|
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 20 November to Monday 27 November 2023 |
|
|
|
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: 09 |
|
|
|
|
Incident mapping - Overview |
|
|
|
Threat Level
|
Total of Incidents
|
|
|
|
- No alerts reported this week.
- Last reported incident was robbery of an anchored Fast Supply Intervention Vessel at Luanda Anchorage, Angola on the 2nd of NOV.
- 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.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Time
|
Incident Type
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
|
|
|
02/11/2023
|
2220 UTC
|
ROBBERY
|
8° 44' 24.00"S
|
13° 18' 12.00"E
|
|
|
|
A robbery has been reported on a Fast Supply Intervention Vessel anchored at Luanda Anchorage, Angola. two robbers boarded the vessel and were spotted on the deck by the watchkeeper who raised the alarm. Upon hearing the alarm the robbers escaped. A search of the vessel identified that some paint boxes had been stolen. The Local authorities were subsequently informed.
Analysis: This is the sixth incident in Angolan ports this year, and the fourth reported out of Luanda, Angola, this year. In 2022, 7 reported incidents out of 43 in the region took place in Angola, all at anchorage, between either Soyo or Luanda Anchorage.
Modus operandi among these incidents remains the same, wherein robbers attempt to access via anchor chains, or by boarding smaller crew/OSV/tug/barge vessels, steal ship properties, then depart on small vessels.
|
|
|
|
West Africa Weekly Comparison |
|
|
|
2022-2023 West Africa Monthly Comparison |
|
|
|
Threat Level
|
Total of Incidents
|
|
|
|
- Seven alerts reported this week.
- Hijacking of underway Oil Tanker in Red Sea on 26 Nov.
- Suspicious Approach in Red Sea on 26 Nov.
- Alert of suspicious transmissions in Red Sea on 25 Nov.
- Alert of attack on container ship underway in Indian Ocean on 24 Nov.
- Hijacking of fishing Vessel near Eyl, Somalia on 22 Nov.
- Firing Exercise in Arabian Sea on 21 Nov.
- Advisory for Israeli-Affiliated Ships in Red sea on 20 Nov.
Increased risk level due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Region related to the Israeli-Hamas conflict.
Continued verified reports of AIS spoofing and “ghost” targets in and around Strait of Hormuz; possibly with intent to divert vessels into Iranian territorial waters.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Time
|
Incident Type
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
|
|
|
26/11/2023
|
0600 UTC
|
Hijacking
|
12° 9' 0.00"N
|
44° 16' 0.00"E
|
|
|
|
(Map and coordinates corrected) UKMTO has reported a potential assault heard over VHF at a position 53NM southwest of Aden, Yemen, while social media reports state Houthi forces seized the Liberian-flagged Oil Tanker CENTRAL PARK (IMO: 9725823) off the coast of Aden, Yemen, seemingly confirming the earlier reports.
According to the reports, the US Navy's 5th Fleet had reportedly directed the CENTRAL PARK, owned by Zodiac Maritime, to ignore Houthi messages. Despite this, the vessel was compelled by Yemeni forces to alter its course towards Yemen.
Zodiac Maritime, previously targeted in the shadow war between Iran and Israel, faced a drone attack in 2021 on the Oil Tanker MERCER STREET off the coast of Oman.
The UKMTO issued warnings about suspicious activity in the area before the incident, specifically a warning to sailors that “two black-and-white craft carrying eight persons in military-style clothing” had been seen in the area.
The CENTRAL PARK seizure comes amid increased targeting of Israeli-linked vessels in the region. The recent attack on the CMA CGM SYMI in the Indian Ocean and the Houthis seizing a vehicle transport ship in the Red Sea add complexity to regional maritime security.
Analysis: We are continuing to monitor the situation for further developments and implications for regional maritime security. Analysts are actively assessing the broader context to provide a comprehensive understanding of the incident and its ramifications.
Ships in the area are advised to remain vigilant and report any unusual activity to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Time
|
Incident Type
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
|
|
|
26/11/2023
|
0000 UTC
|
Suspicious Approach
|
11° 25' 0.00"N
|
45° 2' 60.00"E
|
|
|
|
An advisory has been issued following a report of two black and white vessels, each carrying four individuals dressed in military-style attire, approaching a merchant vessel to a distance of 0.5 nautical miles. The incident occurred 80 nautical miles south of Aden, Yemen at the coordinates 11.416667, 45.05. The captain of the merchant vessel has confirmed the safety of the vessel and its crew. Nearby vessels are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
Analysis: This incident is directly related to the seizure of the Tanker CENTRAL PARK on the 26th of November.
