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Monday 03 to Monday 10 July 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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Incident mapping - Overview |
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Threat Level
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Total of Incidents
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- Two alerts were reported this week.
1) Boarding of an anchored Tanker near Conakry, Guinea on the 5th of July.
2) Robbery of a Fishing Vessel underway in Sierra Leone’s northern waters on the 5th of July.
- Both incidents this week took place near waters bordering Guinea and Sierra Leone.
1) Eight out of twenty-one reported incidents within the region this year included armed individuals and/or use of force
2) Remaining incidents being attempted boardings, kidnapping with explicit mention of the use of force, or non-violent theft.
3) Seven of twenty-one reported incidents this year have occurred while underway, with the remaining being berthed or at anchor.
- Intelligence suggests a pirate action group (PAG) may have recently been put to sea. PAGs have been known to operate for multiple days offshore before engaging a target vessel.
- Recent incidents underline the 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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05/07/2023
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02:00 UTC
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ROBBERY
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8° 52' 60.00" N
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13° 31' 0.00" W
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On the 5th of July 2023 at 03:55UTC a Turkish-flagged Fishing Vessel was boarded by 8 perpetrators in the Northern part of Sierra Leone waters, bordering Guinea. The robbers boarded the vessel and stole various items before destroying the cameras and communication equipment. During the incident the Captain was shot and is currently undergoing surgical treatment in hospital, his condition is stable. A Sierra Leonean Navy patrol team was sent to the location, and the vessel headed to Freetown Port.
ANALYSIS: This is the first incident reported within Sierra Leone waters, with the last reported incident occurring in August 2022 at anchorage. However, this is the second incident this week to take place near waters bordering Guinea and Sierra Leone. Eight out of twenty-one reported incidents within the region this year have included armed individuals and or use of force in incidents, with remaining incidents being attempted boardings, kidnapping with explicit mention of the use of force, or non-violent theft. Seven of twenty-one reported incidents this year have occurred while underway, with the remaining being berthed or at anchor. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution when transiting this region.
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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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05/07/2023
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02:00 UTC
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ROBBERY
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9° 16' 60.00" N
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13° 45' 42.00" W
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A small boat with approximately 6 people on board attempted to board an anchored Tanker with ladders on the aft part of vessel, approximately 14nm South of Conakry, Guinea. A member of the Crew pointed a light at them and they immediately turned away from vessel and proceeded to open seas. Master reports that all crew are safe.
ANALYSIS: This is the second incident of this type reported near Conakry this year. However, similar incidents involving armed assailants did occur in September 2022 near Conakry Anchorage. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution when transiting this area.
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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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- Three alerts were reported this week
1) Notice of Firing Exercises in the Arabian Sea through the 10th – 31st of July, reported on the 3rd of July.
2) Alert of US Navy interventions of Iranian Navy seizure efforts in the Gulf of Oman on the 5th of July.
3) Iranian Navy seizure of Tanker in Persian Gulf on 6th of July.
- Iran’s continued interference with maritime shipping in the SOH, as well as recent sightings, suspicious approaches, and attacks related to the ongoing conflict in Yemen highlight vessels’ continued need for vigilance when transiting the region.
- Continued verified reports of AIS spoofing and “ghost” targets in and around the Strait of Hormuz; possibly with intent to divert vessels into Iranian territorial waters.
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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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06/07/2023
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00:00 UTC
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GENERAL ALERT
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27° 14' 44.39" N
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50° 54' 7.56" E
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The chemical tanker NADA II was forcibly seized by a ship from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy. The US Navy monitored the situation, observed the crew's behavior, and checked the vessel's history before deciding not to take further action.
The seized ship made no distress call and was suspected to be engaged in smuggling activities. Such ships are known to smuggle sanctioned Iranian oil for higher prices abroad, although the exact cargo of this particular vessel remains unknown.
US Naval Forces Central Command stated the circumstances of the event did not warrant a further response. However, US forces remain vigilant and ready to protect lawful maritime traffic in the critical waters of the Middle East.
ANALYSIS: The Iranian Navy attempted to seize two oil tankers operating in the Gulf of Oman one day before the seizure of the NADA II. US officials emphasize that the incidents are different, as Thursday's seizure targeted a likely smuggling vessel.
In a separate incident the day before, the US Navy intervened to prevent Iran from seizing two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman. Iranian Navy vessels approached the oil tankers, and in the second incident, Iranian personnel opened fire towards the oil tanker, prompting a distress call and the intervention of the USS McFaul, which caused the Iranian vessel to change course and leave.
Overall, these incidents highlight ongoing tensions in the region and the risks to maritime security in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The repeated attempts by Iran to seize vessels, whether they are oil tankers or suspected smuggling vessels, contribute to an atmosphere of uncertainty and potential disruption of maritime trade routes. This situation underscores the importance of continued efforts to ensure the safety and security of maritime navigation in the region, particularly in the absence of a robust US maritime security
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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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05/07/2023
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00:00 UTC
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GENERAL ALERT
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24° 10' 7.00" N
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58° 50' 48.00" E
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UKMTO reported an incident in the vicinity of 240107N - 0585048E, approximately 28nm Northeast of Muscat, Oman. Shots fired, but incident over. Vessel and Crew have been reported as safe.
ANALYSIS: The US Navy intervened to stop Iranian Navy ships from seizing two oil tankers in separate incidents in the Gulf of Oman.
