Maritime Incident Report: July 2024
Our monthly Maritime Incident Report: July 2024 covers maritime security and incidents throughout the Indian Ocean, Europe, West Africa, South East Asia and South America for the period 01/07/24 – 31/07/24.
• Europe: the Houthi extended their threat to ships with links to Israel operating in the eastern Mediterranean, human migration rescue events continued in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas.
• Red Sea and Gulf of Aden: Houthi forces continued to attack commercial shipping but the number of incidents that had a direct impact on ships was reduced during July. The Israeli Air Force attacked the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeida destroying an oil storage depot.
• Indian Ocean and Somali Basin: pirate-related incidents have reduced due to the onset of the SW Monsoon season. No Pirate Action Groups are believed to be active.
• Southeast Asia: There was an increase in robberies in the Singapore Strait and the Straits of Malacca where 8 incidents were reported in July.
• West Africa: Despite 3 incidents in the Niger Delta and an attempted armed robbery from a merchant ship in Gabon, the level of maritime crime remains relatively low in the Gulf of Guinea.
• South America: Nothing significant to report, the primary concerns in this region remain armed robbery, robbery from pleasure craft and drug trafficking.
Executive Summary
1. Europe. A significant number of human migration events took place across the Mediterranean region this month. The Greek Coast Guard carried out several rescue missions most notably, on 08 and 11 July, when multiple groups of migrants were rescued in the Aegean Sea and off the coast of Turkey. In the Black Sea, a maritime drone (Waterborne Improvised Explosive Device) was discovered drifting off the coast of Turkey, near the mouth of the Bosphorus. The WBIED was loaded with explosives and is believed to be linked to the conflict in Ukraine (see Fig 3). Ukraine carried out a successful attack against a Russian warship in the Sea of Azov.
2. The Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. According to regional military authorities (MSCHOA), there were 25 attacks against commercial shipping in the region during July which is comparable to the number reported in June. 7 vessels were involved in a direct hit or near miss. Naval forces intercepted and destroyed over 30 aerial weapons launched from Yemen before they could reach their intended target, there was, however, an increase in the number of WBIEDs used against commercial ships during July. The Israeli Air Force said they carried out an airstrike against a Houthi oil storage depot in Hodeida in retaliation for a Houthi missile attack on Tel Aviv.
3. The Indian Ocean and Somali Basin. Although the threat to commercial ships from piracy remains relevant, the onset of the SW Monsoon season has likely been the reason behind the reduction of pirate-related incidents reported during July. In a recent update, MSCHOA said they believe there are no Pirate Action Groups currently operating in the region.
4. The Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said they seized a small product tanker in the Persian Gulf and arrested the crew after it accused the ship of fuel smuggling. Iran continues to pose a potential threat to commercial vessels in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz. Ships may be contacted or harassed by Iranian authorities as they transit the region.
5. Southeast Asia and the South China Sea. Armed robbery and boardings of ships underway and at anchor continue to pose the greatest risk to vessels operating in the region. There was an increase in the number of ships being boarded in the Singapore Strait where 8 maritime security incidents were reported. There is still significant tension in the South China Sea between the Philippines and China, the Philippine Coast Guard accused Chinese vessels of using high-pressure water cannons to damage their patrol boats, which has escalated the ongoing disputes over territorial waters. These incidents highlight the growing risks of larger conflicts due to accidents or miscalculations in contested areas.
6. West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea. There were 3 piracy-related attacks reported in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria this month. In one incident a barge was attacked by armed men but the attack was repelled by armed security guards and in another the Nigerian navy intercepted robbers they believed were attempting to intercept a supply vessel. Nigerian military forces stated they had dismantled a ‘syndicate of sea pirates’ operating from the Bonny River. In Gabon, a vessel was boarded by armed robbers at the Owendo anchorage.
7. Latin and South America and the Caribbean Sea. The level of crime reported in South American ports remains low, however, due to the current political situation in Ecuador, we would advise against visits to the port of Guayaquil. In the Caribbean, where robbery from pleasure craft is endemic, there were 9 incidents reported this month.
