Latest Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report
Maritime OPINTEL Report
(U) WORLDWIDE: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report
Oct 26 – 24 Nov 2010
24 November 2010
Maritime Crime/Piracy, Commercial (301) 669-4448
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(U) Table of Contents
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1. (U) Scope Note
2. (U) Summary
3. (U) Counter-Piracy and Maritime Crime Announcements and Advisories
4. (U) Details: Monthly Incidents by Region
5. (U) Appendix A: Further Contact Information and Resources
6. (U) Appendix B: Terminology and References
1. (U) Scope Note
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(U) The Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) message provides information on threats to, and
criminal action against, merchant vessels worldwide in the last 30 days. This report is produced
primarily to inform merchant mariners and naval forces.
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2. (U) Summary
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(U) This section contains summaries of worldwide maritime crime developments and incidents
that occurred over the past week. Details on each development and incident are contained in
sections 3 and 4, respectively.
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A. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk cargo (PAGONA) attempted boarding 24 Nov 10 while
underway approximately 460NM southwest of Mumbai, India.
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B. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Product tanker (NORNA N) fired upon 24 Nov 10 while underway,
approximately 400NM southwest of Mumbai, India.
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C. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (CARMENCITA) fired upon 22 Nov 10 while
underway, approximately 250NM east-south-east of Salalah, Oman.
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D. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Product tanker (SEA SPIRIT) fired upon 22 Nov 10 while underway,
approximately 620NM east of Mogadishu, Somalia.
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E. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Fishing vessel (CAMPOLIBRE ALAI) fired upon 22 Nov 10 while
underway, approximately 600NM east of Mogadishu, Somalia.
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F. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship (NORTHERN PROMOTION) fired upon 21 Nov 10
while underway, approximately 360NM southeast of Salalah, Oman.
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G. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Fishing vessel (INTERTUNA TRES) fired upon 21 Nov 10 while
underway, approximately 600NM east of Mogadishu, Somalia.
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H. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (FRONT ALFA) illegally boarded 21 Nov 10 while
underway, approximately 580NM southeast of Salalah, Oman.
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I. (U) BANGLADESH: Tanker attempted robbery 21 Nov 10 while at anchor in the Chittagong
anchorage, Bangladesh.
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J. (U) IVORY COAST: Tanker robbed 21 Nov 10 while at anchor in the Abidjan anchorage,
Ivory Coast.
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K. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Multi-function large load carrier (TAI AN KOU) illegally boarded 20
Nov 10 while underway, approximately 438NM northeast of Salalah, Oman.
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L. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (VEGA LIBRA) fired upon 20 Nov 10 while underway,
approximately 720NM east of Socotra Island, Yemen.
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M. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk cargo ship (GRACEFUL MADONNA) fired upon 20 Nov 10
while underway, approximately 493NM northwest of Diego Garcia.
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N. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship (NYK ALTAIR) fired upon 20 Nov 10 while
underway, approximately 700NM east of Socotra Island, Yemen.
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O. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship (NORTHERN VALOR) fired upon 18 Nov 10 while
underway, approximately 460NM southeast of Mogadishu, Somalia.
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3. (U) Counter-Piracy and Maritime Crime Announcements and Advisories
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A. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Government of Japan convoy schedule for November 2010. The
Government of Japan (GOJ) provides the escort operation by Japanese Maritime Self Defense
Force (JMSDF) for vessels in accordance with the following schedule. Due to the increasing
number of piracy activities in the east of GOA, our MOD decided to extend east end of IRTC
(point “B”) to new position, point “C”. The rendezvous (start & end) position: “A” 11-50N,
045-00E, Base speed: 12 kts. “C” 14-55N, 054-38E, Base speed: 12 kts. Escort schedules
in November 2010: Westbound (start “C”): 0500Z 03 NOV 10; 1500Z 13 NOV 10; 1500Z 18
NOV 10; 0500Z 28 NOV 10. Eastbound (start “A”): 1500Z 08 NOV 10; 0500Z 16 NOV 10;
1500Z 25 NOV 10. Please note that application for JMSDF escort operation must be made
directly to the GOJ, which is a separate procedure from the application to MSC(HOA).
