Week 41 – Maritime Security Weekly Snapshot

Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

8 Oct 17: Operation Crocodile Smile II – Nigerian Military Deploy Troops in Niger Delta. Militants have threatened attacks if the number of soldiers deployed in the region increases. 11 Oct 17: Supply Vessel Attacked and Boarded South of Brass, Nigeria. The vessel was in approximate position 3°57’0N, 6°19’0E at 0820UTC. Seven to eight persons were sighted on the speed boat. The crew mustered to the citadel. Ships equipment and property were stolen. The robbers escaped when the security vessel closed on their position.

Indian Ocean – Maritime Security Incidents

6 Oct 17: Indian Navy Assist Bulk Carrier in Piracy Attack. The INS Trishul responded to the Jag Amar distress call at 1230UTC. The navy seized one AK47 assault rifle, along with grapnels, ropes, fuel drums and ladders. Twelve pirates made the pirate attempt on the vessel. 7 Oct 17: Suspicious Skiffs Reported in Gulf of Aden. Four dark coloured-hulled skiffs were sighted in position 11°56’11N, 44°43’46E at 0720UTC, near Point A IRTC. Four to five persons were reported on board. The skiffs approached up to 0.7nm and then turned away. 8 Oct 17: Somali Forces Kill Iranian Sailor. Puntland Maritime Police Forces spotted two boats reportedly illegally fishing in Somali waters. The incident reportedly occurred off the Ras Hafun coast. Another sailor was injured in the incident.

South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

10 Oct 17: US Warship Sails Near Islands Claimed by South China Sea. A US Navy destroyer sailed near islands prompting an angry response from Beijing. China’s Defense Ministry stated a warship, two fighter jets and a helicopter were scrambled to warn the USS Chafee away. 12 Oct 17: Unmanned Rig Being Towed Boarded in Singapore Straits. Five persons in two crafts approached and boarded the rig in position 1°11’1N, 103°33’6E at 0020UTC. The tug master raised the alarm and notified local authorities who responded; however, the persons escaped.
Click link to Download PDF:Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 41 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. Week 41 Maritime Security Snapshot is compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.