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Monday 11 March 2024 to Monday 18 March 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: 10 |
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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 was a Suspicious Approach reported West of Guinea-Bissau in Gulf of Guinea on 22 of Feb.
- Recent Incidents underline continued risk faced by vessels and their crew members operating in this area, and the inability of regional authorities to respond expeditiously.
- 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.
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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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20/02/2024
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2250 UTC
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Suspicious Approach
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11° 24' 3"N
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18° 49' 60"W
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[Last Reported Incident]
On February 20th, at 22:50 UTC, a merchant vessel reported a suspicious approach by a single craft. The vessel implemented Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy in the Western Indian Ocean (BMP WA) procedures, causing the craft to abort its approach. The vessel and her crew are reported to be safe.
Analysis: This is the second incident reported outside of ports and anchorages in the Gulf of Guinea since the Tuvalu-Flagged Tanker HANA I was attacked and nine crew members kidnapped near Malabo, Equatorial Guinea on 1 January 2024.
The MDAT-GoG issued an advisory on 12 December 2023 warning of a Pirate Action Group (PAG) operating in the Gulf, and ships in the area are advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
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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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- Ten alerts reported this week.
- Attack - explosion reported near vessel off coast of Aden, Yemen on 17 Mar.
- Suspicious Approach - small craft approached vessel near Somalia on 16 Mar.
- Attack - vessel reported explosion near Hodeidah, Yemen on 15 Mar.
- Attack - missile attack on Tanker near Hodeidah, Yemen on 15 Mar.
- Advisory - PAG departed Somali coastline, seeking targets on 14 Mar.
- Attack - explosion reported near Container Ship Southeast of Aden, Yemen on 14 Mar.
- Attack - vessel reported explosion near Hodeidah, Yemen on 14 Mar.
- Advisory - Greek naval Frigate Hydra shoots down two drones in the Southern Red Sea on 13 Mar.
- Attack - explosion reported near merchant vessel off coast of Saleef, Yemen on 11 Mar.
- Piracy - Unauthorized boarding and seizure of vessel East of Mogadishu, Somalia on 11 Mar.
- 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.
- Somali-based Pirate Action Groups (PAG) operating in the region, reportedly as far as Northern Arabian Sea.
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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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17/03/2024
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0000 UTC
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Attack
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12°15'0"N
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46°16'0"E
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The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has received a report about an explosion occurring near a merchant ship, approximately 85NM East of Aden, Yemen.
The ship's Captain reported the incident, but no damage to the vessel was noted and the Crew is reported to be safe. The ship is continuing on to her next scheduled port.
Analysis: There have been at least four such incidents and sightings in this general vicinity in the past six days. Investigations are currently underway by the relevant authorities. The Castor Vali team will continue to provide updates and analysis to support informed decision-making in navigating these waters.
All vessels in the area are advised to proceed with caution and to 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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16/03/2024
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1930 UTC
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Suspicious Approach
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0°43'60"N
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56°37'0"E
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A ship reported an encounter with a small craft while in transit, approximately 681NM East-northeast of Mogadishu, Somalia. The small craft repeatedly attempted to approach the ship, altering its speed and course multiple times. The ship was forced to change its course and increase its speed before the small craft ceased its approach.
Analysis: On 14 March the Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) advised that four potential pirate groups (PAG), consisting of up to thirty-six armed individuals, departed on four skiffs from the coastline between the regions of Hobyo, Nugal, and Mudug in Somalia.
Vessels in the area are strongly advised to maintain a safe distance from this region, to exercise extreme caution, and to 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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15/03/2024
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0205 UTC
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ATTACK
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15°13'0"N
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41°49'60"E
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The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported an attack on the Panama-flagged, Vietnamese-owned Crude Oil Tanker PACIFIC 01 approximately 76NM Northwest of Hodeidah, Yemen. The exact position of the incident has not been specified.
The ship's Captain reported that the vessel was hit by a missile, causing some damage. However, the crew, including the onboard Armed Security Team (AST), were safe and the vessel was continuing to her next port. Upon further inspection in daylight, the Captain reported that the vessel was not hit and sustained no damage.
