|
Dear Castor Vali client, if you are having difficulty viewing, or this report has been forwarded to you, please click view in browser. |
View in browser
|
|
|
Monday 08 January 2024 to Monday 15 January 2024 |
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
Total no of incidents: 12 |
|
|
|
|
Incident mapping - Overview |
|
|
|
Threat Level
|
Total of Incidents
|
|
|
|
- Two alerts reported this week.
- Attempted Robbery aboard Tanker at Luanda Anchorage on 8 Jan.
- Robbery aboard anchored vessel at Luanda Anchorage on 9 Jan.
- Current intelligence indicates a Piracy Action Group continues to operate in the Gulf.
- Incidents underline continued risk faced by vessels and their crew members operating in this area, and the inability of regional authorities to respond expeditiously.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Time
|
Incident Type
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
|
|
|
09/01/2024
|
0200 UTC
|
ROBBERY
|
8°42'34.00"S
|
13°17'32.00"E
|
|
|
|
An unidentified merchant ship was boarded while anchored at Luanda. The crew detected the presence of unknown individuals on the deck and promptly sounded the alarm. The intruders, believed to be a group of four, fled the scene in a small vessel upon being discovered.
A follow-up inspection revealed the theft of six lifejackets and five immersion suits. It is suspected that the intruders gained access to the ship through the chain/hawse pipe.
Analysis: This is the third incident reported in an Angolan port this year, all occurring in Luanda, in as many days. However, 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.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Time
|
Incident Type
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
|
|
|
08/01/2024
|
0030 UTC
|
ROBBERY
|
8°42'42.00"S
|
13°16'42.00"E
|
|
|
|
The captain of a Tanker reported an attempted robbery while the vessel was anchored at Luanda Anchorage. Five individuals managed to board the tanker from a small boat and overpowered a crew member on duty, causing them to fall. The intruders began to unfasten the mooring lines, but the crew member was able to sound the alarm.
The crew gathered inside the accommodation area while the intruders fled in their small boat after retrieving the mooring lines from the water.
The vessel and crew are safe, and the crew member on duty did not suffer any injuries. The incident was reported to the port authorities.
Analysis: This is the second incident reported in an Angolan port this year, both occurring in Luanda, in as many days. However, 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.
|
|
|
|
West Africa Weekly Comparison |
|
|
|
2023-2024 West Africa Monthly Comparison |
|
|
|
Threat Level
|
Total of Incidents
|
|
|
|
Eight alerts reported this week.
- Unidentified Small Crafts Approach Merchant Vessel Near Al Mukha, Yemen on 8 Jan.
- Uncrewed Aerial Systems Activity Reported Near Al Hudaydah on 9 Jan.
- Scheduled Live Weapon Firing in Arabian Sea on 9 Jan.
- Vessel Attack Near Dhubab, Yemen Involving Small Boats and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle on 9 Jan.
- Unauthorized Boarding and Seizure of Marshall Islands-Flagged Tanker Near Sohar, Oman on 11 Jan.
- Advisory Notice on Strikes Against Houthi Military Targets in Yemen and Potential Maritime Risks on 12 Jan.
- Missile Strike Near Vessel Southeast of Aden, Yemen Followed by Appearance of Small Crafts on 12 Jan.
- Two Small Boats Attempt to Divert Merchant Vessel Near Assab, Eritrea on 14 Jan.
Attacks continue to escalate in both frequency and in targeting of non-Israeli linked vessels, posing significant risk to vessels transiting the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Persian Gulf, and northern Indian Ocean.
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 possible piracy events throughout the northern Indian Ocean region.
Operation Prosperity Guardian - A multinational coalition to patrol the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to protect international shipping has formed and is conducting patrols and intercepting attacks on international shipping.
Continued verified reports of AIS spoofing, drone and small boat harassment, missile strikes and hijacking of vessels within the region by Houthi rebel groups.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Time
|
Incident Type
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
|
|
|
14/01/2024
|
0000 UTC
|
SUSPICIOUS APPROACH
|
13°18'15.00"N
|
42°29'42.00
E
|
|
|
|
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported an incident involving two small boats attempting to alter the course of a merchant vessel 23NM Northwest of Assab, Eritrea.
The small boats approached and hailed the merchant vessel, but the vessel maintained its course after receiving reassurances from authorities. The two small boats have since left the area, and the vessel and its crew are reported safe.
Analysis: The region has experienced an increase in reported targeting of vessels with no direct links to involved nations, along with an increase in probes and attacks by Houthis, with direct support by Iranian assets in the Red Sea.
