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Monday 11 December to Monday 18 December 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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Total no of incidents: 09 |
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Incident mapping - Overview |
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Threat Level
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Total of Incidents
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- One alert was reported this week.
○Alert of active piracy action group (PAG) in Gulf of Guinea on 12th Nov.
- Incidents involving local craft in Nigeria usually involves significant use of violence as part of the incident.
- 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.
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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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12/12/2023
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1011 UTC
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GENERAL ALERT
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1° 15' 36.00"N
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8° 52' 46.00"E
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MDAT-GOG has issued a security notification for the Gulf of Guinea, indicating heightened risks in the region, and has advised that a Piracy Action Group (PAG) is operating in the Zone D area.
Analysis:
An ongoing security operation in the Gulf of Guinea has identified several vessels of interest operating in the waters of Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, and Togo over the past 12 months. Notably, one vessel, initially flagged for persistent AIS signal disruptions, was recently intercepted and detained by Nigerian authorities. The vessel was found engaged in illegal activities, siphoning approximately 500MT of crude oil at the Ebesan Oil Field, off the coast of Awoye, Nigeria.
These latest developments in the Gulf of Guinea, despite a relatively quiet season, underscore the continued and persistent maritime security challenges that exist in the region. The interception of vessels involved in illicit activities also emphasizes the need for continuous vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate risks.
It is strongly recommended for all vessels transiting this area to exercise extreme caution when operating in these waters, implement enhanced security measures, maintain local surveillance, and apply BMP WA procedures.
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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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- 8 alerts reported this week.
○Missile attack on tanker in Red Sea on 11th Nov. ○Boat attack on vessel in Gulf of Aden on 13th Nov. ○Boarding of bulk carrier in Indian Ocean on 14th Nov. ○ Explosion on vessel in Red Sea on 14th Nov. ○Somali piracy action group notice on 15th Nov. ○Suspicious approach in Red Sea on 15th Nov. ○Missile strike on Container in Red Sea on 15th Nov. ○Explosion on vessel in Bab El Mandeb on 15th Nov.Missile attack on tanker in Red Sea on 11th Nov. ○Boat attack on vessel in Gulf of Aden on 13th Nov. ○Boarding of bulk carrier in Indian Ocean on 14th Nov. ○Explosion on vessel in Red Sea on 14th Nov. ○Somali piracy action group notice on 15th Nov. ○Suspicious approach in Red Sea on 15th Nov. ○Missile strike on Container in Red Sea on 15th Nov. ○Explosion on vessel in Bab El Mandeb on 15th Nov.
- Severe risk level due to recent attacks on international shipping related to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Region related to the Israeli-Hamas conflict.
- Continued verified reports of AIS spoofing, drone and small boat harassment, missile strikes and hijacking of vessels within the region by Houthi rebel groups.
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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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11/12/2023
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2100 UTC
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GENERAL ALERT
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13° 5' 60.00"N
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43° 2' 60.00"E
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A Norwegian tanker, the STRINDA, was reportedly struck by an Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (ASCM) while navigating the Bab El Mandeb Strait, approximately 15 nautical miles west of Port Mokha, Yemen. The missile was launched from a region in Yemen under Houthi control. The vessel, which is owned and operated by the Bergen-based shipping company Mowinckels Rederi, caught fire following the attack. However, no casualties were reported. It is still unclear at this point whether there is an Israeli connection to the STRINDA and/or Mowinckels Rederi. The US Central Command confirmed the incident and stated that the USS Mason responded to the distress call from the MT STRINDA, providing assistance.
Update: The STRINDA was coming from Malaysia bound for the Suez Canal, confirmed by AIS data, but no other destination information is known at this time. There are also later, unconfirmed reports of a vessel being hailed in the same area by individuals identifying themselves as Yemeni Navy and ordering the vessel to alter course to Yemen. It is unclear if this vessel was also the STRINDA.
Analysis: This latest incident compounds the escalating threats to commercial shipping in the region amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The strategic location of the Bab El Mandeb Strait raises significant concerns for vessels transiting through this critical maritime passage, and ship operators are urged to exercise extreme caution. The targeting of international vessels, coupled with repeated Houthi threats to ships associated with (or heading to or from) Israel, presents a heightened risk environment. The potential disruption to global supply chains and logistics is a significant consideration, emphasizing the broader economic implications of this evolving maritime security situation.
