PIRACY AND ARMED ROBBERY PRONE AREAS AND WARNINGS

Bangladesh: Most incidents reported at anchorages and its approaches. Incidents in Bangladesh have fallen significantly over the past few years because of the efforts by the Bangladesh authorities. Recently, incidents are increasing at Chattogram anchorage. Maintain a strict watch.

Indonesia: Dumai / Lubuk Gaung and surrounding waters. Pirates / robbers are normally armed with guns / knives and / or machetes. Generally, be vigilant in other areas. Many incidents may have gone unreported. Pirates / robbers normally approach vessels during the night. When spotted and alarm is sounded, the pirates / robbers usually escape without confronting the crew. A strict anti-piracy watch is recommended.

Meetings and continued dialogue between the Indonesian Marine Police (IMP) and the IMB PRC resulted in positive actions by the Indonesian authorities, who have so far brought down the number of incidents significantly. With the assistance and actions of the IMP, the incidents appear to be curtailed.

The Indonesian Marine Police have advised all ships intending to anchor to do so at / near the following areas where Indonesian Marine Police will conduct patrols for greater protection:

(After IMP-IMB started the cooperation, since 2014, no incident has been reported in the Adang Bay region. With this in view, in March 2021, IMP has decided to replace Adang Bay with Tanjung Butan at 01:11.30N – 104:12.30E as Singapore Straits and surrounding waters are now considered as risky waters).

1. Belawan: 03:55.00N-098:45.30E
2. Dumai: 01:42.00N-101:28.00E
3. Nipah: 01:07.30N-103:37.00E
4. Tanjung Berakit/Bintan: 01:23.30N-104:42.30E
5. Tanjung Priok: 06:00.30S-106:54.00E
6. Gresik: 07:09.00S-112:40.00E
7. Taboneo: 03:41.30S-114:28.00E
8. Tanjung Butan: 01:11.30N-104:12.30E (effective 12 March 2021)
9. Muara Berau: 00:17.00S-117:36.00E
10. Balikpapan: 01:22.00S-116:53.00E

The Indonesian authorities have advised IMB that in accordance with the Road Map Program Police Reforms Wave III, the above given ten locations prevention action of sea robbery / piracy in Indonesian waters will continue until further notice.

Vessels are advised to maintain strict anti-piracy watch and measures and report all incidents and suspicious sightings to the local authorities and the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre. The IMB PRC will also liaise with the local authorities to render necessary assistance.

Malacca Straits:Although the number of incidents has dropped substantially due to increased and aggressive patrols by the littoral states’ authorities since July 2005, vessels are advised to continue maintaining strict anti-piracy / robbery watches when transiting the Straits. Currently, there are no indications as to how long these patrols will continue or when they will be reduced. In some cases, incidents may have gone unreported. Situation currently remains stable although one incident was reported.

Malaysia: Bandar Penawar, Johor – one incident reported at off Tanjung Penawar. Past incidents reported on anchored vessels. Off Tanjung Piai – past incidents reported on vessels underway. Though incidents have stopped, the IMB PRC is monitoring the situation and will liaise with the Malaysian Authorities / MMEA as needed.

In / off Eastern Sabah – kidnapping of merchant ship’s crew by ASG has stopped for several years due to actions by the Malaysian and Philippines Authorities. Last kidnapping incident was reported in January 2020. It was reported that several ASG militants had been captured / killed by the authorities. Although the incidents have stopped, the waters remain risky.

Vessels are advised to continue to take precautionary measures and maintain strict anti-piracy watch and measures. Vessels transiting these waters should refer to the Sabah Notice to Mariners NTM 14 of 2017 on the Ship Reporting System. Vessels are also urged to monitor the IMB PRC Warnings on potential incidents / targets / description of militant boats issued on behalf of the Philippines and Malaysian Intel Agencies.

Philippines: In / off Sibutu passage / off Sibutu island / Tawi Tawi / Sulu Sea / Celebes Sea / off eastern Sabah – past incidents included crew kidnappings. These kidnapping incidents have stopped for several years due to the actions by the Malaysian and Philippines Authorities. Last kidnapping incident was reported in January 2020. It was reported that several ASG militants had been captured / killed by the authorities. Although the incidents have stopped, the waters remain moderately risky.

