Updates from the Office of Naval Intelligence
Maritime OPINTEL Report
(U) WORLDWIDE: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report
14 Dec – 12 Jan 2011
13 January 2011 Maritime Crime/Piracy
.
A. (U) NIGERIA: Militants bombed three oil flow stations in Niger Delta on 17 Dec 10. The
Niger Delta Liberation Force (NDLF) claimed responsibility for the coordinated bombing of
three oil flows. The bombing was carried out with remotely activated bombs. The NDLF
claimed to have carried out the attacks “to draw government attention to the plight of the
suffering people of Ayakoromo.” As a result of the attack, Chevron, the owner of one of the
three platforms, has temporarily suspended production from the oil platform while it investigates
damage. Despite a series of recent successful operations by the military task force, it remains
difficult to guard against pipeline sabotage attacks. (Reuters)
.
B. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Russian Navy convoy schedule for January 2011. Assembly point
"A" (Eastbound convoys): 14:30N – 42:00E. Assembly point “B” (Westbound convoys):
15:45N – 61:30E. Schedule of convoys: Eastbound transit is on 10 Jan 2011 at 0500 UTC.
Westbound transit is on 04 Jan 2011 at 0500 UTC. Further dates to be announced later. Please
be advised, that the Russian Maritime Security Service (RMSS) will be off for the period of New
Year holidays from 01 – 10 January 2011. Applications sent before 31 December 2010 should be
sent to the Russian Maritime Security Service: e -mail smb@msecurity.ru; fax +7 (495) 694-10-
03. Applications sent from 01 to 10 January 2011 should be sent to the State Maritime Search
and Rescue Coordination Center (SMRCC) of Russia: e-mail: od_smrcc@morflot.ru; fax: +7-
495-626-13-46; tel: +7-495-626-10-52. (MSCHOA)
.
C. (U) GULF OF ADEN: South Korean Navy convoy schedule for January 2011.
Rendezvous Point “A” (Eastbound convoys): 12:07N – 044:11E. Rendezvous Point “B”
(Westbound convoys): 14:54N – 054:41E. Transit speed is 12kts. Please note that the base
speed can be changed to match the speed of vessel with lowest speed. Eastbound transits are on
02 Jan, 08 Jan, 20 Jan, and 26 Jan 2011. Westbound convoys are on 05 Jan, 11 Jan, 23 Jan, and
29 Jan 2011. Please note that merchant vessels that want to join the ROK Naval escort task group
must submit their application directly to ROK Naval Warship. Please note that the convoy
minimum transit speed is 12 kts. Vessels that are joining the convoy must be able to maintain 12
kts. If vessel’s ETA to rendezvous point is delayed more than 2 hours, ROKN cannot guarantee
the convoy. Vessels that are registered with ROK Naval escort must establish good
communication with the warship at least 24 hours prior to convoy start time. If possible, update
vessel’s position, course, speed, and ETA every four hours beginning 36 hours prior to convoy
start time. It is always a good idea to update vessel’s movement to UKMTO regularly. For
further information, please contact ROK Naval Escort Task Group directly: INMARSAT
773112213; Fax: +870-783-113-233; Email: chunghae6th@gmail.com. (MSCHOA)
.
D. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Government of Japan convoy schedule for January 2011.
Rendezvous point “A” (Eastbound): 11:50N – 045:00E. Rendezvous point “B” (Westbound):
14:28N – 053:00E. Base speed is 12 kts. Eastbound transits are at 1400 UTC on 06 Jan, 10 Jan,
17 Jan, and 24 Jan 2011, and at 1500 UTC on 31 Jan 2011. Westbound transits are at 1400 UTC
on 01 Jan, 08 Jan, 12 Jan, 19 Jan 2011 and 1500 UTC on 29 Jan 2011. Please note that
application for JMSDF escort operation must be made directly to the GOJ, which is a separate
procedure from the application to MSC(HOA). Merchant vessels that wish to apply for JMSDF escort operation should visit http://www.mlit.go.jp/maritime/gaikoh/pirate/HP_English.doc to
follow the application procedure. For further information, please contact directly to Anti-Piracy
Contact and Coordination Office, Maritime Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport
and Tourism (MILT), Japan: Tel: +81-3-5253-8932; Fax: +81-3-5253-1643; Email: INFO-
PIRACY@mlit.go.jp (MSCHOA)
.
E. (U) GULF OF ADEN: People’s Liberation Army Navy convoy schedule for January
2011. Rendezvous Point “A” (Westbound convoys): 14:50N – 053:50E. Rendezvous Point
"B" (Eastbound convoys): 12:17.8N – 043:49E. Transit speed is 12 kts. Eastbound convoys are
On 05 Jan, 11 Jan, 17 Jan, 23 Jan, 29 Jan 2011. Vessels will muster at 0600 UTC and start
transiting at 0900 UTC. Westbound convoys are on 02 Jan, 08 Jan, 14 Jan, 20 Jan, 26 Jan 2011.
Vessels will muster at 0600 UTC and start transiting at 0900 UTC. Vessels should submit the
application via INM-C (583441301333), (INM-F:773122242, INM-M:76493882) or
Email: planavy@navy.mil.cn with the following details: Vessel name, call sign, flag, MMSI
number, GT/DWT, LOA, mean draft, freeboard, economy speed, max cruising speed, crew’s
number and nationality, captain’s name and nationality, country of shipping company, type of
vessel, cargo, last port of call/country, next port of call/country, year built, landing place for
helicopter, contact information, ETA rendezvous point. Vessels that want to join the Chinese
Navy convoy should inform Chinese Navy 529 of ETA to the rendezvous point every day and
cancel the application ASAP if that vessel will not join the China Navy. (MSCHOA)
.
