Maritime Incident Report: March 2025
Executive Summary
Our monthly Maritime Incident Report: March 2025 covers maritime security and incidents throughout the Indian Ocean, Europe, West Africa, South East Asia and South America for the period 01/03/25 – 31/03/25.
• Security Publications: On 31 March 2025, the Maritime Industry Associations of BIMCO, ICS, IMCA, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO & OCIMF, released a consolidated and enhanced publication Best Management Practices (BMP) for Maritime Security (MS) https://www.maritimeglobalsecurity.org/.
• Europe: A US brokered maritime ceasefire agreement in the Black Sea between Russia and Ukraine was reached. Prior to the maritime ceasefire, two vessels were hit during Russian missile attacks in the port of Odesa. Human migration events continue in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas – incidents in Egypt, Italy, and Turkey resulted in 42 migrants being rescued, with 57 apprehended, while 6 drowned. In the English Channel, over 2000 migrants were intercepted.
• Red Sea and Gulf of Aden: Despite the breakdown of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and US airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, no maritime security incidents involving commercial shipping were reported during March.
• Indian Ocean and Somali Basin: A Yemeni-flagged fishing dhow was boarded and held by suspected Somali pirates.
• The Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman: Two incidents involving GPS interference were reported in the approaches to the Strait of Hormuz.
• West Africa and Gulf of Guinea: An oil tanker was boarded and hostages taken by armed pirates off the coast of Equatorial Guinea. A fishing vessel was boarded off Accra, Ghana, and hostages were reported to have been taken.
• Southeast Asia and South China Sea: Two vessels were boarded, and items were stolen from commercial ships in separate ports in India. Boardings and robberies continue in the Singapore Strait.
• The Caribbean Sea and South America: A ship was approached by two speedboats with armed men onboard as it approached the port of Guayaquil in Ecuador. Robberies from pleasure boats continued across the Caribbean.
BMP Maritime Security Publication
On 31 March 2025, the Maritime Industry Associations of BIMCO, ICS, IMCA, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO & OCIMF, supported by over forty maritime stakeholders, released a consolidated and enhanced publication Best Management Practices (BMP) for Maritime Security (MS). BMP Maritime Security consolidates previously published regional publications into a single, comprehensive resource featuring actionable insights and expert advice. It focuses on providing a threat and risk management process and, recognising the dynamic nature of regional security situations, provides signposts to direct users to the most up-to-date security intelligence and risk assessment information. BMP MS is now available to view on the industry website https://www.maritimeglobalsecurity.org/.
1. Regional Report: Europe
Monthly Activity
Diplomatic and political efforts have secured a fragile ceasefire agreement in the Black Sea, although no formal treaty has been signed yet. While all parties agree, in principle, to the idea of such an agreement, their demands differ and seem unlikely to be resolved in the short term. Ukraine does not trust Russia’s compliance, and Russia seems unlikely to agree to a full ceasefire proposal without its own demands being met. Therefore, it remains likely that attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, including port facilities, will continue. Ukraine is likely to continue plans to conduct strikes on Russian military targets like the Novorossiysk naval base and naval vessels, as well as targeting energy infrastructure and other port facilities related to energy exports. Human migration events continued in the English Channel, with over 2000 migrants rescued. In the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, there were migration events recorded in Egypt, Turkey, and Italy, which, sadly, resulted in some migrant fatalities.
Maritime Incidents
1. The Black Sea. 01 March 2025 – Odesa Ukraine. Vessel attacked:
The Russian army launched one missile strike on Odesa port, Ukraine. According to the initial report, the missile struck port facilities, injuring two port workers and damaging infrastructure and a commercial vessel, MSC LEVANTE F. According to the Russian communique, the vessel was targeted as it was suspected to have UK Military equipment (Drones) loaded in a Turkish NATO Base. The Sierra Leone flagged cargo vessel, SUPER SARKAS, was also damaged during the incident.
2. The Black Sea. 11 March 2025 – Odesa, Ukraine. Vessel damaged:
The Russian army launched a ballistic missile against Odesa port, which damaged the Panama-flagged bulk carrier, MJ PINAR. Four members of the Syrian crew were killed during the attack.
3. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 04 March 2025 – Egypt. Migrants Rescued:
42 migrants were rescued off the coast of Egypt in the Mediterranean Sea.
4. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 19 March 2025 – Italy. Migrants Drowned:
6 migrants died after a boat sunk off Lampedusa in the Mediterranean Sea.
5. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 23 March 2025 – Turkey. Migrants Rescued:
57 migrants were apprehended off coast of Mugla, Turkey.
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
Following the breakdown of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, the Yemen Houthis resumed missile attacks against land-based Israeli targets. On 17 March, the US launched airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. In retaliation, the Houthis have launched missile attacks against the US Carrier Strike Group operating in the area. The US said that none of their vessels were affected, and commercial ships were not targeted during the Houthi attack. The situation remains volatile, and the resumption of Houthi attacks against non-Israeli commercial vessels could occur at short notice.
