26 FEB 09
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OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE
CIVIL MARITIME ANALYSIS DEPARTMENT
WORLDWIDE THREAT TO SHIPPING
MARINER WARNING INFORMATION
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POC: ANDREW MOULDER:
COMM (301) 669-4784
FAX (301) 669-3247
E-mail amoulder@nmic.navy.mil
DAVID PEARL:
COMM (301) 669-4905
FAX (301) 669-3247
E-mail dpearl@nmic.navy.mil
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1. This message provides information on threats to, and criminal
action against merchant shipping worldwide in the last 30 days.
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A. To aid in our reporting, please add the Office of Naval
Intelligence (ONI) as an information addressee when possible to
your normal corporate and organizational reporting requirements.
The ONI message address is ONI WASHINGTON DC//11// or, the ONI
Violence at Sea (VAS) desk may be contacted at commercial phone
(301) 669-4905 or via e-mail: dpearl@nmic.navy.mil. Report
may also be made to the National Response Center (U.S. Coast
Guard) hotline: 1-800-424-8802 or the Maritime Administration,
Office of Security, MAR-420; TEL 202-366-1883; FAX 202-366-3954;
EMAIL owen.doherty@dot.gov
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B. This Worldwide Threat to Shipping Report is posted at the
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s Maritime Safety site:
http://www.nga.mil/portal/site/maritime.
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C. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) also publishes a
weekly piracy summary, based on reporting from the IMB Piracy
Reporting Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Each week's report is
published on Tuesday and may be accessed through
their web page http://www.icc-ccs.org/.
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D. Anti-piracy and crime current developments:
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1. GULF OF ADEN: NATO to Send New Anti-Piracy Mission to Somali Coast, 19 Feb
09. NATO will send six more warships to fight pirates off the coast of Somalia that threaten the
shipping lanes for a tenth of the world’s trade. North Atlantic Treaty Organization defense
ministers agreed to restart patrols in the Gulf of Aden, a choke point for oil tankers and cargo
ships passing through the Suez Canal toward Europe and the U.S. NATO Secretary General Jaap
de Hoop Scheffer said the anti-piracy work would involve vessels from a six-ship standing naval
group as they sail to Singapore and Australia, via the Gulf of Aden, on a series of port visits.
Parts of that trip could be changed to allow a short anti-piracy mission. NATO’s first mission,
involving three ships, lasted seven weeks until the alliance handed off to a six-ship patrol under
the EU flag in December. The deployment was NATO’s first to the Gulf of Aden, another step
toward widening the alliance’s role beyond its original mission to defend European territory.
NATO claimed credit for safely escorting 30,000 tons of food to Somalia (Bloomberg, AFP).
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2. GULF OF ADEN: Russian navy captures 10 Somali pirates, 12 Feb 09. The Russian
nuclear-powered cruiser (PETR VELIKIY) captured 10 Somali pirates in three vessels in the
Indian Ocean armed with grenade launchers, automatic rifles, and landmines, according to a
navy spokesman. The Russian navy said a helicopter from the (PETR VELIKIY) spotted the
pirates in two speed boats as they motored toward an Iranian fishing trawler. The speed boats
turned around and headed back to a bigger pirate ship which the Russian warship then
intercepted. The navy managed to confiscate grenade launchers, automatic rifles, landmines and
500 grams of a "narcotic substance," among other things. The ten pirates were later handed over
to Yemeni authorities (AFP, Reuters).
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3. MALAYSIA: Malaysian police detain seven Indonesian pirates, 16 Feb 09. Malaysia's
marine police on Monday captured a group of seven pirates from Indonesia who had been
attacking vessels in the Straits of Malacca. The seven men, who had been attacking vessels in
the Strait of Malacca, were arrested after they threw three grenades at the police boat and the
police damaged the engine on the pirates' vessel, according to a marine police official. One of
the captured pirates was wounded by the police gunfire and three escaped, the police official
said. Police said that they suspected the gang had been behind thefts from ships worth $111,000
over the past year (Reuters, AP).
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4. NIGERIA: A two-day old strike by Nigerian freight and forwarding agents to protest
high charges is worsening cargo congestion in Lagos, the country’s main seaport, 10 Feb 09.
