Indian Ocean HRA – Maritime Security Incidents

03 Apr 18: Houthi Rebel Missile Attack on Saudi Tanker. A Saudi tanker transiting near Al Hudaydah was struck by Yemen’s Houthi rebels using a missile launched from a land-based site near Al Hudaydah. No casualties were reported and the vessel remained seaworthy. The tanker was under escort by a Saudi warship at the time of the attack. There is no indication of Houthi intent to target non-Saudi shipping.

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Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

07 Apr 18: Vessel Boarded near Bonny, Nigeria. Four armed pirates boarded an underway merchant vessel at 03°37’N 007°07’E. The crew mustered in the citadel and were reported safe. 03 Apr 18: Vessel Fired Upon near Bonny, Nigeria. Up to 12 armed pirates aboard a speedboat chased and fired upon a product tanker at 03°29’N 006°36’E. Onboard armed security and the tanker’s evasive manoeuvres prevented boarding. All crew reported safe. 01 Apr 18: Vessel Approached near Takoradi, Ghana. A container ship was approached by two small boats, carrying up to nine people, at 04°31’N 001°21’E. The small boats ceased pursuit following the container ship’s evasive actions.

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South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

04 Apr 18: Theft at Anchor in Muara Berau Anchorage, Indonesia. Robbers boarded a vessel at 00°15’S 117°34’E, broke into the forepeak store, and escaped with ship’s stores. The crew noted a suspicious vessel in the vicinity and raised the alarm before discovering the theft.  

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Click link to Download PDF:  Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 14 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. The week 14 Maritime Security Snapshot was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

22 Mar 18: Vessel Attacked near Bonny, Nigeria. A merchant vessel underway at 03°35’N 006°44’E was attacked by a group of pirates aboard two speedboats. Vessel and crew reported safe. 22 Mar 18: Fishing Vessels Hijacked south of Lagos, Nigeria. Two fishing vessels were attacked by pirates aboard a speedboat at 06°01’N 003°12’E. Both vessels were hijacked and sailed into Benin waters before being released and sailing to Lagos. Two crew members were kidnapped. Nigerian Naval personnel are investigating the incident. 22 Mar 18: Vessel Boarded near Cotonou, Benin. An anchored merchant vessel at 06°15’N 002°30’E was boarded by eight pirates armed with firearms and bladed weapons. They ordered the crew to start the vessels main engine. When this failed, they remained aboard for 90 minutes to steal ship’s stores and crew possessions before escaping.

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South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

24 Mar 18: Attempted Boarding in Caofeidian, China. Two robbers in a wooden boat attempted to board an anchored bulk carrier via ladder at 38°44’N 118°33’E. Crew members spotted the boarding and raised the alarm, causing the robbers to flee.

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Indian Ocean HRA – Maritime Security Incidents

26 Mar 18: Houthi Rebel Missile Attack on Saudi Cities. Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched seven ballistic missiles against four Saudi cities; Riyadh, Jizan, Najran, and Khamis Mushait. There is conflicted reporting as to whether the missiles were successfully intercepted. At least one person was killed as a result of the attack. Maritime and naval activities in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea are likely to intensify following the attack, particularly seeking to interdict weapon shipments to the Houthi group.

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Click link to Download PDF: Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 12 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. The week 12 Maritime Security Snapshot was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

06 Mar 18: Vessel Attacked near Bonny Island, Nigeria. A merchant vessel underway at 04°04’N 006°56’E was attacked by two speedboats carrying armed attackers. The vessel was damaged by gunfire. No reports regarding crew status were released. 01 Mar 18: Suspicious Approach South-East of Takoradi, Ghana. A cargo vessel underway at 04°31’N 001°21’E was approached by two speedboats, with six and three persons onboard respectively. The cargo vessel increased speed and altered course, causing the speedboats to abort their pursuit.

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Indian Ocean – Maritime Security Incidents

01 Mar 18: Suspicious Approach in Bab-el-Mandeb. A merchant vessel was approached by four skiffs which closed to within 0.5nm at 13°05’N 043°05’E. Ladders potentially spotted.