Maritime Incidents
No incidents to report.
3. Regional Report: The Indian Ocean and Somali Basin
Monthly Activity
The Indian Ocean and the Somali Basin. Armed men boarded a Yemeni-flagged fishing dhow. The vessel was later found abandoned; no information was released regarding a ransom payment. A ship reported that they had been followed by a fishing vessel towing three skiffs. The ship took evasive action, and the fishing vessel left the scene. Although the risk posed by the resurgence of Somali piracy during early 2024 has decreased, the potential for a return of pirate activity remains.
Maritime Incidents
1. Somalia. 17 March 2025 – Somalia. Vessel Hijacked:
EU NAVFOR (Op ATALANTA) reported that on 17 March, a suspected pirate attack took place against the Yemeni-flagged fishing boat SAYTUUN-2 off Garmaal in the vicinity of Eyl, Somalia. The vessel was released after unverified reports stated a ransom had been paid.
2. Somalia. 27 March 2025 – Arabian Sea. Suspicious Approach:
When transiting the Indian Ocean, approximately 420 nautical miles east of Socotra Island, an unnamed ship reported being approached by a fishing boat towing three skiff boats, which came within 3 nautical miles. The vessel increased speed to maximum and altered her course. Two skiffs followed them for about 15 minutes before moving away. The crew and vessel are safe.
4. Regional Report: The Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman
Monthly Activity
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards conducted naval drills in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, some of which involved Russian and Chinese participation, as part of a series of nationwide military exercises that concluded in March. During the exercises, commercial ships reported VHF challenges, suspicious approaches, and GPS interference. Iranian naval activity continues to pose a potential threat to commercial vessels transiting the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz. Ships may be contacted or harassed by Iranian authorities while operating in the region.
Maritime Incidents
1. Strait of Hormuz. 10 March 2025 – Electronic Interference:
UKMTO received corroborating reports from vessels experiencing GPS interference in the Strait of Hormuz, with disruptions lasting several hours, which affected navigation systems and required vessels to rely on backup methods.
2. Strait of Hormuz. 14 March 2025 – GPS Interference:
UKMTO reported that vessels were experiencing GPS interference in the Strait of Hormuz, with disruptions lasting several hours, which affected navigation systems and required vessels to rely on backup methods.
5. Regional Report: West Africa and Gulf of Guinea
Monthly Activity
Another boarding, in what appears to be a series of incidents linked to a Pirate Action Group in the eastern Gulf of Guinea, took place off the coast of Equatorial Guinea. The Panama-flagged products tanker BITU RIVER was boarded by armed men; shots were fired during the boarding. The vessel was later released, but 10 crew members were taken hostage. A fishing vessel was boarded by pirates, and hostages were taken off Accra, Ghana. No reports have been received regarding the hostages’ whereabouts.
Maritime Incidents
1. Gulf of Guinea. 01 March 2025 – Equatorial Guinea. Boarding and Kidnap:
Approximately 37 nautical miles southeast of Santo António, São Tomé and Principe. Ten armed pirates boarded and hijacked the products tanker BITU RIVER. According to the initial report, 3 unauthorised persons boarded the vessel. Shots were reported, but no injuries were reported at the time of the report. The IMB reported later that the crew had mustered within the citadel, and contact was lost with the vessel’s captain. The ship was later reported to be sailing toward Libreville / Gabon after being released by the pirates. 10 crew members were abducted (Romanian and Indian nationals), including the Captain and Chief Engineer. The remaining crew members sailed the tanker to Libreville. There is currently no further information on the whereabouts of the hijacked crew.
2. Gulf of Guinea. 28 March 2025 – Ghana. Boarding and Theft:
The MDAT-GOG reported that a fishing vessel had been boarded by pirates 16nm southwest of Accra, Ghana. The report said some of the crew had been abducted. No further information was given.
6. Regional Report: South East Asia
Monthly Activity
During March, boarding and robbery incidents were reported in India for the first time in many months. Two vessels were boarded, and ship’s equipment was stolen at anchorages in Kandla on the west coast and Kakinada on the east coast. Boarding of vessels underway continued in the Singapore Strait, with robbers targeting vessels towing scrap metal barges. Robberies also took place in ports in Indonesia.
Maritime Incidents
1. India. 21 March 2025 – Boarding and Theft:
Kandla Anchorage, India. A group of six to seven unauthorised individuals boarded an anchored container ship. The crew raised the alarm and proceeded towards the forecastle, resulting in the robbers escaping with stolen ship’s property. The incident was reported to port control.
2. India. 27 March 2025 – Boarding and Theft:
OPL Kakinada, India. A duty crew member on routine rounds onboard an anchored tanker noticed two unlit boats near the bows and an unauthorised person on the forecastle deck. The alarm was raised, the ship’s horn sounded and the crew mustered and moved towards the forecastle. Seeing the ship was alerted, the robbers escaped with stolen stores.
