Maritime Incident Report: April 2021
Our monthly Maritime Incident Report: April 2021, covering maritime security and incidents throughout the Indian Ocean, West Africa, South East Asia and South America, for the period 01/04/21 – 30/04/21.
Executive Summary:
• 10 Filipino seafarers abducted from the Davide B on March 11 have arrived home.
• The Italian Navy joins Ghana’s anti-piracy campaign in the Gulf of Guinea.
• Israeli Car Carrier involved in an incident off Fujairah UAE.
• Iranian Cargo vessel attacked in the Southern Red Sea.
• A surge in the number of boarding and thefts reported in the Singapore Strait.
• Joint War Committee (JWC) announces creation of an insurance High-Risk Area off Mozambique
Global Update:
West Africa continues to be the focal point of piracy and kidnapping for ransom in the maritime domain, while in East Africa Somali piracy remains suppressed other more complex threats have emerged that threaten the safety of ships and seafarers in the Gulf of Aden, Southern Red Sea and Yemen. In the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz regional tensions have given rise to an increase of activity including the attack and boarding of vessels and harassment by state actors that is of cause for concern to commercial shipping. In SE Asia a total of 97 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported in 2020. This accounts for a 17% increase in the total number of incidents, and a 32% increase in actual incidents reported in 2020 compared to 2019.
West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea
Regional Situation
Kidnap for Ransom has become the modus operandi for criminals in the region, with incidents moving increasingly away from traditional locations in the Niger Delta to offshore with vessels being attacked up to 200nm from shore. Globally 135 crew were kidnapped from vessels in 2020 with the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) accounting for over 95% of crew numbers kidnapped. Since 2019, the GoG has experienced an unprecedented rise in the number of multiple crew kidnappings and in 2020 a record 130 crew members were taken in 22 separate incidents. Criminal activities in this region are particularly dangerous as over 80% of attackers were armed with guns and all 3 vessel hijackings and 9 of the 11 vessels fired upon globally in 2020 related to this area. Crew kidnappings were reported in 25% of vessel attacks in the GoG, more than any other region in the world. Once taken crews are removed from their vessel and can be held onshore until their release is negotiated. Ships are advised to exercise a high degree of caution if operating in the Gulf of Guinea, operators are reminded to regularly review their ship security assessment and plan using the International Ship and Facility Security Code (ISPS). Companies are also advised to maintain strict anti-piracy watches and report all pirate activity, including both actual and attempted attacks, as well as suspicious sightings, to local naval authorities and the MDAT-GOG. The use of BMP West Africa and OCIMF Bridge Cards are advised and provide a handy reference to aid in keeping ships safe.
Threat Assessment: HIGH – Vessels are advised to exercise extreme caution when transiting in and around West Africa.
Monthly Activity Report
Another statistically quiet month in the Gulf of Guinea region saw only one major incident reported, on 23rd Apr an unidentified container vessel was said to have been boarded 270nm S of Lagos in what appears to be another incident in the approaches to the Nigerian EEZ. Ten Filipino seafarers who were abducted from De Poli Tankers’ vessel Davide B off the coast of Benin in the Gulf of Guinea on March 11 have arrived home. The safe return home of the seafarers was made possible through close coordination between the Philippine government and the Dutch owners of the tanker. A statement released by De Poli said the 2016-built chemical tanker Davide B was boarded by nine armed men off Cotonou, Benin on March 11 with 15 out of 21 crewmembers kidnapped. The crew consisted of Ukrainian, Romanian, and Philippine nationals. The Italian Navy is the latest European force to join Ghana’s anti-piracy campaign in the Gulf of Guinea. Crew from the Carlo Bergamini-class frigate Luigi Rizzo berthed Tema Port earlier this week. The Italian Navy is set to provide training to 187 Ghanaian soldiers in a bid to strengthen the provision of maritime security in waters off West Africa. The ICC Yaoundé and Nigeria NIMASA announced a new framework for maritime stakeholders to work together to deliver collaborative action – the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Collaboration Forum GOG-MCF(SHADE): https://lnkd.in/d_su5h6
Fig 2: Map of Incidents within West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea, during the period 01/04/21 – 30/04/21.