This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of the maritime threats in the area. Vessel Masters, and stakeholders with interests in the region, are strongly advised to closely monitor developments, maintain communication with appropriate authorities, and implement enhanced security measures. The targeting of vessels with no direct links to involved nations, along with the recent series of attacks, suggests a complex and dynamic security landscape. Relevant authorities are currently conducting an investigation, and the Castor Vali team will continue to provide updates and analysis to support informed decision-making in navigating these 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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13/12/2023
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0345 UTC
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GENERAL ALERT
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14° 49' 23.32"N
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42° 4' 3.17"E
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An alert has been issued following an incident involving a small boat with three armed individuals, approximately 50NM West of the Port of Hodeidah, Yemen. The boat approached a commercial vessel to within half a nautical mile, leading to a gunfire exchange after the vessel's Armed Security Team (AST) fired warning shots. The small boat then left the area. According to reports, two projectiles were fired on a vessel from a small craft 50NM West of Hodeidah. One of the projectiles was said to have been destroyed mid-air, and the second is said to have missed and landed in the water behind the vessel. It is not clear whether the first projectile was intercepted or destroyed due to internal failure. However, there was no immediate claim of responsibility for this latest incident.
A Marshall Islands-flagged Chemical Tanker did report an “exchange of fire” with a small craft approximately 50NM west of Hodeidah. The reporting vessel said the “speedboat” had fired as it approached and that the tanker was targeted by missiles. There are unconfirmed reports suggesting 2-3 missiles were fired, with one of them brought down by an anti-missile battery, and another falling into the sea behind the vessel. According to open source reports, a second Malta-flagged Bulk Carrier was also approached by the same speedboat in the same area, but was not attacked. There were also reports elsewhere of a suspicious approach in the Arabian Sea where five or six small boats, each equipped with a machine gun on the bow, trailed a ship for approximately 90 minutes. This occurred around 90 nautical miles off the coast of Duqm, a town in Oman.
Analysis: This latest incident compounds the escalating threats to commercial shipping in the region amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The strategic location of the Bab El Mandeb Strait raises significant concerns for vessels transiting through this critical maritime passage, and ship operators are urged to exercise extreme caution. The targeting of international vessels, coupled with repeated Houthi threats to ships associated with (or heading to or from) Israel, presents a heightened risk environment. The potential disruption to global supply chains and logistics is a significant consideration, emphasizing the broader economic implications of this evolving maritime security situation.
This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of the maritime threats in the area. Vessel Masters, and stakeholders with interests in the region, are strongly advised to closely monitor developments, maintain communication with appropriate authorities, and implement enhanced security measures. The targeting of vessels with no direct links to involved nations, along with the recent series of attacks, suggests a complex and dynamic security landscape. Relevant authorities are currently conducting an investigation, and the Castor Vali team will continue to provide updates and analysis to support informed decision-making in navigating these 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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14/12/2023
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1200 UTC
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GENERAL ALERT
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12° 3' 0.00"N
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61° 19' 60.00"E
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The UKMTO reportedly received a distress call over VHF regarding a vessel being boarded by unidentified individuals near the coordinates 12°3'0.00"N, 61°19'60.00"E, approximately 700NM East of Bossaso, Somalia. The vessel was then reported as adrift near position 11°58'00.00", 061°19'60.00". A subsequent report by the Company Security Officer suggested the Crew may have lost control and the vessel was en route to Somalia, approximately 680 nautical miles east of Bosaso. As of the latest update, all Crew members are reported to be safe.
Update: The Indian Navy has confirmed it is shadowing the Maltese-flagged Bulk Carrier RUEN (IMO: 9754903), with a Crew of 18, which reportedly sent a Mayday message on the UKMTO portal on 14th December indicating she had been boarded by six unknown people. The Indian navy responded to the distress call, dispatching an anti-piracy patrol warship and maritime patrol aircraft to locate and assist the vessel. The Indian aircraft has been continuously monitoring the movement of the vessel, and the warship, which was already deployed in the Gulf of Aden on anti-piracy patrols, also intercepted the carrier early on 15th December. Bulgarian authorities have said the Crew of the RUEN, which is managed by Bulgarian shipping company Navibulgar, are nationals of Angola, Bulgaria and Myanmar.
