13 FEB 08
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OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE
CIVIL MARITIME ANALYSIS DEPARTMENT
WORLDWIDE THREAT TO SHIPPING
MARINER WARNING INFORMATION
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POC: DAVID PEARL:
COMM (301) 669-4905
FAX (301) 669-3247
E-mail dpearl@nmic.navy.mil
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SARAH ABOUFASHA:
COMM (301) 669-4784
FAX (301) 669-3247
E-mail saboufasha@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 Ship Operations, MAR-613, (202) 366-5735; FAX
(202) 366-3954, e-mail: opcentr1@marad.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/prc/piracyreport.php.
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D. Anti-piracy and crime current developments:
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1. WORLD FOOD PROGRAM ESCORT: The Danish Navy has taken over the task of
escorting UNWFP ships to Somalia per 06 Feb 08 reporting. The Danish took over from its
French counterpart which has been escorting WFP ships from Mombasa to Somalia following
increased cases of piracy along the coast of the Horn of Africa country. Denmark has agreed to
resume escorting duties for the next two months (LM: US News Service, Daily Nation).
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2. SRI LANKA: Suspected LTTE militants arrested, vessel seized 29 Jan 08, near
Rameshwaram. Three Sri Lankan Tamils were taken into custody as they arrived on a boat. The
three are being held at Sambai coast on suspicion of being Tamil militants. Their vessel has been
seized and they were interrogated (LM: News Today, Times of India).
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3. INDIA: A Comprehensive arrangement between the Indian Navy and Coast Guard was
made to increase the security along India’s coast to ward off a suspect LTTE intrusion, per 28
Jan 08 reporting. The arrangement was drawn up due to intelligence reports that stated the
LTTE could be sending fresh cadres into Tamil Nadu due to the heavy fighting in north Sri
Lanka between the Sri Lankan Army and the Tamil Tigers. A naval defense boat T-60 and Coast
Guard ship (RAZIA SULTANA) have been deployed in the Palk Bay. According to Naval and
Coast Guard officials, speedboats have been asked to intensify patrols along the Indian coastline,
and helicopters have also been pressed into service as well. The deployed vessels have been
fitted with radars and 30MM Medak guns and 12.7mm guns. The ships are also expected to
prevent Indian fishermen from entering Sri Lankan waters because of mines placed in several
areas by the Sri Lankan Navy to contain LTTE activities (LM: thaindian.com, Press Trust of
India).
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4. VIETNAM: A decision on the Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery
against ships outside of Vietnam’s waters was signed 17 Jan 08. The Viet Nam Department of
Maritime Police will cooperate with its Asian counterparts in implementing the agreement signed
by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. Under the decision, the Department of Maritime Police,
the Navy Force, and the Air Defense-Air Force Department will undertake tasks of combating
piracy and armed robbery against ships. Ships operating on the sea under the management of
ministries, agencies, and localities are required to inform the above-said bodies of suspicious
signs of piracy and robbery activities (LM: Vietnam News Agency).
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5. INDONESIA: The Indonesian government has agreed to install seven radars provided by
the US in the Makassar Strait to support security efforts in the major sea lane, as of 22 Jan 08
reporting. Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono stated the installation of seven radars is meant to
support ASEAN maritime defense and security. He explained that the US government is
committed to helping Indonesia build its capacity to secure its waters by providing the
surveillance radars. He also stated that the security of the Sea Lines of Communication in the
Asia and Pacific region is a matter of vital importance to its users. The US previously provided
Indonesia with five surveillance radars that were set up along the Malacca Strait to support
security (ANTARA News).
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6. SRI LANKA: The Sri Lankan Navy has put in place “underwater defense system” or
mines, between Kachchatheevu and Neduntheevu (Deft Island) as part of efforts to prevent
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) activities from crossing into Indian territorial waters,
per 23 Jan 08 reporting. The Sri Lankan Navy asked the Indian Navy to warn Tamil Nadu
fishermen against crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) for safety reasons.