According to union leaders, the strike might be extended to those in the southern cities of Port
Harcourt, Warri, and Calabar unless there was a reduction in the fees. Port activities were halted
for the second day on 10 February as dockworkers also joined the strike in solidarity with the
customs agents. Union officials said the strike has worsened the congestion at the port, adding
that over 90 oil tankers and cargo ships were waiting to berth at the Lagos port. Another batch of
70 ships are expected to arrive in Lagos this week. ONI Comment: In the past, ONI has
observed an increase in robberies against merchant vessels when delays at anchor exceed one
week (ONI, AFP).
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5. GULF OF ADEN: Somali pirates handed over to Dutch authorities, 11 Feb 09. Five
suspected Somali pirates are to appear in a Netherlands court over an alleged foiled attack on a
ship in the Gulf of Aden, according to Dutch prosecutors. They were extradited after being
arrested by the Danish Navy following a 2 January attempt to board a Dutch Antilles-registered
cargo freighter, (SAMANYOLU). The crew kept the gang at bay with signal flares until a naval
frigate came to sink the pirates' boat. The accused risk up to nine years in jail if found guilty. The
alleged leader of the group could face a 12-year sentence if convicted. A Rotterdam magistrate
will decide whether to remand them in custody for two more weeks, the Dutch Public
Prosecution Office said. A prosecution spokesman said on Tuesday the accused had been flown
to the Netherlands on a military plane from the Gulf state of Bahrain (BBC).
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6. GULF OF ADEN: US Navy intercepts two separate pirate attacks, arrests 16 suspected
pirates in Gulf of Aden, 12 Feb 09. The US Navy said it arrested seven suspected pirates in the
Gulf of Aden on 11 Feb 09 and nine more the following morning after distress calls from two
tankers, (POLARIS) and (PREM DIVYA) were answered by US naval warships (USS VELLA
GULF) and (USS MAHAN). A team from the (VELLA GULF) intercepted a small skiff with
seven men onboard matching descriptions given by the (POLARIS) crew after they reported men
on a skiff trying to board their vessel. US Navy search teams "found several weapons" on the
skiff used by the suspected pirates, according to a US Defense Department spokesman. The
second incident occurred the following morning when the (PREM DIVYA) reported shots being
fired at it. The (VELLA GULF) responded again, and when the skiff attempted to escape after
warning shots were fired, the (MAHAN) intercepted the retreat and arrested nine men onboard.
A boarding conducted by both warships discovered weapons including one RPG. The action was
carried out by the new counter-piracy multinational task force, CTF 151, operating in and around
the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and the Red Sea. All 16 suspected pirates, whose
nationality was not given, are being held onboard the (VELLA GULF) until they are transferred
to a temporary holding facility onboard a US naval supply ship. The suspects will eventually be
transferred to Kenya, where a new court system is being set up to try and punish pirates (AP,
AFP, UPI,).
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7. ONI SPECIAL ADVISORY: A suspicious skiff was reported in location 13:52N –
050:12E at 0636 UTC on 27 Jan 09, approximately 75 NM southeast of Al Mukalla, Yemen. The
suspicious skiff was described as a blue hull speed boat, 10 meters in length with five to six
people onboard, heading 358 degrees with a speed of 14 knots. The sighting was reported to a
naval warship in the area, which proceeded to investigate the skiff. The warship reported having
seized five pirates and their ammunition and weapons. Another speed boat was also sighted in
the area. ONI Comment: Somali pirates have recently released multiple vessels after receiving
ransom payments. Past reporting suggests efforts to hijack additional vessels increase as
previously hijacked vessels are released. Past reporting also suggests efforts to hijack vessels
increase as wind speeds decrease. Over the next 48 hours, wave heights are only expected to
reach 1 ft., with wind speeds averaging 10 kts, which is very condusive to piracy operations.
Pirates appear to be most active and successful when average wind speeds are between 0 to 10
knots. Activity is also reported when winds are between 10 to 15 knots but pirates appear to be
less successful under these conditions. Little to no incidents are reported when winds average
between 15 to 20+ knots. This time of year, when prevailing monsoon winds are out of the
Northeast, wind speeds are lower and more conducive to piracy operations closer to the Yemeni
coast and less favorable in the central Gulf of Aden. Information on current wave heights for the
Gulf of Aden and east coast of Somalia can be found here:
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/marine/weather?05&LANG=en&WIND=g158&LEV= (ONI,
IMB).