4. (U) Details: Monthly Incidents by Region
.
(U) This section lists reports of active violence against shipping, a credible threat to shipping, or
the potential for a situation to develop into a direct threat to shipping over the last 30 days.
Designation of a high threat area is based on an assessment of all source information relating to
the existence of, or potential for, piracy and other crime, terrorism, civil unrest or low intensity
conflict. Every effort is made to ensure that incidents are not double-counted. In the event
double counting is detected or an incident is later learned to be different than initially reported,
an explanation of the cancellation of the inaccurate report will be made in at least one message
prior to dropping the erroneous report.
.
A. (U) NORTH AMERICA: No current incidents to report.
.
B. (U) CENTRAL AMERICA-CARIBBEAN: No current incidents to report.
.
C. (U) SOUTH AMERICA:
.
- (U) PERU: Vehicle carrier was robbed 9 Jan 11 at 1915 local time while at anchor in position
12:01.1S – 077:13.0W, at Callao anchorage, Peru. The duty officer noticed the robbers on the
forecastle deck and raised the alarm. On hearing the alarm the robbers escaped in fast boats,
with some ship stores stolen. (IMB)
. - (U) PERU: Dredger robbed 23 Dec 10 at 0430 local time while at anchor in position
12:02.47S – 077:09.21W, in the north break water of Callao anchorage. Four robbers in a small
boat armed with guns and knives approached a dredger from the port side. They started making
noise to attract crew’s attention. While the crew was distracted, robbers from another boat on the
starboard side boarded the vessel. The robbers threatened the security guard who approached
them, and they stole ship’s equipment. Local authorities informed and a coast guard boat was
dispatched. Later, a naval patrol vessel designated to protect the dredger arrived at location and
commenced patrolling area. (IMB)
.
F. (U) MEDITERRANEAN-BLACK SEA:
. - (U) EGYPT: Roll-on roll-off ship was robbed 16 Dec 10 at 1430 UTC while at anchor in
position 31:14N – 032:18E, in the inner waiting area of Port Said. About 20 robbers from a boat
boarded a RoRo cargo ship during anchoring operations. The robbers broke the padlock on the
emergency entrance and stole ship’s propverty. During the incident the robbers assaulted and
injured one crew member. Robbers were very aggressive and shouted at police whoe arrived at
scene. Later the robbers escaped. (IMB)
.
G. (U) WEST AFRICA:
. - (U) NIGERIA: Chemical tanker robbed and hijacked 11 Jan 11 at 0700 UTC 15NM off
Lagos, Nigeria. Three crew members were abducted from the vessel, but were returned the next
day. All crew members are reported to be safe and unharmed; however a number of personal
items were stolen. (ONI)
. - (U) NIGERIA: Two fishing trawlers were attacked and boarded on 10 Jan 11 at 1200 local
time while at the Fairway Buoy off of Bonny, Nigeria. Crewmembers sustained gunshot and
machete wounds, and are currently being treated at a local hospital. (ONI)
. - (U) NIGERIA: Chemical tanker was boarded and robbed 9 Jan at 1930 UTC, while at
anchorage 7NM off Lagos, Nigeria. The robbers stole all valuables and injured to crewmembers
in the attack. (ONI)
. - (U) NIGERIA: Chemical tanker robbed and hijacked 24 Dec 10 at 2220 UTC while at anchor
in position 06:07.7N – 002:37.2E, approximately 60NM southwest of Lagos. 15 armed men
boarded an anchored chemical tanker. The robbers were very violent with the crew and
mustered them in the mess room. Ship and crew cash and crew personal items stolen. Some
crew members suffered minor injuries. Later the robbers forced the chief engineer and master
the sail the vessel under their orders to an undesignated position. Here the vessel was forced to
conduct STS operations and discharge their cargo into a smaller unnamed vessel. The STS
operations were completed on 26 Dec. The men then ordered the vessel to sail under their
orders. The robbers left the vessel on 27 Dec, and the incident was reported to the owners.
(IMB)
. - (U) NIGERIA: Fishing trawler was robbed and the master abducted 19 Dec 10 at 0200
local time. A Nigerian-flagged fishing trawler was fishing along the Qua Iboe Estuaries when it
was attacked by armed men in three speedboats. The vessel’s master was abducted and taken to
a camp in Bakassi. The master was released 23 Dec after a $5,000 ransom was paid. The
suspects threatened to continue attacking vessels and gave the master a phone number for future
reference. (ONI)
. - (U) NIGERIA: Two fishing trawlers were attacked in the late hours of 15 Dec 10 while
located 15-20NM west of Bonny River. An unknown number of armed attackers kidnapped the
captain and chief engineer of each vessel, all of whom were Nigerians. In total, one other
Nigerian crew member was kidnapped and two crew members were shot in the legs. (ONI)
. - (U) NIGERIA: Container ship fired upon 15 Dec 10 at 0304 UTC while drifting in position
0600N – 003:33E, approximately 25NM south of Lagos. A suspicious vessel approached a
drifting container ship. At a distance of 2.1NM the vessel stopped and launched a skiff with
seven armed men. The skiff chased and fired upon the ship with intent to board. The master
raised the alarm and increased speed, and crew activated fire hoses, smoke signals, and fired
rocket flares at the skiff. The armed men made several attempts to board the ship and finally
aborted the attack due to crew’s efforts, including rigging razor wires and an electric fence.