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South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

06 Mar 18: State of Emergency Declared in Sri Lanka. A spate of ethnically motivated unrest in Kandy led to the Sri Lankan government imposing a nationwide state of emergency.  Initial plans call for troops to be deployed in potential hotspots for a period of up to ten days. 03 Mar 18: Vessel boarded in Tanjung Priok, Indonesia. Two robbers were seen aboard the aft deck of a vessel anchored at 06°02’S, 106°53’E. Crew were alerted and the robbers fled empty handed. 10 Feb 18: (Late report) Attempted boarding, Kolkota, India. Crew aboard a bulk carrier at 22°11’N, 88°09’E, in Diamond Harbour, Kolkota,  detected three persons attempting to climb the anchor from a small boat. Crew members raised the alarm and the attackers fled.

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Click link to Download PDF:  Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 09 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. The week 09 Maritime Security Snapshot was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

22 Feb 18: Vessel Attacked South East of Brass. A merchant vessel underway at 03°30’N, 006°31’E reported that it came under attack. No further details were reported. 20 Feb 18: Vessel Boarded off Lagos. A merchant vessel was boarded by six men at 06°17’N, 003°14’E. They fled empty handed when the alarm was raised. 19 Feb 18: Tanker Fired Upon South East of Brass. A tanker underway at 04°02’66”N, 006°34’33”E was approached by six armed men aboard a black speedboat. The attackers made seven attempts to board the vessel using a ladder, but were prevented by the tanker’s evasive actions. The attackers then fired upon the MV before moving away. Crew and vessel safe. 18 Feb 18: Attempted Boarding South of Brass. A tanker underway at 04°03’N 006°41’E came under attack at 2118UTC. Crew deployed anti-piracy measures, and the boarding attempts failed. Nigerian naval vessels responded, however the attackers fled before they arrived.

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Indian Ocean – Maritime Security Incidents

22 Feb 18: Vessel Fired Upon in Indian Ocean. A merchant vessel was fired upon by three skiffs at 03°02’N, 050°27’E. The vessel’s onboard security team returned fire with warning shots and the skiffs moved away. Vessel reported safe.

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South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

16 Feb 18: Update – Merchant Vessel Attacked near Sibago Island. Armed men on three speedboats attempted to board a merchant vessel at 6°42’02”N, 122°26’33″E. The attackers were believed to be members of Abu Sayyaf, a regional Islamist insurgency. The group has previously used kidnap for ransom to fund its operations.

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Click link to Download PDF:  Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 08 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. The week 08 Maritime Security Snapshot was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

19 Feb 18: Vessel Attacked South of Brass, Nigeria. A merchant vessel came under attack at 04°020’N, 06°46’E, approximately 20nm south of Brass. Vessel and crew reported safe. 17 Feb 18: Vessel Attacked on Cotonou Anchorage. A vessel was boarded by three armed men at 03°43N, 07°06E, Cotonou anchorage, Benin. The crew withdrew to the citadel. Navy patrol vessels investigated and confirmed the vessel was clear. Some damage due to gunfire was reported to the ship’s office and ship’s properties. 15 Feb 18: Vessel Fired Upon South of Bonny Island. Two speedboats carrying eight armed persons attacked a merchant vessel at 03°43’N, 07°06’E. The vessel took evasive action and an escort vessel exchanged fire with the attackers, forcing them to withdraw. 13 Feb 18: Theft of Stores from Vessel in Ango-Ango, DR Congo. One robber boarded a vessel at 05°50’06N ,13°26’06E. The thief escaped with rope, a buoy, and a hand-held radio once the alarm was raised. 02 Feb 18: Stores Stolen from Takoradi Anchorage, Ghana. Two men boarded a supply ship from a small boat at 04°54’04N, 01°43’01. When spotted, they fled with a number of heavy-duty batteries.

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Indian Ocean – Maritime Security Incidents

18 Feb 18: Suspicious Approach near Point B, IRTC. A merchant vessel reported a suspicious approach at 13°59’2N, 51°40’1E near Point B in the Internationally Recognised Transit Corridor. The suspicious skiffs withdrew with no aggressive action reported.