Merchant vessels that wish to apply for JMSDF escort operation should visit
http://www.mlit.go.jp/maritime/gaikoh/pirate/HP_English.doc to follow the application
procedure. For further information, please contact directly to Anti-Piracy Contact and
Coordination Office, Maritime Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
(MILT), Japan: Tel: +81-3-5253-8932; Fax: +81-3-5253-1643; Email: INFO-PIRACY@mlit.go.jp (MSCHOA)
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B. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Royal Thai Navy convoy schedule for November 2010. The RTN
Escort Convoy (base speed 12 kts). The rendezvous (start & end) position: “A” 11-50N,
045-00E; “B” 14-28N, 053-00E. Wesbound (from point B): 1300Z 03 NOV 10; 1300Z
08 NOV 10. Eastbound (from point A): 1300Z 05 NOV 10; 0600Z 12 NOV 10.
Vessels intending to join should register with Royal Thai Navy warship directly at
counterpiracy@navy.mi.th or +6628911823 with the following details: Vessel Name and
call sign, Flag of registration, IMO number and MMSI number, Contact information, Type of
vessel, Type of cargo, GRT / DWT, Transit speed and maximum speed, Name of ship owner,
Number of crew and nationality, Last port and departure time, Destination and ETA, ETA
point A or B, Current position-course-speed. Registered vessels should confirm with RTN
warship 24 hrs prior to ETA and update position-course-speed every 4 hours. (MSCHOA)
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C. (U) GULF OF ADEN: People’s Liberation Army Navy convoy schedule for November
2010. Rendezvous Point “A” (Westbound convoys): 14 50N, 053 50E. Rendezvous Point
“B” (Eastbound convoys): 12 18N, 043 49E. Eastbound convoys are on: 06 NOV 2010,
12 NOV 2010, 18 NOV 2010, 24 NOV 2010, 30 NOV 2010. Vessels will muster at 0500
UTC and start transiting at 0800 UTC. Westbound convoys are on: 03 NOV 2010, 09 NOV
2010, 15 NOV 2010, 21 NOV 2010, 27 NOV 2010. Vessels will muster at 1000 UTC and
start transiting at 1300 UTC. Vessels should submit the application via INM-C (583441301333),
(INM-F:773122242, INM-M:76493882) or Email: planavy@navy.mil.cn with the following
details: Vessel name, call sign, flag, MMSI number, GT/DWT, LOA, mean draft, freeboard,
economy speed, max cruising speed, number of crew and nationality, captain name and
nationality, country of ship’s company, type of vessel, cargo, last port of call/country, next port
of call/country, year built, landing place for helicopter, contact information, ETA rendezvous
point. Vessels that want to join China’s navy convoy should inform ETA to the rendezvous
point to China Navy 998 every day and cancel the application ASAP if that vessel will not join
the China Navy. (MSCHOA)
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4. (U) Details: Monthly Incidents by Region
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(U) This section lists reports of active violence against shipping, a credible threat to shipping, or
the potential for a situation to develop into a direct threat to shipping over the last 30 days.
Designation of a high threat area is based on an assessment of all source information relating to
the existence of, or potential for, piracy and other crime, terrorism, civil unrest or low intensity
conflict. Every effort is made to ensure that incidents are not double-counted. In the event
double counting is detected or an incident is later learned to be different than initially reported,
an explanation of the cancellation of the inaccurate report will be made in at least one message
prior to dropping the erroneous report.
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A. (U) NORTH AMERICA: No current incidents to report.
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B. (U) CENTRAL AMERICA-CARIBBEAN: No current incidents to report.
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C. (U) SOUTH AMERICA:
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1. (U) VENEZUELA: Tanker boarded 3 Nov 10 at 1906 local time while at anchor in position
10:12N – 064:47W, in Bahia de Barcelona. Six robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored
tanker via the anchor chain. The robbers threatened the duty watch and took his walkie talkie
and other personal belongings. The duty watch managed to inform the bridge. Alarm raised and
crew mustered. The robbers escaped empty handed. Port control informed. (IMB)
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2. (U) BRAZIL: Bulk carrier robbed 30 Oct 10 at 0100 local time while at anchor in position
01:31S – 048:45W, in Vila do Conde. Four robbers armed with knives boarded a bulk carrier at
anchor. They took hostage a duty watchman, threatened him with knives, and tied him up. They
stole ship’s stores and properties and lowered them into their boat. Before escaping, the robbers
stole the personal belongings of the watchman and released him. The duty watchman informed
the bridge who raised the alarm and informed port authorities. (IMB)
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D. (U) ATLANTIC OCEAN AREA: No current incidents to report.
