ICC- IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report – First Quarter 2013
ICC INTERNATIONAL MARITIME BUREAU
PIRACY AND ARMED ROBBERY
AGAINST SHIPS
REPORT FOR THE PERIOD
1 January – 31 March 2013
WARNING
The information contained in this document is for the internal use of the recipient only.
Unauthorised distribution of this document, and/or publication (including publication on a
Web site) by any means whatsoever is an infringement of the Bureau’s copyright.
ICC International Maritime Bureau
Cinnabar Wharf
26 Wapping High Street
London E1W 1NG
United Kingdom
Tel :+44 207 423 6960
Fax:+44 207 160 5249
Email imb@icc-ccs.org
Web : www.icc-ccs.org
April 2013
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ICC- IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report – First Quarter 2013
INTRODUCTION
The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) is a specialised division of the International Chamber of
Commerce (ICC). The IMB is a non-profit making organisation, established in 1981 to act as a focal
point in the fight against all types of maritime crime and malpractice. The International Maritime
Organization (IMO) in its resolution A 504 (XII) (5) and (9) adopted on 20 November 1981, has inter
alia, urged governments, all interests and organization to co-operate and exchange information with
each other and the IMB with a view to maintaining and developing a coordinated action in combating
maritime fraud.
This report is an analysis of world-wide reported incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships
from 1 January to 31 March 2013.
Outrage in the shipping industry at the alarming growth in piracy prompted the creation of the IMB
Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) in October 1992 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The key services of the PRC are:
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¾
¾
¾
¾
¾
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Issuing daily status reports on piracy and armed robbery to ships via broadcasts on the
Inmarsat-C SafetyNET service
Reporting piracy and armed robbery at sea incidents to law enforcement and the IMO
Helping local law enforcement apprehend pirates and assist in bringing them to justice
Assisting shipowners whose vessels have been attacked or hijacked
Assisting crewmembers whose vessels have been attacked
Providing updates on pirate activity via the Internet
Publishing comprehensive quarterly and annual reports detailing piracy statistics
The services of the PRC are provided free of charge to all ships irrespective of their ownership or flag.
The IMB also locates ships seized by pirates and recovers stolen cargos on a chargeable basis.
The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre can be contacted at:
ICC International Maritime Bureau (Asia Regional Office)
PO Box 12559, 50782 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel ++ 60 3 2078 5763
Fax ++ 60 3 2078 5769
E-mail: imbkl@icc-ccs.org
24 Hours Anti Piracy HELPLINE Tel: ++ 60 3 2031 0014
Piracy report on the Internet: The IMB posts updates of attacks on the Internet at www.icc-ccs.org.
By posting the information on the internet, ship owners and authorities ashore as well as ships at sea
can access these updates regularly and make informed decisions on the risks associated with certain sea
areas.
Sometimes, incidents occurring in the previous quarter(s) are reported to the Centre after a time lag.
This late reporting of incidents results in changes to the figures in the tables. The Centre has, as at 31
March 2013, received reports of 66 incidents but may receive details of more in the coming months
relating to the same period.
Because of the recent debate concerning Malacca Straits, narrations of incidents in this area are shown
as separate categories. Similarly because of the increasing serious incidents off Somalia, incidents in
this area are also shown as separate categories.
Attacks in the Gulf of Aden and off the east coast of Somalia have been grouped together in the
narrations for easy reading.
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ICC- IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report – First Quarter 2013
DEFINITIONS OF PIRACY & ARMED ROBBERY
Piracy is defined in Article 101 of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
(UNCLOS) and Armed Robbery defined by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in its 26th
Assembly session as Resolution A.1025 (26).
Article 101 of UNCLOS defines Piracy as:
Definition of Piracy consists of any of the following acts:
a) any illegal acts of violence or detention, or any act of depredation, committed for private ends by the
crew or the passengers of a private ship or a private aircraft, and directed(i) on the high seas, against another ship or aircraft, or against persons or property on board such ship
or aircraft;
(ii) against a ship, aircraft, persons or property in a place outside the jurisdiction of any State;
(b) any act of voluntary participation in the operation of a ship or of an aircraft with knowledge of
facts making it a pirate ship or aircraft;
(c) any act of inciting or of intentionally facilitating an act described in subparagraph (a) or (b).
