Maritime Incident Report: November 2024
Our monthly Maritime Incident Report: November 2024 covers maritime security and incidents throughout the Indian Ocean, Europe, West Africa, South East Asia and South America for the period 01/11/24 – 31/11/24.
• Europe: Human Migration rescue events continue across the Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. Russia intensified attacks on Ukrainian Black Sea port infrastructure, but no commercial ships were reported to have been damaged.
• Red Sea and Gulf of Aden: Houthi forces threaten to target ex-Israeli ships, even after resale. Despite the latest warning, the number of attacks on commercial shipping remains at a reduced level when compared to the beginning of the year. Five ships, including 2 Superyachts, reported sighting suspicious activity in the region during November.
• Indian Ocean and Somali Basin: Unverified reports stated that a fishing vessel was hijacked off the coast of Somalia. This is likely linked to later reports of a Chinese tuna fishing boat leaving Jiifle, Somalia, to be used by a Pirate Action Group to conduct piracy in the Indian Ocean. A vessel reported an approach by a suspicious fishing vessel 200nm northeast of Socotra Island. The ship’s armed guards fired warning flares and the fishing vessel left the vicinity.
• West Africa and Gulf of Guinea: Human migrants who had been picked up by a commercial ship attempted to force the Master to divert the vessel to the Canary Islands, highlighting the risk ships take when compelled to carry out humanitarian rescue missions. A commercial ship reported a suspicious approach by a small boat off the coast of Guinea.
• Southeast Asia and South China Sea: At least 4 vessels were boarded by robbers in the Singapore Strait. Armed robbers boarded a bulk carrier in Kutubdia anchorage, Bangladesh.
• The Caribbean Sea and South America: There were no reports of maritime crime in South America’s ports or anchorages of South America but robberies from private vessels continue unabated in the Caribbean Sea.
Executive Summary
1. Europe. Ahead of the Trump administration taking office, both sides in the Ukraine conflict are attempting to establish a strong bargaining position. Following the decision by the US to allow Ukraine to fire US missile systems into Russia, there has been a significant increase in the number of missile attacks by both sides. Russia has carried out attacks on grain export infrastructure in the south of Ukraine, which is designed to put pressure on Ukraine’s ability to finance the war. Grain exports are a major contributor to Ukraine’s economy but also play a significant part in maintaining global food security. The number of human migration rescue events reported in the Mediterranean region continues to cause concern and places strain on humanitarian and governmental organisations and, potentially, private and commercial shipping operators.
2. The Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. In a statement on 03 November, Yemen’s Houthi rebel group pledged to target ships formerly owned by Israeli companies, even after the vessels are resold and no longer have a tangible link to Israel. The announcement appears to broaden the range of available targets that the group can choose from passing traffic. The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) reported 5 maritime security incidents involving commercial ships in the region during November. An unidentified vessel and a bulk carrier were attacked by the Houthis using missiles and drones, but neither ship was hit during the incident. Two private yachts reported suspicious sightings of multiple small craft near the Bab-el-Mandeb strait and in another incident in the same area, a bulk carrier was hailed by suspected Houthi authorities requesting it to divert its course.
3. The Indian Ocean and Somali Basin. Unverified reports stated that a fishing vessel was hijacked off the coast of Somalia. This is likely linked to later reports of a Chinese tuna fishing boat leaving Jiifle, Somalia, to be used by a Pirate Action Group to conduct piracy in the Indian Ocean. This adds weight to the analysis that now that the Indian Ocean SW Monsoon season has ended, there will likely be increased reports of suspicious activity related to piracy. The European Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) released an update that downgraded the threat from another suspected PAG that they had previously said had left the Hobyo region of Somalia in October. A vessel sighted a suspicious fishing vessel 200nm east of Socotra Island, the vessel left the scene after the ship’s armed guards fired warning flares.
4. The Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. The war in the Levant involving Israel, Iran, and its proxies increases the risk to commercial ships operating in this region. Israeli retaliation to Iran’s attacks on its soil may lead to a spillover of conflict-related activity into the maritime domain and threaten ships operating in Iranian ports and terminals. Iran 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. However, there were no reports of any maritime incidents in this region during November.