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E. (U) NORTHERN EUROPE-BALTIC: No current incidents to report.
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F. (U) MEDITERRANEAN-BLACK SEA: No current incidents to report.
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G. (U) WEST AFRICA:
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1. IVORY COAST: Tanker robbed 21 Nov 10 at 0235 local while at anchor in position 05:13.5N – 004:02.1W in the Abidjan anchorage. Three robbers armed with knives boarded a tanker at anchor. Duty officer noticed the robbers and raised the alarm. Robbers managed to escape along with stolen ship’s stores. (IMB)
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2. (U) NIGERIA: On 17 Nov 10, a Nigerian military task force free 19 hostages being held by
militants in Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) camps in the creeks of
the Niger Delta oil region. The hostages included two Americans, two Frenchmen, two
Indonesians, one Canadian and 12 Nigerians. (Reuters, AFP)
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3. (U) NIGERIA: On 14 Nov 10, Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND)
attacked an Exxon Mobil oil platform off the southeast coast and kidnapped seven Nigerian
workers. (Reuters)
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4. (U) NIGERIA: Personnel kidnapped from offshore oil rig 9 Nov 10. Gunmen in Nigeria
attacked an offshore oil rig operated by exploration firm Afren, kidnapping five crew members
including foreigners and injuring two others. The two injured are stable, and the kidnapped are
two French nationals, two U.S. citizens, and one Canadian national. The Movement for the
Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) did not yet claim responsibility for the incident;
however, MEND did warn of a series of attacks on oil installations across the Niger Delta “in the
coming days.” (Reuters)
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5. (U) NIGERIA: Tug robbed 5 Nov 10 at 1322 local time while underway in position 04:38N –
008:22E, approximately 10NM south of Parrot Island, Calabar. Twenty pirates armed with guns
in two speed boats boarded a tug underway. All crew locked themselves into the citadel which
had CCTV. Pirates damaged and stole ship’s properties. After pirates left, the crew regained
control of the vessel. (IMB)
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6. (U) GUINEA: General cargo ship robbed 31 Oct 10 at 1800 UTC while underway in position
09:17N – 013:17W, approximately 25NM southeast of Conakry. Five pirates armed with
automatic weapons in a small speed boat chased a general cargo ship underway. Master
immediately informed port control and the agent. Pirates entered the bridge, ordered the Master
to stop the vessel, and asked for the destination of the cargo. They searched the master’s cabin
and stole the master’s and 2nd officer’s personal belongings. Later a wooden boat came
alongside and the pirates left the ship. Port control advised the shop to proceed 3NM away to
drop anchor. (IMB)
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H. (U) RED SEA:
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I. (U) INDIAN OCEAN-EAST AFRICA:
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1. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk cargo (PAGONA) attempted boarding 24 Nov 10 at 1130 UTC
while underway in position 14:47N – 065:58E, approximately 460NM southwest of Mumbai,
India. No weapons or ladders were visible. Pirates attempted to board with a hook and rope.
PAGONA took evasive maneuvers to evade the boarding. (UKMTO)
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2. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Product tanker (NORNA N) fired upon 24 Nov 10 at 0312 UTC
while underway in position 15:04N – 067:05E, approximately 400NM southwest of Mumbai,
India. Master confirmed automatic weapons and RPG fired. NORNA N took evasive
maneuvers as pirates made several unsuccessful attempts to board the vessel before returning to
their mother ship. (IMB, UKMTO)
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3. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (CARMENCITA) fired upon 22 Nov 10 at 2300 UTC
while underway in position 15:53N – 058:14E, approximately 250NM east-south-east of Salalah,
Oman. Two white skiffs with five armed pirates in each skiff chased and fired upon a bulk
carrier underway. Master raised alarm, activated SSAS, sent distress message, increased speed,
and contacted warship for assistance. The pirates attempted to board the ship several times and
finally aborted the attempted boarding upon seeing the presence of a warship and two helicopters
at the location. No injuries but the ship sustained some damages. (IMB)
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4. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Product tanker (SEA SPIRIT) fired upon 22 Nov 10 at 0904 UTC
while underway in position 01:31N – 055:48E, approximately 620NM east of Mogadishu,
Somalia. Five skiffs with four to five armed pirates each chased and fired upon a product tanker
underway. Ship increased speed, employed evasive maneuvers, and communicated with naval
authorities. Pirates aborted attempt. Suspected mother ship noted in the area. (IMB)
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5. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Fishing vessel (CAMPOLIBRE ALAI) fired upon 22 Nov 10 at 0500
UTC while underway in position 01:30N – 055:25E, approximately 600NM east of Mogadishu,
Somalia. Armed pirates in two skiffs launched from a mother ship chased and attempted to
board a fishing vessel underway. Counter piracy measures used and pirates aborted attempt.