A copy of the message was reportedly forwarded to all concerned authorities. Local Indian
fishermen raised the concern that they could not always identify the IMBL and distinguish
between Indian and Sri Lankan waters. They claimed that the sea between Kachchatheevu and
Neduntheevu is their “traditional” fishing ground (LM: The Hindu, Time of India).
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7. INDONESIA: The US government gave 15 patrol boats to Indonesia’s national police to
boost security in the sprawling archipelago on 17 Jan 08. Agence France-Presse quoted a US
embassy spokesperson as stating that the police will deploy the boats near the vital shipping
route of the Malacca Strait. The spokesperson explained that the high-speed patrol boats have
been given to the Indonesian national police to help them in their maritime security efforts. The
spokesperson also stated the grant was received after Indonesia lobbied the US government,
citing cases of drug smuggling across its maritime borders (Thomson Financial).
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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
DOT, U. S. Department of Transportation
FP, Fairplay, London
GP, Greenpeace
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
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
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
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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 highlights:
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A. Naval vessel attacked by unidentified assailants, crewmembers killed, 11 Feb 08 at the
Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) plant, Bonny Island, Nigeria (Para 5.G.2.).
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B. Security vessel (PATIENCE) boarded, robbed 11 Feb 08 at Buoy 35, Bonny Channel,
Nigeria (Para 5.G.3.).
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C. Product tanker boarded 30 Jan 08, Lagos anchorage, Nigeria (Para 5.G.5.).
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D. Vessel boarded, robbed 14 Feb 08, approximately 20NM off the coast of Tanzania (Para
5.H.1.).
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E. General cargo ship boarded 04 Feb 08, Dar es Salaam anchorage area 4, Tanzania (Para
5.H.2).
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F. UPDATE: Tug (SVITZER KORSAKOV) hijacked 01 Feb 08, Gulf of Aden (Para 5.H.4.).
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G. Yacht (COBRA) reported suspicious approach 29 Jan 08, 130NM east of Galle, Sri Lanka
(Para 5.H.8.).
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4. Contents and summary of threat areas detailed in paragraph 5:
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A. NORTH AMERICA:
1. No current incidents to report.
B. CENTRAL AMERICA-CARIBBEAN:
1. Yacht (CHAKITA) boarded, robbed 23 Dec 07, Chateaubelair, NW anchorage, St.
Vincent and Grenadines, per 06 Feb 08 reporting.
C. SOUTH AMERICA:
1. Bulk carrier boarded, robbed 31 Jan 08, Callao anchorage, Peru.
2. Vessel transporting tourists robbed, six passengers kidnapped, 14 Jan 08 Nuqui,
Colombia.
3. Yacht boarded, robbed 15 Jan 08, Bahia De Robledal, Isla De Margarita, Venezuela.
4. Fishing vessels attacked, robbed 22 Jan 08, off the coast of Coronie, Suriname.
5. Yacht (NIRVANA 3) boarded, crewmembers assaulted, robbed late Nov 07, Sao Luis
Yacht Club, Brazil, per 28 Jan 08 reporting.
6. Yacht (NIRVANA 3) reported suspicious approach late 2007, probably in Dec, near
Abrolhos Islands, approximately 87NM from the coast, Brazil, per 28 Jan 08 reporting.
D. ATLANTIC OCEAN AREA:
1. No current incidents to report.
E. NORTHERN EUROPE-BALTIC:
1. No current incidents to report.
F. MEDITERRANEAN-BLACK SEA:
1. Container ship reported suspicious approach 27 Jan 08, Agadir port, Morocco.
G. WEST AFRICA:
1. Bulk carrier boarded, robbed 30 Jan 08, Abidjan inner anchorage, Ivory Coast.
2. Naval vessel attacked by unidentified assailants, crewmembers killed, 11 Feb 08 at the
Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) plant, Bonny Island, Nigeria.