Analysis: Resurgence of Maritime Threats in the Indian Ocean
This incident marks the fourth confirmed incident likely involving Somali pirates reported since the beginning of November. This resurgence is significant as there have been no confirmed incidents of Somali piracy in the Indian Ocean region since 2017, and raises concerns about the reemergence of piracy threats in the region.
The authorities are currently investigating the situation. All vessels in the vicinity are advised to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activities to the UKMTO.
Additional updates will be provided as they become available.
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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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14/12/2023
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0000 UTC
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GENERAL ALERT
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14° 32' 44.00"N
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42° 35' 48.00"E
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The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received a report of an incident in the vicinity of Bab El Mandeb; an explosion observed 50 meters off the port quarter of a vessel. The safety of the vessel and its Crew has been confirmed. The vessel has since left the area and UKMTO advises all vessels to proceed with caution and report any unusual activities.
Analysis: This is the 11th incident reported in this area in December. Since the hijacking of the GALAXY LEADER on the 22nd of November, there have been 15 reports of attacks or attempted attacks, likely involving Houthi militants.
This latest incident compounds the escalating threats to commercial shipping in the region amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The strategic location of the Bab El Mandeb Strait raises significant concerns for vessels transiting through this critical maritime passage, and ship operators are urged to exercise extreme caution.
The targeting of international vessels, coupled with repeated Houthi threats to ships associated with (or heading to or from) Israel, presents a heightened risk environment. The potential disruption to global supply chains and logistics is a significant consideration, emphasizing the broader economic implications of this evolving maritime security situation.
Vessel Masters, and stakeholders with interests in the region, are strongly advised to closely monitor developments, maintain communication with appropriate authorities, and implement enhanced security measures. The targeting of vessels with no direct links to involved nations, along with the recent series of attacks, suggests a complex and dynamic security landscape.
Relevant authorities are currently conducting an investigation, and the Castor Vali team will continue to provide updates and analysis to support informed decision-making in navigating these 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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15/12/2023
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1701 UTC
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GENERAL ALERT
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9° 38' 11.00"N
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52° 1' 47.00"E
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The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued a report indicating the presence of a Somali Piracy Action Group in the specified area. Vessels are urged to proceed with caution and report any unusual activity or sightings to the UKMTO. This advisory security notification is set to be cancelled on December 17 at 1300UTC.
Analysis: This report comes after the the fourth confirmed incident likely involving Somali pirates reported since the beginning of November. This resurgence is significant as there have been no confirmed incidents of Somali piracy in the Indian Ocean region since 2017, and raises concerns about the reemergence of piracy threats in the region.
Further deterioration of regional stability, related to the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict and Houthi attacks on international shipping may in part be a cause of the recent resurgence, and an indication of larger regional shocks related to the conflict.
The authorities are currently investigating the situation. All vessels in the vicinity are advised to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activities to the UKMTO.
Additional updates will be provided as they become available.
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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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15/12/2023
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0440 UTC
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SUSPICIOUS APPROACH
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13° 39' 0.00"N
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42° 30' 0.00"E
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The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) is currently investigating a reported incident which occurred in the vicinity of Bab El Mandeb, approximately 50 nautical miles Northwest of Port Mokha, Yemen. A small craft with ten persons onboard and declaring itself to be Yemini authorities ordered a vessel to alter course towards Yemen. The craft is described as small with a white hull and black top.
Analysis: This is the 12th incident reported in this area in December. Since the hijacking of the GALAXY LEADER on the 22nd of November, there have been 16 reports of attacks or attempted attacks, likely involving Houthi militants.
This latest incident compounds the escalating threats to commercial shipping in the region amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The strategic location of the Bab El Mandeb Strait raises significant concerns for vessels transiting through this critical maritime passage, and ship operators are urged to exercise extreme caution.