In the first incident, an Iranian Navy vessel approached the TRF Moss, a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker, but changed course and left the area after the US Navy destroyer and maritime patrol aircraft approached. In the second incident, a different Iranian Navy vessel approached the Richmond Voyager, and Iranian personnel opened fire at the tanker before leaving the scene as the US Navy destroyer approached. No one was injured in either incident, and the US Navy did not open fire.
The US Navy states that Iran's harassment or seizure of nearly 20 internationally flagged commercial vessels since 2021 poses a clear threat to regional maritime security and the global economy. The previous incidents of Iran seizing oil tankers in the same region led to an increase in the rotation of US ships and aircraft patrolling the Strait of Hormuz. The US and its partners have increased the rotations of ships and aircraft in the region to better deter threats to international shipping.
The repeated attempts by the Iranian Navy to seize oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman highlight a significant threat to regional maritime security and the global economy. The incidents have led to increased tensions in the region, prompting the US and its partners to enhance their naval presence and deterrence measures. This poses potential risks to maritime trade and stability in the area, as well as potential implications for the world economy and geopolitics.
All vessels transiting within the area are advised to exercise extreme caution, remain vigilant, retain an enhanced local surveillance, maintain strict observational watch, and apply BMP5 procedures. Report any suspicious activity to authorities. Updates to this alert will be provided when received.
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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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03/07/2023
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02:00 UTC
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CAUTION
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24° 19' 0.00" N
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66° 58' 0.00" E
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Naval ships will conduct surface, anti-aircraft, and depth charge LIVE FIRING PRACTICE between 0400 to 1700 UTC from 10-14, 17-21, 24-28, and 31 JUL 23 in the following areas:
A. 24-19.00N 066-58.00E B. 24-36.02N 063-15.03E C. 24-36.02N 062-30.03E
24-00.00N 066-39.00E 24-36.02N 062-30.03E 24-22.00N 066-27.00E
24-11.00N 066-27.00E 24-21.02N 062-30.03E 24-16.30N 066-33.00E
24-24.30N 066-42.00E 24-21.02N 063-15.03E 24-10.30N 066-27.00E
DEPTH CHARGE FIRING AREA
24-16.18N 066-20.50E
24-22.00N 066-27.00E
24 -16.30N 066-33.00E
24-10.30N 066-27.00E
ANALYSIS: Ships and craft are to keep well clear of assigned danger areas on the 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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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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- One alert reported this week.
1) Robbery of Barge Under Tow by a Tug in the Westbound lane TSS, Singapore strait on the 4th of July.
- One alert occurred outside this reporting period.
1) Robbery of an anchored Tanker near Priok anchorage, Jakarta Indonesia on the 2nd of July.
- Phillip Channel, Singapore Strait, remains key area where robberies or boardings take place within Singapore & Malacca Straits.
- Of 93 incidents reported in the vicinity of Singapore Strait in 2022, 58 took place 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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04/07/2023
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01:00 UTC
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ROBBERY
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1° 16' 22.20"" N
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104° 8' 21.00" E
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Four robbers have reportedly boarded a Barge Under Tow by a Malaysian-flagged Tug in the Westbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS), Singapore Strait. The Master reported seeing unauthorized boarders transferring scrap metal onto a sampan from the Barge.
ANALYSIS: This is the 46th incident reported within the vicinity of the Singapore & Malacca Straits since the beginning of the year, and the first incident reported in July.
Eleven similar incidents were reported in June, in which property was stolen aboard several of the vessels, including scrap metal and engine parts. Most incidents occurred while vessels were underway, with robbers being discovered by duty crew in or near the vessels' engine room, and often armed with knives.
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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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02/07/2023
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20:45 UTC
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ROBBERY
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6° 1' 0.00" S
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106° 54' 1.20"E
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[Previous Reporting Period]
A crewmember reportedly discovered a robber while conducting routine rounds on Aft Deck of an anchored Tanker near Priok anchorage, Jakarta, Indonesia. The ship’s alarm was raised, resulting in the robber escaping with accomplices waiting in a boat. A thorough search was carried out and revealed nothing had been stolen.
ANALYSIS: This is the seventh reported incident this year to occur within an Indonesian anchorage or port (the first in Priok anchorage since April 2022), but the 45th to occur within the vicinity of the Singapore & Malacca Straits.
Several similar incidents were reported last year in and around Indonesian ports; robberies, or attempted robberies, of vessels at anchor or berthed, with up to five persons boarding unnoticed before being spotted by duty crew and escaping with ships' properties. Only a single incident last year was unsuccessful, with the robbers escaping without stolen property. In most cases, the robbers were armed with knives or makeshift weapons, and found in or near the vessels' engine room. This is the 45th incident reported within the vicinity of the Singapore & Malacca Straits since the beginning of the year, and the first incident reported in July.
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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 alert was a robbery of a Chemical Tanker at Callao Anchorage, Peru on the 3rd of June.
- Callao anchorage remains an area of increased reported activity for commercial vessels at anchor in the vicinity of Peru. Out of 8 incidents reported this year, 5 took place at anchor in Callao Anchorage 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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03/06/2023
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0842 UTC
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ROBBERY
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12° 0' 46.20" S
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77° 11' 45.60" W
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[Last Reported Period]
A robbery has been reported aboard a Chemical Tanker while anchored at Callao Anchorage, Peru. According to reports, a thief boarded the ship and removed the cover to the hawsepipe, enabling more criminals to come aboard. The crew on duty noticed the robbers near the fo'c'sle storage area and alerted others, causing the criminals to flee with stolen items from the ship's stores.
ANALYSIS: This is the fifth 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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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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