3. Security vessel (PATIENCE) boarded, robbed 11 Feb 08 at Buoy 35, Bonny Channel,
Nigeria.
4. Container ship boarded 01 Feb 08, Lagos port, Nigeria.
5. Product tanker boarded 30 Jan 08, Lagos anchorage, Nigeria.
6. Naval vessel NNS (KWAYEH) engaged in militant clash, one killed, others arrested, 24
Jan 08, Andoni River, Nigeria.
7. Tanker boarded, robbed 18 Jan 08, 3NM off Lagos, Nigeria.
8. Oil service vessel (LIBERTY) attacked by gunmen, 14 Jan 07, Bonny River near Aker
base, Nigeria.
9. Cement carrier boarded 31 Jan 08, 15NM southwest of Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea.
10. General cargo ship boarded, robbed 23 Jan 08, Luanda inner anchorage, Angola.
11. General cargo ship boarded, robbed 14 Jan 08, Luanda anchorage, Angola.
H. INDIAN OCEAN-EAST AFRICA:
1. Vessel boarded, robbed 14 Feb 08, approximately 20NM off the coast of Tanzania.
2. General cargo ship boarded 04 Feb 08, Dar es Salaam anchorage area 4, Tanzania.
3. Tanker fired upon 01 Feb 08, Gulf of Aden.
4. Tug (SVITZER KORSAKOV) hijacked 01 Feb 08, Gulf of Aden.
5. Fishing vessel hijacked 26 Jan 08, near the village of Seyla, off the coast of
Puntland, Somalia.
6. Tug and barge boarded, robbed 16 Jan 08, Kakinada OPL, India.
7. Possible fishing vessel manned by suspected LTTE members attack, kill sailors of Sri
Lankan Navy, 04 Feb 08, off Talaimannar, Sri Lanka.
8. Yacht (COBRA) reported suspicious approach 29 Jan 08, 130NM east of Galle, Sri Lanka.
I. RED SEA:
1. No current incidents to report.
J. PERSIAN GULF:
1. No current incidents to report.
K. SOUTHEAST ASIA:
1. Bulk carrier reported suspicious approach 02 Feb 08, South China Sea.
L. NORTH ASIA:
1. No current incidents to report.
M. PACIFIC OCEAN AREA:
1. No current incidents to report.
N. ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC NON-STATE ACTIVIST GROUPS:
1. Environmentalists abandoned its campaign of action against Japanese whalers in the
Antarctic, per 27 Jan 08 reporting.
2. Environmentalists clash with Japanese whalers 22 Jan 08 in the Antarctic Ocean.
3. Research/Fishing vessel (YUSHIN MARU NO 2) boarded by protesters 15 Jan 08,
approximately 360NM south of Heard and McDonald Islands.
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5. 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. ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES: Yacht (CHAKITA) boarded, robbed 23 Dec
07, Chateaubelair, NW anchorage, per 06 Feb 08 reporting. Three robbers, armed with machetes
and a gun, boarded the vessel with a married couple onboard. They demanded entry into the
hatch which resulted in a physical altercation. The husband suffered deep cuts to his head and
body. The robbers threatened to kill them if they did not hand over all their money. Police
arrived within 30 minutes of the incident (Operator: yachtpiracy.org).
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C. SOUTH AMERICA:
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1. PERU: Bulk carrier boarded, robbed 31 Jan 08 at 1955 local time while in position
12:01.8S-077:11.8W, Callao anchorage. Four robbers armed with long knives boarded the
vessel. The robbers tied up the duty crew and stole their personal belongings. They also broke
into the bosun store and stole ship’s stores and escaped. The Master tried to contact port
authority via VHF, no response (IMB).