West Africa and Gulf of Guinea Incidents
1. 02 APR 21
Location: 0250UTC 09°14 N 13°49 0W
Details: Conakry Guinea. A robbery occurred on an MV whilst at Conakry anchorage. The local authorities were informed and dispatched a patrol boat to secure the area.
2. 20 APR 21
Location: 1855UTC 03°2 7N 03° 17 24E
Details: A skiff approached a ship to 0.5nm and followed for 45mins but failed to come alongside.
3. 21 APR 21
Location: 0938UTC 03°41 0N 03 33 0E
Details: Nigeria EEZ, a small boat with approximately 8 individuals onboard reported 165 Nm south of Lagos.
4. 21 APR 21
Location: 1351UTC 01°10 34N 04 57 40E
Details: Small boat suspected of involvement with piracy was sighted 202nm SW Brass Port Nigeria.
5. 23 APR 21
Location: 1100UTC 01°27 0N 04 38 0E
Details: A container ship attacked and boarded 185nm SSW Bayelsa State Nigeria, crew mustered in the citadel.
6. 24 APR 21
Location: 0221UTC 01°52 0N 03 17 0E
Details: Vessel reported as boarded on 23 Apr was said to be under escort. Vessel and crew are safe.
7. 27 APR 21
Location: 1050UTC 04 15 38 08 31 33
Details: Cameroon, reports of suspicious skiff 80 nm NW of Limbe.
Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean
Regional Situation
Somali piracy remains suppressed but not eradicated, however, Pirate Action Groups (PAG) still have the intent and means to conduct criminal activity at sea. This is currently denied to them by the presence of international naval forces, the use of BMP5 measures by ships transiting the area and the deployment of Armed Security Teams on merchant ships provided by Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSC). This combination of deterrents is vitally important if the status quo is to be maintained. Although piracy is in a controlled state other asymmetric threats have emerged that threaten the safety of seafarers in the region, spill over into the maritime domain from the Yemen conflict is of particular concern. The recent attacks against MT Stolt Apal and Gladiolus in the Gulf of Aden using Waterborne Improvised Explosive Devices (WBIED) have no obvious perpetrators (no one has claimed responsibility) but are likely linked to terrorist organisations (AQAP) operating in Yemen.
Threat Assessment: MODERATE/HIGH – Vessels are advised to exercise caution when transiting the high-risk area (HRA).
Monthly Activity Report
An Israeli-owned car carrier was reported to have been attacked and to have suffered an explosion off the coast of Fujeirah. The initial opinion was that the incident was in relation to the recent ongoing series of events involving Iranian and Israeli ships but was later downgraded to a suspicious approach. UKMTO issued a number of Notices relating to regional military exercises and live firing events which can be viewed on their website at UKMTO.org
* On 26 April, the Joint War Committee representing Lloyd’s and other IUA companies released details of changes to the Indian Ocean High-Risk Area and the creation of a High-Risk Area off Cabo Delgado Mozambique. JWC circular JWLA-26 can be viewed via the following link, https://bit.ly/3vk9fy8
Fig 4: Map of Incidents within the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, during the period 01/04/21 – 30/04/21.
Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean Incidents
1. 13 APR 21
Location: 1200UTC 25°11 48N 56 41 40E
Details: An Israeli-owned ship reportedly attacked off the coast of Fujairah. There the ship is the Hyperion Ray, a vehicle carrier that was allegedly hit by a missile fired by Iranian forces.
Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz
Regional Situation
Simmering tensions between the US and its allies and the Islamic Republic of Iran boiled over during the middle of 2019. The Trump administration pursued a ‘Max Pressure’ policy against Iran after it failed to stop its nuclear fuel enrichment program which led to sanctions being placed against the export of Iranian oil. In an apparent retaliation to the boarding of an Iranian oil tanker delivering crude to Syria (against the sanctions), the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) boarded and detained the UK flagged vessel Stena Impero. 4 ships were attacked at anchor off Fujairah UAE with what appeared to be limpet mines and 2 ships underway in the Northern Arabian Sea were also attacked by similar means. In response to these actions, the international community formed the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) and the European Maritime Awareness Mission Strait of Hormuz (EMA SOH) both designed to reassure commercial shipping and deter state actor interference with the free flow of commerce through the SoH. The situation remains tense with IRGC frequently stopping and hailing vessels during transits.
