Maritime Incident Report: May 2021
Our monthly Maritime Incident Report: April 2021, covering maritime security and incidents throughout the Indian Ocean, West Africa, South East Asia and South America, for the period 01/05/21 – 31/05/21.
Executive Summary:
• 2 ships boarded and crew kidnapped in the Gulf of Guinea.
• Houthi Waterborne IED intercepted in the Red Sea.
• The commercial shipping Industry launches the GOG Declaration on the suppression of Piracy.
• 3 vessels boarded in the Eastbound TTS of the Singapore Strait.
• Vessel sinks off Mumbai with major loss of life as Cyclone Tauktae hits North East India.
Global Update:
West Africa continues to be the focal point of piracy and kidnapping for ransom in the maritime domain, while in East Africa Somali piracy remains suppressed other more complex threats have emerged that threaten the safety of ships and seafarers in the Gulf of Aden, Southern Red Sea and Yemen. In the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz regional tensions have given rise to an increase of activity including the attack and boarding of vessels and harassment by state actors that is of cause for concern to commercial shipping. In SE Asia a total of 97 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported in 2020. This accounts for a 17% increase in the total number of incidents, and a 32% increase in actual incidents reported in 2020 compared to 2019.
West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea
Regional Situation
Kidnap for Ransom has become the modus operandi for criminals in the region, with incidents moving increasingly away from traditional locations in the Niger Delta to offshore with vessels being attacked up to 200nm from shore. Globally 135 crew were kidnapped from vessels in 2020 with the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) accounting for over 95% of crew numbers kidnapped. Since 2019, the GoG has experienced an unprecedented rise in the number of multiple crew kidnappings and in 2020 a record 130 crew members were taken in 22 separate incidents. Criminal activities in this region are particularly dangerous as over 80% of attackers were armed with guns and all 3 vessel hijackings and 9 of the 11 vessels fired upon globally in 2020 related to this area. Crew kidnappings were reported in 25% of vessel attacks in the GoG, more than any other region in the world. Once taken crews are removed from their vessel and can be held onshore until their release is negotiated. Ships are advised to exercise a high degree of caution if operating in the Gulf of Guinea, operators are reminded to regularly review their ship security assessment and plan using the International Ship and Facility Security Code (ISPS). Companies are also advised to maintain strict anti-piracy watches and report all pirate activity, including both actual and attempted attacks, as well as suspicious sightings, to local naval authorities and the MDAT-GOG. The use of BMP West Africa and OCIMF Bridge Cards are advised and provide a handy reference to aid in keeping ships safe.
Threat Assessment: HIGH – Vessels are advised to exercise extreme caution when transiting in and around West Africa.
Monthly Activity Report
Another statistically quiet month in the Gulf of Guinea region saw only two major incidents reported (see incident reports below). The shipping Industry launched the Gulf of Guinea declaration on the suppression of piracy in an attempt to raise world attention on the threats to shipping in the Gulf of Guinea and take the first steps to improve security. A task force of stakeholders from across the shipping industry launched the initiative with over 120 organizations signing up to the declaration from across the maritime industry, including flag state administrations, ship owners, charterers, and shipping associations.
Fig 2: Map of Incidents within West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea, during the period 01/05/21 – 31/05/21.
West Africa and Gulf of Guinea Incidents
1. 31 May 1930UTC
Location: psn 04 33N – 002 23E
Details: MDAT-GOG reported that a vessel was boarded approximately 104NM south of Cotonou, Benin. The pirates reportedly left the vessel at 2045 UTC, the vessel is safe.
2. 26 May 0320UTC
Location: psn 04 42N – 007 09E
Details: An intruder was spotted on an MV (NAME WITHHELD) berthed at Onne port, NIGERIA. He fled on a canoe when the alarm was raised. A Nigerian patrol boat was dispatched to secure the area.
3. 19 May 1830UTC
Location: psn 04 33N – 000 15E
Details: While underway, a fishing vessel was approached 66nm South of Tema, Ghana. The FV was fired upon and boarded by pirates from a small craft. The pirates stole crew personal belongings, kidnapped five crew members and escaped. The Ghanaian Navy were notified, and a patrol boat was dispatched to escort the fishing vessel back to Tema.
Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean
Regional Situation
Somali piracy remains suppressed but not eradicated, however, Pirate Action Groups (PAG) still have the intent and means to conduct criminal activity at sea. This is currently denied to them by the presence of international naval forces, the use of BMP5 measures by ships transiting the area and the deployment of Armed Security Teams on merchant ships provided by Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSC). This combination of deterrents is vitally important if the status quo is to be maintained. Although piracy is in a controlled state other asymmetric threats have emerged that threaten the safety of seafarers in the region, spill over into the maritime domain from the Yemen conflict is of particular concern. The recent attacks against MT Stolt Apal and Gladiolus in the Gulf of Aden using Waterborne Improvised Explosive Devices (WBIED) have no obvious perpetrators (no one has claimed responsibility) but are likely linked to terrorist organisations (AQAP) operating in Yemen.
Threat Assessment: MODERATE/HIGH – Vessels are advised to exercise caution when transiting the high-risk area (HRA).
Monthly Activity Report
The onset of the Indian Ocean South West Monsoon season may be responsible for the lack of maritime security incidents this month. Over 90 crew were reported as missing as an accommodation/work vessel PAPAA-305 sunk in Arabian sea SW off Mumbai as Cyclone Tauktae passed through the region. The vessel was reported to be taking on water and had 270 people onboard before sinking, the Indian navy has said it has rescued 177 of the people who were onboard the vessel.
Fig 4: Map of Incidents within the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, during the period 01/05/21 – 31/05/21.
Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean Incidents
There were no maritime security incidents to report in the region this month.
Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz
Regional Situation
Simmering tensions between the US and its allies and the Islamic Republic of Iran boiled over during the middle of 2019. The Trump administration pursued a ‘Max Pressure’ policy against Iran after it failed to stop its nuclear fuel enrichment program which led to sanctions being placed against the export of Iranian oil. In an apparent retaliation to the boarding of an Iranian oil tanker delivering crude to Syria (against the sanctions), the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) boarded and detained the UK flagged vessel Stena Impero. 4 ships were attacked at anchor off Fujairah UAE with what appeared to be limpet mines and 2 ships underway in the Northern Arabian Sea were also attacked by similar means. In response to these actions, the international community formed the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) and the European Maritime Awareness Mission Strait of Hormuz (EMA SOH) both designed to reassure commercial shipping and deter state actor interference with the free flow of commerce through the SoH. The situation remains tense with IRGC frequently stopping and hailing vessels during transits.
Threat Assessment: MODERATE – Vessels are advised to exercise caution when transiting the high-risk area (HRA).
Monthly Activity Report
Ships continue to be contacted by Iranian naval forces as they transit the Strait of Hormuz, although there is nothing directly threatening about this situation it has caused concern and unease in the merchant shipping community. 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. The IMSC issued revised Bridge Reference Cards for ships operating in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. An Iranian freighter sunk in the Strait of Hormuz after leaving Bandar Abbas the ship with cargo of ceramic tiles was en route from Iran to Oman.
Fig 6: Map of Incidents within the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, during the period 01/05/21 – 31/05/21.
Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz Incidents
There were no reported incidents in the region this month
Yemen and the Southern Red Sea
Regional Situation
A conflict has existed in Yemen since 2015 that has on occasion spilled over into the maritime environment particularly in the Southern Red Sea (SRS) littoral. Iranian backed Houthi rebels have attacked warships and crude oil tankers linked to the Saudi-led coalition who are supporting the internationally recognised Government of Yemen led by President Hadi. The Houthi have deployed sophisticated weaponry including surface-to-surface missiles, sea mines and Waterborne Improvised Explosive Devices (WBIED) and have successfully engaged and caused damage to naval and targeted commercial ships. The threat of collateral damage or attack through misidentification of merchant shipping transiting the Bab el Mandab and SRS is real and commercial ship operators are advised to follow current guidance given in BMP5 and by military sources.
Threat Assessment: MODERATE/LOW – Vessels are advised to exercise caution and remain vigilant.
Monthly Activity Report
Commercial ships are advised to increase vigilance when transiting the area and follow current guidance to stay as far west as possible from the Yemen coast, using the Western Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) around the Hanish Islands in the entrance to the Bab el Mandab strait. The Yemeni Houthi rebels were suspected of being behind an attempt to manoeuvre 2 explosive-laden boats into the Yemen port of Al Salif. In another incident a UN WFP vessel capsized during offloading operations, 1 crew member was killed during the incident.