3. Singapore Strait. 03 March 2025 – Armed Boarding and Theft:
When transiting within the Phillip channel, the tanker AILAMA was boarded by robbers. The crew reported that four to five criminals, one armed with a gun, were discovered in the engine room. The Captain reported that some items had been stolen. The crew was reported to be safe.
4. Singapore Strait. 07 March 2025 – Armed Boarding and Theft:
The tug HK TUG 9 was transiting in the east of the Singapore Strait and towing a barge when it was boarded by four robbers. The perpetrators boarded from a small boat and transferred scrap metal from the barge. Scrap metal was reported stolen.
5. Singapore Strait. 16 March 2025 – Armed Boarding:
When towing a barge in the Singapore Strait, the captain of Tug DANUM 70 reported a robbery onboard the tug. After arriving in Singapore’s western Anchorage area, the captain conducted a search, and a gangway was reported missing.
6. Singapore Strait. 16 March 2025 – Armed Boarding and Theft:
The captain of an unnamed vessel towing a barge reported sighting two small boats alongside the barge, with an unknown number of perpetrators on board. Scrap metal was reported stolen.
7. Singapore Strait. 17 March 2025 – Boarding and Theft:
When transiting the westbound lane of the Singapore Strait, an unnamed tug towing a barge reported that the barge had been boarded. The captain reported that three sampans were alongside the barge, with an unknown number of criminals on board. The perpetrators transferred scrap metal from the barge into the sampans.
8. Singapore Strait. 23 March 2025 – Boarding and Theft:
When transiting through the Phillip Channel, the cargo vessel FATEMA JAHAN I was boarded by robbers. The crew reported two robbers with gun-like objects were in the engine room. There was no information given regarding ant stolen items.
9. Indonesia. 08 March 2025 – Boarding and Theft:
While anchored at Jakarta anchorage, Indonesia, the cargo vessel MITO reported a boarding. Six robbers damaged the entrance door to the wheelhouse and the anti-piracy grating and stole generator spare parts before departing the ship. The master reported that no crew members were injured.
6. Regional Report: South America and Caribbean
Monthly Activity
A ship reported being approached by two speedboats in the approaches to the Guayaquil River in Ecuador. The ship took evasive action and the boats left the scene. A container vessel was boarded by robbers off Santa Marta in Colombia, and items from the ship’s stores were stolen. Theft and petty crime rates against private yachts are high in the Caribbean, with 4 incidents reported this month.
Maritime Incidents:
1. Ecuador. 08 March 2025 – Suspicious Approach:
Overnight, an unlocked dinghy was stolen from a yacht in Vessup Bay.
2. Colombia. 14 March 2025 – Boarding and Robbery:
When transiting approximately 36 nautical miles north-northwest of Santa Marta, Colombia. The crew onboard a container vessel underway noticed two small boats secured to the aft of the vessel and eight unauthorised persons on board stealing ropes. The Master raised the alarm, increased the ship’s speed, and notified the authorities. All non-essential crew retreated in the citadel. The coastguard communicated with the ship via VHF channel 16 and directed the Master to head to Santa Marta for inspection.
3. The Caribbean. 01 March 2025 – Panama. Robbery:
A yacht anchored off the Casa Vela dinghy dock was boarded overnight while the owners slept onboard, and the outboard dinghy was stolen.
4. The Caribbean. 07 March 2025 – Sint Maarten. Robbery:
The crew of an anchored yacht tied their dinghy to the Dutch Customs dock by the bridge and went inside to complete formalities. Almost immediately, the dinghy was stolen. Video surveillance captured the thief and his rapid departure to the lagoon. The Ministry inspector arrived two hours later, followed by the police three hours later, who took reports.
5. The Caribbean. 19 March 2025 – Panama. Robbery:
A panga and outboard motor was stolen from a dock in Old Bank Bastimentos, the locking chain was cut. A report was made to the police and Coastguard.
6. The Caribbean. 20 March 2025 – Honduras. Attempted Piracy:
A catamaran with three persons onboard departed from Isla San Andres, Colombia. When the vessel was approximately 125 nm off the Honduran coast and about 25 miles south of the Thunder Knoll fishing shoals, the crew observed four boats approaching rapidly. The yacht altered course, putting on all sail/speed. The crew was monitoring VHF, and there were no communications. The crew gathered and displayed multiple flare guns, a paintball-type weapon, a spear gun, and a large fishing gaff. Three of the pursuing vessels were smaller and unable to keep up, falling away and coming no closer than about half a mile. The largest panga had two men onboard wearing orange life jackets standing prominently near the bow and continued to pursue the yacht and approached to 200-300FT before they were able to see the crew’s very visible and ready preparation before they chose to end the pursuit.
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.