The IMO defines Armed Robbery in Resolution A.1025 (26) “Code of Practice for the Investigation of
Crimes of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships” as:
Armed robbery against ships” means any of the following acts:
.1 any illegal act of violence or detention or any act of depredation, or threat thereof, other than an act
of piracy, committed for private ends and directed against a ship or against persons or property on
board such a ship, within a State’s internal waters, archipelagic waters and territorial sea;
.2 any act of inciting or of intentionally facilitating an act described above
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ICC- IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report – First Quarter 2013
FUNDING
The Piracy Reporting Centre is financed by contributions from the following:
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¾
¾
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¾
Assuranceforeningen Skuld
Assuranceforeningen Gard
Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association Limited
Den Norske Krigsforsikring for Skib
European Commission
Japan P&I Club
Steam Ship Insurance Management Services Limited
Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Malaysia
The North of England P&I Association Ltd
•
The IMB PRC is supported by ExactEarth (www.exactearth.com)
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ICC- IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report – First Quarter 2013
TABLE 1: Locations of ACTUAL and ATTEMPTED attacks January - March 2008 – 2013
Locations
S E ASIA
Indonesia
Malacca Straits
Malaysia
Philippines
Singapore Straits
Thailand
FAR
South China Sea
EAST
Vietnam
INDIAN
Bangladesh
SUB
India
CONTINENT Sri Lanka
AMERICAS
Brazil
Colombia
Costa Rica
Ecuador
Guyana
Haiti
Peru
Venezuela
AFRICA
Angola
Benin
Dem. Rep. of Congo
Egypt
Equatorial Guinea
Ghana
Guinea
Gulf of Aden *
Ivory Coast
Kenya
Liberia
Mauritania
Morocco
Mozambique
Nigeria
Red Sea**
Somalia
Tanzania
The Congo
Togo
REST OF Arabian Sea***
WORLD Indian Ocean****
Mediterranean Sea
Sub total
Total at year end
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
4
1
1
2
8
5
18
25
4
1
9
1
4
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
1
3
4
2
4
3
3
3
3
1
1
4
4
1
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
2
5
1
4
1
3
2
2
1
2
2
7
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
2
1
5
1
41
2
1
12
1
1
10
1
8
3
2
3
1
1
1
1
2
10
7
1
4
20
2
2
3
18
5
2
85
1
1
10
7
28
1
2
11
3
1
1
2
2
1
49
293
102
410
5
67
445
1
142
439
102
297
66
ICC- IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report – First Quarter 2013
*Gulf of Aden
**Red Sea
***Arabian Sea
****Indian Ocean
All of the above attacks are attributed to Somali pirates.
CHART A: THE FOLLOWING TWO LOCATIONS WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR
MORE THAN 50% OF THE TOTAL 66 REPORTED INCIDENTS FOR THE
PERIOD.
NIGERIA, 11
INDONESIA, 25
6
ICC- IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report – First Quarter 2013
Chart B: Monthly comparison of incidents during January - March 2013
Monthly Incidents
30
28
25
21
20
17
15
10
5
0
JAN
FEB
MAR
Chart C: Total incidents as per region of the world January – March 2013
30
28
25
23
20
15
10
8
5
5
2
0
FAR EAST
AMERICAS
INDIAN SUBCONTINENT
7
AFRICA
SE ASIA
ICC- IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report – First Quarter 2013
TABLE 2: ACTUAL and ATTEMPTED attacks by location, January - March 2013
ACTUAL ATTACKS
Location
S E ASIA
Indonesia
Philippines
Singapore Straits
FAR South China Sea
EAST
Vietnam
INDIAN
Bangladesh
SUB CONT
India
AMERICAS Colombia
Guyana
Peru
AFRICA
Egypt
Gulf of Aden*
Ivory Coast
Mauritania
Nigeria
Somalia
Tanzania
The Congo
Sub total
Total
ATTEMPTED
ATTACKS
Boarded Hijacked Detained Missing Fired Attempted
Upon Boarding
24
1
1
2
1
1
4
4
2
1
1
1
1
2
1
2
1
5
1
5
1
2
1
1
51
4
7
4
66
*Gulf of Aden
The above attacks are attributed to Somali pirates.
TABLE 3: Ports and anchorages, with three or more reported incidents.
January – March 2013
Country
Location
Bangladesh
Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia
Chittagong
Balikpapan
Belawan
Dumai
01.01.2013 to 31.03.2013
4
5
3
6
8
ICC- IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report – First Quarter 2013
TABLE 4: Status of ships during ACTUAL attacks, January – March 2013
LOCATION
BERTHED ANCHORED STEAMING
S E ASIA
Indonesia
Philippines
Singapore
FAR EAST South China Sea
Vietnam
INDIAN
Bangladesh
SUB CONT
India
AMERICAS
Colombia
Guyana
Peru
AFRICA
Egypt
Ivory Coast
Mauritania
Nigeria
Somalia
Tanzania
The Congo
Sub total
Total for three months
1
22
1
1
NOT
STATED
2
1
1
1
4
4
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
5
1
1
1
36
7
11
1
55
TABLE 5: Status of ships during ATTEMPTED attacks, January – March 2013
LOCATION
S E ASIA
AMERICAS
AFRICA
BERTHED ANCHORED STEAMING
Indonesia
Peru
Gulf of Aden*
Nigeria
Somalia
NOT
STATED
1
1
2
4
2
8
1
Sub Total
Total for three months
3
11
*Gulf of Aden
The above attacks are attributed to Somali pirates.