(IMB)
.
H. (U) RED SEA:
. - (U) RED SEA: Bulk carrier (ORIENT CRUSADER) was fired upon 10 Jan at 2241 UTC
while underway in position 14:31N – 042:29E, approximately 31NM NE of Al Hudaydah,
Yemen in the southern Red Sea. The master increased speed and took evasive maneuvers to
elude the attempted boarding. (IMB, ONI)
.
I. (U) INDIAN OCEAN-EAST AFRICA:
. - (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Vessel (LEOPARD) was fired upon 12 Jan at 1322 UTC while
underway in position 1513N – 05817E, approximately 263NM ESE of Salalah, Oman. Pirates in two skiffs attacked and boarded the vessel. Pirates later transferred the crew to a nearby pirate mother ship and departed the area. (ONI, UKMTO)
. - (U) GULF OF ADEN: Oil supply ship (BOURBON HESTIA) was chased 12 Jan at 1046
UTC while underway in position 12:06N – 044:25E, approximately 50NM SW of Aden,
Yemen. The vessel was attacked together with BOURBON HESTIA, but the attack ceased
when the onboard security team fired warning and arresting shots. (ONI, UKMTO)
. - (U) GULF OF ADEN: Oil supply ship (BOURBON HECTOR) was chased 12 Jan at 1046
UTC while underway in position 12:06N – 044:25E, approximately 50NM SW of Aden, Yemen.
The vessel was attacked together with the BOURBON HESTIA, but the attack ceased when the
onboard security team fired warning and arresting shots. (ONI, UKMTO)
. - (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (ALPINE PERSEFONE) was attacked 11 Jan at 1345 UTC
while underway in position 14:01N – 067:25E, approximately 380NM west of Goa, India.
Pirates in one skiff came alongside the vessel with weapons and attempted to board with a
ladder. The attack was repelled with water hoses, and no shots were fired. (IMB, UKMTO)
. - (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (BARBAROSA) was fired upon 11 Jan at 1021 UTC while
underway in position 16:33N – 059:08E, approximately 290NM east of Salalah, Oman. Five
pirates on a skiff fired automatic weapons and RPGs at the Tanker. Due to evasive maneuvering,
the attack was averted. (ONI, UKMTO)
. - (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (HONG OCEAN) was chased 8 Jan at 0352 UTC while
underway in position 15:46.8N – 055:42.8E, approximately 115NM SE of Salalah, Oman. The
master enforced evasive maneuvers and increased speed, and after two hours the pirates aborted
the attack. (IMB)
. - (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (BW BAUHINIA) was attacked 7 Jan at 1629 UTC while in
position 21:08N – 062:45E, approximately 180NM ESE of Ras al Hadd, Oman. Five pirates in a
skiff fired upon and attempted to board the vessel, but were evaded when the master increased
speed and took evasive maneuvers. (IMB)
. - (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (ACHILLEAS) was fired upon 6 Jan at 0908 UTC while
underway in position 21:04N – 063:21E, approximately 220NM ESE of Ras Al Hadd, Oman.
Five pirates in a skiff fired upon and attempted to board the carrier. The master increased speed,
took evasive maneuvers and evaded the attempted boarding. (IMB)
. - (U) INDIAN OCEAN: LPG Carrier (BW AUSTRIA) was fired upon 6 Jan at 0700 UTC
while underway in position 21:10.4N – 063:17.4E, approximately 205NM ESE of Ras Al Hadd,
Oman. Five armed pirates fired upon the vessel, and an RPG made a hole in the accommodation
block. The master increased speed, took evasive maneuvers and managed to evade the attempted
boarding with all crew members safe. (IMB)
. - (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (FRONT WARRIOR) was fired upon 6 Jan at 0220 UTC
while underway in position 20:00N – 064:06E, approximately 503NM NE of Mumbai, India.
Pirates in one skiff fired at the tanker, but the crew used razor wire and fire hoses to evade the
attack. (ONI)
. - (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (MAERSK PELICAN) was fired upon 3 Jan at 1503 UTC
while underway in position 19:35N – 065:13E, approximately 430NM west of Mumbai, India.
Pirates in a small high speed boat approached from the stern, and fired upon the tanker with
hand-held weapons. Due to evasive maneuvers, the tanker succeeded in evading a boarding.
(IMB)
. - (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (CPO CHINA) was boarded 3 Jan at 1039 UTC while
underway in position 15:48N – 059:49E, approximately 330NM ESE of Salalah, Oman. Pirates
in two skiffs chased the tanker and opened fire with automatic weapons. The pirates made
several attempts to board the vessel and finally managed to gain access. The 20 member crew
locked themselves in a citadel until the pirates abandoned the ship. HMAS Melbourne boarded
the vessel on 4 Jan and found the pirates gone and all the crew safe. (IMB, Open press).