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8. GULF OF ADEN: French navy arrests nine suspected Somali pirates, foiling their
attempt to hijack a cargo ship, 27 Jan 09. According to French military sources, the French
frigate (LE FLOREAL), which was patrolling the waters off the coast of Somalia, dispatched a
navy military helicopter on Tuesday after receiving a distress call from the cargo vessel
(AFRICAN RUBY), which came under attack from armed men on board two speeding boats.
The navy helicopter pursued the pirate boats in international waters off the coast of the northern
Somali region of Puntland. The chopper fired warning shots and the nine men on the skiffs were
later detained (AFP).
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9. JAPAN/GULF OF ADEN: Japan navy to deploy ships off Somalia, 28 Jan 09. Japanese
Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada has ordered the dispatch of ships to fight pirates off
Somalia. He did not say how many ships would be sent or when, but told the military to assess
what sort of force was needed. Japan’s parliament and Prime Minister would need to pass a
formal order before the ships could set off, a process expected to take a month (BBC).
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10. KENYA/GULF OF ADEN: The Kenyan government has agreed to try pirates captured
by the U.S. military, according to a senior Defense Department official, 29 Jan 09. The
agreement came about earlier this month through a memorandum of understanding signed by
U.S. State Department and Kenyan government officials. Britain also has a similar agreement
with Kenya. The U.S.-Kenyan memorandum "adds to the range of possibilities in terms of being
able to attack this problem," US spokesman Bryan Whitman said. And, "having a place to
prosecute these people," he added, should help to discourage pirate activity in the region
(American Forces Press Service).
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11. DJIBOUTI/GULF OF ADEN: Nine countries sign deal to fight Somali piracy, 29 Jan
09. Countries from the region most affected by Somali piracy on Thursday signed a deal
enhancing cooperation in the fight against piracy in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden. A code
of conduct was signed by eight coastal nations as well as Ethiopia during a special meeting
convened in Djibouti under the auspices of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The
document provides for the creation of three information centres in Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, and
Sanaa, and a training centre for anti-piracy units in Djibouti. The nine signatories are Djibouti,
Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, the Maldives, the Seychelles, Somalia, Tanzania and Yemen. The
code of conduct says coastal states should make the necessary changes in their legislations to
facilitate the arrest and prosecution of piracy suspects (AFP).
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12. SWEDEN/GULF OF ADEN: Sweden to send naval vessels to Somalia, 29 Jan 09.
Sweden's government decided Thursday to send naval vessels to join European Union's antipiracy mission off Somalia. The Swedish contribution to the EU's mission, code-named
Operation Atalanta, would consist of two corvettes, one support ship, and a security force of
about 160 personnel, the government said in a statement. Sweden's participation in the mission is
intended to begin in the first half of 2009 and last for a maximum of four months. Before the
operation moves forward, however, the government's request must first be approved by the
Riksdag (Government Offices of Sweden).
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E. Source codes: Information contained in this report is
derived through direct reporting and analysis of reports of other
agencies and commercial sources. Source codes will be added to
new reports to enable users requiring more detail to make contact.
