Week 34 – Maritime Security Weekly Snapshot

Indian Ocean HRA – Maritime Security Incidents

24 August 18: Indian Government Established Anti Piracy Group. The Indian government announced the formation of an inter-agency working group to develop contingency plans in case of the hijack of Indian-crewed vessels. The group also re-issued additional anti-piracy guidance in line with international best practice. 22 August 18: Pakistani Navy Withdrew from CTF 150 and 151. The Pakistani navy withdrew its commitment to provide vessels to Combined Task Force 150 an 151, responsible for policing the Indian Ocean High Risk Area. The vessels are to be reassigned to patrol and secure an area up to 600nm from the Pakistani coast. This forms part of an effort to realign naval priorities with efforts to develop trade and security for Gwadar port.

Mediterranean – Maritime Security Incidents

26 August 18: Diciotti Migrants Permitted to Disembark in Catania, Italy. The Italian coastguard vessel Diciotti was permitted to disembark the 177 migrants it had rescued from the Mediterranean. The vessel had been obstructed by the Italian Government, despite having conducted the rescues in an official capacity. Despite the resolution of this incident, further stand-offs between rescue vessels and the Italian government are likely.

Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

24 August 18: UPDATE – Missing Vessel Safe in Lome, Togo. A merchant vessel, the Pantelena, has berthed in Lome, Togo, having been missing for ten days. All crew were reported safe, however details of the incident remain unclear. Public interviews with the crew’s home-nation media outlets suggested that they were held for up to 9 days by pirates.

South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

27 August 18: US – ASEAN Naval Drills, Singapore. Multi-lateral naval and marine drills involving personnel and assets from the USA and ASEAN nations began in Singapore. Heightened maritime traffic should be expected in the area, and vessels should maintain a enhanced watch. 27 August 18: Attempted Boarding, Muara Berau, Indonesia. Two robbers attempted to board a bulk carrier at 00°15’S 117°41’E. The crew mustered, forcing them to flee empty handed. 27 August 18: Attempted Boarding, Insular Oil, Indonesia. Four robbers attempted to board a tanker berthed at 03°06’S 125°39’E. They detected the robbers, mustered, and forced them to flee. 16 August 18: LATE REPORT Theft at  Anchor, Chittagong, Bangladesh. Four robbers boarded a containership at 22°03’N 091°44’E. They escaped with a 70m mooring rope. The theft was noted during routine rounds.
Click link to Download PDF: Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 34 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. The week 34 Maritime Security Snapshot was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.