotra, Yemen.
Two potential mother ships were observed altering their course towards the vessel, and a fast-approaching skiff was spotted. Alleged threats were broadcasted on channel 16. The suspected perpetrators ceased their approach as the vessel increased its speed and altered its course.
Analysis: This is the sixth possibly Somali piracy-related incident reported in the area iover the last month. A similar incident involving armed personnel on board small craft engaging a vessel's AST occurred on the 27 January, in addition to the hijacking of Sri Lankan Fishing Trawler LORENZO PUTHA-4 840NM Southeast of Mogadishu, Somalia. The Liberian-flagged, UAE owned and operated, Bulk Carrier LILA NORFOLK (IMO: 9281700) was boarded approximately 460NM East of Eyl, Somalia on January 4.
There have been at least ten confirmed incidents likely involving Somali pirates reported since the beginning of November 2023, as well as multiple unconfirmed reports of dhows being hijacked or stolen. In addition, the UKMTO issued a warning on 15 December 2023 indicating the presence of a Somali Pirate Action Group (PAG) operating in the area off Puntland and the northern Arabian Sea. This resurgence is significant and raises concerns about the reemergence of piracy threats in the region.
Continued deterioration of regional stability, related to the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict and Houthi attacks on international shipping may in part be a cause of the recent resurgence. The Castor Vali team will continue to provide updates and analysis to support informed decision-making in navigating these waters. Vessels in the area are advised to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activities to 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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29/01/2024
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1535 UTC
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Suspicious Approach
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13°22'60.00"N
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42°36'0.00"E
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The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and open sources have reported an incident 44NM West of Al-Mukha, Yemen.
The Master of a merchant vessel reported three small crafts approached the ship on its starboard bow. The crafts then regrouped behind the vessel, coming as close as 1NM. One of the small crafts, described as grey with a front-mounted weapon, prompted the onboard Armed Security Team (AST) to fire warning shots. The merchant vessel implemented self-protection measures, causing the small crafts to leave the area.
Analysis: The vessel and its crew are safe and en route to their next port of call. All vessels 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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30/01/2024
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0000 UTC
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Advisory
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12°31'30.00"N
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43°28'36.00"E
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The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has released an advisory (025) indicating irregular activity which suggests Pirate Action Groups (PAG) are likely operating in the Indian Ocean.
According to the Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa (MSCHOA), The first PAG is likely operating 600NM East-Southeast of Socotra, Yemen. The second in the area of 0°34'N, 061°29'E. Both PAGs could include a mothership and a number of small craft.
Analysis: All vessels are advised to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activities to the UKMTO.
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Indian Ocean Weekly Comparison |
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2023-2024 Indian Ocean Monthly Comparison |
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Threat Level
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Total of Incidents
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- One alert reported this week.
- Robbery of container ship anchored in Manila, Philippines on 1st Feb.
- Phillip Channel remains key area of robberies and boardings within Singapore & Malacca Straits.
- There have been at least 67 incidents reported in the vicinity of Singapore Strait in 2023, and 58 in 2022 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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01/02/2024
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1640 UTC
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Robbery
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14°23'6.60"N
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120°48'37.80"E
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A Container Ship anchored at Manila Bay, Philippines, was reportedly the target of a robbery.
Five individuals boarded the vessel, pilfered ship's stores, and subsequently fled the scene. The ship's alarm was triggered and fire hoses were activated as a search was initiated.
Analysis: The incident was reported to the local Vessel Traffic Management System. In response, the Philippines Coast Guard conducted an inspection of the vessel.
This is the first incident of this type reported in the vicinity of Manila this year. However, seven similar incidents were reported in the area in 2023; all aboard anchored or berthed vessels.
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Southeast Asia Weekly Comparison |
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2023 - 2024 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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2023 - 2024 Americas Monthly Comparison |
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Weekly Alert Comparison by Area |
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2023 - 2024 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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Protective Services, Corporate Security and Risk Management services to governments, multinational organisations and the energy
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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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