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

• No alerts reported this week.
• Last reported alert - Robbery aboard Singaporean-flagged Container Ship at Luanda Anchorage on 20 June.
• Despite recent overall drop in incident reports, vessels and their crew members operating in the wider West African/Gulf of Guinea region remain at risk.
• An advisory issued on 12 December 2023 by MDAT-GoG warning of a Pirate Action Group (PAG) operating in the Gulf remains in effect.
• Ships in the area are advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

[Last Reported Incident]

A robbery has been reported aboard a Singaporean-flagged Container Ship while anchored at Luanda Anchorage, Angola. During security rounds, the duty crew discovered footprints near the hawse pipe. Upon further investigation, it was found that items of the ship's stores had been stolen. No perpetrators were located.

Analysis: This is the sixth incident reported in an Angolan port this year, fifth 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, then depart on small vessels.

• Six alerts reported this week.

           1) Suspicious Approach by Multiple Small Craft in Southern Red Sea on 23 June

           2) Pakistani Navy Live Firing Exercises in Arabian Sea on 28 June.

           3) Liberian-flagged Tanker Attacked near Hodeidah, Yemen on 28 June.

          4) Attack reported 83NM Southwest of Al Hodeidah, Yemen on 27 June.

          5) Attack on Bulk Carrier 52NM South of Aden on 25 June.

          6) Attack reported 246NM Southeast of Nishtun, Yemen on 24 June.

• Attacks continue to escalate in both frequency and in targeting of non-Israeli linked vessels, posing significant risk to vessels transiting Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea.
• Retaliatory strikes launched by Iran and increase in harassment of vessels by IRGC is expected.
• Continued reports of Pirate Action Group (PAG) operating in the region. Somali based piracy has surged with regional instability, with deep strikes in the Indian Ocean being reported. It is assessed that this PAG is likely seeking additional ships to target.

On 30 June 2024 at 03:10UTC, a Marshall Islands-flagged Bulk Carrier SUMMER LADY (IMO: 9184938) informed UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) that she was being approached by twelve small craft, including a mix of fast boats and smaller kayak-type boats (some of which were uncrewed, a sign of potential suicide-drone capability) approximately 13NM Southwest of Al Mukha, Yemen. The closest point of approach (CPA) was 1.5NM from the vessel. The small craft remained in the vicinity for approximately one hour before departing.

The vessel and crew are reported safe, and the vessel is continuing to its next port of call. Authorities are investigating the incident.

Analysis: This is at least the third reported incident in two weeks involving the use of Houthi uncrewed waterborne improvised explosive devices (WBIED). On June 12 in the Red Sea an uncrewed WBIED, thinly-disguised as a "fishing boat," struck and disabled the Liberian-flagged Bulk Carrier TUTOR, killing one crewmember and flooding the engine room. The group returned with another WBIED to inflict further damage, and TUTOR ultimately sank after additional Houthi intervention. The group also claimed a strike on the Maltese-flagged Bulk Carrier SEAJOY on June 27. In these encounters, Houthi remotely-controlled WBIEDs reportedly attacked one by one.

Later in the day, US Central Command announced that American forces had destroyed three unmanned surface vessels in the Red Sea. CENTCOM's announcement did not specify whether these unmanned vessels were related to the SUMMER LADY incident but stated the targets "presented an imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region."

All vessels in the area are advised to proceed with caution and to report any suspicious activities to the UKMTO.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported that the Pakistani Navy will conduct live firing exercises between 04:00 and 17:00 UTC on the following dates in July 2024: 1st-5th, 8th-12th, 15th, 18th-19th, 22nd-26th, and 29th-31st.

The exercises will take place in the following areas:

A. 24-24.30N 066-42.00E 

    24-19.00N 066-58.00E 

    24-00.00N 066-39.00E 

    24-11.00N 066-27.00E

B. 24-36.02N 062-30.03E 

    24-36.02N 063-15.03E 

    24-21.02N 063-15.03E 

    24-21.02N 062-30.03E

C. 24-36.02N 061-45.03E 

    24-36.02N 062-30.03E 

    24-21.02N 062-30.03E 

    24-21.02N 061-45.03E

D. 24-22.00N 066-27.00E 

    24-16.30N 066-33.00E 

    24-10.30N 066-27.00E  

    24-16.18N 066-20.50E

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.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported that a Liberian-flagged Tanker was attacked approximately 150NM Northwest of Hodeidah, Yemen.

The Master of the vessel reported that five missiles impacted close to the vessel. No damage has been reported, and the vessel is heading North. Authorities are investigating the incident.