Vessels are advised to continue to take precautionary measures and maintain strict anti-piracy watch and measures. Vessels transiting these waters should refer to the Sabah Notice to Mariners NTM 14 of 2017 on the Ship Reporting System. Vessels are also urged to monitor the IMB PRC Warnings on potential incidents / targets / description of militant boats issued on behalf of the Philippines and Malaysian Intel Agencies.

Manila: Be vigilant. Several past and recent incidents / robberies have been reported..

Singapore Straits:A General Warning issued in December 2019 indicating a sudden rise in incidents in Singapore Straits especially during the night is still valid. The incidents are still occurring to date. It appears one or more groups are targeting passing ships, including tugs / barges to rob them. Authorities have been notified and are aware of the situation. Vessels are advised to remain vigilant and to continue maintaining adequate watches and measures. Robbers board vessels while underway or while at anchor especially during the night. Robbers will abort and move away when the alarm is sounded, and authorities notified. Therefore, a strict watch is necessary.

South China Sea: Although incidents have stopped in the vicinity off Tioman / off Pulau Aur / off Anambas / Natuna / Mangkai islands / Subi Besar / Merundung areas, vessels are advised to continue to remain vigilant, especially during the night. In the past, several hijackings of small product tankers occurred off the coast of Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and in the South China Sea area. This trend started in April 2014, but the hijackings stopped abruptly in late 2015. It has been reported that some criminals have been arrested by local authorities both in Malaysia and in Indonesia. There were three incidents reported in 2017 where two tankers were hijacked off Kuantan / Off Pulau Aur / East coast Malaysia. The IMB continues to monitor the situation.

As a general rule:

(i) Follow recommendations and guidelines presented in the BMP WA.

(ii) All crews to keep a vigilant lookout using all available means. Ships advised to adjust ETA for direct berthing or wait / drift / transit more than 300nm from the coast, if appropriate and agreed by all in venture. Past incidents reported up to 300nm from the coast.

Angola (Luanda): Incidents of robberies reported. Be vigilant and maintain watch.

Benin (Cotonou): No recent incidents reported. Past incidents reported in / off Benin where crews were kidnapped. Incidents showed that the pirates / robbers in the area are well armed and violent. Pirates robbed vessels and kidnapped crews for ransom. In the past, tankers were hijacked, and part cargo stolen (gas oil). Since 2022, incidents have stopped but vessels are advised to continue maintaining strict watch and measures..

Cameroon (Douala): Past incidents including vessels fired upon at anchor and kidnapping of crew. Be vigilant.

Equatorial Guinea: Two recent incidents off Bioko Island. One incident at around 28nm and the other around 45nm where ship’s crew kidnapped. Past fired upon / kidnapped incidents off Bata up to 87nm from coast.

Gabon (Port Gentil / Owendo anchorage): One incident reported at the anchorage. Past incidents / kidnapping of crews occurred more than 70nm offshore.

Ghana (Takoradi): Past incidents reported at Takoradi anchorages. Maintain strict watches.

Guinea (Conakry): One incident reported. Past incidents involving robberies reported at anchorages.

Ivory Coast (Abidjan): One incident reported at the anchorage.

Nigeria (Lagos / Apapa, Off Bayelsa / Brass / Bonny Island / Port Harcourt): Pirates / robbers are often well armed, violent and have attacked and hijacked / robbed vessels / kidnapped crews along or far from the coast, rivers, anchorages, ports and surrounding waters. Incidents have also been reported up to about 300nm from the coast. Generally, all waters in / off Nigeria remain highly risky. Vessels are advised to be vigilant as incidents may have gone unreported. Kidnapping for ransom remains the biggest risk for crews. Vessels are advised to take additional measures in these high-risk waters. In the past, tankers were also hijacked, and part cargo stolen (gas oil).

Incidents dropped drastically for Nigeria, but vessels are advised to be vigilant as waters remain risky.

Togo (Lome): Incidents appear to have stopped. Past attacks reported at anchorage / in / off Togo. Vessels robbed and crews kidnapped. In the past, tankers were also hijacked, and part cargo stolen (gas oil). Since 2021, incidents have stopped but vessels are advised to continue maintaining strict watch and measures.