1. Regional Report: Europe
Monthly Activity
A significant number of human migration events took place across the Mediterranean region this month. The Greek Coast Guard carried out several rescue missions most notably, on 08 and 11 July, when multiple groups of migrants were rescued in the Aegean Sea and off the coast of Turkey. In the Black Sea, a maritime drone (Waterborne Improvised Explosive Device) was discovered drifting off the coast of Turkey, near the mouth of the Bosphorus. The WBIED was loaded with explosives and is believed to be linked to the conflict in Ukraine (see Fig 6). Ukraine carried out a successful attack against a Russian warship in the Sea of Azov. 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.
Maritime Incidents
1. Mediterranean Sea. 08 July 2024 – Human Migration:
283 migrants were rescued south of Gavdos, Greece.
2. Mediterranean Sea. 10 July 2024 – Human Migration:
The Greek navy rescued 22 migrants in the Aegean Sea.
3. Mediterranean Sea. 11 July 2024 – Human Migration:
108 migrants were rescued and detained off Mugla, Turkey.
4. Mediterranean Sea. 19 July 2024 – Human Migration:
96 migrants were rescued and detained off Izmir, Turkey.
5. Mediterranean Sea. 20 July 2024 – Human Migration:
164 migrants rescued and detained off Mugla, Turkey.
6. Black Sea. 23 July 2024 – Vessel Attacked:
The RORO ferry SLAVYANON which was located at Kavkaz port, close to Kerch strait, was by hit by a WBIED. One crew member was killed and several others wounded following a fire reported on board. The SLAVYANON is used by Russia for logistical transportation.
The Maritime Drone (WBIED) Washed Ashore on the Turkish Black Sea Coast
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 figures released by the MSCHOA, there were 25 attempted attacks against commercial shipping in the region during July which is comparable to the number reported in June. Of these attacks, 7 vessels were involved in a direct hit or near miss. Naval forces intercepted and destroyed over 30 aerial weapons launched from Yemen before they could reach their intended target, however, there was an increase in the number of WBIEDs used against commercial ships during July. The Israeli Airforce said they carried out an airstrike against a Houthi oil storage depot in Hodeida in retaliation for a Houthi missile attack on Tel Aviv. For further advice on preparing your vessel and crew for the possibility of an attack, contact a member of our team at enquiries@priavosecurity.com.
Maritime Incidents
* Due to the large number of incidents reported, only incidents that involve the impact on commercial ships by Houthi weapons are reported below.
1. Red Sea. 10 July 2024 – Vessel Attacked:
There was a reported missile attack on the Liberian-flagged tanker MOUNT FUJI while she was transiting the Red Sea, in Yemen Territorial Waters, 2nm from the coast of Yemen. The vessel was underway with AIS turned on when it was targeted by missiles, the Master reported an explosion approximately 600 meters from the vessel’s port side. The ship was not hit and no damage was sustained. The crew were unharmed.
2. Red Sea. 11 July 2023 – Vessel Attacked:
There were two reported attacks on the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, ROSTRUM STOIC, which was transiting the Southern Red Sea, approximately 15nm southwest of Mocha, Yemen. The vessel was targeted by a total of 5 missiles, all impacting the water with the closest landing about 200 meters from the vessel. The vessel was underway with AIS off when targeted. ROSTRUM STOIC was not hit and received no damage. All crew onboard were unharmed.
3. Red Sea. 15 July 2024 – Vessel Attacked:
There was a reported WBIED attack on the Liberia-flagged tanker CHIOS LION, which was transiting the Southern Red Sea approximately 97nm northwest of Hodeida, Yemen. The WBIED impacted on the port side, resulting in minor damage. The vessel was underway with AIS off when it was hit. While originally headed south, following the attack the vessel turned around and back to the north out of the threat area to further assess damage and investigate a potential oil spillage. The Master of the CHIOS LION reported all the crew onboard were safe. It was assessed that the vessel was targeted due to other vessels within its company structure making port calls in Israel.