Threat Assessment: MODERATE – Vessels are advised to exercise caution when transiting the high-risk area (HRA).
Monthly Activity Report
Ships continue to be contacted by Iranian naval forces as they transit the Strait of Hormuz, although there is nothing directly threatening about this situation it has caused concern and unease in the merchant shipping community. The IMSC and EMA SOH continue to patrol the area in a reassurance role. UKMTO issued a number of Notices relating to regional military exercises and live firing events which can be viewed on their website at UKMTO.org
Fig 6: Map of Incidents within the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, during the period 01/04/21 – 30/04/21.
Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz Incidents
There were no reported incidents in the region this month
Yemen and the Southern Red Sea
Regional Situation
A conflict has existed in Yemen since 2015 that has on occasion spilled over into the maritime environment particularly in the Southern Red Sea (SRS) littoral. Iranian backed Houthi rebels have attacked warships and crude oil tankers linked to the Saudi-led coalition who are supporting the internationally recognised Government of Yemen led by President Hadi. The Houthi have deployed sophisticated weaponry including surface-to-surface missiles, sea mines and Waterborne Improvised Explosive Devices (WBIED) and have successfully engaged and caused damage to naval and targeted commercial ships. The threat of collateral damage or attack through misidentification of merchant shipping transiting the Bab el Mandab and SRS is real and commercial ship operators are advised to follow current guidance given in BMP5 and by military sources.
Threat Assessment: MODERATE/LOW – Vessels are advised to exercise caution and remain vigilant.
Monthly Activity Report
An Iranian ship suffered an explosion off the Eritrean coast. The vessel MV Saviz, is said to be an intelligence reconnaissance vessel belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and has been pictured in the past with military personnel on board. The ship was reported to have suffered major damage but was not sunk. Iranian authorities have since claimed that the vessel was in the area to support anti-piracy operations. Iran claimed that the vessel was targeted with a Limpet Mine. Commercial ships are advised to increase vigilance when transiting the area and follow current guidance to stay as far west as possible from the Yemen coast, using the Western Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) around the Hanish Islands in the entrance to the Bab el Mandab strait. The Yemeni Houthi rebels were suspected of being behind an attempt to manoeuvre an explosive-laden boat into King Fahd port KSA.
Fig 8: Map of Incidents within Yemen and Southern Red Sea, during the period 01/04/21 – 31/04/21.
Yemen and Southern Red Sea Incidents
1. 6 APR 21
Location: 0259UTC 15°50 17N 41 25 25E
Details: An Iranian cargo vessel was attacked in the Southern Red Sea. Reports suggest the ship suffered an explosion which may have been caused by a Limpet Mine.
2. 27 APR 21
Location: 0630UTC 23°27 4N 38 11 7E
Details: Yanbu Saudi Arabia, suspected explosion reported south of the King Fahd Port in Yanbu. The port is reportedly transmitting to ships in the area to be on the lookout for small boat activity after black smoke had been spotted south of the port. Later reports from the Saudi Defence Ministry said their navy had intercepted and destroyed an explosive-laden small boat.
South-East Asia
Regional Situation
Maritime crime in SE Asia and particularly in the Singapore Strait and Sulu-Celebes Seas has traditionally manifested itself in incidents of armed robbery and theft from vessels at ports and anchorages. Of specific concern in 2020 was the continued increase of incidents onboard ships while underway in the Singapore Strait, this numbered 34 incidents compared to 31 in 2019 and despite efforts by littoral states to increase patrolling and law enforcement.
Threat Assessment: HIGH – Vessels are advised to exercise caution and be aware of the rising threat of unauthorised boarding.
