Maritime Incident Report: June 2024

Our monthly Maritime Incident Report: June 2024 covers maritime security and incidents throughout the Indian Ocean, Europe, West Africa, South East Asia and South America for the period 01/06/24 – 30/06/24.

• Europe: Human migration rescue events continue in the Mediterranean and Aegean Sea.
• Red Sea and Gulf of Aden: Houthi attacks increased in number and intensity with 3 commercial ships abandoned or sunk. Houthis also used a Waterborne IED on a commercial ship for the first time.
• Indian Ocean and Somali Basin: Reports of pirate-related incidents reduced due to the onset of the SW Monsoon season. Four Pirate Action Groups are still believed to be active.Armed Security Team (AST) deter a pirate hijack attempt.
• Southeast Asia: Four vessels boarded in the Singapore Strait; elsewhere tensions flared between China and the Philippines over disputed islands.
• West Africa: There were 4 reports of suspicious approaches on vessels transiting the region.

Executive Summary

1. Europe. The number of human migration events reported in the Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea continues to highlight the risk to commercial and private ships transiting the region. There were 4 recorded incidents in June of rescue operations being carried out to assist migrant boats in difficulty. In the Black Sea, there remains an indirect threat to commercial vessels operating in the ports of Ukraine from the Russian bombardment of port infrastructure.

2. The Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. According to regional military authorities (MSCHOA), there have been over 30 Houthi attacks in the region during June compared to 18 in May. Of those incidents, 19 were directly targeted at commercial vessels with 8 vessels impacted. The attack and eventual sinking of the MV TUTOR was the first time a Waterborne Improvised Explosive Device (WBIED) had been used by the Houthis against a commercial ship.

3. The Indian Ocean and Somali Basin. Although the threat to commercial ships from piracy remains relevant, the onset of the SW Monsoon season is likely to affect the traditional pirate operating areas forcing them to operate further south which in turn, may result in less pirate activity.Only 1 incident was recorded this month when MV PACIFIC HONOR reported a suspicious approach on 07 June.

4. The Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. There were no incidents in the region in June but 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 were 4 maritime security incidents reported across this region in June. Tensions flared between China and the Philippines over the sovereignty of the Second Thomas Shoal. 

6. West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea. Four suspicious approach incidents took place across the region from Ghana to Gabon but in general the level of maritime crime reported in this region is low compared to recent years. 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. A reported 67 migrants were rescued south of Tenerife and another 697 were intercepted elsewhere in the Canary Islands.

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. The drought conditions that led to the restriction in the number of vessels allowed to transit the Panama Canal continued to ease in June and the canal is now operating at full capacity. In the Caribbean, where robbery from pleasure craft is endemic, there were 5 incidents to report.

1. Regional Report: Europe

Monthly Activity

The number of human migration events reported in the Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea continues to highlight the risk to commercial and private ships transiting the region. There were 4 recorded incidents in June of rescue operations being carried out to assist migrant boats in difficulty. In the Black Sea, there remains an indirect threat to commercial vessels operating in the ports of Ukraine from Russian bombardment of port infrastructure. 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. 02 June 2024 – Human Migration:
21 migrants were rescued off Mugla, Turkey.

2. Mediterranean Sea. 05 June 2024 – Human Migration:
49 migrants were rescued off Izmir, Turkey.

3. Mediterranean Sea. 17 June 2024 – Human Migration:
2 migrant boats were shipwrecked south of Lampedusa, Italy. There are no reports of casualties.

4. Mediterranean Sea. 24 June 2024 – Human Migration:
The Greek Coast Guard rescued 77 migrants in the south of the Aegean Sea. 

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 (MSCHOA), there have been 30+ Houthi attacks in the region during June compared to 20 in May. Due to the large number of incidents reported, only incidents that involve the impact on commercial ships by Houthi weapons are reported below. For further advice on preparing your vessel and crew for the possibility of an aerial attack, contact a member of our team at enquiries@priavosecurity.com.

Maritime Incidents

1. Red Sea. 12 June 2024 – Vessel Attacked:
There was a reported explosive boat attack (WBIED) on a Liberian-flagged cargo vessel, TUTOR while the vessel was transiting the Red Sea 66nm southwest of Hodeida, Yemen. TUTOR was underway with her AIS off when she was attacked. One crewman was killed in the attack and the ship began to take on water. The Master decided to abandon the ship and the crew was rescued by US naval forces. The ship sank 2 days later. 

2. Red Sea. 13 June 2024 – Vessel Attacked:
There was a reported missile attack on a Malta-flagged cargo vessel, SEAGUARDIAN while the vessel was transiting the Red Sea, 82nm northwest of Hodeida. It was confirmed that SEA GUARDIAN was targeted by a missile while SEA GUARDIAN was underway with her AIS off. The vessel was not directly hit but received minor damage from associated shrapnel. There were no injuries sustained by the crew. The vessel was last reported proceeding to the next port of call. 