(IMB)
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6. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship (NORTHERN PROMOTION) fired upon 21 Nov 10
at 1114 UTC while underway in position 14:49N – 059:55E, approximately 360NM southeast of
Salalah, Oman. Pirates armed with guns in a skiff chased and fired upon a container ship
underway. Vessel activated counter-piracy measures and took evasive maneuvers. The vessel
managed to evade the attempted boarding. (IMB)
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7. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (FRONT ALFA) illegally boarded 21 Nov 10 at 2145 UTC
while underway in position 15:30N – 059:17E, approximately 580NM southeast of Salalah,
Oman. Armed pirates in a skiff chased and boarded a tanker underway. The crew locked
themselves in the citadel. On 22 Nov 10, naval helicopter confirmed no pirates seen on vessel.
Later crew regained control of vessel. (IMB)
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8. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Fishing vessel (INTERTUNA TRES) fired upon 21 Nov 10 at 0720
UTC while underway in position 02:43N – 055:20E, approximately 600NM east of Mogadishu,
Somalia. Pirates armed with guns and RPG in skiffs chased and fired upon a fishing vessel
underway. Ship increased speed, took anti-piracy measures, and managed to evade the attempted
boarding. (IMB)
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9. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (VEGA LIBRA) fired upon 20 Nov 10 at 1015 UTC
while underway in position 13:05N – 067:34E, approximately 720NM east of Socotra Island,
Yemen. Pirates armed with guns and RPG in two skiffs chased and fired upon a bulk carrier
underway with intent to hijack. Ship increased speed and took evasive maneuvers. The pirates
attempted to board the vessel several times. Ship continued with the aggressive maneuvers and
evaded the attempted boarding. Ship sustained some damages. (IMB)
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10. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Multi-function large load carrier (TAI AN KOU) illegally boarded 20
Nov 10 at 0824 UTC while underway in position 20:30N – 060:51E, approximately 438NM
northeast of Salalah, Oman. 15-20 people in three speed boats with RPG and AK-47 approached
the ship, and four men boarded ship by hand. Crew used evasive maneuvers, fired rocket flares,
activated water spray, and used citadel. (IMB)
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11. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk cargo ship (GRACEFUL MADONNA) fired upon 20 Nov 10 at
0715 UTC while underway in position 01:07S – 067:05E, approximately 493NM northwest of
Diego Garcia. One skiff approached vessel from port side firing eight to ten shots from
automatic weapon. Skiff closed to within 70 meters on port quarter and aborted attempt after 30
minutes. No mother ship was noted. (IMB)
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12. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship (NYK ALTAIR) fired upon 20 Nov 10 at 0310 UTC
while underway in position 12:23N – 066:19E, approximately 700NM east of Socotra Island,
Yemen. Eight to ten people in skiff approached first from port and then from starboard side with
RPG and machetes. RPG fired three times with one confirmed hit in funnel. Crew used evasive
maneuvers and pirates aborted attempt after 25 minutes. A mother ship was noted in the vicinity.
(IMB)
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13. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship (NORTHERN VALOR) fired upon 18 Nov 10 at 1945
UTC while underway in position 00:18S – 052:47E, approximately 460NM southeast of
Mogadishu, Somalia. Master confirmed automatic weapons and RPG fired. Vessel maintained
maximum speed and non-essential crew mustered in safe room. (IMB, UKMTO)
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14. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Cargo vessel (LE CONG) fired upon 18 Nov 10 at 1250 UTC while
underway in position 12:25N – 066:33E, approximately 704NM east of Socotra Island, Yemen.
Individuals in two skiffs chased and fired upon the vessel. (IMB) B.