4. Red Sea. 15 July 2024 – Vessel Attacked:
There were several reported attacks on the Panama-flagged tanker BENTLEY I while she was transiting the Southern Red Sea approximately 70nm southwest of Hodeida, Yemen. The BENTLEY I was attacked in the following sequence;
a. (0537 UTC) The ship was approached by three skiffs, two of which were manned and one seemingly unmanned. There was an exchange of small-arms fire and the unmanned skiff attempted twice to ram amidships but with no detonation or damage.
b. (0607 UTC) One missile, missed the vessel and impacted the water 30 meters short of the port side.
c. (1343 UTC) Two missiles, missed the vessel, both impacted the water approximately 10-15 meters off her starboard side.
d. (1500 UTC) Two skiffs opened small-arms fire on her. This attack was fended off by the onboard security team.
e. (1515 UTC) One missile missed the vessel and impacted the water approximately 80-100 meters off the port side. Coalition warships in the area responded and assisted in her onward journey.
The vessel was underway with AIS off. The ship was not hit, reported no damage and all the crew were unharmed. It is assessed that BENTLEY I was targeted due to her Israeli registered ownership.
5. Red Sea. 20 July 2024 – Vessel Attacked :
There were several reported attacks on the Liberia-flagged container vessel PUMBA, while she was transiting the Southern Red Sea. The initial attack occurred approximately 64nm northwest Mocha, Yemen. Subsequent attacks occurred between 0436 and 0805 while she was transiting further south. MV PUMBA was attacked in the following sequence:
a. (0350 UTC) the ship was attacked by one UAV which exploded 5-10 meters off the starboard side, causing minor damage to containers on deck and starting a small fire which the crew was able to control.
b. A coalition warship in the area responded and assisted.
c. (0436 UTC) The ship was approached by 3 skiffs, 2 of which were manned and one appeared to be a WBIED. The embarked security team opened fire on the WBIED which subsequently exploded approximately 30 meters off the port side causing no damage to the vessel.
d. In addition to the three skiffs, one missile exploded 5 meters off the starboard side, causing no damage. There were also two UAVs sighted close to the vessel.
e. (0508 UTC) A second missile was launched but exploded before reaching PUMBA. The crew heard the explosion but were unable to determine exactly how far away it was due to poor visibility.
g. (0805 UTC) The Company Security Officer reported that one missile impacted water approximately 100 meters from the starboard side of the vessel. At this time it was discovered that there was a hole in the stern of the vessel, resulting from one of the multiple attacks but uncertain which one. The hole was reported to be 6 meters above the waterline, causing no issues with stability, nor any pollution concerns.
The vessel was underway with AIS on when attacked, this was turned off after the attacks began. The Master reported all crew on board safe and minor damage to the vessel.
6. Gulf of Aden. 09 July 2024 – Vessel Attacked:
The UKMTO reported a missile attack on MAERSK SENTOSA, a US-flagged container vessel, while she was transiting the Arabian Sea 180nm east of Nishtun, Yemen. The vessel was underway with AIS on when targeted by a missile. This is the furthest attack seen from Yemen since the start of attacks on 19 Nov 23. The Master reported an explosion 0.5nm off the port bow but the ship was not hit and no damage was sustained. The crew was unharmed.
7. Gulf of Aden. 19 July 2024 – Vessel Attacked:
There were reports of a missile attack on the Singapore-flagged container vessel LOBIVIA, while she was transiting the Gulf of Aden, 83nm southeast of Aden. The ship was hit by 2 missiles, the first striking the port side amidships and the second hitting the port side aft by the accommodation section. The vessel was underway with AIS on when attacked, the Master reported all crew onboard were unharmed. It is assessed that this vessel was targeted due to other vessels within its company structure making port calls in Israel.
3. Regional Report: The Indian Ocean and Somali Basin
Monthly Activity
Although the threat to commercial ships from piracy remains relevant, the onset of the SW Monsoon season has likely been the reason behind the reduction of pirate-related incidents reported during July. In a recent update, MSCHOA said they believe there are no Pirate Action Groups currently operating in the region.