Analysis: According to multiple open source reports, the PACIFC 01 had a near miss the previous day, 14 March, off the coast of Yemen in the Gulf of Aden.
The Houthis accused the PACIFC 01 of being Israel-affiliated. The Tanker had previously been owned by Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping, but changed owners in February. Eastern Pacific Shipping has been repeatedly targeted by the Houthis, and is ultimately controlled by Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer.
The Iran-backed Houthis also claimed they targeted an American destroyer, without providing additional details. This claim is as yet unconfirmed.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) acknowledged the Houthis fired three anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) Friday into the Red Sea, but stated all missiles missed their respective targets.
The authorities are still monitoring the vessel and an investigation is currently underway. The Castor Vali team will continue to provide updates and analysis to support informed decision-making in navigating these waters.
All vessels in the area are advised to proceed with caution and to 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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15/03/2024
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0000 UTC
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ATTACK
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15°1'60"N
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41°47'60"E
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The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported an incident occurring 65NM West of Al Hudaydah, Yemen. The captain of a Marshall Islands-flagged Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Tanker reported an explosion a distance away from the vessel's Starboard beam.
The Tanker was not damaged and the Crew is reported to be safe. The vessel is continuing her journey to the next port.
Analysis: There have been at least three such incidents and sightings in this general vicinity in the past five days. Investigations are currently underway by the relevant authorities. The Castor Vali team will continue to provide updates and analysis to support informed decision-making in navigating these waters.
All vessels in the area are advised to proceed with caution and to 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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14/03/2024
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0616 UTC
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Caution
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6°13'60"N
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49°28'60"E
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The Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) has advised that four potential pirate groups, consisting of up to thirty-six armed individuals, have departed on four skiffs from the coastline between the regions of Hobyo, Nugal, and Mudug in Somalia.
Analysis: It is assessed that these groups may be seeking ships to target. The Castor Vali team will continue to provide updates and analysis to support informed decision-making in navigating these waters. It was assessed that the PAGs may be seeking ships to target, and their actions are possibly related to the incident detailed above.
Vessels in the area are strongly advised to maintain a safe distance from this region and to exercise extreme caution.
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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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14/03/2024
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1800 UTC
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Attack
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12°10'54"N
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45°43'60"E
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The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued an alert after the Captain of a Chinese-flagged Container Vessel reported an explosion in the immediate vicinity of their vessel approximately 50NM Southeast of Aden, Yemen.
The ship was not damaged and the crew is reported to be safe. The ship is continuing to its next port of call.
Analysis: Investigations into the incident are currently underway by the relevant authorities.
All 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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14/03/2024
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0000 UTC
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Attack
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14°15'0"N
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42°16'0"E
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An incident has been reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) approximately 50NM Southwest of Al Hudaydah, Yemen.
The ship's Captain reported witnessing two missiles flying over the ship and hearing two loud explosions in the distance. The ship has not reported any damage and the crew is safe. The vessel is continuing to its next scheduled port.
Analysis: Investigations into the incident are currently underway by the relevant authorities.
All 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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13/03/2024
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0200 UTC
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Caution
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14°19'60"N
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42°21'0"E
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Reports from open sources indicate that the Greek Naval Frigate Hydra (F-452) engaged and destroyed two Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) in the southern Red Sea between 02:00 to 03:00 UTC.
Analysis: The drones were deemed to be an immediate threat to the freedom of navigation in the region.
The exact location of the incident was not specified, but this military action comes two days after the Houthi attack on the Liberian-flagged Container Ship PINOCCHIO.
All 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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11/03/2024
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0550 UTC
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Attack
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14°52'0"N
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41°31'0"E
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The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported an incident occurring approximately 71NM Southwest of Saleef, Yemen.
Between 05:50 and 09:50 UTC Houthi forces reportedly launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) at the Singaporean-owned, Liberian-flagged Panamax Container Ship PINOCCHIO (IMO: 9400112). The vessel's crew reported to the UKMTO that they had detected the sound of an explosion near the vessel as they transited off Saleef, Yemen. The missiles did not impact the vessel and no damage to the vessel was reported. It has been confirmed that the vessel and its crew are safe.
US forces responded by destroying 18 Houthi missiles on the ground, and an unmanned underwater vessel.