TABLE 6: Types of arms used during attacks, January - March 2008 – 2013
Types of Arms
Guns
Knives
Not stated
Other weapons
Total for three months
2008
13
15
20
1
49
2009
59
14
29
102
9
2010
33
11
22
1
67
2011
88
16
35
3
142
2012
48
21
31
2
102
2013
20
19
26
1
66
ICC- IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report – First Quarter 2013
TABLE 7: Comparison of the type of attacks, January - March 2008 – 2013
Type of Attack
Attempted
Boarded
Fired upon
Hijack
Sub total
Total at year end
2008
10
36
2
1
49
293
2009
30
34
29
9
102
410
2010
12
26
18
11
67
445
2011
34
45
45
18
142
439
2012
32
45
14
11
102
297
2013
4
51
7
4
66
TABLE 8: Types of violence to crew, January - March 2008 – 2013
Types of Violence
Hostage
Kidnap
Threatened
Assaulted
Injured
Killed
Missing
Total for three months
2008
7
6
4
4
8
3
1
33
2009
178
5
3
2
9
2
199
2010
194
1
1
12
208
2011
344
6
4
2
34
7
397
2012
212
3
4
1
9
4
233
2013
75
14
3
3
1
96
TABLE 9: Type of violence to crew by location, January – March 2013
Location
S E ASIA
Indonesia
Singapore Straits
INDIAN
Bangladesh
SUB CONT
AMERICAS Colombia
Guyana
AFRICA
Egypt
Ivory Coast
Nigeria
Somalia
Tanzania
Sub total
Total
Hostage
5
1
Threat
Assaulted
Injured
Killed
Kidnap
1
1
1
2
1
2
31
15
20
75
1
3
3
96
10
1
14
1
14
ICC- IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report – First Quarter 2013
TABLE 10: Types of arms used by geographical location, January - March 2013
LOCATIONS
Guns
S E ASIA
Indonesia
Philippines
Singapore Straits
FAR EAST
Vietnam
South China Sea
INDIAN
Bangladesh
SUB CONT
India
AMERICAS
Colombia
Guyana
Peru
AFRICA
Egypt
Gulf of Aden*
Ivory Coast
Mauritania
Nigeria
Somalia
Tanzania
The Congo
Sub total
Total for three months
Knives
2
Other
Weapons
10
Not Stated
1
12
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
3
1
1
1
2
1
2
2
1
1
9
3
2
1
1
19
66
20
1
26
*Gulf of Aden
The above attacks are attributed to Somali pirates.
TABLE 11 Types of vessels attacked, January – March 2008 – 2013
Type
Barge / Barge carrier
Bulk carrier
Catamaran
Cement carrier
Container
Crane ship
Dhow
General cargo
Guard vessel
Heavy load carrier
Landing craft
Livestock carrier
Naval auxiliary ship
Pipe layer vessel
Refrigerated
Research ship
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
32
2
11
32
21
16
1
7
16
7
1
17
17
7
7
1
10
1
10
4
6
1
7
1
8
7
1
1
2
1
1
11
1
1
2
1
1
ICC- IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report – First Quarter 2013
RORO
Seismographic
Supply ship
Tanker Bitumen
Tanker Chem / Product
Tanker Crude Oil
Tanker LPG
Trawler / Fishing
Tug
Vehicle carrier
Wood Chip carrier
Yacht
Others
Total for three months
Total at year end
3
1
9
7
1
4
2
1
49
293
1
1
16
11
1
3
1
1
1
1
2
1
3
4
19
5
2
7
2
2
24
30
1
2
12
4
1
3
24
11
4
2
2
17
8
3
1
2
67
445
142
439
102
297
66
3
102
410
12
ICC- IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report – First Quarter 2013
Chart D: Type of vessels attacked January – March 2013
16
BULK CARRIER
12
CHEMICAL TANKER
8
TANKER
GENERAL CARGO
7
CONTAINER
7
5
PRODUCT TANKER
4
SUPPLY SHIP
3
LPG TANKER
2
TUG
REFRIGERATED CARGO SHIP
1
FISHING VESSEL
1
0
5
10
13
15
20
ICC- IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report – First Quarter 2013
TABLE 12: Nationalities of ships attacked, January - March 2008 – 2013
Flag State
Algeria
Antigua Barbuda
Bahamas
Belgium
Bermuda
Belize
Bolivia
Brazil
Cayman Island
China
Comoros
Croatia
Curacao
Cyprus
Denmark
Dominica
Ethiopia
France
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Hong Kong (SAR)
India
Indonesia
Iran
Isle of Man
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Korea North
Korea South
Liberia
Libya
Luxemburg
Malaysia
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mongolia
Netherlands
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Panama
2008
3
1
2009
1
7
2010
2011
2012
2013
2
2
1
4
4
2
2
5
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
3
1
5
1
1
3
2
1
2
4
4
3
4
1
1
2
1
3
4
6
3
2
1
1
3
2
1
2
1
2
5
4
1
4
1
4
2
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
11
2
1
10
2
5
5
6
1
4
5
2
1
2
3
1
1
4
7
18
9
21
1
2
1
1
2
14
12
2
1
4
7
15
2
19
15
1
3
5
2
2
3
7
1
1
2
17
1
9
ICC- IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report – First Quarter 2013
Philippines
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Spain
St Vincent Grenadines
St. Kitts & Nevis
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Turkey
UAE
United Kingdom
USA
Vietnam
Yemen
Not Stated
Total for three months
Total at year end
1
2
1
8
1
1
1
14
1
1
1
3
4
2
2
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
10
1
2
3
2
7
1
2
1
6
3
1
4
1
2
1
1
2
3
1
1
3
1
49
293
1
102
410
67
445
1
1
1
1
2
142
439
102
297
66
Chart E: Flag States whose ships have been attacked three or more times from
January – March 2013
15
16
14
12
9
10
8
6
6
4
3
3
4
2
0
15
7
ICC- IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report – First Quarter 2013
TABLE 13: Countries where victim ships controlled / managed,
January – March 2013
Country
No of Ships
Bahamas
China
Croatia
Cyprus
Denmark
France
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong
India
Iran
Japan
Malaysia
Monaco
Nigeria
Romania
Singapore
Switzerland
Turkey
UAE
United Kingdom
USA
Total
1
3
2
1
1
1
9
5
4
1
1
2
3
2
3
1
14
1
2
3
5
1
66
16
ICC- IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report – First Quarter 2013
Chart F: Managing countries whose ships have been attacked three or more
times from January – March 2013
16
14
14
12
9
10
8
6
4
3
3
3
3
4
2
0
17
5
5
ICC- IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report – First Quarter 2013
OFF SOMALIA/GULF OF ADEN ATTACK FIGURES UPDATE
Between 1 January and 31 March 2013, the IMB PRC has received a total of five
incidents attributed to Somali pirates. This includes one hijacking, with 20 seafarers
taken hostage and two vessels being fired upon. Somali pirates still possess the capability
to threaten an extended geographical region. During this period incidents have been
reported up to 400nm east off Mogadishu.
