Maritime Incident Report: February 2022

Executive Summary

▪ Annual Maritime Security figures released for 2021
▪ Lloyds Joint War Committee released JWLA-028 adding the Black Sea and Sea of Azov to its listed areas.
▪ MDAT-GOG release Warnings of a possible increase in piracy attacks in the Gulf of Guinea
▪ Three boarding incidents reported in Takoradi anchorages Ghana
▪ Boarding and theft continues unabated in the Singapore Strait

Figures released by the International Chamber of Commerce- International Maritime Bureau (ICC-IMB), show a significant drop in the number of maritime piracy and armed robbery/attacks reported in 2021 with 132 incidents recorded globally, the lowest level since 1994. In the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) maritime crime incidents dropped overall from 81 in 2020 to 34 in 2021. While maritime kidnappings dropped from 130 in 2020 to 57 in 2021, the GoG still accounts for 55% of all kidnappings reported worldwide in 2021. A combination of better inter-state cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea, new counter-piracy initiatives such as Nigeria’s ‘Deep Blue’ project and an increased international naval presence, appear to have restricted Pirate Action Group activities, particularly in Nigerian waters. What was evident, however, was a widening of the geographical area where maritime security events took place, incidents involving boarding and kidnap of crew increased in the East of the GoG as Nigerian based PAGs were forced to look for safer regions in which to operate. The waters around Sao Tome and Principe, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea all saw a rise in criminal activity while in the West of the region; the number of attacks was reduced, particularly in Ghana, Togo and Benin. 

In East Africa, Somali piracy remains suppressed with no incidents recorded in 2021. The complex threats that have emerged over the last 5 years in the Gulf of Aden, Southern Red Sea and Yemen continue to cause concern. In 2021, Iran and Israel engaged in a number of retaliatory strikes against vessels flagged to their respective nations culminating in the death of 2 crew members from an Israeli owned oil tanker, which was attacked by explosive-laden drones off the coast of Oman. In the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, regional tensions continue with Iranian forces maintaining pressure on International Maritime Forces engaged in operations to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels. In SE Asia, boarding and robbery incidents in the Singapore Strait rose from 23 in 2020 to 35 in 2021, this is a 50% increase in 2020 and the highest since 1992, elsewhere in the region there was an overall drop in incidents compared with 2020. 

The region of the world with the highest growth rate of maritime crime was South America and the Caribbean Arc, ports in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and also Mexico and Haiti in the Caribbean, were all affected by incidents of boarding and robbery at sea. In 2021, 36 incidents were reported in the region compared to 30 in 2020, with 6 crew threatened, 4 taken hostage and 2 assaulted. 31 vessels were boarded in total, the majority at anchor; figures for the region include 3 attempted boardings and 2 vessels being fired upon. Incidents in the Peruvian anchorage of Callao more than doubled from 8 in 2020 to 18 in 2021. 

1. Regional Monthly Report: West Africa and Gulf of Guinea

West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea 01

Monthly Activity

Three vessels were boarded in Takoradi anchorage this month, in one incident the intruders were armed. In response, the Ghanaian authorities released a statement saying that they intend to carry out security patrols of the anchorage (see Notice below). The MDAT GOG released 3 warnings relating to an increased threat to shipping from piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, these reports can be viewed at the links below. A large explosion and subsequent fire caused the FPSO Trinity Spirit to sink off the delta coast region of Nigeria, up to ten people are reported to be killed. 

Warnings to Shipping

WARNING 001/FEB/2022
WARNING 002/FEB/2022
WARNING 003/FEB/2022
MDAT-GOG NOTICE 001/FEB/2022 – Security Sea patrols at the anchorage: Port of Takoradi. 
23rd February 2022 0900UTC: The Ghana Ports and Harbour Authorities issued a local notice to inform mariners that port sea patrols will visit each vessel within the dedicated anchorage area between 2200hrs to 0400hrs local time every day. The patrol team will be flashing searchlights to reassure vessels of the port authority’s support in the event of any suspicious activity.