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2. COLOMBIA: Vessel transporting tourists robbed, six passengers kidnapped, 14 Jan 08,
late in the afternoon shortly after landing near Nuqui. The six hostages belonged to a group of
19 people taking a boat trip on the Atrato river in the west of the country. When they stepped
ashore at one point in an area known locally as Morromico, they were surrounded by 10 armed
men who said that they were members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
The rebels took the tourists’ money, cell phones, as well as fuel from the vessel. The six
captives were then led into the jungle (AP, REUTERS, LM: Radio Netherlands Worldwide).
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3. VENEZUELA: Yacht boarded, robbed 15 Jan 08 at 2245 local time in position
01:11.03N-064:39.0W, Bahia De Robledal, Isla De Margarita. Five robbers armed with guns
boarded the vessel. They assaulted the crew and demanded all their property. One crewmember
was shot and injured. The incident was reported to the local authorities who undertook an
investigation (IMB).
4. SURINAME: Fishing vessels attacked, robbed 22 Jan 08, off the coast of Coronie. Five
pirates attacked the crews of 10 fishing boats in the Atlantic Ocean and robbed them of their
engines, fish and fish glue. Three of the boats had returned to the Number 66 Fish Port Complex
on the morning of 23 Jan 08. Some of the boats drifted to the Coronie shore where the
crewmembers awaited rescue; a rescue team from the complex had gone there with engines.
Reportedly a suspicious boat was spotted on the Rose Hall shore on 25 Jan 08. A patrol was
carried out but unable to trace a boat. According to the official, fishermen who are part of an
Anti-Piracy Committee were willing to pursue the “strange” boat using the one that the
government had presented to them. An official claimed that the piracy situation was under
control for one month but has started again since some of the men were granted bail in Suriname.
A reward of $500,000 for any information that can lead to the capture of the pirates had been
sent out (LM: starbroeknews.com).
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5. BRAZIL: Yacht (NIRVANA 3) boarded, crewmembers assaulted, robbed late Nov 07 at
0200, while at anchorage of the Sao Luis Yacht Club, per 28 Jan 08 reporting. The vessel
carrying a husband and wife couple was anchored alone at the mooring when it was boarded and
attacked by four men armed with three knives and one with a hand gun in a rowing boat. The
husband received several head wounds that required stitching. The wife was not physically
wounded but the intruders were reportedly very violent and aggressive. The couple was robbed
of their money, two laptops, two cell phones, alcohol, cigarettes, and more. The couple
contacted authorities by VHF ch.16 before police arrived and took the man to the hospital.
(Operator, Noonsite.com).
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6. BRAZIL: Yacht (NIRVANA 3) reported suspicious approach late 2007, probably Dec at
0600 near Abrolhos Islands, approximately 87NM from the coast, per 28 Jan 08 reporting. A
small fishing boat with four men on board reportedly chased the vessel. The vessel was traveling
at a speed of 9 knots but due to rough weather the suspicious vessel eventually moved away. A
call was made on chn. 16 for help (Operator, Noonsite.com).
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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:
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1. MOROCCO: Container ship reported suspicious approach 27 Jan 08 at 2105 local time,
while at berth, Agadir port. Three persons in divers’ suites, without cylinders, swam to the
vessel. The ship’s watchmen saw the divers and raised the alarm. The suspected robbers swam
to another berth and escaped. The Master informed the port control. The port police arrived an
hour after reporting (IMB).
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G. WEST AFRICA:
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1. IVORY COAST: Bulk carrier boarded, robbed 30 Jan 08 at 0145 local time, Abidjan
inner anchorage. Two robbers boarded the vessel. They stole ship’s store and escaped. The port
authorities were informed (IMB).
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2. NIGERIA: Naval vessel attacked by unidentified assailants, crewmembers killed, 11 Feb
08 at the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) plant, Bonny Island. The Nigerian Navy has
confirmed that a Naval vessel escorting a petroleum-industry watercraft was shot at by unknown
gunmen. It is believed that the attackers opened fire on the bridge and then boarded the vessel.