5. Southeast Asia and the South China Sea. Armed robbery and boardings of ships underway and at anchor continue to pose the most significant risk to vessels operating in the region. At least 4 vessels were boarded by robbers in the Singapore Strait. Armed robbers boarded a bulk carrier in Kutubdia anchorage, Bangladesh.
6. West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea. Human migrants who were picked up by a Liberian-flagged commercial ship attempted to force the Master to divert the vessel to the Canary Islands; the boat was later boarded by Moroccan Commandos, who freed the crew and took the migrants to the port of Tan-Tan. A commercial ship reported a suspicious approach by a small boat off the coast of Guinea. The small craft had 7-8 occupants onboard; the boat followed the vessel for over an hour before changing course.
7. Latin and South America and the Caribbean Sea. No criminal activity was reported in the ports of South America during November, but we still advise against calling in ports in Ecuador due to social and political instability. Rates of theft and petty crime targeting private yachts are high in the Caribbean; there were 5 incidents to report this month.
1. Regional Report: Europe
Monthly Activity
Ahead of the Trump administration taking office, both sides in the Ukraine conflict are attempting to establish a strong bargaining position. Following the decision by the US to allow Ukraine to fire US missile systems into Russia, there has been a significant increase in the number of missile attacks by both sides. Russia has carried out attacks on grain export infrastructure in the south of Ukraine, which is designed to put pressure on Ukraine’s ability to finance the war. Grain exports are a major contributor to Ukraine’s economy but also play a significant part in maintaining global food security. The number of human migration rescue events reported in the Mediterranean region continues to cause concern and place enormous strain on humanitarian and governmental organisations and, potentially, private and commercial shipping operators.
Maritime Incidents
1. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 02 November 2024 – Migrants Rescued:
79 migrants were apprehended, and 18 were rescued off the coast of Mugla, Turkey.
2. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 05 November 2024 – Migrants Rescued:
218 migrants rescued off the Balearic Islands, Mediterranean Sea.
3. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 06 November 2024 – Migrants Rescued:
110 migrants were rescued by the humanitarian vessel SEA-EYE-5 off the coast of Libya.
4. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 17 November 2024 – Migrants Rescued:
31 migrants rescued off Al-Khums, Libya.
5. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 20 November 2024 – Migrant Incident:
44 migrants swam to the enclave of Ceuta, Spain.
6. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 24 November 2024 – Migrants Rescued:
93 Migrants rescued and detained off Çanakkale, 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
In a statement on 03 November, Yemen’s Houthi rebel group pledged to target ships formerly owned by Israeli companies, even after the vessels are resold and no longer have a tangible link to Israel. The announcement appears to broaden the range of available targets that the group can choose from passing traffic. The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) reported 5 maritime security incidents involving commercial ships in the region during November. An unidentified vessel and a bulk carrier were attacked by the Houthis using missiles and drones but neither ship was hit during the incident. Two private yachts reported suspicious sightings of multiple small craft near the Bab-el-Mandeb strait and in another incident in the same area, a bulk carrier was hailed by suspected Houthi authorities requesting it to divert its course.
Maritime Incidents
1. Red Sea. 07 November 2024 – Suspicious Activity: The Master of the Motor Yacht LIQUID SKY reported suspicious activity involving several small craft that approached his vessel. Between 9-15 small craft were sighted, at least one small craft approached within 3 cables and the crew was reportedly armed. The Master reported that the crew was safe and well and continuing to the next port of call. No direct link or association to Israel, the US, or the UK was found. It is unknown at this time if the small craft was associated with the Houthi threat or an unrelated possible piracy event.
2. Red Sea. 09 November 2024 – Suspicious Activity: The Master of the bulk carrier S LINE reported suspicious activity when an alleged Yemeni authority hailed it over VHF radio and asked to enter Yemeni territorial waters. The vessel ignored the request. The ship was transiting with AIS on and in international waters approximately 57nm off the coast of Aden, Yemen. The ship and crew are reported safe and are proceeding to their next port of call. The incident was investigated, and a link was found that identified the vessel as having an indirect association with Israel.