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15. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Fishing vessels fired upon 17 Nov 10 at 0516Z while underway in
position 06:34S – 050:01E, approximately 639NM east of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. Pirates
operating out of two skiffs fired RPGs at the vessels. Armed security fired warning shots. No
damage to ship and no casualties. (Mercury)
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16. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: POL Tanker fired upon (SAMURAI) on 16 Nov 10 at 0645 local time
while underway in position 05:09N – 066:42E, approximately 412NM west of Male, Maldives.
Individuals in one skiff conducted the attack. A supporting mother ship was nearby. (IMB)
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17. (U) KENYA: Bulk Cargo Carrier (AFRICAN EAGLE) fired upon on 16 Nov 10 at
0642 UTC while waiting for berthing instructions at position 04:35S – 039:57E, approximately
17NM east of Mombasa, Kenya. Individuals in one skiff conducted the attack. (IMB and Open
Press)
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18. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Chemical Tanker (VALERIE) fired upon on 15 Nov 10 at 0805 UTC
while underway in position 14:03N – 049:08E, approximately 27NM south of Al Mukalla,
Yemen. A blue skiff with approximately six people on board fired on the tanker. Security
personnel on the tanker fired warning shots and the suspected pirates broke off the attack. (IMB)
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19. (U) KENYA: Kenyan Naval Patrol Boat on 12 Nov 10 at 2300 local time illegal
boarded by Somali pirates near Kilifi, Kenya. Four pirates boarded the underway patrol boat.
Kenyan navy officers shot dead three of the pirates, one pirate jumped into the water and likely died. (Open Press)
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20. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Cargo vessel YUAN XIANG hijacked on 12 Nov 10 at 0701 UTC
while underway in position 18:02N 066:03E, approximately 634NM east of Salalah, Oman.
(IMB)
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21. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: POL tanker fired upon on 11 Nov 10 at 0540 UTC while underway
in position 17:12N – 065:33E, approximately 660NM east of Salalah, Oman. One skiff with 6
people on board fired on the vessel. (Mercury)
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22. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Chemical tanker HANNIBAL II hijacked on 11 Nov 10 at 0433 UTC
while underway in position 11:26N – 066:05E, approximately 680NM southeast of Socotra
Island, Yemen. (IMB)
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23. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Cargo vessel BBC ORINOCO illegally boarded on 11 Nov 10 at
0512 local time while underway in position 17:06N – 064:57E, approximately 625NM east
of Salalah, Oman. Armed pirates operating from two skiffs fired on and boarded a bulk carrier
underway. All crew retreated into the steering gear room and engine control room where they
controlled the ship until pirates abandoned the ship. (IMB)
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24. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship fired upon 9 Nov 10 at 0834 UTC while underway in
position 0603N – 065:00E, approximately 525NM northwest of Male, Maldives. Vessel
reported two white-hulled skiffs approached at 20kts with three people on board in each skiff.
Mother vessel was viewed but was not with skiffs. Master reported weapons were fired on
merchant vessel and they observed pirate tripwires. (UKMTO)
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25. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Chemical tanker (FLOYEN) fired upon 9 Nov 10 at 0500 local time
while underway in position 01:01N – 052:58E, approximately 350NM north of the Seychelles.
Two white skiffs with nine people in each chased a tanker for two hours and fired upon the
tanker. (IMB)
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26. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker fired upon 8 Nov 10 at 1345 UTC while underway in position
06:43S – 051:15E, approximately 750NM southeast of Mombasa, Kenya. One white-hulled,
seven meter skiff with six people on board approached tanker from astern and fired RPG, hitting
accommodation. Most of crew was in safe room, and four were on the bridge increasing speed
and conducting evasive maneuvers. Pirates abandoned attack after 45 minutes. (UKMTO)
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27. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Spanish warship (ESPS INFANTA CRISTINA) fired upon 6 Nov 10
at 1725 UTC while underway in position 01:48S – 042:31E, approximately 80NM south of
Kismaayo, Somalia. The warship was attacked with AK-47 from pirates aboard a previously
hijacked general cargo ship (IZUMI) Vessel was escorting World Food Program shipment to
Mombasa. Attack was likely defensive in nature because warship got too close. (Mercury Chat
(Operator))
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28. (U) TANZANIA: Tanker (TORM KANSAS) chased and fired upon 5 Nov 10 at 1457 UTC
while underway in position 05:25S – 040:42E, approximately 50NM east of Pemba Island,
Tanzania. Heavily armed pirates in a skiff chased and fired upon a product tanker underway.