Reports also suggest that merchant vessels have been approached by potential Somali
pirates to assess the on board vigilance, hardening and the carriage of armed teams.
This once again shows the continued level of threat in the Region. Continued vigilance
and hardening is encouraged not only for the merchant fleets but more so for the fishing
and dhow fleets which remain softer targets.
In the past incidents have been reported from 26° North in the Gulf of Oman to 22°
South and as far east as 76° East.
As of 31 March 2013, suspected Somali pirates held five vessels for ransom with 60 crew
members of different nationalities as hostages on board these vessels. In addition, 17
kidnapped crew members are being held on land.
As attacks continue to drop significantly in the first quarter of 2013 the continued
requirement and presence of the navies cannot be underestimated. One fishing vessel
was reported hijacked by the Somali pirates in this period. The presence and response of
the navies ensured that the hijacked fishing vessel was rescued. In similar responses the
pro active response of navies to suspicious / potential pirate action groups has ensured
that the threat of piracy is continually addressed. This drastic drop is also due to the
continued preventive measures used by the merchant vessels (as per latest BMP
recommendations) and employment of Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel
(PCASP).
The IMB PRC will continue to monitor the situation. Vessels are warned to remain
vigilant and adhere to the latest BMP recommendations. The threat of an attack is still
present despite the drastic drop.
18
ICC- IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report – First Quarter 2013
PIRACY AND ARMED ROBBERY PRONE AREAS AND
WARNINGS
Mariners are warned to be extra cautious and to take necessary precautionary measures
when transiting the following areas:
SOUTH EAST ASIA AND INDIAN SUB CONTINENT
Bangladesh: Robbers targeting ships preparing to anchor. Most attacks reported at
Chittagong anchorages and approaches. Attacks in Bangladesh have fallen significantly over
the past few years because of the efforts by the Bangladesh Authorities.
Indonesia: Tanjung Priok – Jakarta / Dumai, Belawan, Balikpapan, Taboneo and Muara
Berau waters. Pirates/Robbers normally armed with guns / knives and / or machetes.
Generally be vigilant in other areas. Many attacks may have gone unreported. Pirates/Robbers
normally attack vessel during the night. When spotted and alarm sounded, pirates/robbers
usually abort the attempted attack. Attacks in Dumai and Belawan remain a concern.
Malacca Straits: Although the number of attacks has dropped substantially due to the
increase and aggressive patrols by the littoral states authorities since July 2005, ships are
advised to continue maintaining strict anti piracy watches when transiting the straits.
Currently, there are no indications as to how long these patrols will continue or reduce.
Singapore Straits: Vessels are advised to remain vigilant and to continue maintaining
adequate anti piracy watch and measures. Pirates/Robbers attack ships while underway or
while at anchor especially during the night.
South China Sea: Although attacks have dropped significantly in the vicinity off Anambas /
Natuna / Mangkai islands / Subi Besar / Merundung areas, vessels are advised to remain
vigilant.
AFRICA AND RED SEA
Nigeria - Lagos: Pirates / robbers are often well armed, violent and have attacked hijacked
and robbed vessels / kidnapped crews along the coast, rivers, anchorages, ports and
surrounding waters. Past attacks reported up to 120nm from coast. In many incidents, pirates
hijacked the vessels for several days and ransacked the vessels and stole part cargo usually
gas oil. A number of crew members were injured in past attacks. Generally all waters in
Nigeria remain risky. Vessels are advised to be vigilant as many attacks may have gone
unreported. Attacks also reported at/off Port Harcourt.
Ivory Coast – Abidjan: It appears that Nigerian pirates / piracy had spread to Ivory Coast as a
number of vessels have been hijacked in / off Abidjan.
Benin – Cotonou: Although the number of attacks has dropped significantly, the area remains
risky. Past attacks showed that the pirates/robbers in this area are well armed and are violent
and in some incidents, pirates/robbers had fired at ships. Many tankers were reported attacked
and hijacked. Pirates forced Masters to sail to unknown location where ship’s properties and
sometimes part cargo stolen (gas oil). A number of crew members were also injured in the
past. Recent patrols by Benin and Nigerian Authorities resulted in a drop in the number of
attacks. However, vessels are advised to continue to be vigilant and maintain strict anti piracy
watches and measures.