. - U) INDIAN OCEAN: General cargo ship (MSC SINDY) was chased 2 Jan at 1055 UTC
while underway in position 15:29.0N – 059:23.6E, approximately 320NM east southeast of
Salalah, Oman. The master raised alarm, increased speed, took evasive maneuvers, and the crew
threw empty drums to deter the skiffs. The hijacking was evaded. (IMB)
. -
(U) INDIAN OCEAN: Chemical tanker (RATNA SHALINI) was fired upon 1 Jan at 2123
UTC while underway in position 14:53.0N – 063:45.9E, about 575NM east of Socotra Island.
Pirates armed with guns chased and fired upon the vessel. The master increased speed and took
evasive maneuvers until pirates aborted the attack. (IMB)
.
15. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tug (TIBA FOLK) was chased 1 Jan at 1950 UTC while underway
in position 02:41N – 059:17E, approximately 690NM SE of Haradera, Somalia. The tug, which
had been previously attacked by pirates on the same day, released the barge it was towing to
increase speed and maneuverability, and the security team onboard fired flares. The skiffs later
aborted the attack. (IMB)
- (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (BLIDA) was hijacked 1 Jan at 1536 UTC while
underway in position 15:28N – 055:51E, approximately 130NM SE of Salalah, Oman, and the
27 member crew was taken hostage. The HANNIBAL II was also in the area and probably acted
as a mothership. (IMB, ONI)
. -
(U) GULF OF ADEN: Chemical tanker (GREEN PARK) was fired upon and a boarding
was attempted 1 Jan at 1321 UTC while underway in position 13:09N – 048:49E, approximately
84NM SW of Al Mukalla, Yemen. Six pirates in a skiff chased the tanker, but due to evasive
maneuvers and effective counter piracy measures, a hijacking was evaded. (IMB)
.
18. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tug (TIBA FOLK) was fired upon 1 Jan at 0754 UTC while
underway in position 03:56N – 59:33E, approximately 672NM east of Hobyo, Somalia. Twelve
armed pirates in two skiffs chased and fired upon the tug, but due to evasive maneuvers and
effective anti-piracy measures, a hijacking was evaded. (IMB)
.
19. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: General cargo ship (EMS RIVER) was hijacked 27 Dec at 1303
UTC while underway in position 17:57N – 057:43E, approximately 225NM northeast of Salalah,
Oman. Pirates using a previously hijacked tanker attacked and hijacked a general cargo ship
along with its either crew. (IMB, Open Press)
.
20. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (SIGLOO STAR) was chased 27 Dec 10 at 1200 UTC while
underway in position 15:17N – 056:22.8E, approximately 160NM southeast of Salalah, Oman.
Skiffs launched from a previously hijacked vessel chased an LPG tanker. The tanker enforced
counter-piracy measures and requested assistance from a warship. Upon arrival of a naval
helicopter, the skiff aborted the attack and returned to the mother vessel. Pirates on the mother
vessel warned the helicopter via VHF to move away or they would kill the ship’s crew. Vessel
and crew are safe. (IMB)
.
21. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Fishing vessel (SHIUH FU 1) was hijacked 25 Dec 10
at 1000 UTC while underway in position 12:58.9S – 051:52.01E, approximately 120NM east of
Nosy Ankao, Madagascar. Pirates hijacked a fishing vessel along with her 26 crew members. A
previously hijacked merchant ship was reported to be in the vicinity during the hijacking of the
fishing vessel. (IMB)
.
22. (U) MOZAMBIQUE CHANNEL: Bulk carrier (MAJESTIC) was fired upon 25 Dec 10 at
0830 UTC while underway in position 19:04S – 038:42E, approximately 185NM east of Beira,
Mozambique. Eight pirates in a skiff chased and fired upon a bulk carrier underway. Pirates
aborted attempt. (IMB)
.
23. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: General cargo ship (THOR NEXUS) was hijacked 25 Dec 10 at
0140 UTC while underway in position 16:01N – 060:12E, approximately 380NM east of
Salalah, Oman. Pirates boarded and hijacked a general cargo ship underway with her 27 crew
members hostage. (IMB)
.
24. (U) MOZAMBIQUE CHANNEL: Tanker (NS AFRICA) reported a suspicious approach
24 Dec 10 at 1528 UTC while underway in position 18:51S – 039:53E, approximately 115NM
southeast of Macalonga Point, Mozambique. A mother vessel was spotted on radar at a range of
14NM approaching a tanker. At a distance of approximately 7.9NM, the mother vessel was seen
launching a skiff. Tanker raised alarm, activated SSAS alarm, broadcast distress message,
increased speed, activated water jets, and all crew except bridge and engine team mustered in the
safe room. The skiff with approximately six armed pirates approached and chased the tanker for
around 50 minutes before aborting and returning to the mother vessel. (IMB)
.
25. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Chemical tanker (NORD STRAIT) reported an attempted boarding
22 Dec 10 at 0350 UTC while underway in position 17:00N – 062:53E, approximately 500nm
east of Salalah, Oman. One skiff with six pirates armed with RPGs and AK-47s fired on and
attempted to board the chemical tanker while underway. Due to evasive maneuvers and anti
piracy measures, the attack was aborted after 80 minutes. (IMB, Operator)
.
26. INDIAN OCEAN: Cargo ship (THOR NAUTILUS) was fired upon 22 Dec 10 at 0300
UTC while underway in position 12:10N - 062:31E, approximately 470nm east of Socotra
Island. Due to evasive maneuvering, the hijack was evaded. (IMB)
.
27. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (ORNA) was hijacked 20 Dec 10 at 1129 UTC while
underway in position 01:42S – 060:52E, approximately 950nm east of Mogadishu. Pirates took
all 19 crewmembers hostage. (IMB)
.
28. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Chemical tanker (DOUBTLESS) was fired upon 19 Dec 10 at 0909
UTC while underway in position 19:04N – 062:10E, approximately 475nm NE of Salalah,
Oman. Two pirates attempted to board the vessel by using ladders. Due to evasive maneuvers
and effective anti piracy measures the attack enforced onboard the hijack was evaded. (IMB)
.
29. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (HELLESPONT TRINITY) was fired upon 16 Dec 10 at
0315 UTC while underway in position 16:10N – 068:20E, approximately 300NM southwest of
Mumbai, India. Pirates in a skiff approached a tanker underway and opened fire with automatic
weapons. The tanker evaded the boarding. (IMB, UKMTO)
.
30. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (MICHALAKIS) was fired upon 15 Dec 10 at 0215
UTC while underway in position 12:09N – 060:23E, approximately 350NM east of Socotra
Island. Two skiffs with four pirates armed with machine guns and RPG chased and fired upon a
bulk carrier underway. Vessel enforced counter piracy measures resulting in the pirates aborting
the attack. Vessel sustained some damage. (IMB, UKMTO)
.
31. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (MICHELE BOTTIGLIERI) was fired upon 14 Dec 10
at 0800 UTC while underway in position 18:15N – 061:37E, approximately 435NM northeast of
Salalah, Oman. Pirates armed with guns and RPG in two skiffs chased and fired upon a bulk
carrier underway. The ship was able to evade the attack due to preventive measures. (IMB,
UKMTO)
.
K. (U) SOUTHEAST ASIA:
.
- (U) MALAYSIA: Tug was robbed 02 January 11 at 0400 local time while underway in
position 01:13.29N – 103:30.36E, approximately 3.8 NM off of Tg Piai, Malaysia. The vessel
was boarded by ten robbers armed with pistols and machetes, and robbed of $3000 USD in cash.
(ONI)
. - (U) MALAYSIA: Tug was robbed 31 Dec 10 at 0430 local time while underway in position
01:14N - 103:26E, approximately four nautical miles off Johor, Malaysia. The vessel was in
position when it was boarded by six armed suspects in a single speed boat dressed in black and
armed with knives. The crew were threatened and ordered to surrender their valuables and cash
before being tied up with rope. (IMB)
. - (U) SINGAPORE: Tug was robbed 30 Dec 10 at 0535 local time while underway in position
01:19.97N – 104:17.62E, approximately 3.5NM southeast of Tanjung Ramunia. Six robbers
boarded the vessel from a speedboat and held the crew hostage before stealing personal
belongings. There were no crew injuries reported. The Singapore Navy and Coast Guard were
informed. (ReCAAP)
. - (U) INDONESIA: General cargo ship was suspiciously approached 24 Dec 10 at 1800 local
time while underway in position 03:02N - 105:17E, off Mangkai Island of the Anambas
Archipelago. The officer of the watch spotted a speed boat with nine criminals on board. The
vessel engaged in evasive manoeuvres and the suspect speed boat broke off its approach. A
search was carried out and no criminals were found on board. (IMB)
. - (U) SINGAPORE: Tug boat was robbed 23 Dec 10 at 1940 UTC while underway in position
01:12.32N – 103:34.18E, approximately 5NM southeast of Tg Piai, TSS westbound lane,
Singapore. Eight armed pirates boarded a tug underway and held all other crew except the
master as hostage on the bridge. Pirates stole ship’s equipment and crew properties before
escaping. (IMB)
. - (U) INDONESIA: Container ship was robbed 14 Dec 10 at 0300 local time while at anchor
in position 06:00S – 106:54E in Tanjung Priok anchorage, Jakarta. Five robbers armed with
long knives boarded a container ship at anchor. They took the duty watch hostage and
threatened him with knives. Three of the robbers entered the accommodation and stole ships
property from the safety locker. The robbers escaped in a waiting speed boat. (IMB)
.
N. (U) ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC NON-STATE ACTIVIST GROUPS:
. - (U) SOUTHERN OCEAN: Japanese harpoonists clashed with militant anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd vessels on 31 Dec 2010, while 1,700NM southeast of New Zealand. Sea Shepherd’s vessels had been seeking to disrupt the Japanese whalers on their annual hunt in Antarctic waters since mid-December but previously had not been able to sight the Japanese fleet. The society’s president, Paul Watson, said that now they had made contact with the whalers, they would attempt to prevent any of the giant sea creatures from being slaughtered. Japan’s fisheries agency said that Sea Shepherd used a small boat to throw ropes and bottles at whaling vessels. (Open Press)
.
(U) Sourcing
.
(U) ONI derives information in this report from direct reporting and analysis of reports from the
following agencies and commercial sources.
.
