Indian Navy Counter Piracy Operation near IRTC Point B
10 Oct 2017
The Indian Navy Ship Trishul responded to a distress call from the 85,000-tonne Indian flagged bulk carrier, MV Jag Amar, near Point B in the Internationally Recognised Transit Corridor (IRTC) on 06/10/2017. The INS Trishul’s marine detachment intercepted and boarded the suspicious vessel by speedboat and took all 12 occupants captive with no use of force. At least one automatic weapon, along with ammunition, grappling hooks, ladders, and other piracy equipment were seized from the vessel.
Key Points
• A bulk carrier reported a suspicious approach by one vessel near IRTC Point B on 06/10/2017.
• Indian Marines detained 12 pirates aboard the vessel.
• Automatic weapons and other piracy tools were recovered.
Situational Summary
Piracy: The Indian Navy Ship Trishul responded to a distress call from the 85,000-tonne Indian flagged bulk carrier, MV Jag
Amar, near Point B in the Internationally Recognised Transit Corridor (IRTC) on 06/10/2017. The INS Trishu l’s marine
detachment intercepted and boarded the suspicious vessel by speedboat and took all 12 occupants captive with no use of
force. At least one automatic weapon, along with ammunition, grappling hooks, ladders, and other piracy equipment were
seized from the vessel.
The MV Jag Amar continued her journey with all crew safe.
Solace Global COmment
Piracy in the Gulf of Aden continues to pose a substantial threat to merchant shipping transiting the area. Whilst recent
efforts to stabilise the region and improve the security environment have substantially reduce the impact of Somali piracy, a
number of local factors continue to drive piracy in the region.
Several remote areas in northern Somalia are in a state of famine. In such conditions, numerous groups are actively seeking a
method to supplement their livelihoods or vacate the area. Additionally, large numbers of Somali migrants have been reported
as leaving Yemen and returning to Somalia via small boats. The impact of the return of this population, on top of existing
pressures, is likely to continue to exacerbate the situation. Although it is important to note that heightened levels of security
have prevented Somali piracy from reaching the same rate of incidents it achieved between 2009 and 2013, there remain
substantial push-factors which drive the continuation of piracy in the region.
The attack demonstrates that armed groups in Somalia retain the intent, and some limited capability, to target merchant
shipping within the Gulf of Aden. International naval patrols and the widespread presence of armed security personnel aboard
vessels broadly act to mitigate this threat, however undefended vessels remain at substantial risk.
SECURITY ADVICE
Maritime PiracyHighOur maritime security advice for vessels transiting the HRA – maintain a heightened level of surveillance, particularly when passing through the Bab El Mandeb Strait. There have been numerous reports of attacks and suspicious approaches on merchant vessels transiting the Bab El Mandeb Strait and elsewhere throughout the Gulf of Aden. Houthi naval mines have also been reported uncovered and diffused along Yemen’s coastline. It is advised all vessels transiting the HRA to proceed with extreme caution and conduct a thorough risk assessment on each voyage, considering the risk of transiting the strait during daylight or dark hours. Vessels should ensure all BMP4 measures are in place, with the use of hardening vessel measures, and armed security. Solace Global advise, and have implemented, 24-hour anti-piracy watches when transiting the strait.