One sailor was reportedly killed and another died later at a hospital. After heavy retaliation from
the Navy, the gunmen retreated (LL, REUTERS, AFP, LM: This Day, Nigerian Tribune).
.
3. NIGERIA: Security vessel (PATIENCE) boarded, robbed 11 Feb 08 at Buoy 35, Bonny
Channel. The vessel, belonging to the Elf Petroleum Nigeria Limited, was boarded by unknown
gunmen and reportedly threw a crewmember overboard. The crewmember was later rescued by
another vessel. The gunmen injured other crewmembers and stole military firearms. There are
conflicting reports that the attack between this incident and the Naval vessel at the NLNG plant
were the same or happened simultaneously (LL, REUTERS, AFP, LM: This Day, Nigerian
Tribune).
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4. NIGERIA: Container ship boarded 01 Feb 08 at 0315 UTC, Berth Tin Can No. 4, Lagos
port. Three robbers boarded the vessel and broke into the forward paint locker. The duty officer
raised the alarm and the robbers escaped in a waiting boat. Nothing was stolen (IMB).
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5. NIGERIA: Product tanker boarded 30 Jan 08 at 2130 UTC in position 06:17.62N-003:
24.7E, Lagos anchorage. Four robbers armed with handguns and knives boarded the vessel. The
alert crew raised the alarm and the crew mustered. The robbers stole ship’s stores and escaped in
their waiting boat (IMB).
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6. NIGERIA: Nigerian Navy vessel NNS (KWAYEH) engaged in militant clash, one killed,
others arrested, 24 Jan 08, Andoni River. The naval vessel was patrolling when four men were
sited on a speedboat fully armed. Conflicting reporting states that the suspected militants opened
fire on the vessel causing them to retaliate, while an additional report from the Nigerian Navy
states they fired the initial warning shots at the vessel causing the militants to fire back. The
Navy was able to overpower them, killing one militant on the spot while three others were
arrested. There were no causalities for the navy. The militants were reportedly among those
who have been terrorizing vessels along Andoni and Bonny Rivers. The identities of the three
remaining attackers were given to authorities for further investigation and prosecution (LM:
Panapress, This Day, Vanguard).
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7. NIGERIA: Tanker boarded, robbed 18 Jan 08 at 0353 local time, 3NM off Lagos.
Robbers boarded the vessel during STS cargo operations, stole ship’s stores and escaped. No
injuries to crew (IMB).
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8. NIGERIA: Oil service vessel (LIBERTY) attacked by gunmen, 14 Jan 08, while
underway near Aker base, Bonny River. The vessel was attacked while in route to the
(MYSTRAS) platform. Eyewitness accounts said that a passing boat suddenly opened fire.
Crewmembers were reportedly injured (LM: This Day, Vanguard).
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9. EQUATORIAL GUINEA: Cement carrier boarded, robbed 31 Jan 08 at 0615 local time
while underway in position 03:12N-008:36E, 15NM southwest of Bioko Island. Ten armed
persons in military clothing boarded the vessel. The intruders identified themselves as Nigerian
rebels and only demanded food. After nearly six hours onboard, the intruders disembarked into
speedboats where another five accomplices were waiting. No injury to crew or damage to ship
(IMB).
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10. ANGOLA: General cargo ship boarded, robbed 23 Jan 08 at 0620 local time in position
08:46.2S-013:16.4E, Luanda inner anchorage. Robbers boarded the vessel and broke open the
forward paint locker, and stole ship’s stores unnoticed. A search was conducted, no robbers
were found. No injuries to crew. The authorities were notified (IMB).
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11. ANGOLA: General cargo ship boarded, robbed 14 Jan 08 at 0144 local time in position
08:42.9S-013:18.8E, Luanda anchorage. Two robbers boarded the vessel from a small boat.