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South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

16 Feb 18: Merchant Vessel Attacked near Sibago Island. Armed men on three speedboats attempted to board a merchant vessel at 6°42’02”N, 122°26’33″E. Crew members reportedly used heated water and oil to repel the attackers as they sought to board. Coastguard vessels then forced the attackers to flee. Two crew suffered minor injuries.

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Click link to Download PDF:  Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 07 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. The week 07 Maritime Security Snapshot was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

09 Feb 18: Crew kidnapped from vessel south-west of Idenao, Cameroon. A Chinese-flagged fishing vessel was attacked by armed men at 04°06’00N, 08°51’00E. The attackers kidnapped three crewmembers and escaped. 09 Feb 18: Vessel attacked south of Brass. A merchant vessel reported coming under attack near 03°43’0N, 06°45’0E. The vessel took evasive action and escaped the attackers. Further details remain unclear. 07 Feb 18: Suspicious approach reported in Gulf of Guinea. A skiff approached at speed with a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Guinea at 03°28’0N, 06°56’0E, closing to within 1nm before changing course. Vessel security team was stood-to. 06 Feb 18: Hijacked vessel and crew released. The tanker, Marine Express, and its crew were released unharmed following its hijacking on 01 February 2018.

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Indian Ocean – Maritime Security Incidents

08 Feb 18: Houthi Capability Assessment. Israeli naval sources released a report suggesting that, in a wider regional conflict, Yemeni Houthi rebels have the capability to close the southern Red Sea to merchant traffic. This statement strongly links this capability to ongoing Iranian support for the group.

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South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

11 Feb 18: Attempted boarding in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Five men, armed with knives, attempted to board a bulk carrier at 22°07’70N, 91°43’41. The crew spotted the attackers and readied fire hoses. The attackers escaped empty handed. 09 Feb 18: Attempted boarding in Kolkata, India. A duty crewman spotted a three people attempting to climb the anchor chain of a bulk carrier at 22°11’56N, 88°09’59. Upon being spotted, the robbers aborted their attempt to board and fled.

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Click link to Download PDF:  Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 06 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. The week 06 Maritime Security Snapshot was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

01 Feb 18: Potential hijacking, Cotonou, Benin. Communications were lost with a product tanker carrying 13,500t of gasoline and 22 crew members. Last reported location 06°15’57N, 02°30’30E. The owner of Marine Express has engaged with crisis resolution specialists due to the high likelihood of this being a hijacking event. 31 Jan 18: Attempted Theft at Lagos Anchorage. A duty crewman spotted two small boats tied to the anchor chain, and a suspicious person on the forecastle  of a tanker in Lagos Anchorage. Duty officer sounded the foghorn and mustered the crew. Robbers escaped empty-handed.

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Indian Ocean – Maritime Security Incidents

02 Feb 18: Red Sea ports. Al Hudaidah and Saleef ports were open to humanitarian shipping with UNVIM permissions. Mokha and Balhaf remain closed to all traffic.

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South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

31 Jan 18: Crew member assaulted, Godau, Vietnam. Two armed men boarded a bulk carrier anchored in Godau. They assaulted and restrained the bosun before stealing ship’s stores. 30 Jan 18: Vessel boarded in Kutubdia, Bangladesh. Five armed rubbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier in Kutubdia anchorage. The duty crewman was threatened as he raised the alarm. The attackers escaped with ship’s stores, which were later returned by Bangladeshi coastguards.

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Click link to Download PDF: Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 05 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. The week 05 Maritime Security Snapshot was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

10-16 Jan 18: Product Tanker Hijacked Beninr. A tanker was hijacked off Benin on 10 January. The crew and vessel were released and reported safe in Lagos following contact between vessel owner and pirates.

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Indian Ocean – Maritime Security Incidents

20 Jan 18: 41 Somali Pirates Released. Indian authorities released 41 of 117 Somali pirates held in Indian jails. They were deported from Mumbai to Mogadishu, before being released to return home. There are no measure in place to monitor their actions after their release.