In the past month targeting of international shipping has increased as tensions rise in the region related to the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict. Houthi rebels have vowed to target Israeli vessels in the region in retaliation, and the past week has seen increased efforts in AIS Spoofing, small boat approaches, and as of the 26th of November, two hijackings.
All vessels are advised extreme caution in the region given these events, and are recommended to report any suspicious events to the UKMTO
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Time
|
Incident Type
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
|
|
|
25/11/2023
|
0000 UTC
|
Caution
|
25° 31' 26.00"N
|
66° 17' 6.00"E
|
|
|
|
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has received information about an entity, claiming to be the Yemeni authorities, instructing a ship to change its course.
Update: Houthi fighters have likely seized the Israeli-owned, Malta-flagged Container Ship ZIM LUANDA in the Red Sea. The UKMTO reported that Yemeni authorities forced the ship to alter its course near al Hudaydah, Yemen. While the Houthi movement has not officially claimed responsibility, a one-word post by Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree on X (Twitter) mentioned "ZIM" on November 25. Similar communication methods have been used by Houthi members in recent attacks on Israeli targets.
Analysis: The seizure follows a November 23 Houthi warning of continued attacks against Israeli ships until Israel's aggression against Gaza stops. Additionally, on October 27, Houthi member Hizam al Asad mentioned the Israeli city "Eilat" on X on the same day the Houthi movement conducted a drone attack targeting southern Israel. On October 27, at least two unspecified drones from the Red Sea area struck Egyptian territory near Taba, adjacent to Eilat. The recent incident aligns with Houthi threats and warnings.
The seizure coincides with Emirati reporting on November 23 that Tehran ordered its proxies in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen to adhere to the temporary pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas. Houthi Naval Forces Chief of Staff Mansur al Saadi, previously sanctioned by the US Treasury Department in March 2021, has received extensive training from Iran and was implicated in planning attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea.
This the second of multiple such incidents in the past 7 days involving the Yemenis/Houthis, Iran and others, resulting from the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The declaration by an entity claiming to be the Yemeni authorities and challenging the vessels' presumably lawful exercise of their right to free navigation raises already heightened concerns about the potential for maritime disruptions in the region. Coalition forces have advised nearby vessels not to comply with such requests, as there are reportedly no Yemeni Naval ships in the area. Ships in the vicinity are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the UKMTO.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Time
|
Incident Type
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
|
|
|
24/11/2023
|
0100 UTC
|
General Alert
|
17° 37' 60.00"N
|
65° 54' 18.00"E
|
|
|
|
According to open-source reports, the Maltese-flagged Container Ship CMA CGM SYMI (IMO: 9867839) was hit by a drone while underway in the Indian Ocean. The exact time and location of the incident remain unspecified.
A U.S. defense official suggested that the drone was likely an Iranian Shahed-136 model. The vessel, which reportedly belongs to an Israeli billionaire, suffered only minor damage. The company managing the vessel confirmed that it continues on its planned route and all crew members are safe.
Analysis: The Associated Press reported on November 25 that US officials suspect the IRGC of conducting the attack. LH-affiliated al Mayadeen, citing informed sources, reported the attack on November 25, and Iranian state media recirculated al Mayadeen’s reporting of the attack. At this time, Iranian officials and media have not denied Iranian involvement in the attack.
This is the third incident in the past 7 days which is connected with the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, and emphasizes the evolving security landscape of the area and the need for increased vigilance.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Time
|
Incident Type
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
|
|
|
22/11/2023
|
0600 UTC
|
Hijacking
|
8° 43' 12.00"N
|
51° 8' 24.60"E
|
|
|
|
Reports have emerged of an incident involving an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel, ALMERAJ 1, while it was underway approximately 90 nautical miles northeast of Eyl, Somalia.
The vessel, with its crew of 15, was reportedly hijacked by an armed Somali clan militia, with demands of $400,000 in ransom and threats to use the ship for additional hijackings if the payment was not made.
Analysis: Local media reports suggest the Somali militia's reason for the hijacking was that the vessel was "performing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing."
The ALMERAJ 1 appears to have departed Chabahar, Iran, in October, conducting intermittent fishing operations within Somali territorial waters for over a month.
The vessel has been described as a Jelbut-style round-stern dhow, with white and blue superstructure at the stern; accompanied by two Somali-style white-hulled skiffs with single outboard engines.