The tanker made evasive maneuvers, contacted the coalition forces, and escaped attempt. The
skiff was deployed by pirates from a previously hijacked general cargo ship (IZUMI), which was
being used as a mother ship. (IMB, UKTMO)
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29. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Fishing vessel hijacked 2 Nov 10 at 1237 UTC while underway in
position 13:31N – 048:19E, approximately 85NM southwest of Al Mukallah, Yemen. A fishing
vessel was reported hijacked by pirates. (IMB)
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30. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Merchant ship reported suspicious approach 2 Nov 10 at 1430 local
time while underway in position 07:18N – 064:10E, approximately 1000NM east of Garacad,
Somalia. Merchant vessel observed a mother vessel lowering two skiffs which then approached
a tanker at 20kts. Five to six armed persons in each skiff were sighted when the skiffs reached
about 500 meters. Security team onboard fired hand flares and warning shots, resulting in the
skiffs backing off. (IMB)
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31. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier fired on 2 Nov 10 at 0300 UTC while underway in
position 03:58S – 043:49E, approximately 285NM east of Mombasa, Kenya. Seven pirates
armed with RPG and automatic guns in two skiffs chased and fired upon a bulk carrier underway
with intent to hijack. Ship raised alarm. Armed security team onboard took preventive measures
and fired rocket flares resulting in the pirates aborting the attempted boarding. No damages to
the ship or injuries to crew. (IMB)
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32. (U) TANZANIA: Tanker illegally boarded 31 Oct 10 at 0632 UTC while underway in
position 09:57S – 042:19E, approximately 300NM southeast of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Armed pirates boarded a chemical tanker. All crew retreated into the citadel where they could
control the ship. Unable to take control of the vessel, the pirates left. At 1059 UTC, the master
and the crew regained control of the ship. No damage to ship and no casualties. (IMB)
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33. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (GO TRADER) illegally boarded 30 Oct 10 at 0512 UTC
while underway in position 15:06N – 055:58E, approximately 190NM southeast of Salalah,
Oman. Armed pirates boarded a bulk carrier underway. All crew retreated into the citadel where
they could control the ship, and pirates abandoned ship. (IMB, EU)
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34. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Product tanker (POLAR) hijacked 30 Oct 10 at 0140 UTC while
underway in position 12:12N – 064:53E, approximately 700NM east of Socotra Island. Armed
pirates in two skiffs boarded and hijacked a product tanker. (IMB, TW)
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35. (U) KENYA: Tanker fired upon 29 Oct 10 at 1245 UTC while underway in position 04:22S
039:58E, approximately 28NM southeast of Mombasa. Pirates armed with RPG and AK-47 in
two skiffs fired upon a tanker with intent to board. Security team onboard took preventive
measures, resulting in the pirates aborting attack and regrouping with their mother vessel. (IMB)
.
36. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship (MSC AYALA) fired upon 28 Oct 10 at 2057 UTC
while drifting in position 04:10S – 039:56E, approximately 20NM east of Mombasa, Kenya.
One skiff with approximately 10 men fired upon a container ship. Crew evaded attack and
reported it to authorities, but there was no initial response. (IMB, Open Press)
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37. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Tanker (HELLESPONT PROTECTOR) fired upon 28 Oct 10 at 0539
UTC while underway in position 13:08N – 049:14E, approximately 95NM south of Al
Mukallah, Yemen. Pirates in two skiffs chased a tanker in a convoy and opened fire on it.
Warship and other military assets in the vicinity assisted tanker. (IMB)
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38. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (STARLIGHT VENTURE) chased and fired upon 27 Oct 10
at 1930 UTC while underway in position 13:18N – 068:56E, approximately 350NM west of
Mangalore, India. Two skiffs with an unknown number of people onboard approached tanker
from starboard quarter The robbers fired at the vessel, which resulted in 50 bullet holes found on
the accommodation doors and broken foremast light fixtures. The ship took evasive action and
increased speed to 16 knots. Pirates aborted attack. An unlit suspected mother vessel was
detected on the radar at a distance of 14NM. (IMB, ReCAAP)
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39. (U) TANZANIA: Liquified Petroleum Gas Carrier (LPGC) (MAIDO) illegally boarded 26
Oct 10 at 1805 local time while underway in position 08:20.2S – 040:42.4E, approximately
175NM southeast of Dar es Salaam. Five pirates heavily armed with automatic weapons and
RPG in a skiff chased and fired upon an LPGC underway. The crew contacted the authorities
and went into the citadel. Pirates boarded the tanker but could not sail it. Before leaving the
vessel, the pirates caused some damage. Later, the crew took command of the tanker and sailed
toward a safe port. There were no injuries to the crew. (IMB, Open Press)
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J. (U) PERSIAN GULF: No current incidents to report.