Monthly Activity Report
Concerns were raised this month after the region witnessed a surge in the number of reported boardings and theft from vessels in the Singapore Strait. 5 incidents were reported in the area North of Bintan Island, in some of the incidents the attackers were armed with knives. Elsewhere there were 2 non–maritime security accidents that resulted in injuries to crew members.
Fig 10: Map of Incidents within South-East Asia, during the period 01/04/21 – 30/04/21.
South-East Asia Incidents
1. 6 APR 21 1200UTC
Location: 02 59 52N 101 22 37E
Details: 1 person was reported dead and 3 injured after a gas leak on LPG tanker off Port Klang, Malacca Strait.
2. 8 APR 21 0800UTC
Location: 02 31 22N 101 47 33E
Details: 2 crew were reported to be in a critical condition after receiving burns after an explosion on bulk carrier RAPALLO in Port Dickson
3. 8 APR 21 1547UTC
Location: 01 16 42N 104 16 1E
Details: Singapore Strait, an attempted armed robbery was reported on board the bulk carrier OLDENDORFF. Four suspects, armed with knives were spotted in the engine room. The suspects pushed the motorman out of their way, hitting him in the head in the process. The suspects fled the ship without stealing anything.
4. 8 APR 21 2150UTC
Location: 01⁰16.13N 104⁰15.56E
Details: Singapore Strait, the product tanker HARRISBURG was boarded by 2 robbers. Both suspects fled empty-handed after the alarm was raised.
5. 10 APR21
Location: 1715UTC 01⁰16.32 N 104⁰14.75 E
Details: Engine parts were stolen from the bulk carrier PANTAZIS L in the Singapore Straits. The ship’s master reported that 4 perpetrators were first sighted in the engine room. Upon sighting by the ship crew, the perpetrators jumped overboard. The vessel conducted a check and reported some engine parts were stolen.
6. 12 APR 21 1948UTC
Location: 05 48N 118 4E
Details: Sandakan Malaysia, during loading of Palm Oils, one crew heard a sound from vessel’s forecastle while on cargo watch at ship’s manifold. When he looked in that direction he observed a stranger moving around on the forecastle and raised the alarm for intruders. OOW and one AB rushed to the forecastle but before they got there the stranger/intruder jumped overboard and when they got to the location, they saw a small skiff sailing away. A quick investigation of the forecastle found the padlock to the forward Bosun store had been broken but no entry had been made as the thief had been interrupted when observed by the crew. A thorough search of the whole ship did not find any more intruders but it was discovered that the ships forward anchor bell was missing/stolen.
7. 16 APR 21 2100UTC
Location: 01 16.4N 104 14.3E
Details: In the Singapore Strait 4 robbers boarded the bulk carrier IONNA L whilst underway. They assaulted and injured the fourth engineer, stole engine spares and escaped. The alarm was raised and the crew mustered. On searching the vessel, no robbers were found.
8. 17 APR 21 1540UTC
Location: 01° 16 03N 104° 1208E
Details: A report was received that a boarding occurred on the tanker MT BASSET while underway in the Singapore Strait. The Duty Engineer on routine rounds noticed someone was trying to open the steering gear entrance door from the poop deck and immediately informed the bridge. The alarm raised and all deck and accommodation lights switched on. Hearing the alarm, the perpetrators escaped. The crew mustered and a search was carried out but nothing was reported stolen.
South America
Threat Assessment: MODERATE/LOW – Vessels are advised to exercise caution and be aware of the rising threat of armed robbery.
Monthly Activity Report
Priavo Maritime Security has observed an increase in the reporting of theft from vessels at anchorages or alongside in ports in South Americas’ Western Pacific region over the last 12mths. A number of incidents have taken place particularly in Callao Peru and Guayaquil Ecuador.
Fig 12: Map of Incidents within South America, during the period 01/04/21 – 30/04/21.
South America Incidents
1. 13 APR 21 0840UTC
Location: 12 2 19S 77 11 16E
Details: Callao Peru, 3 armed men robbed an anchored LPG tanker at the Callao Anchorage. The suspects were armed with knives and two of them assaulted the duty AB during the robbery. The alarm was raised and the suspects fled with some of the ship’s property. Local authorities were alerted.
For More Information
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