Maritime Incident Report: September 2019
Our monthly Maritime Report September 2019, covering maritime security and incidents throughout the Indian Ocean, West Africa, South East Asia and South America.
Indian Ocean Overview
Tensions have been stoked again this month in the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf and relations between Iran, the US and their allies have further deteriorated. On 14 September the Saudi state owned Aramco oil processing facilities at Abqaiq and Kurais were attacked by drones, with the Houthi movement in Yemem claiming responsibility. Saudi Arabia and the USA have both blamed Iran for the attacks, which they deny. The US has responded by sending troops to Saudi Arabia which are believed to be specialist engineers and advisors. In other developments, the previously seized British flagged vessel Steno Impero and all her crew was released on 27 September and has since docked in Dubai.
In terms of Piracy, the Indian Ocean region has been inactive during this reporting period with one reported incident. 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.
Incidents
1. Date & Time: 03/09/2019, Location: Gulf of Aden
The MSCHOA has reported that a merchant vessel was reported under attack by one speed boat with more than 2 POB in position 12 08.1N 044 35.5E. One speed boat was sighted with more than two POB on board. One at forward part of speed boat, one at the aft manning the motor, others were lying low. Long aluminium ladder was sighted onboard the speed boat but no weapons were sighted. The vessel is described as – High speed : long hull, 2 outboard motors. Colour of hull light green with yellow stripe on the bow. This vessel managed to evade hijack
West Africa Overview
This reporting period has remained similar to the previous month for maritime crime and piracy with one confirmed
abduction and three boardings.
Incidents
1. BOARDED: Date & Time: 12/09/2019 00:01:00 – 07:00:00 UTC, Location: Port of Douala, Cameroon
Unnoticed, robbers boarded a berthed bulk carrier during cargo operations. During routine rounds in themorning, it was noticed that the store’s padlock was broken and the door’s hinge damaged and bent. After checking, several ship’s properties and stores were reported stolen. The port authorities have been informed.
2. ABDUCTION: Date & Time: 13/09/2019 22:00:00 UTC Location: Around 4.5nm SW of Idenao, Cameroon
Eight people in a speed boat boarded a fishing vessel conducting fishing operations. The perpetrators kidnapped two crew members and then escaped. The Cameroon navy were notified and investigations are ongoing.
3. BOARDED: Date & Time: 16/09/2019 02:50:00 UTC, Location: Around 5nm SSW of Conakry, Guinea
Four robbers armed with a gun and knives boarded an anchored tanker. They took hostage the duty AB and forced him to lead them to the bridge. Once inside the bridge the robbers took hostage the duty officer and forced him to lead them to the Captain, Chief Engineer, third officer and bosun’s cabins. They then looted all the cabins and proceeded to lock the crew in a cabin. They escaped with the crews’ personal belongings, cash and ship’s properties were also stolen. It has been reported that the ship is not damaged and that none of the crew members have been injured.
4. BOARDED: Date & Time: 23/09/2019 03:15:00 UTC, Location: Lagos Secure Anchorage, Nigeria
The duty watchmen on board a tanker noticed two robbers near the forward cargo tanks and raised the alarm. After the alarm was raised, one of the robbers shouted at the watchkeeper and made threatening gestures towards him. The alarm was raised and the Nigerian navy patrol boat responded and searched the waters around the tanker. Investigations showed a section of the razor wire was broken and the vapour locks of the forward cargo tanks were opened.
South East Asia Overview
During this reporting period there has been no real change in maritime crime with eight reported incidents, most of which were boardings at anchor and robbery.
Incidents
1. BOARDED: Date & Time: 08/09/2019 09:08:00 UTC, Location: Around 15nm East of Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia
Three persons boarded an anchored tanker via the anchor cable and stole the forward liferaft, ship’s properties and stores. They then all escaped. The theft was noticed through the CCTV recording.
2. BOARDED: Date & Time: 18/09/2019 19:00:00 UTC, Location: Dermaga Kencana Terminal, Balikpapan, Indonesia
Two robbers boarded a berthed tanker. The alert crew noticed the two robbers and raised the alarm. Both robbers escaped without stealing anything. The incident was then reported to local authorities.
3. BOARDED: Date & Time: 23/09/2019 17:00:00 UTC, Location: Mabini Anchorage
Duty crew on board an anchored tanker noticed a person attempting to open the anchor hawse pipe cover. The alarm was raised and the crew mustered. The incident was reported to a local agent.
4. ABDUCTION: Date & Time: 23/09/2019 03:58:00 UTC, Location: Belawan Anchorage, Indonesia
Seven masked men, armed and wearing camouflage uniforms, approached the fishing vessel and then boarded from two pump boats. They held the crew at gunpoint and took their personal effects, phones and documentation. Before leaving, the armed persons kidnapped three crew members and headed to Tawi-Tawi Islands. They are all believed to be members of the Kidnap for Ransom Group. The Malaysia and Philippine authorities are stepping up its patrol efforts, conducting pursuit operations and intensifying its military operation to rescue the abducted crew and neutralise the militant group.
5. BOARDED: Date & Time: 23/09/2019 19:25:00 UTC, Location: Kakinada Anchorage, India
Four robbers boarded an anchored LPG tanker using a hook attached with rope. Alert crew noticed the robbers and raised the alarm resulting in the robbers escaping in their boat with ship’s stores. Incident reported to port authorities.
6. BOARDED: Date & Time: 25/09/2019 20:15:00 UTC, Location: Around 15nm East of Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia
A Bosun on board an anchored general cargo ship sighted three robbers on the forecastle. They immediately informed the OOW, who raised the alarm. The crew mustered and proceeded towards the forward. Seeing the alerted crew, the robbers escaped with a mooring rope.
7. BOARDED: Date & Time: 25/09/2019 22:06:00 UTC, Location: Around 15nm East of Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia
A Bosun onboard an anchored general cargo ship sighted three robbers on the forecastle and immediately informed the OOW, who raised the alarm. The crew mustered and proceeded towards the forward. Seeing the alerted crew, the robbers escaped with a mooring rope.
8. BOARDED: Date & Time: 30/09/2019 15:15:00 UTC, Location: West of Pulau Cula, Indonesia
Deck crew on routine rounds onboard a bulk carrier underway spotted five armed robbers on the aft deck. Alarm raised, SSAS activated and PA announcement made resulting in the robbers escaping without stealing anything. Incident reported to authorities. A coast guard boat came and escorted the ship to Singapore, where they boarded and searched the ship to ensure that the robbers had left.
South America Overview
This reporting period has seen one incident of armed robbery whilst a vessel was under pilot, 4.5nm off Ecuador.
Incidents
1. BOARDED: Date & Time: 22/09/2019 01:00:00 UTC, Location: Around 4.5nm WNW of Isla Escalante, Ecuador
Two duty crew onboard a container ship under pilotage failed to respond to routine radio checks from the OOW. Investigations revealed that both the crews had been assaulted and tied up. They reported that seven persons armed with a shotgun had boarded, taken them hostage and stolen their personal effects and radios before escaping. The ship proceeded to Posorja roads where the coast guard and anti-narcotics police team boarded and searched the vessel. Once clearance was given the ship resumed her passage.
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 4,000 successful armed transits. Contact Us for more information.