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K. (U) SOUTHEAST ASIA:
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A. BANGLADESH: Tanker robbed 21 Nov 10 while at anchor in position 21:50.2N – 091:39.5E, in the Chittagong anchorage. Robbers attempted to board a tanker engaged in anchoring operations via the poop deck using a rope and hook. Alert crew on anti piracy watch noticed the robbers and informed the bridge who raised the alarm. Seeing the alert crew the robbers jumped back into the water and escaped in a waiting boat with around 10 other robbers. Attempt to contact port control failed.
1. (U) INDONESIA: Tanker robbed 16 Nov 10 at 0435 local time while underway in position
02:00N – 108:45.5E, near Pulau Merundung, Indonesia. Six robbers armed with knives boarded
a product tanker underway. They entered the mess room and took an AB hostage. Later they
entered the master’s cabin and stole ships’ cash and personal belongings. The robbers took the
Master and the AB to the poop deck, tied them to a winch and escaped in a waiting boat. After
releasing themselves the Master went to the bridge where the duty officer indicated that he was
not aware of the incident. (IMB)
.
2. (U) INDONESIA: Bulk carrier robbed 16 Nov 10 at 0315 local time while berthed at
07:08.5S – 112:39.5E, Berth no.5, Gresik port Surabaya, Indonesia. Two robbers armed with
knives boarded a bulk carrier at berth while the other two robbers wait on a boat. Duty crew
sighted the robbers on the forecastle stealing ships property and raised the alarm. The robbers
escaped with stolen stores. (IMB)
.
3. (U) INDONESIA: Bulk carrier robbed 16 Nov 10 at 0205 local time while underway in
position 01:01.7N – 106:40.0E, west of Kepulauan Tambelan, Indonesia. Eight pirates armed
with long knives boarded a bulk carrier underway. Pirates stole ships cash, crew personal
properties and escaped.(IMB)
.
4. (U) INDONESIA: Tanker boarded 7 Nov 10 at 0140 local time while at anchor in position
01:41N – 101:27E, in Dumai Inner Anchorage. Two robbers boarded a product tanker at anchor.
Duty watch keepers spotted the robbers and raised the alarm. The robbers jumped overboard and
escaped. Port authorities informed. (IMB)
.
5. (U) INDONESIA: Bulk carrier robbed 6 Nov 10 at 1953 local time while underway in
position 01:01N – 106:41E, approximately 40NM west of Kepulauan Tembelan. Six pirates
armed with long knives boarded a bulk carrier underway. Pirates entered the bridge and tied the
hands of six watch keepers. Pirates took the hostage to the master’s cabin, stole ship’s cash and
personal properties, and escaped. (IMB)
.
6. (U) INDONESIA: Bulk carrier robbed 2 Nov 10 at 0420 local time while conducting cargo
operations in Belawan port. Three robbers armed with long knives boarded a bulk carrier at
berth during cargo operations. Duty crew on rounds noticed the robbers and approached them.
The robbers threatened the duty crew with long knives, threw a life raft overboard, and escaped.
Watch officer raised alarm and crew mustered. (IMB)
.
7. (U) INDIA: Tanker reported attempted boarding 29 Oct 10 at 0730 local time while at anchor
in position 17:40N – 083:25E, at Visakhapatnam anchorage. Five robbers in a fishing boat
approached a tanker at anchor. They attempted to board by throwing a heaving line onto the
ship’s rail. Alert duty crew noticed the robbers, immediately cut the heaving line, and informed
duty officer who raised the alarm. Crew mustered and directed fire hoses toward the boat,
resulting in the robbers aborting the attempted boarding. Port control informed. (IMB)
.
L. (U) NORTH ASIA: No current incidents to report.
.
M. (U) PACIFIC-ANTARCTIC OCEAN: No current incidents to report.
.
N. (U) ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC NON-STATE ACTIVIST GROUPS: No current incidents to report.
.
(U) Appendix A: Further Contact Information and Resources
.