Maritime Incidents
No incidents to report.
4. Regional Report: The Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman
Monthly Activity
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said they seized a small product tanker in the Persian Gulf and arrested the crew after it accused the ship of fuel smuggling. Iran continues to pose a potential threat to commercial vessels in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz. Ships may be contacted or harassed by Iranian authorities as they transit the region.
Maritime Incidents
1. Persian Gulf. 21 July 2024 – Vessel Seized:
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) seized a product tanker after it left the Khor Al Zubair port in Iraq loaded with 1,500 tonnes of gas oil. The owner of the Togo-flagged tanker BETELGEUSE said the vessel went missing approximately 120nm southeast of Bushehr, Iran. The master later reported that members of the IRGC boarded the tanker with weapons and ordered the captain to shut off AIS and sail to Bushehr port.
5. Regional Report: West Africa and Gulf of Guinea
Monthly Activity
There were 3 reports in July related to pirate activity in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. In one incident a barge was attacked by armed men but the attack was repelled by armed security guards and in another the Nigerian navy intercepted robbers they believed were attempting to intercept a supply vessel. Nigerian military forces stated they had dismantled a ‘syndicate of sea pirates’ operating from the Bonny River. In Gabon, a vessel was boarded by armed robbers at the Owendo anchorage. Human migration remains prevalent along the coast of West Africa as migrants attempt to reach the Canary Islands and entry to Europe via the Atlantic Ocean migration route. This month 202 migrants were rescued off the coast of Senegal and another 65 landed on Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands.
Maritime Incidents
1. Nigeria. 29 July 2024 – Abduction:
Port Harcourt, a passenger boat was attacked when transiting between Port Harcourt and Bonny Island, on the Bonny River. The vessel and passengers were attacked by unknown robbers who abducted 2 passengers and robbed a number of other passengers.
2. Nigeria. 17 July 2024 – Attack:
Bonny River, a barge was attacked while being towed within Rivers State, Nigeria. The barge was attacked by unknown armed men. The armed men were repelled by security forces escorting the barge.
3. Nigeria. 10 July 2024 – Attempted Robbery:
Uyenghe River, Nigerian military forces intercepted suspected pirates attempting to rob a supply vessel. According to military reports, the robbers opened fire on the naval troops prompting them to respond with heavy gunfire. The sea robbers retreated into the creeks.
4. Gabon. 03 July 2024 – Armed Boarding:
Owendo anchorage, Gabon. The master of ALWINE OLDENDORFF sailing outbound from Owendo port, reported that he heard over VHF Ch 16 that the LPG tanker CORINTHIAN, had sent a distress call saying the vessel had been boarded by pirates. Further reports stated that 3 armed men armed with guns and knives had boarded from a smal that had come alongside. All the external doors were locked which stopped the intruders from gaining access to the inside of the vessel. The Captain raised the alarm and mustered the crew within the citadel. The arrival of Republican guard soldiers and a private security company forced the pirates to flee the scene.
6. Regional Report: South East Asia
Monthly Activity
Armed robbery and boardings of ships underway and at anchor continue to pose the greatest risk to vessels operating in the region. There was an increase in July of ships being boarded in the Singapore and Malacca Straits where 8 maritime security incidents were reported compared to 4 in June. There is still significant tension in the South China Sea, between the Philippines and China, the Philippine Coast Guard accused Chinese vessels of using high-pressure water cannons to damage their patrol boats, which has escalated the ongoing disputes over territorial waters. These incidents highlight the growing risks of larger conflicts due to accidents or miscalculations in contested areas.
Maritime Incidents
1. Singapore Strait. 29 July 2024 – Armed Boarding:
When transiting the Phillip Channel, an unnamed cargo vessel was boarded by armed robbers. The crew reported sighting 3 perpetrators at the aft of the ship carrying knives. The alarm was raised and the robbers left the ship. The crew were reported to be safe.