3. Red Sea. 12 November 2024 – Vessel Attacked: The Master of an unnamed commercial vessel reported multiple explosions near the ship, 70nm southwest of Hodeida, Yemen. No damage was reported and the crew was safe and well. The ship is transiting to the next port of call. The event was investigated and an indirect association to the US was found.
4. Red Sea. 17 November 2024 – Vessel Attacked: The bulk carrier ANADOLU reported that she was hailed over VHF radio by an alleged Yemeni authority and ordered to alter course to the north. The vessel did not comply with the order and continued its transit. At 1613 UTC, while transiting south with AIS on approximately 25nm west of Mocha, Yemen a missile splashed approximately 3 meters astern of the vessel. The missile impact caused the ship to shake, but on inspection, there was no visible damage. On 18 November, at 0958 UTC, while transiting with AIS approximately 60nm southeast of Aden, the Master reported a second missile attack. The missile splashed approximately 1nm from the vessel’s port quarter. The ship and crew are safe and continuing to the next port of call. After an investigation, an indirect association with Israel was identified.
5. Red Sea. 21 November 2024 – Suspicious Activity: The Master of the Motor Yacht TRIPLE SEVEN reported suspicious activity when approached by several small craft. At 0330 UTC, while transiting with AIS on approximately 35nm northeast of Obock, Djibouti, the Master reported that over a period of about 5 hours, the vessel was repeatedly approached by up to 12 small craft. The ship increased speed and conducted evasive manoeuvres. The crew and the vessel are safe and are proceeding to the next port of call. The incident was investigated, and it was inconclusive whether the incident was related to Houthi or piracy activities. The vessel does have direct Israeli, US, or UK associations.
3. Regional Report: The Indian Ocean and Somali Basin
Monthly Activity
Unconfirmed reports state that a fishing vessel that was hijacked off the coast of Somalia may be linked to reports that a Chinese tuna fishing boat may be used by a PAG to conduct piracy activity in the Indian Ocean. This adds weight to the analysis that now that the Indian Ocean SW Monsoon season has ended, there are likely to be increased reports of suspicious activity related to piracy. However, the European Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) released an update that downgraded the threat from the suspected PAG that they had previously said had left the Hobyo region of Somalia in October. A vessel sighted a suspicious fishing vessel 200nm east of Socotra Island; the vessel left the scene after the ship’s armed guards fired warning flares.
Maritime Incidents
1. Arabian Sea. 25 November 2024 – Suspicious Approach:
It was reported that a fishing dhow approached a vessel while underway approximately 200nm northeast of Socotra, Yemen. The dhow came to within 0.5nm at a speed of 6 knots and did not respond to calls on VHF. The security team onboard the vessel fired two bursts of signal flares, which resulted in the dhow altering course and passing within 1nm of the vessel’s stern. The vessel and crew are reported as safe.
2. Arabian Sea. 25 November 2024 – Suspicious Approach:
Unverified reports stated that a fishing vessel was hijacked off Garmaal, Somalia. This is likely linked to later reports of a Chinese Tuna fishing boat leaving Jiifle to be used by a Pirate Action Group to conduct piracy in the Indian Ocean.
4. Regional Report: The Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman
Monthly Activity
The war in the Levant involving Israel, Iran, and their proxies increases the risk to commercial ships operating in this region. Israeli retaliation to Iran’s attacks on its soil may lead to a spillover of conflict-related activity into the maritime domain and threaten ships operating in Iranian ports and terminals. Iran 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. However, there were no reports of any maritime incidents taking place in this region during November.
Maritime Incidents
No Incidents to report.
5. Regional Report: West Africa and Gulf of Guinea
Monthly Activity
Human migrants who were picked up by a Liberian-flagged commercial ship attempted to force the Master to divert the vessel to the Canary Islands; the boat was later boarded by Moroccan Commandos, who freed the crew and took the migrants to the port of Tan-Tan. A commercial ship reported a suspicious approach by a small boat off the coast of Guinea. The small craft had 7-8 occupants onboard; the ship followed the vessel for over an hour before changing course. Elsewhere, the level of incident reporting remains low.