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South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

19 Jan 18: Abu Sayyaf Released Fishermen. The Philippine insurgent group, Abu Sayyaf, released two Indonesian fishermen which had been held hostage since November 2016. The release was allegedly in response to negotiations between the Philippine and Indonesian governments and Abu Sayyaf. It is unclear what, if any, concessions were made. 17 Jan 18: ReCAAP Capacity Building Summit. The regional anti-piracy group held a summit in Singapore to address cooperation and capacity building among member nations. Senior naval or coastguard personnel from 17 nations were present. 17 Jan 18: Attempted Attack on Tug Boat in Malacca States. A tug boat operating in the Malacca Straits reported an attempted boarding by an unspecified number of robbers. Vessel and crew were reported safe.

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Click link to Download PDF: Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 03 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. The week 03 Maritime Security Snapshot was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

15 Jan 18: Attempted Boarding in Lagos Anchorage. A tanker anchored in location 06°18’05”N 03°23’61”E was conducting ship-to-ship operations when crew noticed robbers attempting to board the vessel. Search lights were directed at the boarders, and crew mustered. The robbers fled 13 Jan 18: Product Tanker Missing near Benin. A tanker has been reported missing with all 22 crew members. Last AIS reported location on 09 Jan at 06°11’51″N 02°28’11″E . 08 Jan 18: Attempted Cargo Theft near Lagos.  A tanker at anchor in position 06°19’00”N  03°20’00”E reported two robbers boarded the vessel and attempted to install hoses to steal cargo. Both robbers jumped overboard when challenged.

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Indian Ocean – Maritime Security Incidents

02 Jan 18: Suspicious Approach in Bab el Mandeb Strait. An MV in location 12°13’00”N 043°29’10”E was approached by two small vessels with five persons aboard each with their faces obscured. Approach was aborted at approximately 500m.

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South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

08 Jan 18: Attempted boarding in Samarinda Anchorage. Duty personnel spotted a number of persons trying to climb a bulk carrier’s anchor chain from a small boat at 0°16’15”S, 117°43’01”E. The robbers fled as the foghorn was sounded.

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Click link to Download PDF: 20180115 – Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 02 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. The week 50 Maritime Security Snapshot was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

01 Jan 18: Robbery in Apapa, Lagos.  A Tanker awaiting cargo operations was boarded by four men whilst berthed. The robbers escaped with two jerrycans of grease when the alarm was raised. The shore watchman was found to have abandoned his post. All crew were reported safe.

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Indian Ocean – Maritime Security Incidents

07 Jan 18: Saudi Led Coalition Sank Houthi Vessel. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the Saudi-led coalition may have sunk a Yemeni patrol boat operated by Houthi rebels near the Yemeni port of Al Hudaydah. 06 Jan 18: Three Suspicious Approaches reported in the Red Sea. Three merchant vessels reported suspicious approaches by three grey, rigid-hulled boats, carrying weapons and at least six persons on board. Suspicious vessels approached to within 200m before changing course. All vessels reported safe.

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South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

06 Jan 18: Tanker Collision in East China Sea. An oil condensate carrier collided with a grain carrier off of the Yangtze Delta. The tanker remains on fire, with a significant risk of explosion, and the state of the 32 crew is unknown. 21 crew members were rescued from the grain carrier. Multinational efforts to resolve the situation are ongoing. 05 Jan 18: Attempted Boarding of Bulk Carrier near Port Dickson. The crew of a bulk carrier noticed a small speedboat with five persons onboard attempting to fix a hook to the vessel at 02°27’04”N, 101°39’11”E. Vessel crew mustered with firehoses and the suspicious boat moved away. 03 Jan 18: Japanese Coast Guard Enhance Missile Warning System.  In response to the increased threat of North Korean ballistic missile tests, the Japanese Coast Guard has implemented a partially automated alarm system in order to speed up the process of warning vessels in Japanese waters. Previous missile tests have landed in the Japanese exclusive economic zone. 03 Jan 18: Attempted boarding in Samarinda Anchorage. Duty personnel spotted five persons trying to climb a bulk carrier’s anchor chain from a small boat at0°16’22”S, 117°36’11”E. The robbers fled as the alarm was raised.

