Maritime Incident Report: April 2024

Our monthly Maritime Incident Report: April 2024 covers maritime security and incidents throughout the Indian Ocean, Europe, West Africa, South East Asia and South America for the period 01/04/24 – 31/04/24.

• Europe: human migration events significantly increase.
• Red Sea and Gulf of Aden: Houthi attacks significantly reduced.
• Indian Ocean and Somali Basin: MV ABDULLAH, released by Pirates for a reported $5m USD.
• Indian Ocean and Somali Basin: Four Pirate Action Groups active. Vessel attacked by a UAV.
• Persian Gulf: MSC ARIES boarded by Iranian forces.
• Southeast Asia: increased robbery in Bangladesh ports.
• Gulf of Guinea and South America: reported crime decrease.
• Caribbean: reported crime increases – theft from pleasure craft is endemic.

Executive Summary

1. Europe. The number of human migration events in the Mediterranean Sea increased in April largely due to an improvement in weather conditions. there were 6 reported incidents where passing vessels were requested to intervene or rescue migrant vessels in distress. In the Black Sea, there remains an indirect threat to commercial vessels operating in the ports of Ukraine from Russian bombardment of port infrastructure. 

2. The Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. According to regional military authorities, there have been 15 Houthi attacks in the region during April compared to 40 in March. This reduction in incidents is likely due to the presence of more naval warships operating in the area which have been highly successful in intercepting missiles and drones launched by the Houthis. 

3. The Indian Ocean and Somali Basin. The threat from piracy-related activity has remained current throughout April with 4 commercial vessels reporting suspicious approaches by single and multiple small craft that appear to be hijack attempts. A large ransom of $5m USD was reported to have been paid to Somali pirates for the release of the bulk carrier ABDULLAH which had been held in Somalia since 12 March 2024. Regional military authorities assess there is currently a Pirate Action Group (PAG) active off the north of Socotra Island and up to 3 other PAGs operating across the region. A container vessel was struck by a UAV southeast of Socotra Island in what appears to be a shift in the Houthi area of operations. 

4. The Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. Iran continues to threaten commercial vessels transiting the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz. Heightened tension between Iran and Israel is thought to be behind the boarding and hijacking of the Israeli-linked container vessel MSC ARIES which was en route from the UAE to India. 

5. Southeast Asia and the South China Sea. Regional tensions which had flared in March between China and the Philippines over the sovereignty of several island groups, subsided in April. Elsewhere armed robbery and boardings of ships underway and at anchor continue to pose the greatest risk to vessels operating in the region. 

6. West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea. There was only 1 incident reported in this region during April. 

7. Latin and South America and the Caribbean Sea. There was a security incident reported in Georgetown, Guyana but elsewhere the level of crime in South American ports remains low. Due to the current political situation in Ecuador, we would advise against visits to the port of Guayaquil. The drought conditions that led to the restriction of the number of vessels allowed to transit the Panama Canal eased in April. In the Caribbean, where robbery from pleasure craft appears to be almost endemic, there were 5 incidents to report including an attempted act of piracy. 

1. Regional Report: Europe

Monthly Activity

Human migration events in the Mediterranean Sea grew in April largely due to an improvement in weather conditions. There were 5 reported incidents where passing vessels were requested to intervene or rescue migrant vessels in distress. For further advice on preparing your vessel and crew in the event you are involved in a human migration incident, contact a member of our team at enquiries@priavosecurity.com. In the Black Sea, there remains an indirect threat to commercial vessels operating in the ports of Ukraine from Russian bombardment of port infrastructure.

Maritime Incidents

1. Mediterranean Sea. 02 April 2024 – Human Migration:
29 migrants were rescued by a commercial ship 24 nm south of the island of Crete. 

2. Mediterranean Sea. 03 April 2024 – Human Migration:
45 migrants were rescued by the Italian Coastguard off the Island of Lampedusa. 

3. Mediterranean Sea. 05 April 2024 – Human Migration:
333 migrants were rescued near Lampedusa.  

4. Mediterranean Sea. 10 April 2024 – Human Migration:
59 migrants were rescued in the central Mediterranean. 

5. Mediterranean Sea. 15 April 2024 – Human Migration:
27 migrants were rescued off Cyprus.

6. Mediterranean Sea. 21 April 2024 – Human Migration:
82 migrants were rescued off Izmir, Turkey. 

Operational Status of Ukraine’s Black Sea Ports

•The Danube ports of Reni, Izmail and Ust-Dunaisk are open with some restrictions.
• Belgorod Dniestrovskiy is open with some restrictions.
• Odesa Port is open.
• Skadovsk port is closed.
• Chornomorsk is reported to be open. Grain export only.
• Pivdenny is open.
• The port of Berdyansk is closed.
• Mykolaiv (Olvia) Port is closed. Cargo operations are suspended for commercial operations.
• Mariupol Port is closed. The city is controlled by Russian forces, and the port is reported by the Russian military to be operational but it remains closed according to Ukraine’s Maritime Administration.
• Kherson Port is closed. Cargo operations are suspended for commercial operations.