Investigations are ongoing, and updates will be provided as soon as confirmed information is available.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Time
|
Incident Type
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
|
|
|
21/11/2023
|
0000 UTC
|
Caution
|
25° 10' 60.00"N
|
64° 39' 0.00"E
|
|
|
|
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has announced that a live weapon firing exercise will take place on the 21st and 22nd of November 2023. The safety range for the exercise is 14,000 meters, with firing arcs between 110-260 degrees (clockwise) from 0300-1100 UTC.
Analysis: 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 notice any interference with their radios, radars, or GPS systems.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Time
|
Incident Type
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
|
|
|
20/11/2023
|
0900 UTC
|
General Alert
|
15° 13' 60.00"N
|
41° 43' 0.00"E
|
|
|
|
A warning has been issued to vessels with Israeli affiliations traversing the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The issuing authority states that these vessels are at a substantial risk of maritime terrorism.
Analysis: Ship masters and crew members are advised to maintain high vigilance and to promptly inform the relevant authorities if they observe any suspicious activity in the area.
|
|
|
|
Indian Ocean Weekly Comparison |
|
|
|
2022-2023 Indian Ocean Monthly Comparison |
|
|
|
Threat Level
|
Total of Incidents
|
|
|
|
- Two alerts reported this week.
○Robbery of anchored container ship at Manila Bay, Philippines on 25th Nov.
○Robbery of anchored tanker at Dumai, Anchorage, Indonesia on 22nd Nov.
- Additional incident included from previous reporting period.
○Robbery incident at Sea, on 19th Nov.
- Phillip Channel remains key area of robberies and boardings within Singapore & Malacca Straits.
- There have been at least 63 incidents reported in the vicinity of Singapore Strait this year. 93 incidents were reported in the vicinity in 2022; 58 of which occurred in, or near, the TSS.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Time
|
Incident Type
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
|
|
|
25/11/2023
|
0845 LT
|
ROBBERY
|
14° 36' 43.20"N
|
120° 49' 33.60"E
|
|
|
|
Reports indicate that an anchored container ship was boarded by five robbers at Manila Bay anchorage in the Philippines. The robbers gained access to the ship through the hawse pipe. The duty crew spotted the robbers during their rounds, prompting them to raise the alarm. The robbers managed to escape with stolen ship properties. Local authorities were alerted about the incident and a patrol boat was dispatched to search the surrounding area.
Analysis: This is the eighth reported incident in the vicinity of Manila this year. However, four similar incidents were reported in the area of Batangas Port last year (2022); all but one aboard anchored or berthed vessels. Incident times vary but range from 1600-2200 hours for all reported incidents this year.
Most incidents report unidentified personnel attempting theft undetected and escaping in the event of detection without altercation.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Time
|
Incident Type
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
|
|
|
22/11/2023
|
2135 UTC
|
ROBBERY
|
1° 43' 12.00"N
|
101° 26' 43.20"E
|
|
|
|
Reports indicate that a tanker anchored at Dumai Anchorage, Indonesia was boarded by four knife-wielding robbers. The intruders threatened and held a crew member hostage, while another crew member was able to evade capture, alert the Duty Officer, and sound the alarm. Upon noticing the crew's response, the robbers fled the scene without stealing anything.
Analysis: This is the 11th incident reported this year taking place within an Indonesian port, and the 68th incident reported near the Singapore & Malacca Straits since the beginning of the year.
Overall, incidents within this region involved armed individuals with small knives or blunt objects. These robbers usually escape upon detection, with stolen ship properties, stores or cargo, with minimal violence occurring between crew and robbers. However, based on the volume of incidents, this region requires vigilance when transiting.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Time
|
Incident Type
|
Latitude
|
Longitude
|
|
|
|
19/11/2023
|
2145 UTC
|
ROBBERY
|
3° 46' 60.00"S
|
98°40' 60.00E
|
|
|
|
[Previous Reported Period]
A variety of items were reported missing [onboard the Argent Daisy, a Singapore-flagged Petroleum/Chemical Tanker], indicating a potential theft incident.
Analysis: While details are scanty, incidents of theft going unnoticed is not uncommon in the region, with some reported incidents being theft discovered after the robbers have departed the ship with stolen properties. Overall, increased awareness is advised when transiting the region.
|
|
|
|
Southeast Asia Weekly Comparison |
|
|
|
2022 - 2023 Southeast Asia Monthly Comparison |
|
|
|
Threat Level
|
Total of Incidents
|
|
|
|
- One alert was 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
|
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
2022 - 2023 Americas Monthly Comparison |
|
|
|
Weekly Alert Comparison by Area |
|
|
|
2022 - 2023 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|