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Click link to Download PDF: Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 01 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. The week 50 Maritime Security Snapshot was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

17 Dec 17: Ship Boarded at South of Lagos. A vessel was boarded by two men whilst conducting a shipto-ship transfer 3nm south of Lagos. The men escaped in a wooden boat when the alarm was raised. No thefts or injuries were reported. 14 Dec 17: 10 Crew Members Kidnapped from Underway Vessel. Six pirates attacked and boarded an underway bulk carrier around 32nm south of Brass, Nigeria. Ten crew members were reported missing. Remaining crew guided the vessel to a safe port. 14 Dec 17: Cargo Vessel Reported Attempted Boarding. A cargo vessel around 19nm south of Brass, Nigeria reported that four to five pirates approached in a small wooden boat an attempted to board the vessel. The master of vessel was able to take measures to evade the pirates.

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Indian Ocean – Maritime Security Incidents

12 Dec 17 – Saudi-Led Forces Began New Hodeidah Assault – The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen’s civil war announced a new offensive against Yemen’s main port of Hodeidah. This followed the defection of those loyal to the deceased former president Ali Abdullah Saleh to the Saudi-led alliance. 14 Dec 17: Suspicious Approach reported in Gulf of Aden. A suspicious approach was reported by a vessel transiting the Gulf of Aden, approximately 60nm South East of Mukallah. Three skiffs, carrying three to four persons each, approached the vessel. The vessel was reported safe.

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South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

07 Dec 17: Armed Thieves Boarded Vessel at Galang Anchorage. Four thieves armed with knives boarded a vessel at Galang Anchorage, Indonesia. The alarm was raised and the thieves escaped. No items were reported stolen. 07 Dec 17: Armed Thieves Stole from Vessel at Galang Anchorage. Thieves boarded a vessel at anchorage in Galang. They escaped once the vessel’s alarm was raised. Ships stores were reported stolen. 08 Dec 17: Container Ship Boarded in Manila. An anchored container vessel was boarded at Manila South Harbour. Robbers escaped with ship’s property. 13 Dec 17: Thieves Stole from Tanker in Singapore Straits. Four robbers armed with knives boarded a tanker underway in the Singapore Straits. They assaulted the duty oiler before escaping with stolen engine parts.

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Click link to Download PDF: Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 50 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. The week 50 Maritime Security Snapshot was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

1 Dec 17: MV Attacked and Boarded 60nm South of Bonny, Nigeria. The vessel was in position 03°24N, 006°50E at 09:00UTC when the incident was reported. The crew mustered in the citadel. Vessels transiting the area are advised to exercise extreme caution. The pirates were reported to have disembarked and the crew were marked as safe.

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Indian Ocean – Maritime Security Incidents

26 Nov 17: UN Aid Ship Arrives in Rebel-Held Port, Yemen. The Saudiled blockade lasted for nearly three weeks, limiting the amount of food and medical aid entering the country. 27 Nov 17: Iranian Navy Reportedly Repels Pirate Attack in Gulf of Aden. This is report is unconfirmed. Iran’s 48th naval fleet reportedly responded to an Iranian merchant ship Caspian Harmony when pirates attempted to hijack it.

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South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

26 Nov 17: Anchored Product Tanker Boarded in Tanjung Berakit, Indonesia. Robbers were able to board the vessel unnoticed and break the padlocks. A search was conducted and nothing was reported stolen. 29 Nov 17: North Korea Conducts Third Missile Test. The missile was reported to have landed in Japanese territory. North Korea continues to develop their ballistic missiles, which may eventually be capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

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Click link to Download PDF: Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 48 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. Week 48 Maritime Security Snapshot is compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

21 Nov 17: Vessel Boarding 5nm from Lagos, Nigeria. The anchored vessel was boarded at 00:50UTC, in location 06°19N, 003°11E, by unknown persons using hook ropes on board two small boats. The patrol boat approached, forcing the two small boats to flee away. 21 Nov 17: Suspicious Sighting 1nm from Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. The anchored MV was approached up to 20 yards by a small boat. The incident occurred at 21:40UTC in position 05°13N, 004°03W. Thirteen persons were sighted on board. Port control was informed and assistance was provided. The small boat left before the navy arrived. 22 Nov 17: Suspicious Approach 80nm from Bonny, Nigeria. The incident occurred at 02:35UTC in position 03°04N, 006°59W. The MV was followed by one speedboat carrying three persons on board. The speedboat approached up to 100 yards. The alarm was raised and evasive manoeuvres carried out. After two hours, the speedboat aborted the chase.  

