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Monday 22 January 2024 to Monday 29 January 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: 12 |
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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 reported this week.
- 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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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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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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Eleven alerts reported this week.
- Attack on an unidentified vessel in the Gulf of Aden on 28 Jan.
- Hijacking of a fishing trawler in the Indian Ocean on 27 Jan.
- Attack on an unidentified vessel in the Indian Ocean on 27 Jan.
- Attack on US Navy vessel in Gulf of Aden on 26 Jan.
- Attack on a tanker in the Gulf of Aden on 26 Jan.
- Explosion alerts in the Red Sea on 26 Jan.
- Attack on the bulk carrier in the Red Sea on 24 Jan.
- Attack on a container ship in the Gulf of Aden on 24 Jan.
- Suspicious approach in the Arabian Sea on 24 Jan
- UAS Alert in the Gulf of Aden on 23 Jan.
- General Alert in the Gulf of Aden on 22 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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28/01/2024
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0000 UTC
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Suspicious Approach
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11°30'48.00"N
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48°1'0.00"E
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An advisory incident report indicates that a vessel was aggressively approached by a small craft, closing in to a distance of 400 meters. This incident occurred 70NM Northwest of Boosaaso, Somalia.
The small craft, powered by a single large engine, had five individuals on board, four of whom were seen holding AK47 type weapons. None of the individuals were in uniform. The vessel's Armed Security Team (AST) fired two warning shots, causing the small craft to retreat. The vessel's Master confirmed all crew members are safe and the vessel is proceeding to its next port of call.
Analysis: This is the fifth possibly Somali piracy-related incident reported in the area this 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 nine 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.
Further 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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27/01/2024
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1600 UTC
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Hijacking
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0°34'60.00"N
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61°19'0.00"E
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Information has been received about an incident occurring approximately 840NM Southeast of Mogadishu, Somalia. The Sri Lankan-flagged Fishing Trawler LORENZO PUTHA-4 reportedly sailed from Dikowita fishing harbour in Sri Lanka on January 16 before being hijacked by Somali pirates on Saturday, January 27. Six Sri Lankan fishermen, including the Captain, were on board.
India has pledged to assist Sri Lanka in the rescue of the LORENZO PUTHA-4 and her crew and has already sent a warship to investigate. The Sri Lankan navy was also preparing a vessel to travel to the area and has alerted the Combined Maritime Forces. The pirates have reportedly allowed the fishermen to communicate with the fisheries ministry.
Analysis: The incident is currently under investigation by the authorities, and the Castor Vali team will continue to provide updates and analysis upon receipt of confirmed information to support informed decision-making.
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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27/01/2024
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0810 UTC
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Attack
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10°54'6.00"N
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64°17'6.00"E
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The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported an incident occurring 780NM East of Hafun, Somalia. A small craft, believed to have been launched from a larger vessel, approached a merchant ship and opened fire.
Four armed individuals were reportedly on board the small craft, equipped with automatic rifles and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher. The craft approached within 300 meters of the merchant vessel. The vessel's onboard Armed Security Team (AST) fired warning shots, leading to an exchange of fire before the attackers retreated. The incident is currently under investigation. The merchant vessel and her crew are reported to be safe and are continuing their journey to their next port.
Analysis: This is the third possibly Somali piracy-related incident reported in the area this month. 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 eight 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.
Further 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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26/01/2024
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1030 UTC
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Attack
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14°26'60.0 N,
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42°25'3.00"E
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US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that Houthi Militants launched an anti-ship ballistic missile from a region under their control in Yemen, targeting the Destroyer USS Carney (DDG-64) in the Gulf of Aden.
Analysis: The missile was successfully intercepted and destroyed by the Destroyer, with no injuries or damage reported.
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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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26/01/2024
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1645 UTC
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Attack
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12°4'10.00"N
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45°43'60.00E
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An update from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported an incident involving a Marshall Islands-flagged Tanker, MARLIN LUANDA (IMO: 9829899), being hit by a missile approximately 60NM Southeast of Aden, Yemen in the Gulf of Aden after transiting the Red Sea. The vessel was still ablaze at last report, with coalition warships, including the US destroyer USS Carney (DDG-64), on the scene providing support. Firefighting equipment on board was reportedly being deployed to suppress and control the fire caused in one cargo tank on the starboard side. All crew members are reported to be safe.
Analysis: Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, stating they had fired on the tanker in response to the “American-British aggression against our country [Yemen]” and in support of the Palestinian people.
The vessel is reportedly owned by Oceonix Services, and operated by commodities group Trafigura, which has offices in the UK. The UK government has stated Britain and its allies “reserve the right to respond appropriately." US Central Command (CENTCOM) has stated that MARLIN LUANDA issued a distress call and reported damage after militants fired an anti-ship ballistic missile from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.
NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) on Friday detected a still continuing blaze in the middle of the Gulf of Aden near to the last known location of the MARLIN LUANDA. CENTCOM stated that earlier in the day, the USS Carney was targeted by and had shot down a Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile, and there were no injuries as a result of the attack on the USS Carney. 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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26/01/2024
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1100 UTC
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General Alert
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14°26'60.00"
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42°25'3.00"E
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The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported an incident approximately 60NM from Al Hudaydah, Yemen in the Red Sea. An explosion was heard, and missiles were observed 4NM from the incident location. Another explosion was seen approximately 0.5NM from the reporting vessel, with the explosion taking place in the sea.
The vessel and its crew are safe. Local authorities are currently investigating the incident.
Analysis: 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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24/01/2024
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1955 UTC
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Attack
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16°21'0.00"N
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40°46'0.00"E
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The Master of a Tanker transiting the Red Sea reported hearing a distress call over VHF Channel 16 from a Liberia-flagged Bulk Carrier. The distress call indicated that the Bulk Carrier had been targeted by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) approximately 144NM Northwest of Hodeidah, Yemen.
The Master of the Bulk Carrier confirmed that the drones flew over the ship before crashing into the sea, away from the vessel. The bulk carrier did not sustain any damage, and no crew members were injured during the incident.
Analysis: 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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24/01/2024
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1100 UTC
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Attack
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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 reported an attack approximately 50NM South of Mocha, Yemen in the Gulf of Aden. The exact location of the incident has not been released and is still under investigation.
The Master of the American-flagged, owned, and operated Container Ship, MAERSK DETROIT (IMO: 9333034) reported an explosion about 100 meters off the Starboard side. No injuries or damages have been reported, and the vessel and crew are safe.
The MAERSK DETROIT was sailing with another American-flagged container vessel, MAERSK CHESAPEAKE (IMO: 9356074), under the escort of the US destroyer USS Gravely (DDG-107). The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that three anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired at the MAERSK DETROIT; one missile hit the water, while the other two were intercepted and destroyed by the USS Gravely. Following the explosions, the US Navy turned both vessels around and escorted them back to the Gulf of Aden.
The vessels are enrolled in the US Maritime Security Program and VISA (Voluntary Intermodal Sealift) and were set to transit the Bab el-Mandeb strait as part of a scheduled US Navy accompaniment.
Analysis: The missile attack is the Houthis’ first successful launch since January 18, and comes just days after the US and the UK launched strikes against eight Houthi targets in Yemen. The US has also been trying to destroy Houthi missiles on the ground in Yemen as they see the Iran-backed militant group preparing to launch them and has successfully targeted several in recent weeks.
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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24/01/2024
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3000 UTC
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Suspicious Approach
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5°30'0.00"N
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65°47'60.00"E
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Reports indicate a vessel in the Arabian Sea, roughly 468NM Northwest of Male, Maldives, was approached suspiciously. A ladder was observed on the approaching skiff.
Analysis: Investigations are currently underway. Vessels in the area are advised to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activity 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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23/01/2024
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0938 UTC
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General Alert
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12°34'6.00"N
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43°23'21.60"
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The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued a warning regarding the sighting of Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) activity approximately 46NM South of Al Mukha, Yemen.
Analysis: Investigations are currently underway. Vessels in the area are advised to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activity 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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22/01/2024
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0100 UTC
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General Alert
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12°48'0.00"N
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48°28'60.00"E
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Open source intelligence indicates that a representative of the Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for an attack on an American-flagged and military contracted Heavy Load Carrier, OCEAN JAZZ (IMO: 9509970). The exact time and location of the alleged attack have not been specified.
Analysis: Authorities have taken note of these reports and have launched an investigation. However, an update reveals that the US Military has refuted these claims.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has maintained constant communication with the vessel, confirming its safe passage through the Gulf of Aden.
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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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- No incidents reported this week.
- Last reported incident is unauthorized boarding attempt aboard Tanker at Dumai Anchorage on 12 Jan.
- Phillip Channel remains key area of robberies and boardings within Singapore & Malacca Straits.
- There were 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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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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12/01/2024
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1730 LT
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ROBBERY
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1°43'18.00
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101°25'43.80 "E
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[Last reported incident]
A security patrol on duty aboard a Tanker anchored at Dumai Anchorage, Indonesia, spotted five individuals attempting unauthorised access to the vessel. The officer of the watch was alerted and the alarm was sounded, leading the intruders to abandon their attempt and retreat. No theft was reported and the incident was reported to the port authorities.
Analysis: This is the third reported incident this year which occurred in an Indonesian port, as well as within the wider Singapore & Malacca Straits region.
In 2023, 10 reported incidents took place within an Indonesian port, and at least 67 incidents occurred within, or near, the Singapore & Malacca Straits.
Incidents within this region typically involve individuals armed with small knives or blunt objects. These robbers usually escape upon detection, with stolen ships' properties, stores or cargo, with minimal violence occurring between crew and robbers. However, based on the volume of incidents, vessels operating in this region should remain vigilant, implement proper security measures, and report any suspicious activities to authorities.
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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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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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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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