3. Red Sea. 27 June 2024 – Vessel Attacked:
An unnamed vessel was attacked in the Southern Red Sea, the ship was reported to have been hit by a WBIED, the vessel suffered minor damage and continued its transit. 

4. Red Sea. 30 June 2024 – Mass Approach:
UKMTO reported a ‘mass approach’ of a vessel 13nm southwest of Al Mukha, Yemen. The Master of a merchant vessel reported being approached by 12 small craft, consisting of a mixture of fast boats and smaller kayak-type boats (some were observed as uncrewed). The closest point of approach of the 12-small craft to the merchant vessel was 1.5 nautical miles. The 12 small boats remained in the vicinity of the merchant vessel for approximately one hour before leaving the area. The vessel and crew are reported safe, and the vessel is proceeded to its next port of call. 

5. Gulf of Aden. 08 June 2024 – Vessel Attacked:
There was a reported missile attack on an Antigua & Barbuda-flagged Cargo Vessel, NORDERNEY while the vessel was transiting the Gulf of Aden 80nm southeast of Aden, Yemen. It was later confirmed that NORDERNEY was hit by a missile while transiting with her AIS on. All crew onboard are safe (no injuries reported). The vessel was last reported proceeding to her next port of call. 

6. Gulf of Aden. 08 June 2024 – Vessel Attacked:
A missile attack was reported on a Liberian-flagged container ship, MSC TAVVISHI while the vessel was transiting the Gulf of Aden at 70nm southwest of Aden, Yemen. It was later confirmed that a missile hit the vessel but all the crew were safe and no injuries were reported. The ship was last reported proceeding to the next port of call. 

7. Gulf of Aden. 09 June 2024 – Vessel Attacked:
There was a second reported missile attack on the cargo vessel NORDERNEY while the vessel was loitering in the Gulf of Aden awaiting port clearance. The attack was 89nm southwest of Aden. It was confirmed that NORDERNEY was targeted by a missile. The vessel was hit but all crew on board are safe (no injuries reported). 

8. Gulf of Aden. 13 June 2024 – Vessel Attacked:
There was a missile attack reported on a Palau-flagged cargo vessel the VERBENA while the vessel was transiting the Gulf of Aden 98nm east of Aden, Yemen. The vessel was attacked a second time and it was confirmed later that 13 missiles had hit the ship. VERBENA was underway with her AIS on when attacked. The vessel caught fire and the crew attempted to contain the casualty with damage control efforts. After two days, the crew was unable to contain the fire and the vessel started taking on water. The crew was rescued and transported to safety. The vessel was reported to have sunk 3 days later. One injured person on board required medical evacuation following the missile attack. The crew member was transported from the ship via helicopter to receive medical treatment and is currently in stable condition. 

9. Gulf of Aden. 23 June 2024 – Vessel Attacked:
A merchant vessel MV SARAH V was reported to have been struck by a missile 246nm southeast of Nishtun, Yemen, which caused flooding that could not be contained. This forced the master and crew to abandon the ship. The crew was recovered by an assisting ship. The abandoned vessel remains adrift at this time. This was confirmed as a SOLAS incident. 

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 is likely to affect the traditional pirate operating areas forcing them to operate further south which in turn, may result in less pirate activity. Only 1 incident was reported this month when MV PACIFIC HONOR reported a suspicious approach on 07June. Regional authorities reaffirmed this month that despite the poor weather conditions, they believe at least 4 PAG are still operating in the Somali Basin.

Maritime Incidents

1. The Somali Basin. 07 June 2024:
The Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier PACIFIC HONOR reported a suspicious approach incident in the Somali Basin. The ship was approached 355nm west of Mogadishu, Somalia by a small craft and a mothership. The small craft containing 6 armed personnel approached to within 400m of the vessel before the Armed Security Team (AST) fired at the craft. The craft and the mothership then abandoned their pursuit. 

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

Monthly Activity

The heightened tension between Iran and Israel that flared earlier in the year appears to have subsided for now, although the possibility of Iranian attacks and interference against commercial shipping is still possible but most likely against Israeli-connected vessels. 

Maritime Incidents

No incidents to report.

5. Regional Report: West Africa and Gulf of Guinea

Monthly Activity

4 suspicious approach incidents took place across the region from Ghana to Gabon but in general the level of maritime crime reported in this region is low compared to recent years. 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 67 migrants were rescued south of Tenerife and another 697 were intercepted approaching the Canary Islands. 

