Week 46 – Maritime Security Weekly Snapshot

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.  

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.  

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.  
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.