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Monday 07 August to Monday 14 August 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 of no of incidents: 07 |
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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 reported this week.
Suspicious Approach aboard an anchored Supply Vessel at Takoradi anchorage, Ghana on the 7th of Aug.
- Two additional incidents reported which took place during previous week.
- Kidnapping aboard an underway Fishing Vessel in the Opobo River, Nigeria on the 5th of Aug.
- Boarding of an anchored Supply Vessel at Takoradi anchorage, Ghana on the 5th of Aug.
- 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.
- Intelligence suggests a pirate action group (PAG) is operating in the greater GoG region.
- All but three incidents since March have occured within, or very close to, territorial waters.
- PAGs have, however, been known to operate for multiple days offshore before engaging a target vessel.
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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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07/08/2023
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0320 UTC
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Suspicious Approach
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4° 49' 60.00" N
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1° 43' 0.00"
W
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A suspicious approach has been reported aboard an anchored supply vessel at Sekondi anchorage area, Ghana at 0320 hrs. local. The vessel was approached by a local canoe at the starboard side of the vessel. Five persons sighted on-board the canoe. The crew raised the external alarm making the suspected sea robbers to escape. Local authorities has been reported alerted.
Analysis: This is the sixth incident reported this year in the vicinity of Sekondi-Takoradi anchorage, Ghana. In the previous year, ten incidents were reported at this anchorage.
Incident characteristics remain the same regarding commercial vessels; boarding or robbery of anchored vessels, with intent to steal ships’ properties with minimal confrontation. When spotted, all attempts have been immediately aborted. Escape vessels are always a small craft, usually a wooden civilian boat or canoe. These incidents usually occur between 2359 HRS to 0600 HRS Local.
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Date
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Time
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Incident Type
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Latitude
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Longitude
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05/08/2023
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2352 LT
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Boarding
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4° 49' 60.00" N
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1° 43' 0.00"
W
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[Previous Reporting Period]
On 5th AUG 2023, 2352 hrs loc, when anchored at Sekondi anchorage area, Ghana, one supply vessel has been approached by a local canoe at the quarter side. The suspected sea robbers tried to board the vessel. The crew raised the alarm making the suspected sea robbers to escaped. Local authorities alerted.
Analysis: Update: This is the fifth incident reported this year in the vicinity of Sekondi-Takoradi anchorage, Ghana. In the previous year 10 incidents were reported taking place at this anchorage.
Incident characteristics remain the same regarding commercial vessels; boarding or robbery of anchored vessels, with intent to steal ships’ properties with minimal confrontation. When spotted, all attempts have been immediately aborted. Escape vessels are always a small craft, usually a wooden civilian boat or canoe. These incidents usually occur between 2359 HRS to 0600 HRS Local.
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Date
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Time
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Incident Type
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Latitude
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Longitude
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05/08/2023
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0000 UTC
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Kidnapping
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4° 27' 0.00" N
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7° 34' 60.00" E
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[Previous Reporting Period]
A kidnapping onboard an unnamed fishing vessel has been reported to have occurred in the Opobo River, Nigeria, on 05 AUG. 2023 at an unknown time.
At this time, details are scant. However, two Nigerian crew members were reported abducted.
Analysis: This is the third incident to be reported in Nigerian waters this year and the second to involve local craft in riverine waters. However, 14 incidents were reported in Nigerian waters in 2022, with 10 incidents involving local craft - either passenger boats or fishing vessels - being targeted.
Incidents involving local craft range in severity and include; robbery, kidnapping, and/or passengers injured or killed during the attack. The Chairman of the Nigeria Maritime Union Workers in Rivers State, Nigeria, expressed worry that attacks along the waterways have resurfaced after a noticeable calm. These incidents occur at all times of the day and vessels are usually underway when attacks occur.
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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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- Two alerts reported this week.
- General Alert of an increased threat within the vicinity of Strait Of Hormuz on the 12th of August.
- ○General Alert of an increased threat of Iranian forces preparing to seize merchant vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz on the 12th of August.
- Live Firing Exercise to take place near Pakistani waters throughout month of August, reported on the 30th of August.
- Iran’s continued interference with maritime shipping in the SOH, as well as recent sightings, suspicious approaches, and attacks related to the ongoing conflict in Yemen highlight vessels’ continued need for vigilance when transiting the region.
- Continued verified reports of AIS spoofing and “ghost” targets in and around Strait of Hormuz; possibly with intent to divert vessels into Iranian territorial waters.
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Date
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Time
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Incident Type
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Latitude
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Longitude
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12/08/2023
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1800 UTC
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General Alert
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26° 44'39.00" N
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56° 26'22.00" E
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UKMTO have been made aware of an increased threat within the vicinity of Strait Of Hormuz.
Analysis: All vessels transiting are advised to exercise caution and report suspicious activity 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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12/08/2023
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2359 UTC
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General Alert
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26° 33' 0.00" N
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56° 23'60.00" E
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Information has been received stating that there is an increased threat of Iranian forces preparing to seize merchant vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, imminently until 23:59 UTC on the 15th of August 2023.