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Indian Ocean – Maritime Security Incidents

17-18 Nov 17: Pirate Action Group (PAG) Operating in Southern Somali Basin. After two failed attacks were conducted on a container ship and fishing vessel over a 24 hour period, an announcement was made regarding an active PAG in position 0155.9S 04756.8E. The following day, EUNAVFOR announced six suspected pirates had been arrested in the area, and transferred to the Seychelles. 19 Nov 17: Suspicious Vessel Sighted Near IRTC Point B, Gulf of Aden. The MV was in position 1404N, 05147E. The skiff approached the vessel up to 1nm. Ladders were sighted. The MV increased speed and was reported as safe. 21 Nov 17: Vessel Attack Near Al Mukalla Port, Yemen. The vessel reported being under attack by four armed skiffs in position 14’08.7N, 048’57.3E at 1940UTC. The incident lasted for over an hour. 22 Nov 17: Suspicious Approach on MV 100 Miles East of Fujairah, UAE. The incident occurred at 20:30UTC in position 2451N, 05833E. The MV was approached by five skiffs which carried out dangerous manoeuvres in close proximity to the vessel.  

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South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

20 Nov 17: Attempted Boarding on Vessel Underway in Pulau Nipah, Indonesia. An unlit boar carrying eight robbers attempted to board a bulk carrier underway. The robbers were spotted by the crew who raised the alarm. The robbers escaped and the Singapore coast guard informed. SOUTH EAST ASIA 22 Nov 17: Local Vessel Carrying 3,700t of Palm Oil Hijacked in Singkawang, Indonesia. The pirates stole the cargo, however the crew were left behind on the tugboat Ever Prosper.  

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Click link to Download PDF: Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 47 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. Week 47 Maritime Security Snapshot is compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

11 Nov 17: Bulk Carrier Boarded 18nm Southwest of Bonny Island, Nigeria. The vessel was in approximate position 05°01’18N, 008°05’35E and drifting. Pirates fired shots at the bridge causing some damage. Ten crew were kidnapped but were intercepted by the Nigerian Navy who rescued them. Five pirates were arrested. 12 Nov 17: Shipping Owner Confirms Kidnapped Crew are Released. The six crew members were captured on 21 October near the port of Onne, Nigeria. The crew were reported to be well. It is not confirmed whether a ransom was paid for their release. 16 Nov 17: Vessel Reports Pirate Attack 7nm from Fairway Buoy, Nigeria. The vessel was in approximate position 04°07N, 006°57E at 1100UTC when the attack was reported. The vessel was reported as safe at 1430UTC. 16 Nov 17: Vessel Reports Attempted Boarding 60nm from Bonny, Nigeria. The vessel was in approximate position 03°30’N, 006°46E at 0945UTC when the attack was reported. Seven persons were sighted in a white boat, 5-6 metres in length.  

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Indian Ocean – Maritime Security Incidents

11 Nov 17: Saudi Coalition Foils Houthi Sea Mining Attempt. The plot was reportedly uncovered when coalition forces targeted a Houthi gathering on Bawadi island. 12 Nov 17: The Houthi Movement Threatens Oil Tankers Transiting the Region. The threat was made in retaliation for the Saudi-led blockade imposed on the Yemen’s air and sea ports. The blockades on Aden, Mocha and Mukalla were lifted on 13 November 2017. 15 Nov 17: Yemeni Troops Oust Al Qaeda from Southern Shabwa Province. Two hundred soldiers stormed the town of Houta, forcing the militants into the mountains.  

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South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

12 Nov 17: 55 Indian Fishermen Arrested by Pakistan Maritime Security Authority. They were arrested for allegedly fishing in the country’s territorial waters. Nine fishing boats were also seized in the four day operation in the Arabian Sea. 13 Nov 17: Underway Tanker Reports Suspicious Approach off Goa, India. The Japan-flagged MT Tosa tanker was on a collision course with a mother ship and two skiffs. The alarm was raised and anti-piracy measures conducted. Vessel was reported as safe.  