They broke open the forecastle paint store and stole ship’s stores. The robbers were spotted by
ship’s crew. The alarm was raised, and the robbers jumped overboard and escaped (IMB).
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H. INDIAN OCEAN-EAST AFRICA:
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1. TANZANIA: Container ship boarded, robbed 14 Feb 08 at 0341 local time while drifting
in position 06:43.5S-43.8E, approximately 20NM off the coast awaiting berth. The vessel was
boarded by approximately three unarmed robbers from a small wooden boat with an outboard
engine. The general alarms and whistle were sounded and the crew mustered at 0345 local time.
The vessel increased speed and moved further away from the coast. The robbers fled
immediately. No injuries were reported. After further investigation, two containers were found
opened. Two ropes were found overboard, one from the forward life raft that was used to flee
and another one towards the aft of the ship. Authorities were informed (Operator).
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2. TANZANIA: General cargo ship boarded 04 Feb 08 at 0330 local time, Dar es Salaam
anchorage area 4. Twelve robbers in a speedboat approached the vessel and two of the robbers
boarded the vessel. The alert crew raised the alarm, SSAS was activated and the port control
was informed. The ship’s crew mustered and took necessary anti-piracy measures. The robbers
jumped into the water and escaped in their waiting boat. The police patrol boat came for
investigation (IMB).
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3. GULF OF ADEN: Product tanker fired upon 01 Feb 08 at 1510 local time while
underway in position 12:55N-051:23.6E. A small wooden fast boat with four men onboard was
observed approaching the vessel. The alert crew put their piracy attack plan in place, locking the
accommodation doors and starting the fire pumps. The small boat approached the tanker on the
port side at a distance of about 60 meters and the men signaled the vessel to stop. The master
had already commenced evasive maneuvering at which point the aggressors started firing at the
tanker’s accommodations. The tanker continued evasive maneuvers and discharged fire hoses
throwing water along the deck and aft. The speedboat followed the vessel for about six miles
appearing on the port and starboard quarter alternatively with the tanker’s zigzagging. The small
boat aborted the chase at 1530 local time. No damage to tanker except for bullet marks on
exterior accommodations. All vessels in the vicinity were alerted on VHF and the incident was
reported to Combined Maritime Forces in Bahrain (IMB, Operator).
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4. GULF OF ADEN: Tug (SVITZER KORSAKOV) hijacked 01 Feb 08 at 1400 UTC while
underway in position 12:57N-051:24E. An unknown number of Somali pirates attacked and
hijacked the vessel, taking its crew of six hostage. All crewmembers are reportedly unharmed
and negotiations are underway for an unknown ransom amount. The spokesman of a group of
gunmen who reportedly hijacked the ship has said that they are not pirates but are members of
the Ocean Salvation Corps. He stated they are a group of Somali nationals who take it upon
themselves to protect Somalia’s shores. On 06 Feb 08, it was reported that Puntland authorities
decided to send forces to rescue both hijacked vessels (the SVITZER KORSAKOV and the
Omani fishing vessel) believed to be in Eyl. On 11 Feb 08, Abdullahi Said, the district
commissioner for Eyl told the media that a warship had fired at Somali pirates while trying to
resupply the hijacked vessel. According to Said, there were no casualties, and the pirates
managed to escape. On 13 Feb 08, Hassan Osman Mohammad, Puntland’s minister for petrol
and mineral resources, stated Puntland troops in the northern region of Puntland exchanged
gunfire with the hijackers. The fighting broke out when Puntland troops fired at the hijackers as
they were docked nearby in Eyl. The pirates were reportedly waiting to have food and weapons
delivered to them by accomplices in smaller boats. He claimed one civilian was killed in a
nearby village and one Puntland soldier was wounded during the gunfire exchange. He stated the
pirates had used long-range arms, which struck a few houses in the nearby fishing village
(Operator, IMB, AFP, AP, Reuters, LM: Garowe, InsideSomalia).
