Maritime Incident Report: July 2023
Our monthly Maritime Incident Report: July 2023 covers maritime security and incidents throughout the Indian Ocean, the Black Sea, West Africa, South East Asia and South America for the period 01/07/23 – 31/07/23.
Executive Summary
In this month’s look back at maritime security events during July 2023, we report on 3 incidents that have occurred in the Gulf of Guinea, 7 in Southeast Asia and a further 2 in South America, which are detailed later in this report. Elsewhere we comment on significant political and military activity in the Black Sea and the Persian Gulf which could potentially impact the security of commercial vessels and crews operating in those regions.
1. Regional Report: West Africa and Gulf of Guinea
Monthly Activity
When compared to recent months the number of maritime incidents fell in July with only 3 significant events taking place. 2 fishing vessels were taken by pirates off the coast of Sierra Leone in separate incidents, one was later intercepted by the Liberian Coastguard who were able to regain control of the vessel following a firefight with the pirates (see full reports below). In Angola, a vessel was boarded and robbed by local criminals while at Soyo anchorages.
Maritime Incidents
1. Sierra Leone. Vessel Hijacked – 22 July 2023 0500 UTC Psn 08° 22″ N 13° 5″ W:
It was reported that armed 13 pirates boarded and hijacked the Chinese fishing vessel SHENGHAI2 which was underway 16nm Southwest of Freetown, Sierra Leone. The group took the crew, numbering 23 in total, as hostage. The vessel was located by the Liberian Coast Guard on 24 July approximately 12nm Southwest of Monrovia, Liberia. After an exchange of gunfire, 2 pirates were apprehended and another 8 escaped in a small boat. The 23 crew members of the fishing vessel were unharmed during the incident.
2. Angola. Boarding/Theft – 20 July 2023 0150 UTC Psn 06° 06’ 32″ N 12° 12’ 24″ W:
An unknown number of perpetrators boarded an unnamed vessel from a small boat. The robbers stole items from a container and fled the ship when the alarm was raised.
3. Sierra Leone. Vessel Boarded – 05 July 2023 0355 UTC Psn 08° 53’ N 13° 31’ W:
The fishing vessel HACI ERGORGAN SARI was operating offshore Freetown, Sierra Leone when it was attacked and boarded by armed men. The perpetrators stole all the ship’s valuables and destroyed the communications and video systems before leaving the vessel. During the attack, the captain, a Turkish national was shot. The Sierra Leone navy was alerted and dispatched one patrol team to support the fishing vessel and the Captain was sent to the hospital in Freetown.
Situational Analysis
Despite the downward trend in the number of maritime security events observed in the Gulf of Guinea region in 2023, the risks within the area remain unpredictable. While hijacking and piracy seem to be declining, the number of thefts at anchor has increased. The ongoing capacity building of regional and international navies, and the protection of anchorage areas, combined with the adoption of escort vessels operated largely by security companies, are contributing to the securing of maritime areas, forcing criminals to adapt and broaden their area of operations. The two incidents reported this month off the coast of Sierra Leone and Liberia, when combined with similar incidents off Conakry, Guinea in recent months, indicate that it is likely that a Pirate Action Group (PAG) is operating in the area. Although the target of these attacks seems to be foreign fishing vessels it cannot be ruled out that commercial ships could also be attacked.
2. Regional Report: Black Sea and Sea of Azov
Monthly Activity
On 17 July the Russian Federation terminated the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative which included the withdrawal of Russian security guarantees for navigation in the northwestern part of the Black Sea. With the decision to terminate the Black Sea Initiative, the Russian Federation also terminated its commitment to “facilitate the unimpeded export of food, sunflower oil, and fertilizers from Ukrainian-controlled Black Sea ports”, the decision to terminate the agreement was followed almost immediately by attacks on grain silos and depots in Odesa and the Danube port of Reni.
Maritime Incidents
No incidents to report.
Situational Analysis
The decision by Russia to withdraw from the Black Sea grain initiative leaves commercial shipping vulnerable to the threat of collateral damage while in Ukrainian ports and during transit to the region. The removal of the right of safe passage offered by the agreement will expose ships to higher operating costs as insurers either increase premiums or remove cover altogether. It is unclear what Russia intends to do to deter ships from entering Ukrainian ports but the laying of more sea mines cannot be ruled out. Mines have been reported in several locations in the Black Sea throughout the conflict, most recently near Odesa in Ukraine and as far afield as the Northern Turkish coastline.
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 closed.
• Yuzzhny Port is open.
• The port of Berdyansk is closed.
• Olbia (Mykolaiv) 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.
3. Regional Report: Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz
Monthly Activity
There have been no reports of maritime security events affecting commercial shipping in this region during July, however, tensions have been raised by the U.S. Government’s decision to deploy additional warships and marines to the region. Sovereignty claims over the ownership of the Dorra maritime gas field between Saudi Arabia and Iran have also raised concerns that the dispute could lead to clashes between the two countries.
Maritime Incidents
No incidents to report.
Situational Analysis
Regional conflict, military activity, and political tensions have often posed threats to merchant vessels operating in the Gulf region. Despite the presence of multiple International naval task forces designed to assist in the safe passage of commercial ships, several ships transiting the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman have recently been boarded and detained by Iranian forces. The decision by the U.S. to deploy the USS BATAAN and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Gulf region is likely aimed at countering what is perceived to be an increase in Iranian activity including the seizure and detention of commercial shipping. The possibility of a military incident between Saudi Arabia and Iran over ownership of the Dorra gas field raises significant concerns about the potential impact on commercial ships transporting oil and gas products from Saudi and Kuwaiti ports and terminals.