Codes currently in use are:
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AFP, Agence France Presse
AP, Associated Press
BBC, BBC News
BIMCO, Baltic and International Maritime Council, Denmark
DHS, U. S. Department of Homeland Security
DOJ, U. S. Department of Justice
DOS, U.S. Department of State
DOT, U. S. Department of Transportation
FP, Fairplay, London
IMB, International Maritime Bureau, London and Kuala Lumpur
IMO, International Maritime Organization, London
INFO, Informa Group, formerly LLP, Llp Limited, London
LAT, Latitud38.com website
LL, Lloyd's List, daily, London
LM, local media
MARAD, Maritime Administration, US
MSC, Maritime Security Council, US
MSCHOA, Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa http://www.mschoa.eu/
NATO, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Brussels
NGA, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Navigation
Safety System
ONI, Office of Naval Intelligence analysis and comment
Operator, owner or operator of affected vessel
OSAC, Overseas Security Advisory Council
USCG, United States Coast Guard
RAN, Royal Australian Navy
ReCAAP ISC, Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy
and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia, Information Sharing Center
http://www.recaap.org
REUTERS, Reuters
RNZN, Royal New Zealand Navy
SAP, Seafarers’ Assistance Program, Kenya
STATE, U. S. Department of State
TW, Tradewinds
UKMTO, United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization
UPI, United Press International
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2. Designation of a high threat area is based on an assessment of
all source information relating to the existence of, or potential
for piracy and other crime, terrorism, civil unrest or low
intensity conflict. Every effort is made to ensure that incidents
are not double-counted. In the event double counting is detected
or an event is later learned not to be as initially reported, an
explanation of the cancellation of the inaccurate report will be
made in at least one message prior to dropping the erroneous
report. Specific incidents will be reported for one month.
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3. This week's reporting:
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A. Container ship robbed 18 Feb 09, Callao anchorage, Peru.
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B. General cargo ship reported suspicious approach 21 Feb 09, Gulf of Aden.
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C. Bulk carrier (SALDANHA) hijacked 22 Feb 09, Gulf of Aden.
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D. Bulk carrier (YAN DANG HAI) fired upon 25 Feb 09, Gulf of Aden.
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E. Fishing trawler fired upon 19 Feb 09, Indian Ocean.
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F. Tug boat (MLC NANCY 5) robbed 19 Feb 09, Strait of Malacca.
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4. DETAILS: There is reported active violence against shipping,
a credible threat to shipping, or the potential to develop into a
direct threat to the safety of shipping in the following areas:
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A. NORTH AMERICA: No current incidents to report.
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B. CENTRAL AMERICA-CARIBBEAN:
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1. ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA: Yacht boarded, attacked 20 Jan 09 in the early morning
while anchored in Moscito Cove, per 4 Feb 09 reporting. Three men attacked the vessel early in
the morning and one of them managed to slip into the cabin. A fist fight ensued and the captain
managed to get the man out of the cabin. As he was trying to push the robber into the water, the
robber pointed a gun at them, but they managed to close the hatch, put on outside spots, and
called for help. The three men left shortly after (Noonsite.com).
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C. SOUTH AMERICA:
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1. PERU: Container ship robbed 18 Feb 09 at 1055 local time while anchored at Callao
anchorage. While waiting for a bunker barge, the vessel was approached by two small boats.
The two boats asked for heaving lines to assist securing the bunker barge. The officer of the
watch suspected them of being robbers and raised the alarm. The crew mustered, and while their
attention was diverted by the men in the two boats, robbers gained access onto the ship, probably
via the anchor chain, and stole ship’s stores, which was only realized when an inspection was
carried out (IMB).
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2. PERU: Container ship robbed 14 Feb 09 at 0300 local time while anchored at Callao
anchorage. Robbers boarded the vessel and broke open the bosun store, stealing ship’s stores.
The master informed local police, but the authorities did not arrive (IMB).
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3. PERU: Container ship robbed 6 Feb 09 at 2000 local time while anchored at Callao
anchorage. Six masked robbers armed with long knives in black clothes boarded the vessel.
They attacked and seized two duty watchmen, broke into the bosun store, and stole ship’s stores.
Other watchmen noticed the robbers and reported to the bridge. The alarm was raised and the
crew mustered. The robbers escaped upon hearing the alarm. Port control was informed and a
police patrol boat came but no investigation was conducted (IMB).
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4. BRAZIL: Catamaran boarded, captain killed, 8 Feb 09 while anchored in position 12:53S
– 038:40W, Itaparica marina. Two robbers armed with guns in a small row boat boarded the
vessel at anchor. The captain confronted the men and they shot and killed him. The robbers
jumped overboard and swam off leaving their row boat. Nothing was stolen. (IMB).
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D. ATLANTIC OCEAN AREA: No current incidents to report.
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E. NORTHERN EUROPE-BALTIC: No current incidents to report.
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F. MEDITERRANEAN-BLACK SEA: No current incidents to report.
