Week 49 – Maritime Security Weekly Snapshot

Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

7 Dec 17: Armed Pirates Attempted to Board a Merchant Vessel near Bonny Island, Nigeria. The vessel was underway at position 03°31N, 07°70E, 53nm south of Bonny Island. A small vessel with eight armed persons came alongside the merchant vessel and attempted to board. Vessel and crew safe. 07 Dec 17: Suspicious Approach by Two Skiffs Reported by Merchant Vessel. A merchant vessel underway at 02°32N 00°01E, 112nm south of Bonny Island, was approached by two skiffs which came to within 300m of the vessel before steering away. 08 Dec 17: Cargo Vessel Boarded near Fairway Buoy, Nigeria. Twelve armed pirates boarded a cargo vessel at 04°11N 07°00E, 16nm from Fairway Buoy. All crew withdrew to the citadel after issuing a distress call. The Nigerian Navy boarded the vessel to find the pirates had escaped and all crew were safe. The vessel had previously been attacked, and the master kidnapped, on 01 December.

Indian Ocean – Maritime Security Incidents

07 Dec 17: Vessel Fired Upon South West of Hodeidah, Yemen. A vessel underway at 14°32N, 42°47E, 20nm southwest of Hodeidah, was approached by two skiffs carrying armed persons, who opened fire upon the vessel. Vessel evaded attack and escaped with all crew safe.

South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

03 Dec 17: Anchored Container Ship Robbed in Manila, Philippines. Robbers gained access to the vessel via the anchor chain and stole lift rafts and immersion suits, before escaping undetected. 05 Dec 17: Barge Boarded by Robbers in Kutubdia, Bangladesh: A barge under tow was boarded at 21°52N, 91°45E, west of Kutubida Island. Robbers escaped with property, the barge and tug’s crew were unharmed. 07 Dec 17: Containership Boarded in Manila Anchorage, Philippines: A container vessel was boarded in Manila anchorage, 13°25N, 120°52E. The robbers were spotted by the crew near the forecastle, and fled as the crew mustered, escaping with ship’s properties.
Click link to Download PDF: Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 49 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. Week 49 Maritime Security Snapshot is compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.