Analysis: It is strongly advised that all vessels transiting in this area to follow all guidance provided in BMP5, maintain a heightened level of security, and ensure they are registered and reporting to the UKMTO.
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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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- Four alerts reported this week.
- Robbery of an anchored Container Ship in Manila, Philippines on the 10th of Aug.
- Robbery of an underway Container Ship in Phillip Channel, Singapore Strait on the 8th of Aug.
- Robbery of an underway Bulk Carrier in Singapore Strait on the 8th of Aug.
- Robbery of a 2nd underway Bulk Carrier in Singapore Strait on the 8th of Aug.
- One alert reported which took place during previous week.
- Robbery of an underway Bulk Carrier in Eastbound lane of TSS, Singapore Strait on the 5th of Aug.
- Phillip Channel remains key area of robberies and boardings within Singapore & Malacca Straits.
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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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10/08/2023
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1602 LT
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ROBBERY
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14° 35' 34.80" N
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120° 50' 31.80" E
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[This week's incident]
It is reported that eight perpetrators armed with guns boarded a Container Ship whilst anchored in Manila, Philippines. They took the duty crew hostage and tied him up. The alarm was raised and the crew mustered, which alerted the perpetrators who then escaped without stealing anything. The incident was reported to the Vessel Management Traffic System and the Philippines Coast Guard boarded the vessel to investigate.
Analysis: This is the seventh reported incident in the vicinity of Manila this year; the previous incident occurred on the 4th of June. 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.
Notably, this incident was more violent regarding the restrainment of the crew member compared to other reported incidents. Most incidents report unidentified personnel attempting theft undetected and escaping in the event of detection without altercation.
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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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08/08/2023
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1935 LT
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ROBBERY
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1° 4' 27.00" N
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103° 42' 12.00" E
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[This week's incident]
Robbers reportedly boarded Cyprus-flagged Bulk Carrier SOPHOCLES GRAECIA while underway in the Phillip Channel, Singapore Strait.
The master reported to Singapore Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS) West that three perpetrators were sighted in the engine room. The ship's alarm was raised and the crew mustered. A search was conducted on board the ship, and at about 0447 hrs, the search was completed with no further sighting of the perpetrators. All crew members were safe. At about 0521 hrs, the master updated that some main engine spare parts were missing. Additional reporting stated a plastic moulded replica toy gun was subsequently located by the crew during security checks.
The ship proceeded to Singapore to pick up the pilot at Pilot Eastern Boarding Ground "B" at 0530 hrs.
Safety navigational broadcast was initiated. The Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) and Singapore Police Coast Guard were notified of the incident. Information of the incident was shared with the Indonesian and Malaysian authorities.
Singapore Police Coast Guard boarded and searched the ship when she was anchored in port, confirming no perpetrators were found.
Analysis: This is the 56th incident reported within the vicinity of the Singapore & Malacca Straits since the beginning of the year; the second in August.
Ten similar incidents were reported in July, in which property was stolen aboard several of the vessels, including scrap metal and engine parts. Most incidents occurred while vessels were underway, with robbers being discovered by duty crew in or near the vessels' engine room, and often armed with knives.
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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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08/08/2023
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1350 LT
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ROBBERY
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1° 2' 51.00" N
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103°38' 37.0" E
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[This week's incident]
While underway, the master reported to Singapore VTIS West that four perpetrators were sighted in the engine room. The ship's alarm was raised, and the crew mustered. A search was conducted on board the ship, and at about 2245 hrs, the search was completed with no further sighting of the perpetrators. All crew members were safe, and some main engine spare parts were missing. The ship proceeded to Singapore to pick up the pilot at Pilot Eastern Boarding Ground "B" at 0100 hrs.
A safety navigational broadcast was initiated. The RSN's MSTF and Singapore Police Coast Guard were notified of the incident. Information on the incident was shared with the Indonesian and Malaysian authorities.
Singapore Police Coast Guard boarded and searched the ship when she was anchored in port, confirming no perpetrators were found.
Analysis: This is the 57th incident reported near the Singapore & Malacca Straits since the beginning of the year; the third in August.
Ten similar incidents were reported in July, in which property was stolen aboard several of the vessels, including scrap metal and engine parts. Most incidents occurred while vessels were underway, with robbers being discovered by duty crew in or near the vessels' engine room, and often armed with knives.
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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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08/08/2023
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1430 LT
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ROBBERY
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1° 2' 37.80" N
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103°39'13.2" E
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[This week's incident]
While underway, the master reported to Singapore VTIS West that four perpetrators armed with knives were sighted on port quarter-deck. The ship's alarm was raised, and crew mustered. A search was conducted on board the ship, and at about 0040 hrs, the search was completed with no further sighting of the perpetrators. All crew members were safe and some main engine spare parts were missing. The ship proceeded to Singapore to pick up the pilot at Pilot Eastern Boarding Ground "B" at 0130 hrs.