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G. WEST AFRICA:
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1. NIGERIA: Tanker fired upon 10 Feb 09 at 1905 local time while underway in position
03:59N – 005:47E, southeast of Pennington terminal. Ten heavily armed pirates in a speed boat
approached and attempted to stop a tanker underway. The pirates opened fire at the vessel. The
alarm was raised and crew alerted. The master took evasive maneuvers and prevented boarding.
The pirates continued firing at the vessel and attempted to board but failed due to effective
preventive measures. Later, the pirates aborted their attempt (IMB).
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2. NIGERIA: Tanker attacked, robbed 14 Feb 09 at 2130 UTC while at Lagos anchorage.
Around 12 to 14 robbers wearing masks and armed with AK-47s boarded the vessel at anchor.
They took a crewmember hostage and forced him to guide them to the bridge. They opened fire
and destroyed the ship’s communication system and then stole ship’s stores and personal
belongings before departing after 30 to 40 minutes. No crewmembers were injured (IMB).
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3. NIGERIA: Vessel attacked, captain killed 5 Feb 09 at 0200 UTC while operating in an
oilfield off the coast of southern Nigeria’s Akwa Ibom state. Two private security groups
working in the sector said a gang in two boats attacked the vessel. The captain of the vessel was
killed and one other crewmember was injured, according to sources (AP, Reuters).
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H. INDIAN OCEAN-EAST AFRICA:
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1. GULF OF ADEN: General cargo ship reported suspicious approach 21 Feb 09 at 1900
UTC while underway in position 14:31N – 053:43E. Men in an unlit high-speed boat
approached the vessel and attempted to board. The master raised the alarm, increased speed,
took evasive maneuvers and the crew switched on additional lighting and activated fire hoses.
The pirates aborted their due to the evasive maneuvers taken by the crew (IMB).
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2. GULF OF ADEN: Bulk carrier (SALDANHA) hijacked 22 Feb 09 at 0400 UTC while
underway in position 12:33N – 047:01E. Armed pirates attacked the (SALDANHA) underway.
They boarded the vessel, took crewmembers hostage and hijacked it to an undisclosed location.
Further details are awaited (AFP, IMB, Operator).
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3. GULF OF ADEN: Bulk carrier (YAN DANG HAI) fired upon 25 Feb 09 at 0556 local
time while underway in position 13:11N – 049:16E. The vessel reported coming under fire and
sent out a distress call. The Danish destroyer (ABSALON) responded and seized the pirates’
skiff after the vessel managed to escape. Upon boarding the skiff, they discovered an RPG, four
AK-47s, two grenades, and a knife (Operator, BBC, AFP).
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4. GULF OF ADEN: Bulk carrier (JOBLOS) fired upon 12 Feb 09 at 1430 UTC while
underway in position 13:09N – 049:09E. Five pirates armed with RPGs in a black and white
colored speed boat approached and fired upon the vessel. They attempted to board the ship from
the port side using a steel ladder. The master raised the alarm, sent distress messages, and took
evasive maneuvers. The coalition forces sent a helicopter to the location. After 10 minutes,
pirates aborted their attack (AFP, IMB, Operator).
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5. GULF OF ADEN: Tanker (POLARIS) reported attempted boarding 11 Feb 09 at 1430
local time while underway in position 12:59N – 048:16E. Seven men in a white speedboat
armed with automatic weapons and an RPG approached the tanker from the west. The captain
sounded the alarm and alerted the crew, and conducted evasive maneuvers and activated SSAS.
The tanker notified UKMTO, CMF, and naval warships in the area. The men in the speedboat
used a portable ladder to try to climb onboard the tanker. The crew managed to detach the ladder
before the men could climb onboard. After four attempts, the pirates aborted their attempt. A
US warship in the area responded to the distress call and later arrested all seven pirates
(Operator, IMB).
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6. GULF OF ADEN: Tanker (PREM DIVYA) fired upon 12 Feb 09 at approximately 0330
local time while underway in position 12:46N – 047:52E. The vessel sent out a distress call
reporting shots being fired upon it by a small skiff and that men onboard the skiff were
attempting to board. A US naval warship responded and deployed a helicopter to the scene.