19
ICC- IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report – First Quarter 2013
Togo – Lome: Pirates in the area are well armed, violent and dangerous. Attacks can occur
at anchorages and off the coast and usually at night. Some attacks resulted in the vessel being
hijacked for several days where the vessel was ransacked and part cargo stolen (gas oil).
Guinea – Conakry.
The Congo – Pointe Noire.
Gulf of Aden / East Africa / Arabian Sea / Indian Ocean: Attacks related to Somali pirates
have reduced. However the risk of being approached or attacked still exists. Vessels are
advised and encouraged to remain vigilant and comply with all BMP4 procedures. The threat
of these attacks still exist in the waters off southern Red Sea / Bab el Mandeb, Gulf of Aden,
including Yemen and the northern Somali coast, Arabian sea / off Oman, Gulf of Oman and
off the eastern and southern Somali coast. In the past vessels have been attacked off Kenya,
Tanzania, Seychelles, Madagascar, Mozambique as well as in the Indian ocean and off the
west and south coasts of India and west Maldives. Incidents have also been reported close to
the east African coastlines.
Somali pirates tend to be well armed with automatic weapons and RPG and sometimes use
skiffs launched from mother vessels, which may be hijacked fishing vessels or dhows, to
conduct attacks far from the Somali coast. It is advised to monitor, keep clear of all small
boats and report all suspicious sightings. Ships are also advised to monitor the IMB PRC
warnings that are transmitted via Inmarsat safety net system. A strict 24hr visual and radar
watch will ensure early detection and assessment of an approaching threat and allow masters
to respond as advised in BMP4 and as per their company procedures.
Masters are reminded that fishermen in this region may try to protect their nets by attempting
to aggressively approach merchant vessels. Some of the fishermen may be armed to protect
their catch and they should not be confused with pirates.
Egypt : Attacks reported at Suez and El Dekheila anchorages.
SOUTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN WATERS
Ecuador : Guayaquil.
Reporting of incidents
Ships are advised to maintain strict anti-piracy watches and report all piratical attacks (actual
and attempted) and suspicious sightings to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia.
Tel: +60 3 2078 5763
Fax: + 60 3 2078 5769
E-mail: imbkl@icc-ccs.org
The Centre’s 24 Hours Anti Piracy HELPLINE is: + 60 3 2031 0014.
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ICC- IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report – First Quarter 2013
IMB Maritime Security Hotline
The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has also launched a dedicated hotline for seafarers,
port workers, shipping agents, shipyard personnel, brokers, stevedores, and all concerned
parties to report any information that they may have seen / heard / known etc relating to
maritime crime and security including terrorism, piracy and other illegal activities.
All information received will be treated in strict confidence and will be passed on to relevant
Authorities for further action. Maritime crime and security concerns us all and with your help,
we can try to minimize the risks and help save lives and property.
The Maritime Security Hotline can be contacted 24 hours everyday at :
Tel: + 60 3 2031 0014
Fax: +60 3 2078 5769
E-mail: imbsecurity@icc-ccs.org
REMEMBER: Your information may save lives. All information will be treated in strict
confidence.
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ICC- IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report – First Quarter 2013
TRENDS
The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) recorded a total of 66 incidents worldwide of Piracy
and Armed Robbery Against Ships in the first three months of 2013. This is down markedly
from the 102 incidents reported for the corresponding period in 2012. Four vessels were
hijacked in the first quarter, 51 boarded, seven fired upon and four attempted attacks. Seventy
five crew members were taken hostage, 14 kidnapped and one killed.
The Gulf of Guinea represents an area of concern with 15 incidents recorded, including three
hijackings. Nigeria accounted for 11 incidents in the region. Guns were reported in at least
nine attacks. An offshore supply vessel with 15 crew members was also hijacked. One crew
member subsequently died as a result of a gunshot wound after his chemical tanker was fired
upon at Lagos anchorage. A further 14 crew were kidnapped from four different vessels in
Nigeria. At the time of the kidnappings, all the vessels were reported to be underway.
Further west in Africa, three incidents were recorded in the Ivory Coast, including the
hijacking of two tankers. In early February, one such tanker was taken while underway, 70
NM south of Abidjan and routed to Nigerian waters.
On the eastern side of Africa, Somalia recorded five incidents this quarter including the
hijacking of a fishing vessel and its 20-member crew. In this case, the crew were freed by
naval forces before the vessel reached Somalia. In the Indian Ocean, two vessels were fired
upon. There were also two attempted attacks against Aframax sized tankers in the Gulf of
Aden. Somali pirates continue to hold five vessels with 60 crew members on board and an
additional 17 being held captive on land.
Although the number of acts of piracy reported in Somalia has significantly reduced, there
can be no room for complacency. The drop in reported attacks is due to proactive naval
actions against suspect Pirate Action Groups, the employment of Privately Contracted Armed
Security Personnel (PCASP) and the preventive measures used by the merchant vessels (as
per latest BMP recommendations). The attacks will rise to past levels if the naval presence is
reduced or vessels relax their vigilance.
The threat of Somali piracy remains very present, with a recent incident reported up to 400nm
east off Mogadishu this quarter. Twelve pirates were subsequently apprehended by naval
forces after the target vessel managed to successively foil the initial attack.
The presence and response of the navies ensured that a hijacked Iranian fishing vessel was
promptly released. These and other interdictions continue to highlight the important role
played by the navies in keeping these incidents under control.
