Week 47 – Maritime Security Weekly Snapshot

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.  

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.  

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.  
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.