(U) This appendix provides contact information for the author of the WTS as well as other
entities that can be contacted with maritime crime reports. It also lists other resources where the
WTS is posted and where piracy and maritime crime incident information can be found.
.
(U) Contact
.
(U) Originator of this WTS report requests consumer feedback. Originator will incorporate all
anti-shipping events and violence against the maritime industry into this weekly message where
appropriate. To aid in our reporting, please add the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) to your
normal corporate and organizational reporting requirements. The maritime crime desk can be
reached at +1 (301) 669-4448 or via e-mail at kgreenawalt@nmic.ic.gov. The 24-hour watch can
be reached at +1 (301) 669-4053. Reports may also be sent to National Response Center (U.S.
Coast Guard) hotline 1-800-424-8802 or the Maritime Administration, Office of Security, MAR
-420; TEL 202-366-1883; FAX 202-366-3954; email owen.doherty@dot.gov.
.
(U) Other Resources
.
(U) This Worldwide Threat to Shipping Report is posted at the National Geospatial-Intelligence
Agency’s Maritime Safety site: http://www.nga.mil/portal/site/maritime. The International
Maritime Bureau (IMB) also publishes a live piracy report based on reporting from the IMB
Piracy Reporting Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, listing all piracy and armed robbery
incidents in the last ten days: http://www.icc-ccs.org/.
.
(U) Appendix B: Terminology and References
.
(U) This appendix is provided to promote consistent use of accurate terms of reference in
reporting and also identifies those references that were used to gather the information contained
in this report. ONI welcomes comment and suggestions for addition or amendment.
.
(U) Terminology
.
(U) In order to promote consistent use of accurate terms of reference, the following are
adopted to describe the range of criminal anti-shipping activity and impediments to safe
navigation in our worldwide reporting and analysis. Please note that these terms relate to
observable activity and are independent of target vessel status and exclude actions by
governmental authorities in lawful pursuit of their authority:
.
* (U) Attempted Boarding – Close approach or hull-to-hull contact with report that boarding paraphernalia were employed or visible in the approaching boat.
.
* (U) Blocking – Hampering safe navigation, docking, or undocking of a vessel as a means of protest.
.
* (U) Boarding – Unauthorized presence on the ship whether in port or underway.
.
* (U) Firing Upon – Weapons discharged at or toward a vessel.
.
* (U) Hijack – Unauthorized seizure and retention of a vessel by persons not part of its complement.
.
* (U) Illegal Boarding – Unauthorized boarding and attempted seizure of a vessel by persons not part of its complement without successfully taking control of the vessel.
.
* (U) Kidnap – Unauthorized forcible removal of persons belonging to the vessel from it.
.
* (U) Robbery – Theft from a vessel or from persons aboard the vessel.
.
* (U) Suspicious Approach – All other unexplained close proximity of an unknown vessel.
.
(U) Sourcing
.
(U) ONI derives information in this report from direct reporting and analysis of reports from the
following agencies and commercial sources.
.
* Agence France Presse (AFP)
* Associated Press (AP)
* BBC News (BBC)
* Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), Denmark (BIMCO)
* EU Naval Forces (EU)
* Fairplay (FP), London
* International Maritime Bureau (IMB), London and Kuala Lumpur
* International Maritime Organization (IMO), London
* Informa Group (INFO), formerly LLP, Llp Limited, London
* Latitude38.com (LAT), website
* Lloyd’s List (LL), daily, London
* Local media (LM)
* Maritime Administration (MARAD), US
* Maritime Security Council (MSC), US
* Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA), Northwood
* MaRisk by Risk Intelligence (Risk Intelligence/MaRisk)
* Noonsite.com (Noonsite), website
* North Atlantic Treaty Organization Shipping Center (NSC), Brussels
* National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), Navigation Safety System
* Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) (analysis and comment)
* Operator (owner or operator of affected vessel)
* Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), US
* United States Coast Guard (USCG)
* Royal Australian Navy (RAN)
* Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against
Ships in Asia, Information Sharing Center (ReCAAP ISC)
* Reuters
* Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN)
* Seafarers’ Assistance Program (SAP), Kenya
* Tradewinds (TW)
* United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization (UKMTO)
* United Press International (UPI)
* U. S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
* U. S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
* U.S. Department of State (DOS)
* U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
.
(U) ICOD: 24 Nov 2010
UNCLASSIFIED