Fig 8: Map of Incidents within Yemen and Southern Red Sea, during the period 01/05/21 – 31/05/21.
Yemen and Southern Red Sea Incidents
1. 24 May 1200UTC
Location: psn unknown
Details: Saudi forces claimed to have found a mine in the southern Red Sea area. The exact location of the mine is not clear but Saudi forces claimed that the mine was Iranian-made.
2. 28 May 1200UTC
Location: psn 15 17N – 42 40E
Details: Houthi rebels allegedly sent 2 Waterborne IEDs to attack the Yemen port of Salif, Red Sea.
3. 31 May 1200UTC
Location: psn 14 48N – 42 56E
Details: A vessel capsized whilst offloading at Hodeidah port Yemen, the vessel was operated by the UN World Food Programme. 1 person was killed in the incident.
South-East Asia
Regional Situation
Maritime crime in SE Asia and particularly in the Singapore Strait and Sulu-Celebes Seas has traditionally manifested itself in incidents of armed robbery and theft from vessels at ports and anchorages. Of specific concern in 2020 was the continued increase of incidents onboard ships while underway in the Singapore Strait, this numbered 34 incidents compared to 31 in 2019 and despite efforts by littoral states to increase patrolling and law enforcement.
Threat Assessment: HIGH – Vessels are advised to exercise caution and be aware of the rising threat of unauthorised boarding.
Monthly Activity Report
There were 3 incidents of theft from vessels underway in the Singapore strait in May, a significant decrease on April but ships are reminded to stay vigilant while transiting the Singapore TSS.
Fig 10: Map of Incidents within South-East Asia, during the period 01/05/21 – 31/05/21.
South-East Asia Incidents
1. 24 May 1648UTC
Location:psn 01 16N – 104 17E
Details: RB EDEN a Bulk Carrier, was in the Eastbound lane of the Singapore Strait TSS when she reported a boarding incident approximately 7.5NM north-west of Bintan. The Master reported 2-3 personnel were sighted in the engine room. The crew conducted checks and investigation onboard. All crew accounted for, no casualties and no assistance required. The vessel is heading to its next port in China. Master updated that the three perpetrators wore long-sleeved shirts and short pants, barefoot and Major Incidents and Events – May 2021 Threat Assessment Vessels Attacked No Incidents to report HIGH Vessels Boarded 3 Incidents to report HIGH Armed Robbery No Incidents to report HIGH Theft 3 Incidents to report HIGH 1 2 3 are medium built. Access entry through the stern of the ship with a grappling hook attached to the rope. The company updated that engine gaskets and O-rings were stolen.
2. 23 May 0600UTC
Location: psn 01 16N – 104 16E
Details: MV ALEA a Bulk Carrier was transiting along the eastbound lane of the Singapore TSS when four robbers armed with knives boarded a bulk carrier underway and threatened a duty crew who retreated into the accommodation. The alarm was raised and the crew mustered resulting in the robbers escaping without stealing anything.
3. 9 May 1530UTC
Location: psn 01 14N – 104 02E
Details: MV ASTRO PERSEUS a Tanker was in the Eastbound lane of TSS in the Singapore Strait. The shipmaster reported that a search was conducted. No perpetrators were found however a hook with a rope attached was found at the stern of the vessel. The vessel did require any further assistance.
South America
Threat Assessment: MODERATE/LOW – Vessels are advised to exercise caution and be aware of the rising threat of armed robbery.
Monthly Activity Report
Priavo Maritime Security has observed an increase in the reporting of theft from vessels at anchorages or alongside in ports in South Americas’ Western Pacific region over the last 12mths. A number of incidents have taken place particularly in Callao Peru and Guayaquil Ecuador.
Fig 12: Map of Incidents within South America, during the period 01/05/21 – 31/05/21.
South America Incidents
There were no maritime security incidents to report in the region this month.
For More Information
At Priavo we understand the myriad of threats facing owners and operators today and deploy specialist teams for Super Yacht Security. Our operatives are all former members of the British Special Boat Service or ex-Royal Marine Commandos. They are highly trained, armed professionals in Maritime Security and provide both physical and electronic deterrence whilst on board – with experience of over 6,000 successful armed transits.