Elsewhere, recorded the highest number of attacks, with 25 incidents. While these were
mainly low level thefts, vessels were boarded in 24 of the incidents, highlighting the need for
vigilance in these waters. Vessels were either berthed or anchored in 22 of the boarded
incidents, and underway in the remaining two. Vessels anchored at Dumai, Balikpapan and
Belawan were targeted six, five and three times respectively.
The IMB PRC remains the world’s only, manned centre to receive and disseminate reports of
piracy and armed robbery 24 hours a day across the globe. As part of the ICC it is an
independent body set up to monitor these attacks free of political interference.
IMB strongly urges all shipmasters and owners to report all actual, attempted and suspicious
piracy and armed robbery incidents to the IMB PRC. This is an essential first step in the
response chain. The statistics and reports of the IMB PRC act as a catalyst to encourage firm
response by government and law enforcement. The services of the IMB PRC are free of cost
to ship owners and Masters.
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OBSERVATIONS
Narrations of the 66 attacks from 1 January to 31 March 2013 are listed on pages 29 to 41.
The following serious incidents, in chronological sequence are described in more detail.
Ivory Coast:
On 03 February 2013, a Luxemburg flagged Tanker MT Gascogne was attacked and hijacked
by armed pirates while steaming at position Latitude 04:07.38 North and Longitude 003:54.42
West, 70nm south of Abidjan, Ivory Coast at approximately 0659 LT. About 12 pirates’
heavily armed with guns boarded the tanker underway. The pirates used a foldable ladder
equipped with hooks to board the tanker. They hijacked the tanker and took all 17 crew
members as hostages. They then sailed the tanker to off Nigeria where they stole the tanker’s
cargo. They also ransacked the vessel and stole the vessel’s and crew’s valuables. The tanker
and the crew members were released on 05 February 2013. Two of the crew members were
injured. The Chief Officer was stabbed and the Third Officer was beaten. The tanker then
proceeded to a safe port.
On 16 January 2013, a Panamanian flagged Product Tanker MT Itri was hijacked by armed
pirates at Abidjan Anchorage, Ivory Coast at approximately 2200 LT. Armed pirates attacked
and boarded the tanker. They hijacked the tanker and took all 16 crew members as hostage
and sailed her to an unknown location. The pirates then stole crew’s and vessel’s valuables
and her cargo. The vessel and all crewmembers were released unharmed on 22 January 2013.
The tanker then proceeded to Lagos port for further investigations.
Nigeria:
On 30 March 2013, a Malta flagged Product Tanker MT Sea Hermes was attacked by armed
pirates while underway at position Latitude 03:57.3 North and Longitude 006:41.0 East,
around 52 nm SSW of Port Harcourt, Nigeria at approximately 2242 UTC. About eight to 10
pirates armed with guns in a small craft approached the drifting tanker. The duty crew noticed
the craft and informed the Master and the duty Engineer. The craft stopped for several
seconds then moved towards the stern of the tanker and closed in to the starboard shipside and
stopped beneath the lifeboat. Master quickly raised the alarm, crew mustered and flashed the
lights and shouted at the craft. Seeing the crew alertness, the pirates aborted the attempted
boarding and moved away while firing at the tanker. Master then sailed the tanker further
south from Nigerian shore. The incident was also reported to the Nigerian navy via VHF Ch
16.
On 22 February 2013, a Singaporean General Cargo Ship MV Kota Bahagia was attacked by
armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 03:51 North and Longitude 005:57 East,
around 31nm SSW of Brass, Nigeria at approximately 1800 UTC. About six pirates armed
with automatic guns in a skiff launched from a mother vessel chased and fired at the ship.
Master raised the alarm, activated anti piracy preventive measures, increased speed, took
evasive actions and non essential crews took shelter in the citadel. The pirates attempted to
board the ship several times and then aborted the attempt due to hardening measures taken by
the ship. The incident reported to MRCC Nigeria. There were no injuries to crew reported but
the ship sustained some damages due to the firing.
On 17 February 2013, a Malaysian flagged Offshore Supply vessel MV Armada Tuah 101
was attacked by armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 03:57.4 North and
Longitude 005:20.8 East, around 55nm WSW of Brass, Nigeria at approximately 0700 UTC.
The pirates armed with guns successfully boarded the vessel and kidnapped six crew
members and escaped. The remaining 12 crew members were unharmed and were escorted to
Port Harcourt. On 25 February 2013, the pirates released the six crew members.
On 11 February 2013, a Hong Kong General Cargo Ship MV Safmarine Sahel was attacked
by armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 04:06.68 North and Longitude
006:52.57 East, around 13nm south of Nigerian coastline at approximately 0635 LT. The
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ICC- IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report – First Quarter 2013
vessel noticed a speedboat approaching on its port side. The ship increased speed and made
evasive manoeuvres. The speed boat came alongside and the pirates attempted to board. Due
to the anti piracy measures enforced on board the vessel, the pirates aborted the attempt and
moved away. Weapons were fired at the vessel. Fortunately, all the crew members and vessel
are safe and proceeded to a safe port.