Maritime Incidents

1. Boarding – 23 Feb 22 0200 UTC: Psn 08 46 3S – 013 15 42E: Luanda Anchorage, Angola
Robbers boarded an anchored offshore supply ship and escaped with the ship’s stores and properties. The theft was noticed by the duty crew on routine rounds. The incident was reported to the port authorities. 

2. Armed Boarding – 18 Feb 2022 0050 UTC: Psn 04 54 1N – 01 41 2W: Takoradi Anchorage, Ghana 
The crew onboard an anchored bulk carrier noticed four robbers armed with knives. The alarm was raised and the crew mustered. Upon hearing the alarm and seeing that the crew were alerted the robbers escaped. A search was carried out and which identified ship’s stores had been stolen. The incident was reported to the local authorities. 

3. Boarding – 09 Feb 2022 0040 UTC: Psn 04 54 0N – 01 42 00W: Takoradi anchorage, Ghana 
Two people were sighted on the main deck by crew members. The alarm was raised and the intruders fled. The crew were reported to be safe. 

4. Boarding – 08 Feb 2022 0315 UTC: Psn 08 44 3S – 013 17 42E: Luanda Anchorage, Angola 
Unnoticed, robbers boarded an anchored LPG tanker and escaped with the ship’s properties and stores. The theft was noticed by the duty crew on routine rounds. On conducting a search it was identified that the perpetrators had gained access via the hawse pipe. Incident reported to port control. 

5. Attempted Boarding – 02 Feb 2022 0116 UTC: Psn: 04 43 98N – 014 1 69W: Takoradi Anchorage, Ghana 
Duty crew onboard an anchored container vessel heard a sound near the anchor hawse pipe. Upon checking, a person was seen in the hawse pipe attempting to board the vessel. The crew shouted at the person and notified the OOW who raised the alarm. Seeing the alerted crew and hearing the alarm the person aborted the boarding and escaped. The incident was reported to the Takoradi Port Control. 

6. Explosion – 02 Feb 0700 UTC: Psn 05 46 4N – 04 57 48E 
The FPSO Trinity Spirit exploded, caught fire and sank at the Ukpokiti Terminal in Nigeria last week. The FPSO is owned by Shebah Exploration and Production Company Limited (SEPCOL) which is owned by a combination of Nigerian and overseas corporate entities. 

2. Regional Monthly Report: Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean

Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean 01

Monthly Activity

There were no reported incidents in the region this month. This is most likely due to a combination of sea state and weather conditions resulting from the Northeast Monsoon which is dominating the region at the moment and preventing small craft from putting to sea. 

Maritime Incidents

No incidents to report.

3. Regional Monthly Report: Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz

Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz 01

Monthly Activity

The International Maritime Security Construct (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.

Maritime Incidents

No incidents to report.

4. Regional Monthly Report: Yemen and Southern Red Sea

Yemen and Southern Red Sea 01

Monthly Activity

There have been reports of several aerial drone attacks on Saudi cities including the port city of Jazan, however, there are no reports of infrastructure damage to port areas and all Saudi ports remain operational. The Saudi led coalition reported that they had intercepted and destroyed a Waterborne IED off Hodiedah port in Yemen. There was some good news from the region as it was reported that an agreement had been reached between the UN and the Houthis to transfer oil from FPSO Safer which has been moored off the Yemeni coast since 1988. The oil storage vessel contains 1.1 million barrels of crude oil which have raised concerns that a major environmental disaster could happen due to its poor structural condition and lack of maintenance. 

Maritime Incidents

1. Conflict Incident – 21 Feb 22: Psn 16 52 18N 42 34 26E 
Saudi forces intercepted a bomb-laden drone in Mabouj village in Saudi Arabia’s southern city of Jazan. 16 people are reported to have been wounded. It is not clear if the casualties were caused by falling debris or if a drone was able to hit the airport without being intercepted. 

