Maritime Incident Report: August 2020
Our monthly Maritime Incident Report: August 2020, covering maritime security and incidents throughout the Indian Ocean, West Africa, South East Asia and South America, for the period 01/08/20-31/08/20.
Indian Ocean Overview
In terms of Piracy, the Indian Ocean region has been inactive during this reporting period. However, there have been two initially confusing incidents where vessels were boarded by local security forces. It is highly likely that piracy activity will continue to be sporadic and infrequent. It remains the case that lower-risk opportunities in other criminal enterprises such as the smuggling of people, narcotics, weapons and charcoal have likely reduced the appetite and desire for local actors to conduct piracy. However, there is cause for reminder that the threat from piracy is only suppressed, not eliminated.
1. BOARDED
Date: 12/08/2020
Location: Gulf of Oman
Details: At 1632 UTC on 12 Aug 20, a merchant vessel, the MT WILA was apparently boarded by Iranian naval forces 23nm NW of the KHOR FAKKAN Anchorage, south east of the Strait of Hormuz. Footage from a US naval asset in the area suggests the boarding was carried out using a helicopter. It is understood that the vessel was not detained and was allowed on its way.
2. BOARDED
Date: 16/08/2020
Location: Off Somali Coast
Details: The MT AEGIAN II suffered a damaged hull and was drifting when it was reportedly boarded by an armed group and taken to Bereeda, Somalia. Initial reports suggested this was a possible hijacking. After an investigation by EUNAVFOR it was confirmed that the vessel was in fact boarded by a local police force, however, the Master had said that an “incident” did take place between the crew and the police. This is not considered a maritime security incident. The MT AEGIAN II weighed anchor and is currently underway proceeding to an intermediate destination being closely monitored by EUNAVFOR.
West Africa Overview
This reporting period has increased in terms of maritime crime and piracy compared to the previous month. There have been five reports of maritime crime.
Vessels are advised to exercise extreme caution when transiting in and around West Africa.
1. BOARDED
Date: 10/08/2020
Location: Luanda Anchorage
Details: Three robbers boarded an anchored general cargo ship. The deck patrol was threatened and tied by the robbers. When the deck patrol did not report for 15 minutes, the OOW raised the alarm. Crew mustered, proceeded forward and noticed the tied apprehended crew. The robbers escaped with stolen ship’s properties.
2. BOARDED
Date: 18/08/2020
Location: 13nm SE of Takoradi, Ghana
Details: Duty AB on routine rounds onboard an anchored drilling ship noticed a movement near the aft deck. He called for assistance on the radio. Seeing the crew alertness, the unknown persons jumped overboard and escaped in their canoe. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the paint store and boxes containing spares was broken into. Nothing reported stolen. Incident to the Port Authority.
3. BOARDED
Date: 22/08/2020
Location: Banan Anchorage, DRC
Details: A theft occurred on an MV at Banana anchorage, Democratic Republic of Congo. 2 people have been sighted on the forecastle deck. The alarm was raised and the crew mustered. 1 mooring line has been cut and reported stolen. The crew were reported safe.
4. BOARDED
Date: 28/08/2020
Location: 82nm SSE of Anloga
Details: Unknown persons attacked a fishing vessel. Two crews were reported kidnapped. The incident was reported to the Ghana Authorities. The vessel sailed to a safe port. Investigations are ongoing.
5. ATTEMPTED BOARDING
Date: 28/08/2020
Location: 113NM off Tema, Ghana
Details: MT reported a small craft (12-14 meters) with 6-8 people on board. Metallic ladder sighted. There was an attempt made to board, vessel manoeuvred, and the attempt was aborted. Vessel and crew are safe.
South East Asia Overview
This reporting period has seen an increase on last month, with six incidents of maritime crime reported. These incidents generally use the same modus operandi whereby persons armed with knives or more rarely guns, board a vessel, either underway or at anchor and steal ship stores or engine spares before making their escape. If they are caught in the act they will generally attempt to escape or more rarely they will confront and subdue the crew before escaping.
1. ATTEMPTED BOARDING
Date: 13/08/2020
Location: BBTI Terminal, Batangas, Philippines
Details: Two robbers in a boat approached a berthed chemical tanker. One robber armed with a knife attempted to board the tanker via the stern mooring rope. Deck watchkeeper noticed the robbers and raised the alarm. Crew mustered. Hearing the alarm and seeing the crew alertness, the robbers aborted the attempted boarding and escaped in their boat. Port Authorities and Coast Guard informed.
2. BOARDED
Date: 17/07/2020
Location: Dumai Anchorage, Indonesia
Details: A robber boarded an anchored tanker using a hook attached to a rope. Alert duty crew noticed the robber along with two other persons in a wooden boat and raised the alarm. Hearing the alerted crew, the robbers escaped without stealing anything. Port Authorities informed through the local agent.
3. BOARDED
Date: 25/08/2020
Location: Batangas Anchorage, Philippines
Details: Duty crew on security rounds onboard an anchored bulk carrier was attacked and injured by a robber armed with a knife. The duty crew managed to escape. OOW notified. Alarm raised and crew mustered. Hearing the alarm and seeing the alerted crew, the robber escaped. Incident reported to the authorities and medical assistance requested. Doctors and coast guard officers boarded the vessel to treat the injured crew and investigate. The crew was later sent to the hospital.
4. BOARDED
Date: 26/08/2020
Location: Muara Berau Anchorage, Indonesia
Details: Robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier and attempted to break into the bosun store. Alert crew noticed the robbers and raised the alarm resulting in the robbers escaping empty handed. Incident reported to port control. A police patrol boat arrived and conducted an investigation.
5. BOARDED
Date: 27/08/2020
Location: Taboneo Anchorage, Indonesia
Details: Robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier, stole ship’s equipment and escaped. Incident reported to port control. A police patrol boat arrived and conducted an investigation.
6. BOARDED
Date: 29/08/2020
Location: Dumai Anchorage, Indonesia
Details: Duty watchman on routine rounds onboard an anchored chemical tanker noticed four robbers armed with knives on poop deck trying to open the hatch for emergency towing arrangements. The duty watchman informed bridge. Alarm raised and all non-essential crew mustered in the citadel. Hearing the alarm, the robbers escaped. Port Control notified via VHF ch 12. Coast guard officers boarded the tanker for investigation. Nothing was reported stolen.
South America Overview
This reporting period has seen zero incidents of robbery or maritime crime.
No incidents to report.
For More Information
At Priavo we understand the myriad of threats facing owners and operators today and deploy specialist teams for Super Yacht Security. Our operatives are all former members of the British Special Boat Service or ex-Royal Marine Commandos. They are highly trained, armed professionals in Maritime Security and provide both physical and electronic deterrence whilst on board – with experience of over 4,000 successful armed transits. Contact Us for more information.