Maritime Incidents

1. Gulf of Guinea. 05 June 2024 – Suspicious Approach:
Port Gentil, Gabon. A vessel was approached by a small boat with up to 15 individuals on board. The small boat followed the vessel for approximately 10 minutes before departing. 

2. Gulf of Guinea. 12 June 2024 – Suspicious Approach:
Takoradi, Ghana. A vessel was approached by a 10mtr long boat to about 0.5nm, the small boat continued to match the vessel’s speed and followed for 20 minutes before leaving the scene. 

3. Gulf of Guinea. 15 June 2024 – Suspicious Approach:
No specific location but the incident took place between Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. A vessel was approached by a boat acting suspiciously. The ship took evasive action and the pursuit stopped. 

4. Gulf of Guinea. 17 June 2024 – Suspicious Approach:
Douala, Cameroon. The regional Maritime Coordination Centre in area D of the Gulf of Guinea reported a vessel had been approached by a small boat at high speed at very close range. No attempt was made to board the vessel. 

5. Gulf of Guinea. 20 June 2024 – Boarding/Theft:
Luanda Anchorage, Angola. An anchored container ship was boarded by a perpetrator via the anchor chain. Some ship’s property was reported stolen. The incident was reported to the port authorities. 

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 were 4 maritime security incidents reported across this region in June. Tensions flared between China and the Philippines over the sovereignty of the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. 

Maritime Incidents

1. Indonesia. 09 June 2024 – Armed Boarding and Theft:
Singapore Strait, 4 robbers armed with knives boarded a bulk carrier while underway and entered the engine room. The Duty engineer noticed the robbers and informed the Officer of the Watch (OOW). The alarm was raised and a PA announcement was made, resulting in the robbers escaping. A search was made and some ship’s engine spares were identified as stolen. 

2. Indonesia. 10 June 2024 – Armed Boarding and Theft:
Singapore Strait, 6 robbers armed with knives, boarded a bulk carrier while underway. The Chief Engineer informed the OOW that two crew members were found tied up in the engine room workshop. The alarm was raised and a PA announcement was made. A search was carried out and another crewmember was also found tied up by the robbers on the upper deck. Some ship’s engine spare parts and crew personal belongings were reported as stolen. 

3. Indonesia. 15 June 202 – Suspicious Approach:
Singapore Strait, a chemical tanker sighted a dimly lit boat near the port bow and altered course. At a distance of 1.5nm, the boat suddenly started flashing lights, increased speed towards the tanker and made an approach in an attempt to come alongside. The tanker took evasive manoeuvres and notified the authorities. A patrol boat arrived to assist the tanker. Seeing the patrol boat, the boat aborted and moved away. 

4. Indonesia. 27 June 2024 – Boarding:
Singapore Strait, PHILLIP CHANNEL, a cargo vessel reported that the ship was boarded by sea robbers. A crew member reportedly sighted 1 perpetrator in the engine room. The alarm was raised and the robber escaped. All crew were accounted for with no injury reported among the crew. 

5. South China Sea. 19 June 2024 – Maritime Dispute:
Chinese forces seized Philippine small boats and firearms during an attempt by the Philippine navy to supply the BRP SIERRA MADRE (LT-57) at the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea whose sovereignty is claimed by both nations. It is another in a long line of similar incidents. 

6. Regional Report: South America and Caribbean

Monthly Activity

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. The drought conditions that led to the restriction in the number of vessels allowed to transit the Panama Canal continued to ease in June and the canal is now operating at full capacity. In the Caribbean, where robbery from pleasure craft is endemic, there were 5 incidents to report. 

Maritime Incidents:

1. The Caribbean. 02 June 2024 – Theft:
Panama, Bocas Marina anchorage. While the owners slept, thieves untied a dinghy from a moored yacht but could not take the dinghy as it was secured by a cable to the yacht. The thieves stole the dinghy’s outboard and fuel tank and some cans of diesel. A second yacht in the anchorage interrupted the attempted theft of their dingy. 

2. The Caribbean. 05 June 2024 – Theft:
British Virgin Islands, Anegada Island. Overnight an in- dinghy was stolen. No further details are available. 

3. The Caribbean. 17 June 2024 – Theft:
Port Bonaire, Bonaire Island. A locked dinghy and 40HP outboard motor were stolen from a home dock. The engineless dinghy was found the next day washed up on Klein Bonaire and returned to the owner. A police report was made. 

4. The Caribbean. 20 June 2024 – Theft:
Martinique, St. Anne. An unlocked dinghy and 2.5HP outboard motor were stolen from the floating dinghy dock between 1900-2130hrs. It is not known if a police report was made.  

5. The Caribbean. 22 June 2024 – Theft:
A dinghy and 70HP outboard motor were stolen from the dock in Krum Bay, St. Thomas. It was stolen overnight and a police report was made. 

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.