A safety navigational broadcast was initiated. The RSN's MSTF and Singapore Police Coast Guard were notified of the incident. Information of the incident was shared with the Indonesian and Malaysian authorities.
Singapore Police Coast Guard boarded and searched the ship when she was anchored in port and confirmed no perpetrators were found on board.
Analysis: This is the 58th incident reported near the Singapore & Malacca Straits since the beginning of the year; the fourth in August.
Ten similar incidents were reported in July, in which property was stolen aboard several of the vessels, including scrap metal and engine parts. Most incidents occurred while vessels were underway, with robbers being discovered by duty crew in or near the vessels' engine room, and often armed with knives.
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Previous reported incident |
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Date
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Time
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Incident Type
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Latitude
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Longitude
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06/08/2023
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1658 LT
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ROBBERY
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1° 18' 0.00" N
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104°10' 48.0" E
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[Previous reported period]
A robber has reportedly managed to board Marshall Islands flagged bulk carrier JAL KAMAL while underway in the Eastbound Lane of the Singapore Strait Traffic Separation Scheme.
One robber was discovered in the engine room who escaped upon being sighted. A search revealed that main engine, generator and injection spares were missing. The vessel did not require assistance and continued her passage to China. All crew reported as safe.
Safety navigational broadcast was initiated. The RSN’s MSTF and Singapore Police Coast Guard were notified of the incident. Information of the incident was shared with the Indonesian and Malaysian authorities.
Analysis: This is the 55th incident reported within the vicinity of the Singapore & Malacca Straits since the beginning of the year; the 1st in August.
Ten similar incidents were reported in July, in which property was stolen aboard several of the vessels, including scrap metal and engine parts. Most incidents occurred while vessels were underway, with robbers being discovered by duty crew in or near the vessels' engine room, and often armed with knives.
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Southeast Asia Weekly Comparison |
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2022 - 2023 Southeast Asia Monthly Comparison |
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Threat Level
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Total of Incidents
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- No alerts reported this week.
- Last reported alert was a robbery of a Bulk Carrier at Callao Anchorage, Peru on the 26th of July.
- Callao Anchorage, Peru continues to be an area where there is a higher frequency of reported incidents in the region; specifically, commercial vessels at anchor.
- Among the 9 incidents reported this year in the Americas, 6 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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24/07/2023
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0830 UTC
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ROBBERY
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12° 1' 15.00" S
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77° 12' 3.60"W
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[Last Reported Incident]
A robbery has been reported aboard a Bulk Carrier while anchored at Callao Anchorage, Peru. The vessel's duty crew observed that the padlock securing the ship's stores had been tampered with, and several items were discovered missing. Despite conducting a thorough search of the vessel, no suspects were located. The incident was promptly reported to the Port control, which responded by dispatching a patrol boat to the scene.
Analysis: This is the sixth incident of this type to be reported in Callao anchorage this year, with eight similar incidents occurring in the anchorage last year. In most reported cases in this area, robbers were armed with knives and were able to escape with ship's and/or crew property.
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Americas Weekly Comparison |
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2022 - 2023 Americas Monthly Comparison |
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Weekly Alert Comparison by Area |
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2022 - 2023 Overall Monthly Comparison |
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All findings are predictive and estimative. To communicate these findings clearly and in order to accurately compare threat levels, the report uses a variation of terminology used by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
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Piracy: CV has adopted the definition of piracy similar to that given in the BMP. Content within this document uses the term ‘piracy’ which includes all violent and non-violent acts against vessels, her crew and cargo which have taken place either in internal waterways, territorial waters or deep offshore. CV classifies piracy incidents into six categories:
Hijacking – Crew lost control of the vessel for a sufficient period of time and then pirates kidnapped at least one crewmember and/or passenger(s).
Pirate Attack – Vessel was attacked with gunfire or RPG fire and/or then boarded the vessel with the intent to hijack and/or kidnap at least one crewmember(s) and/or passenger(s).
Robbery – Vessel is boarded with criminal intent, theft does not have to occur.
Suspicious approach/vessels – Suspicious activity reported (i.e. a vessel was approached by unidentified craft with one or more persons on board) or sighting of firearms and boarding equipment on board a suspicious vessel and/or sighting of a confirmed pirate mother ship.
General Alert – A reported incident has been released by authorities to notify seafarers of a possible incident which is still being investigated/confirmed. This can also be a warning of an imminent Danger to seafarers.
Caution – An unconfirmed warning of an incident that could affect seafarers.
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Disclaimer
You have received this report as part of your organisation’s subscription. Castor Vali assessment and advice is given based on the information received and processed by us and the surrounding circumstances known to us to exist at the time. Subsequent changes to relevant information or the surrounding circumstances may affect the reliability of our assessment and advice, but we do not accept responsibility for that effect. We do not accept responsibility for the outcome of any action taken or not taken as a result of our assessment and advice unless the possibility of that action being taken or not taken is set out in specific terms in our instructions.
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