.
5. SOMALIA: Fishing vessel reported hijacked 26 Jan 08, near the village of Seyla, off the
Puntland coast. The vessel was reportedly hijacked by six unidentified heavily armed gunmen
and taken to Eyl. The spokesman of a group of gunmen who reportedly hijacked the ship has
said that they are not pirates but are members of the Ocean Salvation Corps. He stated they are a
group of Somali nationals who take it upon themselves to protect Somalia’s shores. The name of
the vessel is unknown; however, it is allegedly owned by an Omani company. ONI
COMMENT: It would appear foreign controlled fishing vessels continue to operate in the
unregulated Exclusive Economic Zone of Somalia despite the risk of piracy and repeated
warnings to stay away. These vessels are easy to target and could be hijacked by any number of
potential perpetrators, many of which disdain their presence. This persistence poses a risk to
commercial shipping due to the demonstrated propensity for pirates to use hijacked fishing
vessels as motherships to conduct additional attacks (LM: Shabelle Media Network
(Mogadishu), AP, ONI, LM: Garowe).
.
6. INDIA: Tug and barge boarded, robbed 16 Jan 08 at 1345 local time while underway in
position 16:58.17N-082:24.26E, Kakinada OPL. Pirates in a small craft came alongside the
vessel towing a barge. They stole ship’s stores. The alert crew raised the alarm, the crew
mustered and took back the stolen stores and pushed the pirates back to their craft. The pirates
boarded the barge and left after 20 minutes. The local agents were informed (IMB).
.
7. SRI LANKA: Possible fishing vessel manned by suspected LTTE members attack, kill
sailors of Sri Lankan Navy, 04 Feb 08 at 1830 local time, off Talaimannar. LTTE reportedly
hijacked an Indian fishing boat and used it to fire at the Sri Lankan Navy; however; Indian
authorities believe the firing was not done from an Indian boat but from an LTTE vessel. The
LTTE fired RPG’s from the possible Indian trawler, destroying a naval craft and killing six of
the seven sailors on board. No retaliation could be taken because it was getting dark and there
were approximately 400 Indian fishing vessels in close proximity. It is also unclear on exactly
how the LTTE obtained the fishing vessels. Ten local fishermen are being questioned to verify
reports about their vessels being used in the attack against the Sri Lankan Navy. Coast Guard
officials stated that it may be a possibility that the fishermen were never hijacked but could have
been lending out their boats to the LTTE in exchange for a rent payment on the vessels and
would also allow the fishermen to fish in the area where plenty of fish was available (LM: The
Hindu, Daily News and Analysis).
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8. SRI LANKA: Yacht (COBRA) reported suspicious approach 29 Jan 08 while underway
in position 06:00.8N - 082:01.9E, 130nm East of Galle. A red fishing boat with five men
onboard approached the vessel. The crew fired shots in the air and the suspicious craft moved
away. The boat attempted to close in on the yacht twice, at 0830 and 1100 UTC but was
unsuccessful (Operator: Noonsite.com).
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I. RED SEA: No current incidents to report.
.
J. PERSIAN GULF: No current incidents to report.
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K. SOUTHEAST ASIA:
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1. SOUTH CHINA SEA: Bulk carrier reported suspicious approach 02 Feb 08 at 0030 local
time while underway in position 05:09N-106:51E. Two unlit white-hull speedboats, about five
meters long, approached the vessel (IMB).
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L. NORTH ASIA: No current incidents to report.
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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 CONSERVATION SOCIETY/GREENPEACE: Environmentalists
have been forced to abandon their campaign of direct action against Japanese whalers in the
Antarctic because their ships are running low on fuel, per 27 Jan 08 reporting. The Sea Shepherd
Conservation Society vessel (STEVE IRWIN) will head for Melbourne, Australia to undergo
minor repairs and refuel while its crew tries to secure enough fuel to resume its pursuit of
harpoon boats in the Antarctic. Greenpeace called off its campaign during the weekend of 26
Jan 08. The Greenpeace vessel (ESPERANZA) was also running low on fuel after its two-week
pursuit of the fleet’s factory ship, the (NISSHIN MARU) and is currently heading for Hobart.