The targeting of international vessels, coupled with repeated Houthi threats to ships associated with (or heading to or from) Israel, presents a heightened risk environment. The potential disruption to global supply chains and logistics is a significant consideration, emphasizing the broader economic implications of this evolving maritime security situation.
Vessel Masters, and stakeholders with interests in the region, are strongly advised to closely monitor developments, maintain communication with appropriate authorities, and implement enhanced security measures. The targeting of vessels with no direct links to involved nations, along with the recent series of attacks, suggests a complex and dynamic security landscape.
The Castor Vali team will continue to provide updates and analysis to support informed decision-making.
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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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15/12/2023
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0618 UTC
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GENERAL ALERT
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13° 26' 11.40"N
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42° 53' 15.00"E
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An incident involving a Liberia-flagged Container Vessel was reported approximately 60NM Southwest of Hodeidah, Yemen. The vessel was hit by an unidentified object, causing a fire onboard. No casualties have been reported. Further investigation confirmed that the incident involved a missile or drone attack from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen. The projectile hit the port side of the vessel, causing one container to fall into the sea due to the explosion. The vessel communicated a fire on deck via VHF. The fire has since been extinguished, and all crew members are reported safe.
Analysis: This is the 13th incident reported in this area in December. Since the hijacking of the GALAXY LEADER on the 22nd of November, there have been 17 reports of attacks or attempted attacks, likely involving Houthi militants.
This latest incident compounds the escalating threats to commercial shipping in the region amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The strategic location of the Bab El Mandeb Strait raises significant concerns for vessels transiting through this critical maritime passage, and ship operators are urged to exercise extreme caution.
The targeting of international vessels, coupled with repeated Houthi threats to ships associated with (or heading to or from) Israel, presents a heightened risk environment. The potential disruption to global supply chains and logistics is a significant consideration, emphasizing the broader economic implications of this evolving maritime security situation.
Vessel Masters, and stakeholders with interests in the region, are strongly advised to closely monitor developments, maintain communication with appropriate authorities, and implement enhanced security measures. The targeting of vessels with no direct links to involved nations, along with the recent series of attacks, suggests a complex and dynamic security landscape.
The Castor Vali team will continue to provide updates and analysis to support informed decision-making.
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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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15/12/2023
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1000 UTC
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GENERAL ALERT
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13° 3' 27.30"N
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43° 7' 30.60"E
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An incident is currently under investigation in the vicinity of Bab El Mandeb, approximately 30NM Southwest of Port Mokha, Yemen.
A report from a vessel's Master (originally from position 13°11'32.00"N, 43°3'51.00"E) detailed an explosion on board their vessel, which led to a fire. The fire has since been extinguished. Currently, both the crew and the vessel are reported to be safe and local authorities are investigating the incident. All vessels are advised to proceed with caution in this area and to report any suspicious activities to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
Analysis: This is the 14th incident reported in this area in December. Since the hijacking of the GALAXY LEADER on the 22nd of November, there have been 18 reports of attacks or attempted attacks, likely involving Houthi militants.
This latest incident compounds the escalating threats to commercial shipping in the region amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The strategic location of the Bab El Mandeb Strait raises significant concerns for vessels transiting through this critical maritime passage, and ship operators are urged to exercise extreme caution.
The targeting of international vessels, coupled with repeated Houthi threats to ships associated with (or heading to or from) Israel, presents a heightened risk environment. The potential disruption to global supply chains and logistics is a significant consideration, emphasizing the broader economic implications of this evolving maritime security situation.
Vessel Masters, and stakeholders with interests in the region, are strongly advised to closely monitor developments, maintain communication with appropriate authorities, and implement enhanced security measures. The targeting of vessels with no direct links to involved nations, along with the recent series of attacks, suggests a complex and dynamic security landscape. The Castor Vali team will continue to provide updates and analysis to support informed decision-making.
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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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- No reported incidents this week.
- Last reported incident was robbery of anchored container ship at Manila Bay, Philippines on 25th 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.
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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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25/11/2023
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0845 LT
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ROBBERY
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14° 36' 43.20"N
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120° 49' 33.60"E
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[Previous Reported Period]
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.
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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 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.
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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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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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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:
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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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