Vessel Masters, and stakeholders with interests in the region, are strongly advised to proceed with caution, closely monitor developments, maintain communication with appropriate authorities, and implement enhanced security measures. Ships are also advised to report any suspicious activities to authorities.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Time
|
Incident Type
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
|
|
|
12/01/2024
|
1500 UTC
|
ATTACK
|
12°15'10.20"N
|
46°20'13.80
E
|
|
|
|
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported a missile launch towards a ship approximately 90NM Southeast of Aden, Yemen. The vessel's Master reported a missile landing in the water 400-500 meters away from the ship, followed by the appearance of three small crafts. There have been no reported injuries or damage, and the vessel is continuing to its next port.
The UKMTO has also issued a warning following several reports of small boats approaching commercial ships about 80NM Southeast of Aden, Yemen near position 12°46'44.00"N, 46°37'47.00"E. It was reported that two small boats followed a commercial vessel for more than an hour. The commercial vessel reported that no weapons were observed.
Authorities are currently investigating the incident. All vessels in the area are advised to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activities to the UKMTO.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Time
|
Incident Type
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
|
|
|
12/01/2024
|
0000 UTC
|
ADVISORY
|
13°7'60.00"N
|
43°4'60.00"E
|
|
|
|
An advisory notice has been issued in response to the Joint statement on strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen:
In response to continued illegal, dangerous, and destabilising Houthi attacks against vessels, including commercial shipping, transiting the Red Sea, the armed forces of the United States and United Kingdom, with support from the Netherlands, Canada, Bahrain, and Australia, conducted joint strikes in accordance with the inherent right of individual and collective self-defence, consistent with the UN Charter, against a number of targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. These precision strikes were intended to disrupt and degrade the capabilities the Houthis use to threaten global trade and the lives of international mariners in one of the world’s most critical waterways.
— Joint Statement from the governments of Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, United Kingdom, and the United States.
Vessels navigating the area are urged to exercise caution and adhere to flag state and industry guidelines. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the UKMTO.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Time
|
Incident Type
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
|
|
|
11/01/2024
|
0000 UTC
|
HIJACK
|
24°34'60.00"N
|
57°34'60.00
E
|
|
|
|
A warning has been issued by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) regarding a security incident which occurred approximately 50NM East of Sohar, Oman.
Around 03:30UTC the Marshall Islands-flagged Crude Oil Tanker ST NIKOLAS (IMO: 9524475) was reportedly boarded by 4-5 armed individuals wearing masks and dressed in black military-style uniforms. The vessel's Company Security Officer (CSO) reported hearing unfamiliar voices along with the Master's voice over the phone.
Update: Iran has confirmed its navy was behind the armed boarding and seizure of the ST NIKOLAS. The state-run IRNA news agency ran a brief story acknowledging the seizure by Iran's navy. It did not identify the vessel, but said it came as a result of a judicial order.
Multiple open sources, including the vessel's operator Greek shipping company Empire Navigation, have reported the ST NIKOLAS was carrying 145,000 tonnes of Iraqi oil from Basra to Turkey. Reports also state the tanker previously went by the name SUEZ RAJAN and had been seized, prosecuted, and fined by the US government for transporting sanctioned Iranian oil. A yearlong dispute reportedly ended with the US Justice Department seizing one million barrels of the Iranian crude.
The vessel's course has since been altered towards Iranian territorial waters (Bandar-e-Jask). Further communications with the vessel and its crew of 18 Filipinos and one Greek national, has not been possible.
The incident is currently under investigation by the relevant authorities and updates will be provided as more information is confirmed.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Time
|
Incident Type
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
|
|
|
09/01/2024
|
1630 UTC
|
GENERAL ALERT
|
14°45'17.00"N
|
42°10'16.00
E
|
|
|
|
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued a warning following reports of an incident approximately 50NM west of Al Hudaydah. There have been multiple reports of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) activity in the area.
Coalition forces are currently responding to the situation. No injuries or damage have been reported so far. Vessels in the vicinity are advised to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activity.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Time
|
Incident Type
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
|
|
|
09/01/2024
|
1630 UTC
|
FIRING EXERCISE
|
24°9'46.20"N
|
66°44'55.2 E
|
|
|
|
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported that live weapon firing is planned from 02:00 to 13:00 UTC on 12 and 13 January 2024.
The area of operation is defined by an arc radius of 83.34NM, centered at 24°09.77N 066°44.92E, spanning from 225 to 310 degrees clockwise.
