Maritime Incident Report: November 2019
Our monthly Maritime Incident Report: November 2019, covering maritime security and incidents throughout the Indian Ocean, West Africa, South East Asia and South America, for the period 01/11/19-30/11/19.
Indian Ocean Overview
The ongoing hostilities between Iran and Saudi Arabia and their allies has not manifested in any shipping related incidents this month with nothing to report.
In terms of Piracy, the Indian Ocean region has been inactive during this reporting period with one reported incident in the Nacala Outer Anchorage. However there was one incident where 3 vessels and crew were detained by Houthi forces but released a few days later. It is highly likely that piracy activity will continue to be sporadic and infrequent. It remains the case that lower risk opportunities in other criminal enterprises such as the smuggling of people, narcotics, weapons and charcoal have likely reduced the appetite and desire for local actors to conduct piracy. However, the piracy attack of 21st April, coupled with a suspicious event on 3rd September, is a stark reminder that the threat from piracy is only suppressed, not eliminated.
1. BOARDED
Date & Time: 17/11/2019 23:00 UTC UTC Location: Off Kamaran Island, Red Sea
Details: Houthi rebels commandeered three vessels and all of their crew just off Kamaran Island in the Red Sea. The vessels, two South Korean and one Saudi Arabian, had reportedly sailed into Yemeni waters in bad weather and were subsequently detained and taken to Salif in Yemen. On November 19 the Houthis released the 3 vessels and all crew due to the Houthis “friendly ties with South Korea”.
2. BOARDED
Date & Time: 19/11/2019 22:40 UTC Location: Nacala Outer Anchorage, Mozambique
Details: Duty crew onboard an anchored bulk carrier noticed an unauthorised person on the forecastle deck and raised the alarm. Crew mustered and a search carried out. Seeing the alerted crew, the person escaped. Nothing reported stolen. All crew safe. Incident reported to Port Control.
West Africa Overview
This reporting period has seen a increase in maritime crime and piracy compared to the previous month with a noticable increase in violence used when boarding vessels, including an incident where an armed guard was shot. There has also been an incident where 9 crew were kidnapped off Cotonou, Benin, bringing the total to 62 seafarers kidnapped in West African waters this year.
1. BOARDED
Date & Time: 02/11/2019 03:20 UTC Location: 9nm SE of Cotonou, Benin
Details: Armed persons boarded a bulk carrier underway. Incident reported to the authorities who dispatched a patrol boat to the ship’s location. It was reported that nine crew members were found missing from the ship. The remaining crew with the assistance of the patrol boat sailed the ship to a safe port.
2. BOARDED
Date & Time: 04/11/2019 02:40 UTC Location: 9nm SSE of Lome, Togo
Details: Three persons armed with guns and knives boarded an anchored tanker and shot one armed guard in his leg. They entered into the accommodation and tried to force their way into the Captain’s cabin but were unsuccessful. Alarm raised and SSAS activated. Once the armed persons left the tanker a headcount was taken, and four crew members were reported missing. Togo Navy boarded the vessel for investigation.
3. ATTEMPTED BOARDING
Date & Time: 07/11/2019 00:15 UTC Location: Around 57nm NNW of Sao Tome Island
Details: Armed persons in a skiff approached and fired upon a tanker underway. Alarm raised, vessel increased speed and commenced evasive manoeuvres. Fire pump activated, and four parachute rockets discharged. Due to the actions of the Master and crew, the skiff aborted and moved away. Vessel and crew safe.
4. BOARDED
Date & Time: 11/11/2019 07:30 UTC Location: Enroute from Bonny to Onne Port, West Africa
Details: Ten armed persons attacked a passenger boat and kidnapped four Immigration Officers. The Nigerian Navy rescued the kidnapped Immigration Officers on 13 November. No casualties reported.
5. BOARDED
Date & Time: 20/11/2019 03:20 UTC Location: 33NM off Malabo Equatorial Guinea
Details: On the 20th November at 0320UTC, an MV had been attacked by two skiffs and boarded by an unknown number of pirates in position 03°45’33N- 008°14’5E. One Equatoguinean Navy ship was dispatched on scene and escorted the MV to Malabo Port.
6. BOARDED
Date & Time: 21/11/2019 01:00 UTC Location: Conakry Anchorage, Guinea
Details: On 21st November at 0100UTC, an MV was boarded by 5 armed men. Investigation is ongoing by locals authorities. Ship and Crew were reported safe.
South East Asia Overview
This reporting period has largely remained the same as last month, with two incidents of maritime crime reported.
1. ATTEMPTED BOARDING
Date & Time: 05/11/2019 11:48 UTC Location: Singapore Straits
Details: Six persons in two speed boats approached a tanker underway. Duty crew noticed the persons attempting to board the tanker and raised the alarm. Master increased the speed and took evasive manoeuvres resulting in the persons aborting the boarding attempt.
2. ATTEMPED BOARDING
Date & Time: 07/11/2019 19:00 UTC Location: Belawan Port, Indonesia
Details: During security rounds, crew onboard a berthed tanker noticed one unknown person trying to board the vessel using a grappling hook. Upon being noticed, the person escaped. Incident reported to Port Authority.
South America Overview
This reporting period has seen one incident of robbery whilst at anchor.
1. BOARDED
Date & Time: 23/11/2019 10:20 UTC Location: Callao Anchorage, Peru
Details: Duty crew onboard an anchored vehicle carrier noticed the forecastle store entrance door and forward booby hatch cover open. On investigating three mooring ropes were reported missing. Incident reported to Callao port authority.
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