• Agence France Presse (AFP)
• Associated Press (AP)
• BBC News (BBC)
• Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), Denmark (BIMCO)
• EU Naval Forces (EU)
• Fairplay (FP), London
• International Maritime Bureau (IMB), London and Kuala Lumpur
• International Maritime Organization (IMO), London
• Informa Group (INFO), formerly LLP, Llp Limited, London
• Latitude38.com (LAT), website
• Lloyd’s List (LL), daily, London
• Local media (LM)
• Maritime Administration (MARAD), US
• Maritime Security Council (MSC), US
• Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA), Northwood
• MaRisk by Risk Intelligence (Risk Intelligence/MaRisk)
• Noonsite.com (Noonsite), website
• North Atlantic Treaty Organization Shipping Center (NSC), Brussels
• National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), Navigation Safety System
• Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) (analysis and comment)
• Operator (owner or operator of affected vessel)
• Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), US
• United States Coast Guard (USCG)
• Royal Australian Navy (RAN)
• Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against
Ships in Asia, Information Sharing Center (ReCAAP ISC)
• Reuters
• Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN)
• Seafarers’ Assistance Program (SAP), Kenya
• Tradewinds (TW)
• United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization (UKMTO)
• United Press International (UPI)
• U. S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
• U. S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
• U.S. Department of State (DOS)
• U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
.
(U) ICOD: 13 Jan 2011
WORLDWIDE THREAT TO SHIPPING UPDATE:
From the Office of Naval Intelligence Maritime OPINTEL REPORT
WEEK OF 13-19 January 2011
Summary:
A. (U) COSTA RICA: General cargo ship was robbed 15 Jan at Puerto Limon, Costa Rica.
.
B. (U) NIGERIA: Tug was robbed 13 Jan near the Bonny Fairway Buoy off Nigeria.
.
C. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Merchant vessel (TORM KRISTINA) was attacked 19 Jan
approximately 380NM SE of Muscat, Oman.
.
D. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Ro Ro (HOEGH OSLO) was fired upon 19 Jan approximately
660NM ESE of Salalah, Oman.
.
E. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Merchant vessel (ADVANTAGE) was fired upon 18 Jan
approximately 315NM SE of Garacad, Somalia.
.
F. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (LUCKY VISHIP) was fired upon 18 Jan approximately
UNCLASSIFIED
260NM east of Salalah, Oman.
.
G. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship (COURIER) was fired upon 17 Jan approximately
420NM east of Salalah, Oman.
.
H. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (HOANG SON SUN) was hijacked 17 approximately
360NM SE of Sur, Oman.
.
I. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (EAGLE) was hijacked 17 Jan approximately 415NM
east of Socotra Island.
J. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (SEACREST) was fired upon 16 Jan approximately 385NM
east of Socotra Island.
.
K. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Oil tanker (RUDEEF GNA) was attacked 15 Jan approximately 3 NM
SW of Aden Island, Yemen.
.
L. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Chemical tanker (SAMHO JEWELRY) was hijacked 15 Jan
approximately 110 NM east of Ras al Hadd, Oman.
.
M. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Products tanker (SMERALDO) was fired upon and boarded 14 Jan at
approximately 433NM NE of Salalah, Oman.
.
N. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Cargo vessel (LE LI) was fired upon 14 Jan approximately 141NM
NE of Socotra Island, Yemen.
.
O. 11. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (NEW FORTUNER) was fired upon 13 Jan
approximately 150NM NE of Socotra Island.
.
P. (U) KUWAIT: Vessel was robbed and boarded 9 Jan in international waters off Kuwait.
.
Q. (U) PHILIPPINES: Container vessel was boarded 13 Jan at anchor at Manila anchorage,
Philippines.
.
R. (U) MALAYSIA: Product tanker was robbed 13 Jan off of Tg Ayaam, Malaysia.
DETAILS:
CENTRAL AMERICA-CARIBBEAN:
(U) COSTA RICA: General cargo ship was robbed 15 Jan at 0025 local time while in port
09:58.8N – 083:00.6W, at Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. Robbers boarded the vessel unnoticed.
Duty watchman discovered the paint store and bosun store on the forecastle were broken into,
but the vessel was searched and the robbers were not found. The robbers escaped with stolen
ship’s equipment and stores. (IMB)
G. (U) WEST AFRICA:
.
- (U) NIGERIA: Tug was robbed 13 Jan at 0800 local time while underway near the Bonny
Fairway Buoy off Nigeria. The tug was boarded by eight robbers armed with two AK-47s who
approached the tug in a blue speedboat. The crew locked themselves in the wheelhouse and
were subsequently able to secure themselves in the engine room when the robbers managed to
break into the wheelhouse. No crew injuries were sustained but the robbers stole ship stores and
equipment before leaving the vessel. (ONI)
INDIAN OCEAN-EAST AFRICA:
-
(U) INDIAN OCEAN: Merchant vessel (TORM KRISTINA) was attacked 19 Jan at 2155
UTC while underway in position 20:16N - 064:29E, approximately 380NM SE of Muscat,
Oman. One skiff with six pirates fired upon the vessel and attempted to board with a ladder.