Upon arrival, the helicopter ordered the skiff to stop, and when it failed to comply, warning shots
were fired. The skiff was finally stopped when a second US warship intercepted the retreat. The
skiff was boarded and nine pirates were arrested (AP).
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7. GULF OF ADEN: Bulk carrier reported suspicious approach 29 Jan 09 at 0620 UTC
while underway in position 12:27N – 044:10E. Gunmen in six speed boats surrounded the vessel
underway. The master raised the alarm, took evasive maneuvers and the crew activated fire
hoses. One of the speedboats chased the vessel for about one mile. Seeing the alert crew and the
aggressive maneuvers the men stopped chasing the ship. Later, the master noticed another five
boats waiting in the vicinity of the ship. The master immediately activated SSAS and contacted
the coalition forces. A Chinese helicopter arrived at 0710 UTC and the men eventually
abandoned their pursuit. Later, a German coalition warship arrived at the location. The ship
continued on its voyage (IMB).
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8. GULF OF ADEN: Tanker reported suspicious approach 2 Feb 09 while underway in
position 12:21N – 043:58E. A total of approximately 14 skiffs approached the vessel with armed
persons onboard. Some of the men in the boats were dressed in camouflage military style
uniforms. Four of the skiffs crossed the bow of the vessel to the port side while four others were
on the starboard side. The master increased speed and raised the alarm while the crew activated
fire hoses. The incident lasted approximately 15 minutes before the suspicious craft gave up
their pursuit (Operator, IMB).
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9. GULF OF ADEN: Vessel (AFRICAN RUBY) reported suspicious approach 27 Jan 09 at
0636 UTC while underway in position 13:52N – 050:12E. The captain spotted a blue hull speed
boat, 10 meters in length with five or six people onboard bearing 358 degrees with a speed of 14
kts. The captain reported the craft to a nearby naval warship which deployed a helicopter to
investigate. Fourteen pirates were later ceased along with weapons and ammunition (IMB,
AFP).
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10. GULF OF ADEN: Tanker (LONGCHAMP) hijacked 29 Jan 09 at 0340 UTC while
underway in position 14:10N – 049:58E. The tanker was reportedly en route from Norway to
Vietnam when it was attacked and boarded by seven pirates, according to a spokesman for the
ship’s company. There are 13 crew members onboard including 12 Filipino and one Indonesian
(IMB, UPI, Reuters).
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11. INDIAN OCEAN: Fishing trawler fired upon 19 Feb 09 at 1630 UTC while underway
in position 04:33N – 052:55E. Five pirates in a boat fired upon the trawler and attempted to
board it. The master conducted evasive maneuvers, increased speed, and moved away. The ship
sustained bullet hole damage. There was no leakage and no casualties (IMB).
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12. INDIAN OCEAN: Vessel fired upon 11 Feb 09 at 0630 UTC while underway in
position 10:39N – 055:54E. Vessel was approached by a light blue colored skiff described as 5
to 7 meters long with five men onboard armed with guns and an RPG, travelling more than 20
knots. Multiple shots were fired at the vessel, hitting the accommodation. The master conducted
evasive maneuvers and activated fire hoses. The vessel was able to escape and coordinated with
a Russian warship for assistance. ONI Comment: Attack occurred approximately 280NM east
of Bargaal, Somalia and 135NM southeast of Socotra Island, Yemen, which represents a new
operating area for pirates (Operator, ONI, IMB,).
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13. TANZANIA: Container ship robbed 14 Feb 09 at 0030 UTC while anchored at Dar es
Salaam roads. Three robbers armed with knives boarded the vessel. They tied up the duty
watchman on deck, took his personal belongings and then opened a container and stole the cargo.
At 0200 UTC, the robbers left the ship in a small boat after releasing the duty watchman. Port
authorities were informed but no action was taken (IMB).
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14. TANZANIA: Container ship reported attempted boarding 28 Jan 09 at 2340 UTC while
anchored at position 06:43S – 039:18E, Dar es Salaam. Four robbers in a small wooden boat
attempted to climb onboard an anchored container vessel. Alert duty watchmen informed the
duty officer who raised the general alarm and directed the ship search light towards the robbers.
