Yachts Remain Vulnerable to Pirates

Intelligence from the NATO Shipping Centre (NSC), the Maritime Security Centre for the Horn of Africa (MSCHOA), UK Maritime and other agencies remains clear; that all sailing yachts should avoid transiting the High Risk Area in the Indian Ocean for the foreseeable future.

The NATO Shipping Centre has reported this week two piracy incidents that took place between 17 October and 23 October in the High Risk Area: one attack and one disruption and there are reports of suspicious activity. The High Risk Area covers the Gulf of Aden, Somali Basin and the western Indian Ocean.

Stuart Carruthers, RYA Cruising Manager ‘The possibility of attacks and the successful pirating of sailing vessels remain likely due to their vulnerability. Seafarers should be left in no doubt about the very clear and present danger to recreational and other vessels transiting this area’.

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Article written by Louise Nicholls, courtesy of Sail World.