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 UKMTO. Additionally, vessels are asked to notify UKMTO if they experience any disruptions on their radios, radars, or GPS systems.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Time
|
Incident Type
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
|
|
|
09/01/2024
|
2000 UTC
|
ATTACK
|
12°50'24.00"N
|
43°13'18.00
E
|
|
|
|
A vessel was reportedly attacked while underway about 13NM Southwest of Dhubab, Yemen. The attack involved three small boats that allegedly launched two projectiles towards the vessel's Port quarter from a distance of 1NM, both of which missed their target.
An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle was also observed flying over the vessel from the Starboard side to the Port side.
The three boats then maintained a parallel course on the vessel's Starboard side. At 22:45 UTC, the vessel reported that the three small boats had fired twice at a different vessel before returning towards Yemen. No projectiles hit either of the vessels.
In addition, open sources have reported that Iranian-backed Houthi forces fired a large barrage of missiles and drones against unnamed commercial ships in the Red Sea; purportedly in support of Hamas’s war with Israel.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has reported that on Tuesday fighter jets from the aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), along with four other warships, intercepted “a complex attack” involving 18 drones, two anti-ship cruise missiles, and one anti-ship ballistic missile.
The British Naval destroyer HMS Diamond (D34) also reported responding to what the British Navy called the Houthis’ “largest attack” since they began targeting ships in the Red Sea.
No injuries or damages have been reported in relation to these incidents.
Ships are advised to proceed with caution in the area and report any suspicious activities.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Time
|
Incident Type
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
|
|
|
08012024
|
0000 UTC
|
SUSPICIOUSAPPROACH
|
13°14'30.00"N
|
42°58'12.00" E
|
|
|
|
A warning has been issued by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) following a report of two small vessels with green hulls approaching a merchant ship within a distance of 0.5NM-1NM, approximately 50NM Southeast of Mocha, Yemen. No weapons were observed and the ship and its crew are reported safe.
Update: Recently received reports ave revealed the approaching crafts were moving at a speed of 25-30 knots and each had six individuals onboard dressed in identical attire. The approach was aborted when the Armed Security Team (AST) aboard the ship displayed their weapons.
Analysis: This is the second such incident reported in this immediate area in as many days. The incident is currently under investigation by the authorities. Vessels in the area are advised to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activities.
|
|
|
|
Indian Ocean Weekly Comparison |
|
|
|
2023-2024 Indian Ocean Monthly Comparison |
|
|
|
Threat Level
|
Total of Incidents
|
|
|
|
- Two incidents this week.
- Armed Robbery aboard vessel in transit near Singapore on 9 Jan.
- Unauthorized Boarding attempt aboard Tanker at Dumai Anchorage on 12 Jan.
- There were at least 67 incidents reported in the vicinity of Singapore Strait in 2023 which occurred in, or near, the TSS.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Time
|
Incident Type
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
|
|
|
1201/2024
|
1730 LT
|
ROBBERY
|
1°43'18.00"N
|
101°25'43.80 "E
|
|
|
|
A security patrol on duty aboard a Tanker anchored at Dumai Anchorage, Indonesia, spotted five individuals attempting unauthorized 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, vessel's operating in this region should remain vigilant, implement proper security measures, and report any suspicious activities to authorities.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Time
|
Incident Type
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
|
|
|
09/01/2024
|
1840 LT
|
ROBBERY
|
1°3'44.40"N
|
103°41'46.8" E
|
|
|
|
While a Panama-flagged Bulk Carrier, CMB CHIKAKO (IMO: 9701190), was in transit in the Singapore Strait, its crew discovered five individuals armed with knives in the engine room. The captain immediately sounded the alarm, gathered the crew, and reported the incident to the Singapore Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS).
Analysis: This is the second 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, vessel's operating in this region should remain vigilant, implement proper security measures, and report any suspicious activities to authorities.
|
|
|
|
Southeast Asia Weekly Comparison |
|
|
|
2023 - 2024 Southeast Asia Monthly Comparison |
|
|
|
Threat Level
|
Total of Incidents
|
|
|
|
- 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.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Time
|
Incident Type
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
|
|
|
16/11/2023
|
0540 UTC
|
ROBBERY
|
11° 58' 60.00"S
|
77° 13' 0.00"W
|
|
|
|
[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.
|
|
|
|
Americas Weekly Comparison |
|
|
|
2023 - 2024 Americas Monthly Comparison |
|
|
|
2022 - 2023 Americas Monthly Comparison |
|
|
|
Weekly Alert Comparison by Area |
|
|
|
2023 - 2024 Overall Monthly Comparison |
|
|
|
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:
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|