date maritime incidents in high risk area …...2017/09/01 · 13 aug 17 two robbers attempt to...

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MARITIME RISK

MARITIME ADVISORY • 1 SEPTEMBER 2017

SITUATIONAL SUMMARY

Solace Global Maritime Summary

Three suspicious approaches were reported in the Bab El Mandeb Strait in August. Two of the reports stated ladders were sighted

on the approaching skiffs. Embarked security teams showed weapons, and in one instance fired warning shots, after which the

skiffs moved away. The increase in suspicious approaches and piracy attacks in 2017, along with the ongoing civil war in Yemen,

required the UKMTO to clarify their recommendations for vessels transiting the Bab El Mandeb Strait during daylight or dark hours.

Overall, vessel operators remain responsible for conducting risks assessments on each voyage and to implement BMP4 measures

to the fullest extent possible. This applies to vessels transiting from the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea and vice versa, between 44E in

the Gulf of Aden and 13N in the Southern Red Sea. There is a heightened threat when transiting the Bab El Mandeb at night, due

to the threat of being mistargeted by Houthi missiles. On the other hand, the recent suspicious approaches have been reported

MARITIME PIRACY ARMED CONFLICT TERRORISM

HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH

HIGH RISK AREA

19 Aug 17: Suspicious approach on MV.




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MARITIME RISK


during daylight hours.

China and Turkey opened regional military bases in August. China’s base in Djibouti is their first overseas and will host up to

10,000 personnel. Officially, China considers the base primarily a logistics facility which will resupply navy ships participating in

regional peacekeeping missions. Turkey opened one of their largest military camps in Mogadishu, which is set to be fully

operational in September. Due to the strategic location of the Bab El Mandeb, and the number of significant security issues

regionally, there are an increasing number of naval bases and international armed forces operating in the region.

Nigeria: At the end of July, a number of Niger Delta leaders threatened to pull out of peace talks with the government. As a result,

the government made some concessions, including legalising makeshift refineries. Ongoing talks between the Niger Delta

representatives and the government have been characterised by significant tensions recently. On 8 August 2017, a group known as

the Niger Delta Volunteers set a deadline of 1 October 2017 for the Niger Delta to be declared a republic. In addition, they

demanded international oil companies move their headquarters to the Niger Delta, or attacks will resume. Protesters stormed a

Shell flow station in Rivers State on 11 August 2017, demanding jobs and more infrastructure development. The station was shu t

for a number of days as a result. Further infighting was reported when MEND withdrew their support of the Pan Niger Delta Forum

over accusations of corruption. With ongoing questions over the health of Nigeria ’s President Buhari, political stability is at risk,

along with the success of talks between the government and the Niger Delta leaders.

DATE MARITIME INCIDENTS IN HIGH RISK AREA AND EAST AFRICA

10 Aug 17 Suspicious Approach on MV in Bab El Mandeb. Seven skiffs were sighted approximately 16nm SW of Al Mokha,

Yemen. The vessel was in approximate position 13°12'38N, 42°58'25E at 1550UTC. Two skiffs approached up to

one cable of the MV, and then withdrew. Vessel and crew reported safe.

18 Aug 17 Suspicious Approach on MV. The approach was reported at position 12°38’0N, 43°21’0E at 1132UTC. Five to six

persons were on board a number of skiffs. Ladders were sighted. The embarked armed security team fired warning

shots. Vessel was reported as safe.

19 Aug 17 Suspicious Approach by Three Skiffs on MV. The approach was reported at position 12°50’0N, 43°12’0E at

0840UTC. The embarked armed security team showed weapons, and the skiffs altered course, moving away.

28 Aug 17 Suspicious Approach on MV. An MV was reported to have been approached by four skiffs in position 13°0’12N,

43°10’24E, 24nm northwest of Perim Island. One ladder was sighted on two of the skiffs, no weapons were sighted.

Skiffs approached the vessel up to 0.8nm. Embarked armed security team showed weapons and the skiffs moved

away.


HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH

GULF OF GUINEA AND WEST COAST OF AFRICA

SITUATIONAL SUMMARY



MARITIME RISK


DATE MARITIME INCIDENTS IN GULF OF GUINEA AND WEST AFRICA

30 Jul 17 Pirate Attack on Cargo Ship. A cargo ship reported being attacked by pirates in position 4°10'12N, 6°59’44E;

approximately 16nm southwest of Bonny Island, Nigeria. Five crew were reported to be kidnapped from the vessel;

two officers and three crew members.

3 Aug 17 Suspicious Approach on MV. The vessel was approached at position 16°48N, 16°51W. The small vessel claimed

to be the Mauritanian navy, requesting the vessel to stop or they will fire. The master undertook evasive

manoeuvring. The MV was reported as safe.

7 Aug 17 Robbery Attempt on Berthed Tanker in Lagos Port. The duty officer noticed two robbers trying to insert a hose

into the cargo tank. The alarm was raised and robbers escaped with the hose. Nothing was reported stolen and

port control was informed.

19 Aug 17 Robbery on Anchored Tanker at Lagos Anchorage. The incident occurred in position 6°20’7N, 3°18’2E at

0250UTC. The duty watchman noticed a floating object near the starboard bow. The alarm was raised, and crew

retreated to the citadel. One robber jumped overboard. Security guards carried out a search of the vessel and

discovered one robber hiding in the hawse pipe. The robber was apprehended and handed over to local agents.

Some oil was reported stolen from the vessel.

19 Aug 17 Suspicious Approach on MV by Eight Skiffs, 14nm Off Delta State. The approach was reported at 5°44’8N,

4°47’5E at 0716UTC. The skiffs approached the vessel at a speed of 7 knots and within 0.3nm. The skiffs were

identified as having black-hulls.

30 Jul 17: Pirate attack.


7 Aug 17: Anchored vessel boarded. 19 Aug 17: Anchored vessel approached.



MARITIME RISK


Asia: Much attention has been focussed on North Korea over the last two months, due to their continued launches of missiles, the

most recent being on the 29 August 2017, and their standing threat of targeting Guam. Early in the month, China conducted drills in

the South China Sea due to increasing tensions between North Korea and the US specifically. From 5-8 August, the areas closed

reached from Qindao, Shandong to Lianyungang, Jiangsu. On 23 August, another collision was reported between a US Naval ship,

the USS John S McCain, and a commercial vessel. Ten US navy sailors were reported missing from the incident, which resulted in

the fleet commander being relieved of his duties. This collision is the fourth of its kind for the US Pacific fleet this year. Maritime

incidents reported in South East Asia for the month of August were attempted robberies, two of which occurred in Manila

Anchorage.


HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH

DATE MARITIME INCIDENTS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA

9 Aug 17 Robbers Board Vessel in Manila Anchorage. Robbers boarded an anchored container ship in position

14°32’70N, 120°55'30E. They were spotted by security guards on routine rounds, who raised the alarm. The

robbers escaped with stolen ships’ stores.

SOUTH EAST ASIA

SITUATIONAL SUMMARY

9 Aug 17: Robbery on MV. 15 Aug 17: Attempted robbery on MV.

20 Aug 17: Vessel boarded.

13 Aug 17: Attempted robbery on MV.



MARITIME RISK


15 Aug 17 Vessel Boarded in Manila South Harbour Anchorage. Duty crew noticed two persons inside the hawse pipe. The

vessel was in position 14°33’9N, 120°55’9E. The alarm was raised and the robbers escaped on a nearby waiting

boat.

13 Aug 17 Two Robbers Attempt to Board Tanker in Sandakan Port, Malaysia. Two robbers attempted to board a berthed

Malaysia-flagged chemical tanker in position 5°48’34N, 118°4'57E. The attempt failed and the crew were

reported safe

20 Aug 17 Robbers Board Bulk Carrier Underway Near Singapore. Two robbers boarded a bulk carrier and threatened a

crew member with a knife. The vessel was in approximate position 1°4’20N, 103°41’70E at 1800UTC. Once the

robbers left, the crew member immediately informed the bridge. The master raised the alarm and two small

boats were seen heading towards Indonesia. A warship responded and assisted the vessel to Singapore

anchorage.


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date maritime incidents in high risk area …...2017/09/01 · 13 aug 17 two robbers attempt to...

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