All vessels in the area are advised to proceed with caution and to report any suspicious activities to the UKMTO.

UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported an attack that occurred on 27 June 2024 at 06:44 UTC, 83NM Southwest of Al Hodeidah, Yemen. The Malta-flagged Bulk Carrier SEAJOY (IMO: 9213820) was reportedly attacked by a waterborne improvised explosive device (WBIED). The WBIED exploded close to the vessel's hull, causing minor damage.

Analysis: According to open-source reports, the SEAJOY issued a radio call off the coast of Al Hodeidah saying it had been struck. The vessel and crew are reported to be safe, and the vessel is proceeding to its next port of call. A warship in the area was responding to the attack and military authorities are currently investigating the incident.

All vessels in the area are advised to proceed with caution and to report any suspicious activities to the UKMTO.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported that a St Kitts and Nevis-flagged Bulk Carrier was attacked approximately 52NM South of Aden in the Gulf of Aden.

Analysis: The Master of the Bulk Carrier reported a missile hitting the water near the ship, but additional details of the attack, including the nature of the attack, have not been disclosed at this time.

All vessels in the area are advised to proceed with caution and to report any suspicious activities to the UKMTO.

On 24 June 2024 at 04:44UTC, an attack was reported by the Master of the Liberia-flagged Container Ship MSC SARAH V (IMO: 9181675) 246NM Southeast of Nishtun, Yemen. The Master reported an explosion in close proximity to the vessel.

Some reports claim the Greek-managed MSC SARAH V was hit by a missile that landed in the water approximately 50 meters off the starboard side.

The crew is reported safe, however, and the vessel is continuing to its next port of call. Authorities are currently investigating the incident.

Update: The Houthis have claimed to have targeted the MSC SARAH V in the Arabian Sea with a new ballistic missile and have described the ship as "Israeli."

The missile attack on the MSC SARAH V follows a drone strike on June 23 that damaged a merchant ship in the Red Sea near Yemen.

The Houthis did claim responsibility for that attack and for an attempted attack on the US aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) in the Red Sea on June 22, but the claims have been disputed by US officials.

All vessels in the area are advised to proceed with caution and to report any suspicious activities to the UKMTO.

• One alert reported this week.

           1) Attempted Robbery aboard Liberian-flagged Bulk Carrier in Philip Channel on 26                   June.

• Overall decrease in reports in region - 18 this year to date.
• Despite decrease, Phillip Channel remains key area of robberies and boardings within Singapore & Malacca Straits.
• Decrease in incidents in areas within and surrounding Singapore territorial waters may be due to recent increased patrols by Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

An attempted robbery occurred aboard a Liberia-flagged Bulk Carrier while it was underway in the Philip Channel. While underway, the Master of the IVESTOS 8 (IMO: 9357755) reported to Singapore Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS) that one perpetrator was sighted in the ship's steering gear room. The alarm was raised, and all crew mustered to search for the ship. The master declared that nothing was stolen, the crew was safe, and no further assistance was required. The ship was en route from Santos, Brazil to pick up her pilot from Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia.

Analysis: A safety navigational broadcast was initiated. The Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) and Singapore Police Coast Guard were notified. Information of the incident was shared with the Indonesian and Malaysian authorities.

There have been at least eight similar incidents reported this year in this area. In 2023 at least 67 incidents occurred within, or near, the Singapore & Malacca Straits; most in the vicinity of Phillip Channel.

• No alerts reported this week.
• Last reported alert - Panamanian-flagged Cargo Vessel hit by gunfire while docked at Port Au Prince, Haiti on 18 Mar.
• Haiti remains area of instability and ever-worsening security conditions.
• 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 13 incidents reported this year in the Americas, 8 occurred within Callao Anchorage; all between 0000-0800 hrs UTC.

[Last reported alert]

According to open-source reports, an unnamed Panamanian-flagged General Cargo Vessel was hit by gunfire while docked at Port Au Prince, Haiti. The exact time of the incident is not specified.

Following the attack, the vessel left the port and started drifting approximately 40NM offshore. No injuries to the Crew, or significant damage to the vessel have been reported.

Analysis: The escalating instability and worsening security conditions in Haiti have led the French container line CMA CGM to suspend its services to Port Au Prince. Similarly, the US-based Royal Caribbean company has halted its cruise ship services to Labadee, located on the island's Northern coast.

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).

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.

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:

• Email: info@castorval.com | ops@castorvali.com
• UK Switchboard: +44 (0)118 900 1406
• Operations Centre (24Hrs): +44 (0)118 900 1417 / +254 (0)20 440 9614
• Website: www.castorvali.com

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.