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Click link to Download PDF: Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 46 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. Week 46 Maritime Security Snapshot is compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

03 Nov 17: Suspicious Approach in Lome Anchorage, Togo. A merchant vessel was approached at 0030UTC by a boat containing seven masked persons, who attempted to board. A Togo Navy patrol vessel responded to MV’s distress call and the suspicious vessel moved away. MV and crew were unharmed. 03 Nov 17: Niger Delta Avengers End Ceasefire.. The Niger Delta Avengers, a militant group which caused substantial disruption to oil and gas facilities in 2016, announced the termination of its ceasefire with the Nigerian government. No attacks have yet occurred, but the group retains the capability and intent to conduct attacks in the region. 06 Nov 17: Kidnapped Missionaries Recovered. Three of four British missionaries and aid workers kidnapped from their camp in the Niger Delta were recovered unharmed by security forces. The fourth kidnap victim died in captivity. 08 Nov 17: Operation Crocodile Smile II Complete. The Nigerian Army declared Operation Crocodile Smile, an operation to dismantle militant and criminal groups in the south of the country and the Delta region, a success. Official reporting suggests that 46 illegal oil bunkers were located and destroyed, along with the associated equipment. The recent spike in pirate activity in the Gulf of Guinea may have been due to criminal groups relocating their activities whilst this operation was ongoing.  

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Indian Ocean – Maritime Security Incidents

08 Nov 17: Two Skiffs Approached a Merchant Vessel in the Bab el Mandeb. A Merchant Vessel in position 1230N 04337E, near Mayyun Island, was approached by two skiffs with seven persons on board. The skiffs approached the MV at speed to within 100m before withdrawing. Vessel and crew were unharmed.  

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South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

03 Nov 17: Supply Ship Boarded at Batu Ampar. Three armed men boarded a supply ship in Batu Ampar anchorage at 1909UTC. They threatened a crew member before fleeing. A search of the vessel established that they had escaped with ship’s stores. 03 Nov 17: Bulk Carrier Boarded in Muara Berau Anchorage, Indonesia. Two armed robbers boarded the vessel in approximate position 0°15’73S, 117°35’50E at 2050UTC. Duty AB was threatened, and attackers escaped with stolen ships properties when the alarm was raised.  

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Click link to Download PDF: Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 45 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. Week 45 Maritime Security Snapshot is compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

16 Oct 17: Nigeria and Ghana Sign MoU to Combat Sea Pirates. The four year Memorandum of Understanding will facilitate knowledge sharing and capacitybuilding between the two nations. The MoU is anticipated to last for four years.

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Indian Ocean – Maritime Security Incidents

14 Oct 17: Al Shabaab Conduct Large Terror Attack in Mogadishu. Three hundred people have been reported killed, and many more injured in the bomb attack, with many more injured. The attack occurred at Zoobe junction. 16 Oct 17: Military Plans in Place for Al Hodeida Port. Backed by the Saudicoalition, military plans are in place to oust Houthi fighters from Al Hodeida. The port is seen as a key stronghold and source of revenue for Houthi forces. 17 Oct 17: Bulk Carrier Boarded in Kandla Anchorage, India. The anchored vessel was boarded in position 22°47’3N, 70°1’8E at 1630UTC. The duty officer spotted the robbers and raised the alarm. The robbers escaped with stolen ships properties.

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South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

16 Oct 17: Five Fishermen Seized in Sulu. The fishermen from the FB Danvil 9 were abducted by armed men whilst in Port Poblacion. 17 Oct 17: Philippine President Declares Marawi Liberated. The announcement came even though small pockets of Islamic State militants remain. There were concerns the island of Mindanao would become a haven for IS fighters, impacting regional maritime security. The city was occupied for 148 days, in which 1000 people were killed, mostly fighters, and severe damage to the city centre caused by airstrikes.

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Click link to Download PDF: Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 42 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. Week 42 Maritime Security Snapshot is compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.