2. Regional Report: Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea

Monthly Activity

According to regional military authorities, there have been 15 Houthi attacks in the region during April compared to 40 in March. Of these 15 incidents only 4 resulted in a ship being directly targeted, in the other incidents the incoming missiles and drones were destroyed by naval warships. This reduction in incidents is likely due to the presence of more naval warships operating in the area which have been highly successful in intercepting missiles and drones launched by the Houthis. Despite this reduction in Houthi activity, there remains a significant risk to ships transiting the region from conflict-related threats.

Maritime Incidents

1. Red Sea. 01 April 2024 – Vessel Attacked:
UKMTO reported that an unnamed vessel was attacked 150nm northwest of Hodiedah, Yemen. 

2. Red Sea. 06 April 2024 – Missile Attack:
The Marshall Islands-flagged container vessel HOPE ISLAND was attacked by three separate missiles that were fired at the vessel whilst transiting the Red Sea, Bab-al-Mandeb Strait and later, in the Gulf of Aden. These were all intercepted and no missiles struck the vessel. The vessel was likely targeted due to its connection to the UK. 

3. Red Sea. 26 April 2024 – Missile Attack/Impact:
UKMTO reported an incident 14nm southwest of Mocha, Yemen. Three anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) were launched from Yemen into the Red Sea in the vicinity of MV MAISHA, an Antigua/Barbados flagged cargo vessel and MV ANDROMEDA STAR, a Panamanian flagged tanker. MV ANDROMEDA STAR reported minor damage. No injuries were reported and both vessels continued their voyage. 

4. Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. 29 April 2024 – Missile Attack:
UKMTO reported an incident 54nm northwest of Al Mukha, Yemen. Update 001: UKMTO has been informed by Company Security Officer of an explosion close to a Merchant Vessel. The vessel and crew are reported safe. Authorities are investigating. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.

5. Gulf of Aden. 24 April 2024 – Vessel Attacked:
UKMTO reported an incident 72nm southeast of the port of Djibouti. The Master of a Merchant Vessel reported an explosion in the water a short distance from the vessel. The vessel and crew were reported to be safe. 

6. Gulf of Aden. 25 April 2024 – Vessel Attacked:
UKMTO reported an incident 15nm southwest of Aden, Yemen. The Master reported that a loud bang was heard and a splash and smoke were seen coming from the sea. The vessel and all crew are safe.

3. Regional Report: The Indian Ocean and Somali Basin

Monthly Activity

The threat from piracy-related activity has remained current throughout April with 4 commercial vessels reporting suspicious approaches by single and multiple small craft that appear to hijack attempts. A large ransom was reported to have been paid to Somali pirates for the release of the bulk carrier ABDULLAH which had been held by pirates in Somalia since 12 March 2024. Regional military authorities assess there is currently a Pirate Action Group (PAG) active off the north of Socotra Island and up to 3 other PAGs operating across the region. A container vessel was struck by a UAV southeast of Socotra Island in what may signal a shift in the Houthi’s area of operations. 

Maritime Incidents

1. The Somali Basin. 13 April 2024 – Vessel Released:
The Bangladesh-flagged bulk carrier MV ABDULLAH which had been held by Somali pirates since 12 March 2024, was released and was said to be underway approximately 30nm South of Eyl, Somalia. It was confirmed that a $ 5 million (USD) ransom had been paid to a Somali pirate gang for the release of the ship. The vessel arrived in Dubai on 22 April. The crew were all reported to be safe. 

2. The Indian Ocean. 09 April 2024 – Suspicious Approach:
The Master of a vessel reported that two skiffs approached his vessel 504nm east of Socotra, Yemen. increased speed and changed course to close distance with the vessel from initially 5 miles away. After 30 minutes of pursuit, the skiffs turned around. It is also reported that the skiffs were in the vicinity of a large, coloured ship. The vessel and crew are reported to be safe, and the ship reported she was heading to her next port of call. 

3. The Indian Ocean. 20 April 2024 – Suspicious Approach:
A merchant vessel in a position 570nm east of Socotra Island reported being approached by a dhow with several green-coloured skiffs. The master reported the dhow followed the ship for several minutes before ending the pursuit. 

4. The Indian Ocean. 21 April 2024 – Suspicious Approach:
A merchant vessel reported a suspicious approach by three skiffs 50nm southeast of Socotra. The pursuit began 5nm away from the vessel, and after changing course to stay clear of the skiffs, they stopped their pursuit. The crew and vessel are safe. 

5. The Indian Ocean. 26 April 2024 – UAV Attack:
UKMTO reported an incident 170nm southeast of Socotra, Yemen. The Master of a container vessel reported a suspected Drone (UAV) attack on his vessel while the ship was transiting in the Indian Ocean. The vessel and crew are reported safe and the vessel is proceeding to its next port of call. 