The Congo: Incidents appear to have stopped. Past incidents reported off Pointe Noire.

Sao Tome & Principe:No recent reported incidents. Past incidents showed vessels hijacked / attacked, and crews kidnapped. Vessels advised to continue to maintain strict anti-piracy watch and measures. Waters are still considered risky for fishing and merchant vessels although incidents have dropped since 2022.

Sierra Leone: (off Turtle Islands). One past hijacking incident reported.

Red Sea / Gulf of Aden / Somalia / Arabian Sea / Indian Ocean: Eight recent piracy incidents and hijackings reported off Somalia / Gulf of Aden. On 14 December 2023 the first successful hijacking of a merchant vessel by Somali pirates since 2017 was reported. Somali pirates have the capability to target vessels over 1000nm from coast using mother vessels.2017. Somali pirates have the capability to target vessels over 1000nm from coast using mother vessels.

The recent successful incidents demonstrate the continued capabilities of these criminals. Vessels are advised to be vigilant, maintain strict anti-piracy watch and adhere to the recommendations in the latest BMP, while transiting in these waters. The IMB PRC will continue to alert and broadcast information to all ships in the region via GMDSS Safety Net Service.

In the past, Somali pirates have conducted their acts in waters off the southern Red Sea / Bab El Mandeb, Gulf of Aden including Yemen and the northern Somali coast, Arabian sea / off Oman, Gulf of Oman and off the eastern and southern Somali coast. Vessels have also been targeted off Kenya, Tanzania, Seychelles, Madagascar, Mozambique, as well as in the Indian ocean, and off the west and south coasts of India and west Maldives.

Generally, Somali pirates tend to be well armed with automatic weapons and RPGs. They sometimes use skiffs launched from mother vessels, which may be hijacked fishing vessels or dhows. Masters and ship owners are encouraged to register their vessel and report as per the latest BMP procedures, ensure their vessel is hardened prior to entering these waters and to maintain a 24-hour visual and radar watch. Keeping in mind the warnings and alerts for the area, an early sighting / detection of an approaching skiff will enable an accurate assessment, allowing the Master and PCASP to make informed decisions to keep clear of small boats, dhows, fishing vessels and, if necessary, take evasive actions and request assistance as needed.

Masters are reminded that fishermen in this region may try to protect their nets by attempting to aggressively approach merchant vessels. Some of the fishermen may be armed to protect their catch and they should not be confused with pirates.

Vessels transiting in / off Yemen / Gulf of Aden / Red Sea / Bab El Mandeb:There is a heightened security risk to vessels transiting these waters. Vessels are being approached by skiffs and hailed via VHF allegedly by Yemeni naval forces to alter course into Yemeni waters. Masters are encouraged to be cautious, ignore these calls and immediately report any such activities to Coalition warships on VHF Ch 16. Ships transiting Gulf of Aden, Southern Red Sea and Bab El Mandeb are also advised to be vigilant and take precautionary measures as vessels have been targeted by missiles and unmanned aerial/seaborne vehicles. The number of these reported incidents, which are not piracy related, are increasing.

Vessels transiting Straits of Hormuz / Gulf of Oman / Off Iran - incidents are not piracy related. Unauthorised boardings have been reported.

Brazil (Macapa): Incidents have dropped. Waters remain risky. Stay vigilant.

Colombia (Cartagena): One incident reported. Past incidents reported at anchorages, river passage and pilot boarding ground. Stay vigilant.

Ecuador (Guayaquil): Incidents have stopped. Past incidents reported at anchorage / river passage with pilot. Robbers well-armed. Fired upon.

Haiti (Port Au Prince/Lafiteau): Incidents dropped. Advised to continue maintaining watch and to stay vigilant.

Mexico (Puerto Dos Bocas): Incidents dropped. Past reported incidents - pirates / robbers in this area armed with guns.

Peru (Callao): Incidents still high. Waters remains risky. Maintain vigilant watch and employ anti-piracy measures.

Venezuela (Puerto La Cruz / Puerto Jose / Guanta): Although incidents have stopped, vessels are still reminded to maintain strict anti-piracy watch and measures especially at anchor.

Not piracy related: Ukraine and Russia conflict: stay clear of Ukrainian coast. Mines reported in the Black Sea.