On 10 February 2013, a St Vincent and Grenadines flagged Offshore Supply Vessel MV
Walvis was attacked by armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 03:33.55 North
and Longitude 006:35.39 East, around 45nm off Bonny River, Nigeria at approximately 1830
LT. About 12 heavily armed pirates approached the vessel, fired at her and successfully
boarded the vessel. The vessel’s alarm was raised and most of the crew members retreated
into the citadel. However, the pirates managed to apprehend and kidnap the Master and Chief
Engineer. Before escaping they stole the vessels and crew’s cash and valuables. On 27
February 2013, the two kidnapped crew members were released.
On 07 February 2013, an United Kingdom General Cargo Ship MV Esther C was attacked by
armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 02:47 North and Longitude 005:48 East,
around 96nm SSW of Brass, Nigeria at approximately 2125 UTC. Armed pirates successfully
managed to board the vessel underway. They stole crew’s and vessel’s valuables and
kidnapped three crew members before escaping. On 11 March 2013, the three kidnapped crew
members were released.
On 07 February 2013, a Liberian flagged Offshore Supply vessel MV Armada Tugas 1 was
attacked and hijacked by armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 03:40.48 North
and Longitude 005:53.12 East, around 40nm SSW of Brass Terminal, Nigeria at
approximately 0700 LT. About 17 pirates armed with AK47 rifles attacked, boarded and
hijacked an offshore supply vessel underway and tried to use it as a mother vessel. They took
hostage all 11 crew members and four divers. The vessel was released on 11 February 2013
with no injury to crew. Ship’s stores and equipment were stolen and some communication
equipment was damaged.
On 04 February 2013, a Marshall islands Chemical Tanker MT Pyxis Delta was attacked by
armed pirates while anchored at position Latitude 06:19.16 North and Longitude 003:24.57
East, Lagos Anchorage, Nigeria at approximately 0024 UTC. Armed persons with guns
approached and fired upon the anchored tanker carrying out STS operations. The armed naval
security team on board the tanker responded to the threat and the armed persons moved away.
One crew member was shot and later died during medical evacuation.
On 31 January 2013, a Liberian Tanker MT Olivia II was attacked by armed pirates while
underway at position Latitude 03:46.3 North and Longitude 005:49.1 East, around 45 nm
SSW of Brass, Nigeria at approximately 2030 UTC. The tanker noticed three skiffs
approaching her at high speed. A suspected mother vessel was observed on radar at a distance
of around 1.2nm. As the skiffs closed in, the Duty Officer raised the alarm and all non
essential crew mustered in the citadel. The tanker commenced evasive manoeuvres and
headed towards a nearby oil terminal to seek assistance from the naval guard vessels. A
further two skiffs were noticed approaching the tanker and all skiffs fired towards the bridge
and accommodation. An RPG was also fired but missed the tanker. The attack lasted for
nearly one hour before the skiffs broke off. The crews reported safe but the tanker sustained
some damages due to the firing.
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Somalia:
On 28 March 2013, an Iranian Fishing Vessel FV Saad 1 was attacked and hijacked by armed
pirates while underway at position Latitude 11:52 North and Longitude 051:18 East, off Raas
Caseyr, Somalia at approximately 0746 UTC. About six pirates armed with guns attacked and
boarded the Fishing Vessel. They hijacked the vessel and took all 20 crew members as
hostage. Later, the Fishing Vessel was rescued on the same day with all crew safe.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The IMB appreciates the assistance and vital cooperation provided by the Coalition
naval forces / EU naval force (EUNAVFOR ATALANTA) / MSCHOA / US Navy /
French Alindien / NATO / UKMTO / Indian Navy / Iranian Navy / Malaysian Navy /
Russian Navy / Chinese Navy / South Korean Navy / Japanese Maritime SDF/ Singapore
Navy/ Royal Thai Navy / and Yemeni Coast Guard and Navy for assisting the many
vessels that have been attacked in the past by suspected Somali pirates both in the Gulf
of Aden and off eastern / southern Somali coast, Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and other
areas. The positive actions by the Navies including pre-emptive and disruptive counter
piracy tactics had resulted in the drop in the number of attacks.
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PIRACY NEWS
IMB: Responding to Piracy in West Africa
Over the last year there has been a marked decrease in attacks off Somalia. This has put into
fresh focus the rising incidents of attacks in the next piracy high risk area – the Gulf of
Guinea.
In 2012, there were a total of 55 attacks in this area with 10 vessels hijacked. In 2013, there
have already been 15 attacks which three vessels were hijacked. The hijacking of product
tankers was a phenomenon previously occurring in the waters off Nigeria. In recent years
these attacks have gone transnational to Benin, Togo and in the last four months attacks off
Cote D’Ivoire / Ivory Coast.
The Somali attacks are different to the hijackings in the Gulf of Guinea. Whereas the former
are aimed at hijacking the vessel and holding the crew and vessel for typically more than six
to eight months until a multi – million dollar ransom is paid for its release, the hijackings in
the Gulf of Guinea are aimed at the stealing of product oil cargo as well as the ship’s /
crew’s valuables. This typically takes around five to 10 days after which the vessel and the
crew are usually released. Not all attacks in the Gulf of Guinea are aimed at hijacking the
vessel. There are many attacks which are armed robberies where the vessel is ransacked, crew
valuables stolen, navigation and communication equipment destroyed and in some incidents
kidnapping of the crew members.