Analysis: PINOCCHIO's last AIS position suggests it has exited the southern Red Sea and has reached safety off Saudi Arabia.
SeaLead, PINOCCHIO's commercial operator, is a container line with offices in Singapore and Dubai. Originating in 2017, the company initially offered feeder services in the Red Sea and later expanded its operations to include Middle East routes. Notably, SeaLead was recently acquired by a consortium comprising four investment firms.
A Houthi spokesman has confirmed the attack, stating they had targeted an "American ship." They are claiming the strike was successful, however no evidence that the ship was hit has been provided.
Houthi leaders have pledged to only strike ships with connections to the US, UK, or Israel, however vessels with other connections have also been attacked.
Later in the day, US Central Command (CENTCOM) carried out six strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen. American forces destroyed 18 ASBMs on the ground, along with an "unmanned underwater vessel." CENTCOM has stated that all targets posed an "imminent threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region."
The incident is currently under investigation by Coalition Forces. The Castor Vali team will continue to provide updates and analysis to support informed decision-making in navigating these waters.
All 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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11/03/2024
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0000 UTC
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Piracy
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1°31'38"N
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54°52'10"E
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The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported an incident occurring approximately 600NM East of Mogadishu, Somalia involving the Bangladesh-flagged Bulk Carrier ABDULLAH (IMO: 9745598).
Initial reports from the Maritime Security Centre - Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) stated that several small boats were harassing a merchant vessel before a SSAS alert had been sent out and the crew had subsequently taken refuge in the vessel's Citadel.
The Master of the ABDULLAH then reported 20 armed pirates from two different crafts, one large and one small, were on board and the vessel was stopped in position 1°27'N 54°53'E. These unauthorized individuals have been confirmed to have taken control of the vessel.
Analysis: ATALANTA assets have also made contact with the ABDULLAH's Master, and have confirmed there are 20+ pirates on board and that the ship's crew are not in the Citadel. The vessel's Company Security Officer (CSO) stated the crew were unharmed, but there are still conflicting reports about the crew's whereabouts.
At last report from MSCHOA, The ABDULLAH was under pirate control and was proceeding on course 311° at a speed of 8kts towards the Somali coast.
The vessel is owned by KSRM Group’s SR Shipping, and was reportedly transporting coal from Mozambique to the United Arab Emirates when it was attacked.
Data from MSCHOA show there have been more than 20 hijackings or attempted hijackings of vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin since November.
It is possible pirates have been encouraged by a relaxation of security, or may be taking advantage of the chaos caused by attacks on shipping by Yemen's Houthis.
The situation is currently under investigation by the authorities. The Castor Vali team will continue to provide updates and analysis to support informed decision-making in navigating these waters.
All vessels in the area are advised to proceed with caution and to 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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- No alerts were reported this week.
- The last reported alert was of armed intruders sighted aboard a vessel en route to Singapore on 19 Feb.
- Overall decrease in reports in Region – 7 this year to date.
- Despite the decrease, Phillip Channel remains a key area of robberies and boardings within the 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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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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19/02/2024
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19:05 UTC
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Robbery
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1°8'16."N
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103°29'9"E
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[Last Reported Incident]
While in transit near Singapore, the Hong Kong-flagged General Cargo vessel TOP DILIGENCE (IMO: 9767895) reported an incident involving four individuals armed with an object resembling a firearm in the engine room.
The alarm was promptly activated and the crew assembled. Despite a thorough search, the intruders were not located again. At approximately 03:36LT, the ship's captain reported the theft of some spare parts, but confirmed the safety of all crew members and declined further assistance.
The vessel's previous port of call was in Ivory Coast and it was heading towards Singapore Anchorage.
Analysis: This is the fourth reported incident this year which occurred within the wider Singapore & Malacca Straits region. In 2023, at least 67 incidents occurred within, or near, the Singapore & Malacca Straits.
Incidents in this area typically involve individuals armed with small knives or blunt objects. These robbers usually escape on 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.
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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 were reported this week.
- The last reported incident was a robbery of an 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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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
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client focused service, delivering risk mitigation solutions carefully tailored to project priorities.
Contact us:
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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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