6. The Indian Ocean. 28 April 2024 – Suspicious Approach:
The Master of a commercial vessel reported that a small craft which was blue and yellow, with four persons onboard approached the vessel on the port side. The commercial vessel conducted self-protection measures and the small craft ceased its pursuit and left the vicinity. The vessel and crew are reported to be safe and the vessel is continuing to its next port of call. 

4. Regional Report: The Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman

Monthly Activity

Iran continues to threaten commercial vessels transiting the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz. Heightened tension between Iran and Israel is thought to be behind the boarding and hijacking of the Israeli-linked container vessel MSC ARIES which was en route from the UAE to India. 

Maritime Incidents

1. Gulf of Oman. 13 April 2024 – Vessel Seized:
The Israeli-affiliated container ship MSC ARIES was boarded by Iranian Revolutionary Guards as she was leaving the Strait of Hormuz. The guards boarded the ship from a helicopter and took control of the vessel before making the master take the ship to a position near the port of Bandar Abbas in Iran. The Iranian foreign ministry said the ship had been seized for “violating maritime laws”.  

5. Regional Report: West Africa and Gulf of Guinea

Monthly Activity

There was only one maritime incident reported in this region during April.

Maritime Incidents

1. Gulf of Guinea. 15 April 2024 – Fake Distress Call:
A vessel received a call on the SAT-C phone from a person pretending to be the Coastguard and Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC). This person stated that a fishing vessel was in distress, asking the vessel to assist. the position of the fishing vessel was in position 0.5nm from the harbour of Tombua, Angola, and 150nm from the vessel position. After receiving the call, the vessel called the MRCC to confirm the genuineness of the distress. The MRCC could not confirm it, resulting in the vessel concluding that it was not a genuine distress. 

6. Regional Report: South East Asia

Monthly Activity

Regional tensions which had flared in March between China and the Philippines over the sovereignty of several island groups, subsided in April. Elsewhere armed robbery and boardings of ships underway and at anchor continue to pose the greatest risk to vessels operating in the region. Ports in Bangladesh have emerged as regional hotspots for boarding and robbery in recent months. 

Maritime Incidents

1. Indonesia. 03 April 2024 – Armed Boarding/Theft:
Kuala Tanjung Port, three robbers armed with knives boarded a berthed bulk carrier. They entered the engine room, took a crew member hostage and tied his hands. The robbers released the crew member before escaping with ship’s engine spare parts.

2. Indonesia. 12 April 2024 – Boarding/Theft:
Balikpapan Anchorage, Indonesia. An anchored product tanker was boarded by four perpetrators via the anchor chain. They broke into the forecastle store and escaped with ship’s stores and property. The incident was reported to Balikpapan port control. 

6. Regional Report: South America and Caribbean

Monthly Activity

There was a security incident reported in Georgetown, Guyana but elsewhere the level of crime in South American ports remains low. Due to the current political situation in Ecuador, we would advise against visits to the port of Guayaquil. The drought conditions that led to the restriction of the number of vessels allowed to transit the Panama Canal eased in April. In the Caribbean, where robbery from pleasure craft appears to be almost endemic, there were 5 incidents to report including what appears to be an attempted act of piracy. 

Maritime Incidents:

1. Guyana. 12 April 2024 – Boarding:
A container vessel was boarded by three unauthorised persons armed with knives during berthing manoeuvres. The alarm was raised and the crew mustered resulting in the persons escaping it is not known if anything was stolen. The Incident was reported to port authorities and a patrol boat searched the area while a security team performed a security search. 

2. Honduras. 20 April 2024 – Suspicious Approach:
A motor yacht was transiting from the San Blas islands, Panama, to the US via the Yucatan channel. At 1830hrs approximately 130nm from the northeast coast of Honduras, the yacht observed a 50–65-foot white fishing vessel at a distance of 1.8nm. At this point, the yacht altered course and increased speed, the fishing vessel then altered its direction onto an intercept course. There were no radio communications. As a precaution, the yacht went dark (lights and AIS off). Several course changes by the yacht were mirrored by the fishing vessel that continued to track at speed on an intercept course. The yacht contacted the US Coastguard and began to prepare for a boarding. After about a half hour of pursuit/evasion, the yacht had increased the distance to 2.3nm and the fishing vessel turned around, reduced speed and slowly headed southwest back to the area where it had first been sighted. 

3. Caribbean. 16 April 2024 – Theft – Puerto Rico:
A yacht that had been anchored for almost a month among about 30 other yachts opposite the Old San Juan marina, had its dinghy stolen overnight while the owner slept onboard. The dinghy was recovered ashore the next morning with the engine missing. A report was made to the marina and to the police.

4. Caribbean. 20 April 2024 – Theft – Saint Maarten:
Overnight a Starlink Satellite system was stolen from a yacht moored in Simpson Bay Lagoon. A police report was made and Starlink was notified. 

5. Caribbean. 20 April 2024 – Theft – Anegada, British Virgin Islands:
A charter yacht had its unlocked dinghy/outboard stolen from the Lobster Trap dinghy dock while they were ashore for dinner. A local search did not locate the dinghy.