One crew member was slightly injured on the shoulder, but the vessel managed to evade a
boarding. (IMB) -
(U) INDIAN OCEAN: Ro Ro (HOEGH OSLO) was fired upon 19 Jan at 0453 UTC while
underway in position 13:28N – 065:06E, approximately 660NM ESE of Salalah, Oman. The
vessel was fired upon by pirates in three skiffs armed with small arms and RPGs. The pirates
aborted their attack after an hour. (ONI)
. -
(U) INDIAN OCEAN: Merchant vessel (ADVANTAGE) was fired upon 18 Jan at 2303
UTC while underway in position 03:10N – 051:11E, approximately 315NM SE of Garacad,
Somalia. The vessel was attacked and fired upon by pirates with automatic weapons in one skiff
but managed to avoid the hijack attempt. (ONI, UKMTO)
. -
(U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (LUCKY VISHIP) was fired upon 18 Jan at 1125 UTC
while underway in position 19:24N – 058:54E, approximately 260 nautical miles east of Salalah,
Oman. Pirates in three skiffs fired upon the vessel but were evaded. (IMB)
. -
(U) INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship (COURIER) was fired upon 17 Jan at 1330 UTC
while underway in position 17:02N – 061:33E, approximately 420NM east of Salalah, Oman.
Five pirates in a white hulled skiff chased and fired upon the ship. The master increased speed
and carried out evasive maneuvers, prompting the pirates to abort the attack after an hour. (IMB)
. -
(U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (HOANG SON SUN) was hijacked 17 Jan at 0700 UTC
while underway in position 1836N – 06422E, approximately 370NM off Oman. (IMB)
. -
(U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (EAGLE) was hijacked 17 Jan at 0641 UTC while
underway in position 13:17N – 061:42E, approximately 415NM east of Socotra Island. Six
pirates armed with guns and an RPG in a skiff chased, fired upon, and boarded the vessel, taking
24 crewmembers hostage. (IMB)
. -
(U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (SEACREST) was fired upon 16 Jan at 1450 UTC while
underway in position 12:30N – 061:05E, approximately 385NM east of Socotra Island. Six
pirates armed with a ladder and RPG chased and fired upon the tanker. The tanker made evasive
maneuvers and enforced preventative counter piracy measures, successful evading the attack.
(IMB)
. -
(U) GULF OF ADEN: Oil tanker (RUDEEF GNA) was attacked 15 Jan at 1833 UTC while
underway in position 12:41N – 044:48E, approximately 3 NM SW of Aden Island, Yemen. Two
pirates in a skiff approached the tanker underway. No shots were fired by the pirates but the
skiff hooked a ladder to the vessel’s rails. A security team on board fired warning shots and the
pirates aborted the attack. (IMB)
. -
(U) INDIAN OCEAN: Chemical tanker (SAMHO JEWELRY) was hijacked 15 Jan at 0729
UTC while underway in position 21:58N - 063:50E, approximately 110 NM east of Ras al Hadd,
Oman. Pirates attacked and boarded the chemical tanker taking 21 crewmembers hostage. (IMB)
. -
(U) INDIAN OCEAN: Products tanker (SMERALDO) was fired upon and boarded 14 Jan at
1730 UTC while underway in position 17:11N – 061:21E, approximately 433NM NE of Salalah,
Oman. The crew met in a citadel after two pirates managed to board, and awaited naval
assistance. (IMB, UKMTO) -
(U) INDIAN OCEAN: Cargo vessel (LE LI) was fired upon 14 Jan at 0530 UTC while
underway in position 13:53N – 056:30E, approximately 141NM NE of Socotra Island,Yemen.
Four pirates onboard a skiff attempted to board with a ladder, and weapons were sighted but not
used. The vessel evaded the boarding. (ONI, UKMTO)
. -
(U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (NEW FORTUNER) was fired upon 13 Jan at 0914 UTC
while underway in position 13:50N – 056:45.0E, approximately 150NM NE of Socotra Island.
Four pirates armed with guns and an RPG chased and fired upon the tanker. The tanker took
evasive maneuvers and enforced preventative counter piracy measures, and evaded the boarding.
(ONI, UKMTO)
PERSIAN GULF:
- (U) KUWAIT: Vessel was robbed and boarded 9 Jan at 29:23.30N – 048:45.26E, in
international waters off Kuwait. Five armed robbers, apparently Iraqis, boarded the vessel
from a speedboat, threatened the six crew, and escaped with items from the vessel. The Kuwaiti
Coast Guard was contacted, but the robbers had escaped once the Coast Guard arrived on the
scene. (ONI)
SOUTHEAST ASIA:
-
(U) PHILIPPINES: Container vessel was boarded 13 Jan at 2030 local time while at anchor
at Manila anchorage, Philippines. The Duty AB onboard noticed six to seven robbers on the
forecastle with long pipes. He informed the duty officer who raised the alarm and the crew
mustered. Coast guard conducted a search on the ship. (IMB) -
(U) MALAYSIA: Product tanker was robbed 13 Jan at 0430 local time while at anchor in
position 01:18.1N – 104:12.14E, off of Tg Ayaam, Malaysia. Four robbers armed with a gun
and knives boarded a product tanker at anchor. They entered the engine room and threatened the
duty engineer who managed to escape and inform the officer on bridge. The alarm was raised
and the crew mustered. The robbers escaped without stealing anything. (IMB)
WORLDWIDE THREAT TO SHIPPING UPDATE:
From the Office of Naval Intelligence Maritime OPINTEL REPORT
WEEK OF 20-26 January 2011
Summary:
A. (U) GUINEA: A container ship was robbed 23 Jan at the Conakry Outer Anchorage, Guinea.
.
B. (U) NIGERIA: Offshore supply vessel was attacked 20 Jan around the Bonny Fairway buoy.
.
C. (U) NIGERIA: Three fishing trawlers were attacked 20 Jan near the Bonny Fairway buoy.
.
D. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: General cargo ship (ANDINET) was fired upon 26 Jan approximately
493NM SE of Socotra Island, Yemen.
.
E. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Multi-purpose ship (BELUGA NOMINATION) was hijacked 22 Jan
approximately 360NM north of Seychelles Island.
.
F. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Heavy load carrier (ZHEN HUA 26) was fired upon 21 Jan
approximately 840NM east of Caluula, Somalia.
UNCLASSIFIED
.
G. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Chemical tanker (BUNGA LAUREL) was boarded 20 Jan
approximately 250NM SE of Ras al Hadd, Oman.
.
H. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (KHALED MUHIEDDINE K) was hijacked 20 Jan at
approximately 336NM NE of Socotra Island, Yemen.
.
I. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (ARIANA) was fired upon 20 Jan approximately 308NM
NE of Socotra Island, Yemen.
.
J. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Product tanker (JBU OSLO) was fired upon 20 Jan approximately
83NM south of Al Mukallah, Yemen.
.
K. (U) SOUTH CHINA SEA: Product tanker was chased 24 Jan while underway in position
10:42N – 109:44E.
DETAILS:
G. (U) WEST AFRICA:
.
- (U) GUINEA: A container ship was robbed 23 Jan at 0320 local time while at anchor at the
Conakry Outer Anchorage, Guinea. The Duty A/B noticed that four robbers armed with knives
had boarded the ship. The bridge was informed via VHF. The Duty officer raised the alarm and
the crew mustered. Upon hearing the alarm, the robbers jumped overboard and escaped with a
barrel of oil. (IMB)
. - (U) NIGERIA: Offshore supply vessel was attacked 20 Jan at 1330 local time while
underway around the Bonny Fairway buoy. The vessel was attacked by armed men in two speed
boats, one blue and the other white. The Chief Engineer was kidnapped by gunmen, who
disembarked the vessel with the hostage. (ONI)
. - (U) NIGERIA: Three fishing trawlers were attacked 20 Jan at 0300 local time near the
Bonny Fairway buoy area in Nigeria. The vessels were attacked by five armed men in a speed
boat around St. Barbara River Nembe Bayelsa state. The attack may have been related to
security payment history with a local crime ring. (ONI)
.
I. (U) INDIAN OCEAN-EAST AFRICA:
.
- (U) INDIAN OCEAN: General cargo ship (ANDINET) was fired upon 26 Jan at 0630 UTC
while underway in position 11:14N – 062:50E, approximately 493NM SE of Socotra Island,
Yemen. Pirates in two skiffs fired upon the vessel with small arms. A dhow acting as a mother
ship was also observed. The vessel evaded the hijack attempt. (IMB)
. - (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Multi-purpose ship (BELUGA NOMINATION) was hijacked 22 Jan
at 1236 UTC while underway in position 01:49N – 056:35E, approximately 360NM north of
Seychelles Island. The crew made stress calls and retreated to the citadel when the pirates
boarded, but there were no warships in the area. A surveillance overflight by a Seychelles
coastguard aircraft on 24 Jan reported at least four pirates on board. The pirates managed to
break into the citadel and take control of the ship, now believed to be heading towards Somalia
with the captured 12 man crew. (IMB)
. - (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Heavy load carrier (ZHEN HUA 26) was fired upon 21 Jan at 1055
UTC while underway in position 12:37N – 065:00E, approximately 840NM east of Caluula,
Somalia. Armed pirates in a skiff chased and fired upon the vessel. The ship increased speed
and took evasive maneuvers and managed to avoid a boarding. (IMB)
. - (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Chemical tanker (BUNGA LAUREL) was boarded 20 Jan at 1708
UTC, while underway in position 20:09N – 063:38E, approximately 250NM SE of Ras al Hadd,
Oman. Seven pirates boarded the vessel, and the crew members locked themselves in the citadel
and requested assistance. The pirates were later apprehended by Malaysian naval forces, and the
crew is safe. (IMB)
. - (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (KHALED MUHIEDDINE K) was hijacked 20 Jan at
1224 UTC, while underway in position 15:11N – 059:38E, approximately 336NM NE of
UNCLASSIFIED
Socotra Island, Yemen. Pirates with automatic weapons hijacked the vessel and took hostage the
crew of 25. (IMB)
.
6. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (ARIANA) was fired upon 20 Jan at 1023 UTC while
underway in position 14:56N – 059:14E, approximately 308NM NE of Socotra Island. Pirates in
a skiff chased and fired upon the vessel. The master increased speed and carried out evasive
maneuvers. Pirates abandoned the attempt after chasing more than an hour, with no injuries to
the crew. (IMB)
.
7. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Product tanker (JBU OSLO) was fired upon 20 Jan at 0333 UTC
while underway in position 13:09N – 049:14E, approximately 83NM south of Al Mukallah,
Yemen. One skiff with five pirates with ladders fired upon the vessel. The vessel evaded the
hijacking attempt. (ONI, UKMTO)
K. (U) SOUTHEAST ASIA:
.
- (U) SOUTH CHINA SEA: Product tanker was chased 24 Jan at 0300 local time while
underway in position 10:42N – 109:44E. The duty officer onboard spotted a suspicious vessel
approaching from the starboard bow on a collision course. The master altered course, increased
speed and took evasive maneuvers. The suspicious vessel followed the tanker for 30 minutes
and later lost contact on the radar. (IMB)