The whalers are reportedly moving towards the Ross Sea according to an Orion flight that took
photographs of the Japanese whaling activities last week (LM: Guardian, Radio New Zealand,
stuff.co.nz).
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2. GREENPEACE: Environmentalists again clashed with Japanese whalers 22 Jan 08 in the
Antarctic Ocean, with Greenpeace activists failing in a risky attempt to prevent the fleet's factory
ship from refueling. The protesters were drenched with freezing water from Japanese hoses as
they piloted an inflatable boat between the factory ship (NISSHIN MARU) and supply ship
(ORIENTAL BLUEBIRD), a Greenpeace spokesman said from a ship trailing the Japanese fleet.
"They've gone ahead with refueling now," Greenpeace spokesman Dave Walsh told the
Australian Broadcasting Corp. television. "It was too dangerous for us to continue blocking
them because they were pushing their two ships together, which was quite a dangerous maneuver
with people sitting between on a boat," he added. After delaying the refueling, the Greenpeace
activists went back to documenting whale meat being transferred into the (ORIENTAL
BLUEBIRD). Minoru Morimoto, president of the Institute of Cetacean Research that organizes
Japan's whale hunts, urged Greenpeace to keep a safe distance from the whalers to protect human
life. "This was a very dangerous stunt that put lives at risk and did nothing for their cause," he
said. Meanwhile, after losing contact with the whaling fleet late on 18 Jan 08, Sea Shepherd's
ship, the (STEVE IRWIN), was hunting for the whalers again. Greenpeace has a policy of
refusing to provide position co-ordinates to Sea Shepherd, because of its methods of attacking
the whaling fleet, instead of intervening peacefully (AP, LM: The Age, GP).
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3. SEA SHEPHERD CONSERVATION SOCIETY: Research/Fishing vessel (YUSHIN
MARU NO 2) boarded by protesters, 15 Jan 08 at 1700 AEDT while underway near the
intersection of the coordinates 60:00S-077:00E, approximately 360NM south of the Heard and
McDonald Islands. The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) states Benjamin Potts, 28,
of Sydney, and Giles Lane, 35, from Britain, crew from the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
vessel (STEVE IRWIN), boarded the Japanese whaling vessel from a Zodiac boat. They
reportedly intended to hand its captain a letter. SSCS stated the men were held against their will
aboard the fishing vessel. The director-general Minoru Morimoto of Japan’s Institute for
Cetacean Research confirmed the protestors’ detention explaining it is illegal to board another
country’s vessel on the high seas. Mr Morimoto also claimed the protestors fist made attempts to
entangle the screw of the vessel using ropes and threw bottles of acid onto the decks. After the
two sides could not agree how to return the protestors to their vessel, the Australian customs ship
(OCEANIC VIKING) volunteered to transfer them. As of 18 Jan, the protesters were safely
back onboard the (STEVE IRWIN). The standoff brought Japan's whaling fleet to a temporary
standstill while officials worked out the details of the men's transfer. Glenn Inwood, a
spokesman for the Japanese whaling program told the media that the whaling fleet would now
resume its operations. Paul Watson, captain of the Steve Irwin, said he would resume
aggravating the whalers, though it was unlikely members of his crew would again try to board
one of the Japanese fleet. A spokeswoman for the Australian Federal Police said a full
investigation would be carried out but that no charges were laid. The dispute underscored the
high-stakes nature of the contest fought each year in the remote and dangerous seas at the far
south of the world, thousands of miles from the possibility of regular emergency or rescue
services (AP, LM: The Age, The Daily Telegraph).
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6. 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.
//