4. Regional Report: South East Asia
Monthly Activity
The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) Information Sharing Centre, released half-yearly figures stating that the number of maritime security events in the first half of this year had increased by 35% compared to the same period last year. 59 incidents have taken place so far this year with the vast majority being in the Singapore Strait. In July alone there were seven boardings of vessels underway or at anchor throughout the region.
Maritime Incidents
1. Philippines. 22 July 2023 1900-2200 UTC Psn 13 46 0N – 120 59 3E:
Batangas Anchorage, Philippines. The duty crew on routine rounds onboard an anchored LNG tanker noticed the Hawse pipe cover open and notified the duty officer. On searching the vessel ship’s property was reported as stolen.
2. Indonesia. 22 July 2023 2050 UTC Psn 05 32 76 S – 105 18 55E:
Tarahan Anchorage, Indonesia. Three robbers armed with knives were noticed in the engine room by the duty crew onboard an anchored tanker. The alarm raised and the crew mustered. Upon hearing the alarm, the robbers escaped with stolen engine spares. The incident was reported to Panjang VTS via VHF Ch 16. Local authorities boarded the tanker for investigation.
3. Singapore Strait. 21 July 2023 2215 UTC Psn 01 08 6N – 103 28 4E:
The duty oiler on routine rounds onboard an underway bulk carrier noticed four robbers in the engine room. The alarm was raised and the crew mustered. Hearing the alarm and seeing the crew were alerted, the robbers escaped with stolen ship’s engine spares.
4. Singapore Strait. 21 July 2023 1925 UTC Psn 01 04 17N – 103 41 66E:
Six robbers armed with knives boarded an underway bulk carrier. They took hostage and tied up the 2/E and 4/E. Prior to escaping the robbers stole engine spares and personal effects from the 4/E. The crew was released by the Chief Engineer who raised the alarm. The incident was reported to VTIS and Singapore Port Police. The authorities boarded the ship for investigation.
5. Indonesia. 19 July 2023 1925 UTC Psn 01 10 54N – 103 56 60E:
Batam Anchorage, Indonesia. Three robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored tanker. The alarm was raised and the crew mustered. Seeing the crew were alerted, the robbers escaped. The incident was reported to the Batam VTIS.
6. Singapore Strait. 14 July 2023 1810 UTC Psn 01 16 53N – 104 14 78E:
Five robbers armed with knives boarded an underway bulk carrier. The duty watchman noticed the robbers and immediately informed the bridge. The alarm was raised and all deck lights were switched on. Upon hearing the alarm, the robbers jumped overboard and escaped with stolen crew personal belongings and the ship’s spares. The incident was reported to Singapore VTIS.
7. Singapore Strait. 01 July 2023 2000 UTC Psn 01 05 6N – 103 33 4E:
Five robbers armed with a knife boarded an underway bulk carrier. The robbers threatened the duty oiler on routine rounds who retreated and alerted the bridge. The alarm was raised, a PA announcement made and the crew were mustered. Upon hearing the alarm, the robbers escaped with the ship’s engine spare parts. The incident was reported to Singapore VTIS. All crew members are safe.
Situational Analysis
While maritime piracy and maritime terrorism have generally disappeared as a threat in this region, robbery at sea remains the most common threat to the maritime industry. Although the perpetrators are sometimes armed, they board vessels to steal ships’ stores and equipment and rarely injure or harm the crew. Piracy and robbery are historic activities in SE Asia and despite regional military interventions there appears to be little they can do to stop it. Most events are carried out at night. According to ReCAAP, the reasons behind the increase in boarding and theft in the region are most likely driven by a socio-economic situation worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, lower fish catches due to climate change and the prevailing Southwest monsoon forcing some locals living along the strait to turn to sea robbery and petty crimes to make ends meet.
5. Regional Monthly Report: South America and Caribbean
Monthly Activity
Callao, Peru was once again the hotspot for maritime crime in South America with two robberies reported from vessels at anchor. The were several petty crimes reported in the Caribbean mainly against private yachts and pleasure craft.
Maritime Incidents:
1. Peru. 24 July 2023 0830 UTC Psn 12 01 25S – 77 12 06W:
Callao Anchorage, Peru. The duty crew on routine rounds onboard an anchored bulk carrier, noticed the store padlock was broken and ship’s equipment was stolen. A search was carried out and no unauthorised persons were found onboard the ship. The incident was reported to the Port control and a patrol boat was dispatched to the location.
2. Peru. 18 July 2023 2350 UTC Psn 12 01 8S – 77 10 9W:
Callao Anchorage, Peru. The duty AB on routine rounds onboard an anchored container ship noticed an unauthorised person attempting to board via the anchor chain. The alarm was raised and the crew mustered. Hearing the alarm, the person aborted the boarding attempt. The incident was reported to the Port Control and a security message was broadcast to all vessels in the vicinity.
Situational Analysis
There is significant underreporting of maritime security incidents in this region particularly the Gulf of Mexico where attacks on offshore oil platforms and supply vessels are common but rarely get recorded. In Brazil, Ecuador and Colombia drug smuggling is the primary criminal activity which again, often goes unreported. The issue of unreported crime in the region is possibly down to two main factors. One is the fear of the loss of reputation for the oil production companies in the Gulf of Mexico and two is the fear of reprisals from the drug cartels who are running the drug smuggling operations.