2. Singapore Strait. 29 July 2024 – Boarding:
When transiting the Phillip Channel, another vessel was boarded by robbers. The crew reported sighting 1 perpetrator in the steering gear compartment. The alarm was raised and the robbers left the ship. The crew were reported to be safe.
3. Singapore Strait. 23 July 2024 – Armed Boarding:
A cargo vessel was boarded when transiting the Phillips Chanel, the crew reported seeing 4-5 armed robbers who were armed with knives. The alarm was raised and the robbers fled the scene. Nothing was reported stolen and the crew were unharmed.
4. Singapore Strait. 16 July 2024 – Armed Boarding and Theft:
A cargo vessel was boarded by robbers as it transited the Phillips Chanel. 5 pirates armed with knives and guns boarded the ship and stole some ship’s equipment.
5. Singapore Strait. 16 July 2024 – Armed Boarding and Theft:
5 robbers armed with guns and knives boarded a bulk carrier while it was underway. The alarm was raised and the crew mustered resulting in the robbers escaping before they could steal anything. The Singapore coastal authorities and the Singapore Coast Guard boarded the vessel for investigations.
6. Singapore Strait. 15 July 2024 – Armed Boarding and Theft:
Transiting in the eastbound lane of TSS when towing a barge, the tug HK TUG 9 reported that 2 sampans came alongside the towed barge with a total of 5 personnel boarding the barge and left after stealing items of equipment.
7. Singapore Strait. 08 July 2024 – Boarding:
A cargo vessel was boarded when transiting the Phillip Channel, the crew reported that 4 unarmed perpetrators boarded at the stern. The alarm was raised and on hearing the alarm, the robbers escaped, nothing was reported to have been stolen.
6. Regional Report: South America and Caribbean
Monthly Activity
The level of crime reported in South American ports remained low in July. Due to the current political situation in Ecuador, we would advise against visits to the port of Guayaquil. In the Caribbean, where robbery from pleasure craft is endemic, there was an increase in robberies with 9 incidents reported.
Maritime Incidents:
1. The Caribbean. 27 July 2024 – Theft:
Martinique, Le Marin anchorage. A kayak that was left unsecured in the water and tied to an anchored yacht, was stolen overnight while the owners were ashore. A report was made to the Coast Guard.
2. The Caribbean. 27 July 2024 – Theft:
British Virgin Islands, Tortola. A dinghy and outboard was stolen overnight from a chartered vessel moored in Cane Garden Bay.
3. The Caribbean. 26 July 2024 – Theft:
British Virgin Islands, Tortola. A center console dinghy and outboard were stolen overnight from Soper’s Hole.
4. The Caribbean. 23 July 2024 – Theft:
Grenada, Prickly Bay. The owners of a yacht discovered the tender dinghy and the outboard motor was stolen overnight. A report was made to the Coast Guard and police.
5. The Caribbean. 23 July 2024 – Theft:
Martinique, St Anne. A dinghy and outboard were stolen from a yacht while the owners slept on the yacht. The Coast Guard was informed.
6. The Caribbean. 19 July 2024 – Theft:
Martinique, St Anne. Overnight while owners slept onboard their dinghy and outboard was stolen. It is not known if a police report was made.
7. The Caribbean. 15 July 2024 – Theft:
Guatemala, Rio Dulce. Overnight while the owner slept onboard at Abel’s Marina, the fuel line/tank was stolen from their dinghy. It is not known if a police report was made.
8. The Caribbean. 13 July 2024 – Theft:
Grenada, St George’s lagoon. The owners of a locked catamaran returned from ashore to find their vessel had been broken into and a number of personal items including passports, tools and electronic devices were stolen.
9. The Caribbean. 01 July 2024 – Theft:
Panama, Bocas del Toro. Overnight a small boat and outboard motor were stolen from a yacht in the northern anchorage.
For detailed root cause analysis and background to the events described in this report, talk to our Intelligence team who can provide a bespoke report focusing on maritime incidents and conflict situations that may affect your vessels and crew. Contact us at enquiries@priavosecurity.com.