The response against piracy off the coast of Somalia was driven by the fact that Somalia did
not have a functioning central government or a national or even provincial law enforcement
infrastructure. This allowed the pirate gangs to operate with impunity particularly off the
coast of Central Somalia which became a haven for pirates to hold their hijacked vessels for
months, in some cases, years. Somali pirates attacked ships hundreds of miles off the Somali
coast, threatening major international trade routes such as Asia – Europe and the vulnerable
routes out of Arabian Gulf. It was with all this in mind that the UN Security Council issued a
series of Resolutions allowing foreign navies to operate anti-piracy operations close and
within Somali waters under certain conditions.
This is unlikely to be repeated in the Gulf of Guinea where all the coastal states are
functioning nations and most of the ships attacked are trading into ports along this coast.
In devising a response strategy to piracy in these waters, it is important that a sustainable
infrastructure is designed to support law enforcement efforts. It would ensure that long after
the attacks have subsided the infrastructure is seen as a viable and cost-effective solution.
This would point to the use of existing international mechanisms for reporting and
dissemination of attacks rather than creating new ones which simply duplicate systems now
available and confuse Masters who sail from one region of the world to another. The IMB
Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) has been receiving reports of attacks from Masters wherever
they may be in the world. In the Gulf of Guinea, this information has been promptly passed
on to Navies and Police/Coast Guards in the coastal countries for decades. As a result, vessels
hijacked by pirates have been released when local navies have intervened. The IMB PRC’s
services are free of cost to shipowners and law enforcement agencies/navies at all times.
It is a facility which is there to be used. It can easily plug in to any new effort to coordinate
government naval efforts or support centre to exchange information between national law
enforcement agencies. As it does not draw on additional resources or rely solely on the
incidents in the Gulf of Guinea, it is effective and sustainable in the long run.
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UK to assist Nigeria to tackle piracy
It was recently reported that UK will assist Nigeria to tackle piracy, oil thefts and security.
Britain’s Minister for Africa, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Mark Simmonds met with
Olugbenga Asiru, the Nigerian Minister for Foreign Affairs in Abuja and in his address, Mr
Simmonds said that the meeting gave both countries the opportunity to map out areas that
could strengthen bilateral relations. He said “We have discussed how we can cooperate over a
whole range of issues including oil theft in the delta region, piracy in the Gulf and challenges
that are being faced in northern Nigeria.”
US pressure Nigeria to tackle piracy
Mr Jeffrey Hawkins, the Consul General in the US Embassy in Nigeria said that lack of
communication and cooperation among security agencies was one of problems faced by these
agencies. He said “The US had talked with a lot of individuals associated with Nigeria’s
maritime environment in the past few months. From cargo theft to kidnapping for ransom, the
Gulf of Guinea is becoming known as a very dangerous place to do business. It is becoming
known as a place where you must sail in convoys and where you must hire armed guards –
who themselves are from the Nigerian police officers or navies and rhetorically should have
responsibilities other than serving as hired guns The Gulf is becoming known as a place
where you must prepare your crew to be attacked at any time. It is becoming known as a place
where maritime security enforcement is weak.” He hoped that the Nigerian government will
develop the political will to stop this menace.
African countries cooperate to tackle piracy
During the Ministerial Conference on Maritime Security in Benin recently, about 25 west and
central African countries have pledged to cooperate to tackle piracy and maritime crimes in
their waters. One of the plans is to establish a regional base to fight maritime crimes. The
Ministers from the African states namely the Economic Community of Central African States
(ECCAS), the Economic Community of African States (ECOWAS) and the Gulf of Guinea
Commission met to ratify ways to cooperate to tackle piracy which is beginning to spread to
other countries after being a long standing problem in Nigeria.
India supports Mauritius in the fight against piracy
Indian President Pranab Mukherjee said that his country supports the Mauritian government
in the fight against piracy. During his official visit to Mauritius, he said “Piracy in the Indian
Ocean affects us all negatively. India is very committed to the security of Mauritius and will
continue to work towards improving relations between the two countries.” Somali pirates
have threatened a vast area including Mauritius waters.
New UN Initiative to help Somalis
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a UN agency tasked with
supporting agricultural projects had announced a new programme to encourage Somalis living
overseas to invest in farming in Somalia. This initiative is to encourage diaspora investment
in agriculture in Somalia which will generate food and jobs for Somalis. Hopefully with
improved job security; Somali youths will be discouraged to become pirates.
Major Shipping Companies supports UNDP
A number of major shipping companies namely Shell, BP, Maersk, Stena, NYK, MOL, K
Line will provide USD 1 million to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Shell’s vice president Grahaeme Henderson said recently that by working with UNDP, they
hope to help provide alternative livelihoods and support local communities to help reduce the
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threat of piracy to seafarers in the area. In Somalia, the UNDP is tasked to create jobs,
employment and other social projects for Somali youths.
Malaysian PM highlights MMEA success against piracy
In its endeavour to defend Malaysia's sovereignty, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement
Agency (MMEA) has scored major successes against piracy in the Straits of Malacca, Prime
Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said at the end of March. "The MMEA has achieved
many successes in combating pirates in the Straits of Malacca. We are committed to
defending the nation's sovereignty," he said in a tweet. MMEA Air Operations Branch
director First Admiral (Maritime) Datuk Zammani Mod Amin stated that MMEA had gained
international recognition for its competence in combating piracy in the Straits of Malacca.
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