Seeing that they were noticed, the robbers aborted the attempt and moved away. Port control
was informed (IMB).
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15. INDIA: Bulk carrier robbed 9 Feb 09 at 2330 local time while anchored at Lightering
anchorage, Kakinada. Robbers boarded the vessel via the forecastle and stole ship’s stores and
escaped before being noticed by watch keepers (IMB).
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I. RED SEA: No current incidents to report.
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J. PERSIAN GULF: No current incidents to report.
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K. SOUTHEAST ASIA:
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1. MALAYSIA: Bulk carrier boarded 12 Feb 09 at 0448 local time while anchored off
Tanjung Bulat. Five robbers in a wooden boat approached the vessel at anchor. One of the
robbers boarded the ship and attempted to steal ship’s stores. A crewmember noticed the robber
and informed the bridge who raised the alarm, sounded ship’s horn, and informed ships in the
vicinity via VHF Ch. 16. The robber jumped overboard and escaped with his accomplices.
Nothing was reported stolen (IMB).
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2. STRAIT OF MALACCA: Tug boat (MLC NANCY 5) robbed 19 Feb 09 at 1430 local
time while underway in position 05:10N – 099:06E. The (MLC NANCY 5) was towing a barge
en route to Singapore from Colombo when it was attacked by a group of 12 pirates from a small
speed boat. The pirates took all the navigational equipment including radars, VHF radios, SSB
radios, and personal belongings of the crew before fleeing in their small boat. The captain and
one other crew member were kidnapped, but no other crew members were injured. The two men
were later released (ReCAAP, AFP).
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3. INDONESIA: Chemical tanker boarded 29 Jan 09 at 0345 local time while anchored in
position 06:10S – 108:25E, Balongan anchorage. Four robbers boarded the vessel at anchor.
They tried to enter into the accommodation but were noticed by the duty crew who raised the
alarm. Upon hearing the alarm, the robbers climbed down into their boat and escaped. The
master broadcast a security alert message to all ships in the vicinity and tried to call Balongan
radio but received no response (IMB).
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L. NORTH ASIA:
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1. RUSSIA: Vessel (NEW STAR) fired upon 14 Feb 09 while underway off the coast of
Vladivostok. The Chinese cargo vessel was being detained at the Russian port of Nakhodka after
being suspected of smuggling. The vessel left the port without permission, and after failing to
stop after warnings were given, a Russian warship fired on the vessel, eventually sinking it.
Three Chinese sailors were rescued, while seven others were still missing (Reuters, AP).
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M. PACIFIC-ANTARCTIC OCEAN: No current incidents to report.
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N. ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC NON-STATE ACTIVIST GROUPS:
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1. SEA SHEPHERD: Sea Shepherd’s anti-whaling vessel (STEVE IRWIN) collided with
Japanese whaler on 6 Feb 09, in the Southern Ocean near Antartica. The (STEVE IRWIN)
collided with the (YUSHIN MARU 2) as the harpoon vessel tried to block its attempt to prevent
the transfer of a dead whale up the slipway of the factory ship (NISSHIN MARU), according to
the captain of the (STEVE IRWIN), Paul Watson. The collision crushed a railing at the back of
the Japanese ship, but there were no reports of injuries. In a statement, the Japanese research
group condemned the protesters’ actions. The day before, members onboard the (STEVE
IRWIN) tbrew bottles of butyric acid (rancid butter) and prop fouling devices at the Japanese
ships. The whalers reportedly responded by hurling pieces of blubber and whale meat at the
ship. Earlier in the week, activists from Sea Shepherd accused Japanese whalers of injuring
members onboard the (STEVE IRWIN) by using long range acoustic devices against the
protesters. A spokesman for the research group denied these claims and insisted any actions
taken were in self defense (AFP, AP, Reuters).
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5. Originator of this WWTTS report requests consumer feedback.
Originator will incorporate all anti-shipping events and violence
against the maritime industry into this weekly message where
appropriate. The Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) can be contacted
via message traffic at ONI WASHINGTON DC//11// or, the ONI
violence at sea (VAS) desk may be contacted at comm. phone
(301) 669-4905 or via e-mail at dpearl@nmic.navy.mil.//