Maritime Incidents
1. Morocco. 04 November 2024 – Human Migration Event:
60nm west of Tan-Tan, Morocco. Rabat’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) received an alert reporting that the crew of an unnamed Liberian-flagged cargo ship had been threatened by migrants who planned to divert it to the Canary Islands. Two Moroccan navy units, with a Commandos team on board, were immediately dispatched to the scene and freed the crew without further incident. The 54 would-be migrants were taken back to the port of Tan-Tan.
2. Guinea. 18 November 2024 – Suspicious Approach:
100nm west of Kakende, Guinea. A small craft green in colour with 7 to 8 people on board, followed a commercial ship for 1.5 hours before changing course. The closest point of approach of the small craft on the boat was reported to be 1.5nm. The Vessel and crew are safe, and the vessel is proceeding to the next port of call.
6. Regional Report: South East Asia
Monthly Activity
Armed robbery and boardings of ships underway and at anchor continue to pose the most significant risk to vessels operating in the region. At least four vessels were boarded by robbers in the Singapore Strait. Armed robbers boarded a bulk carrier in Kutubdia anchorage, Bangladesh.
Maritime Incidents
1. Singapore Strait. 12 November 2024 – Armed Boarding and Theft:
The crew of an underway cargo ship spotted three robbers armed with guns and long knives inside the engine room. The alarm was raised and the robbers escaped. The Coast Guard boarded the vessel for investigation. Engine spare parts were reported stolen.
2. Singapore Strait. 13 November 2024 – Armed Boarding and theft:
Around 7-8, robbers armed with a gun boarded a general cargo ship that was underway and entered the engine room. One robber pointed the gun at the third engineer while others stole ship’s property and spare parts. The alarm was raised after the robbers left the engine room. The crew mustered, and a search was conducted; the Coast Guard inspected the ship upon arrival at Singapore anchorage.
3. Singapore Strait. 19 November 2024 – Armed Boarding:
Three unauthorised individuals wearing facemasks boarded a bulk carrier while underway and entered the engine room. The duty engineer raised the alarm and the robbers escaped. The crew mustered, conducted a search, and found nothing had been stolen. The Coast Guard boarded the ship for inspection upon arrival at Singapore anchorage.
4. Singapore Strait. 19 November 2024 – Armed Boarding:
Four robbers armed with long knives boarded a bulk carrier while underway and entered the engine room. They tied up the duty motorman and fled after warning him to stay quiet. The motorman raised the alarm and the crew conducted a search but found nothing missing. The incident was reported to local authorities. The Coast Guard boarded the ship at Singapore anchorage to ensure the crew was safe.
5. Bangladesh. 19 November 2024 – Armed Boarding:
Kutubdia Anchorage. The bulk carrier KARLOVASI was boarded by armed robbers when anchored at Kutubdia anchorage. There were no reports of anything having been stolen during the robbery.
6. Regional Report: South America and Caribbean
Monthly Activity
No criminal activity was reported in the ports of South America during November, but we advise against calling in ports in Ecuador due to social and political instability. Rates of theft and petty crime targeting private yachts are high in the Caribbean; there were 5 incidents to report this month.
Maritime Incidents:
1. The Caribbean. 15 November 2024 – Vandalism:
British Virgin Islands. The crew returned to their locked dinghy at the Cane Garden Bay dinghy dock and found the fuel line had been slashed.
2. The Caribbean. 20 November 2024 – Theft:
Martinique. An aluminum dinghy and 5HP Tohatsu outboard were stolen from Carenantiles dock. No further details are currently available.
3. The Caribbean. 20 November 2024 – Theft:
Guadeloupe. An outboard engine was stolen from a yacht berthed at the St. Francois marina. The theft was reported to the local police. No further details are currently available.
4. The Caribbean. 20 November 2024 – Theft:
Grenada. A dinghy and outboard that was hauled up on the beach at Benji Bay was stolen overnight. A police report was made.
5. The Caribbean. 21 November 2024 – Theft:
St Lucia. A yacht arrived in Soufriere and took a mooring. The crew visited friends on a neighbouring yacht for about 2 hours that evening. They did not lock the yacht and, on their return, discovered that they had been boarded. The thief had entered the salon and stolen cash, credit cards, and a phone that had been left on a table. A report was made in person to the local police.
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.