2. Conflict Incident – 18 Feb 22: Psn 14 55 50N – 42 54 13E
The Saudi led coalition reported that they had intercepted and destroyed an explosive-laden small boat near Hodiedah port. The report claims that the boat was launched by Houthi rebels. The intended target was not stated. 

5. Regional Monthly Report: South East Asia

South East Asia 01

Monthly Activity

Ships transiting the Singapore Strait remain at risk as more incidences of boarding and theft were reported in the area this month. 

Maritime Incidents

1. Boarding/Theft – 24 Feb 22 1840 UTC: Psn: 01 15 24N – 104 08 78E, Singapore Strait 
Two robbers boarded a tanker that was underway. Engine room staff noticed the robbers in the engine room and immediately informed the bridge. The Alarm was raised and the crew mustered resulting in the robbers escaping. A search was carried out and ship’s stores were reported stolen. 

2. Boarding – 18 Feb 22 1252 UTC: Psn 01 14 9N – 104 01 5E: Singapore Strait 
Two robbers boarded an underway tanker. The crew noticed robbers and raised the alarm resulting in the robbers escaping in their wooden boat. Nothing was reported stolen. The incident was reported to the Singapore VTS

3. Boarding – 16 Feb 22 1400 UTC: Psn 01 14 3N – 104 03 12E: Singapore Strait
Two robbers boarded the bulk carrier Navios Bonheur, the alarm was raised and the crew mustered. Seeing that the crew were alerted, the robbers escaped empty-handed. The incident was reported to the Singapore VTS. 

4. Boarding/Theft – 11 Feb 22 1930 UTC: Psn 01 17 0N – 104 18 4E: Singapore Strait 
Robbers boarded the bulk carrier Theodor Oldendorff and entered the engine room. The crew noticed wet footsteps on the deck and immediately raised the alarm resulting in the robbers escaping. The crew mustered and a search was conducted. It was reported that engine spares were stolen. The Authorities were informed. 

5. Boarding/Theft – 07 Feb 22 1714 UTC: Psn 01 14 39N – 116 47 50E: Balikpapan Inner Anchorage, Indonesia 
During the anchor watch on the bridge of the product tanker Avalon, the duty lookout saw a rope being thrown over the forecastle. Two robbers were noticed climbing onboard and forcing their way into the bosun store. The general alarm was activated and the crew mustered. Hearing the alarm and seeing the crew were alert, the robbers jumped overboard and escaped in their boat with two accomplices. A search was carried out throughout the tanker. Ship’s stores were reported stolen. 

6. Boarding – 07 Feb 22 1726 UTC: Psn 01 14 4N – 104 04 0E: Singapore Strait 
Four robbers boarded the tanker FPMC C Jade and entered the engine room and attempted to steal engine spares. The 3/E noticed the robbers and reported to the bridge who raised the alarm. Upon hearing the alarm, the robbers escaped empty-handed. All crew safe. 

6. Regional Monthly Report: South America and Caribbean

South America 01

Monthly Activity

Reports of boarding and theft from vessels at anchor continue in the region and appear to be growing more widespread and increasingly violent. 

Incidents:

1. Armed Boarding/Theft – 28 Feb 22 0710 UTC: Psn 12 01 55S – 77 11 38W 
Seven robbers armed with guns and knives boarded an anchored bulk carrier. They took the duty AB as a hostage, they hit him on the head and tied his hands and legs. When the duty AB did not answer the radio calls from the bridge, the OOW instructed the second duty crew to raise the alarm. The crew mustered and a search was carried out. Ship’s properties and stores were reported stolen. 

2. Armed Boarding/Theft – 04 Feb 22 0200 UTC: Psn 12 00 52S – 77 9 57W: Callao, Peru 
Crew members were held at knifepoint aboard the bulk carrier Atlantic Elm anchored off the coast of Callao. Three suspects armed with knives remain at large after they stole the ship’s stores. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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