The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has published its Monthly Piracy Report for the month of December.
The following acts of piracy and armed robbery are allegedly committed against ships during the month of December 2023, reported by IMO Member States or international organizations in consultative status.
#1 In international waters
- Ruen, Bulk carrier, Malta
The incident: Armed persons boarded and hijacked the ship underway and sailed it towards the Somali coast. Further details awaited.
#2 In territorial waters
- Konrad Schulte, Bulk carrier, Singapore
The incident: While underway, the 3rd Engineer discovered missing engine spares when he went to retrieve some spares from the engine room spare store. The Chief Engineer notified the master of the incident immediately. Further investigation revealed that the perpetrators might have entered the steering gear room through the poop deck manhole. There were no perpetrators found onboard and the crew did not spot any perpetrators. The crew was not injured.
#3 In port area
- Pacific Kohinoor, Product tanker, Liberia
The incident: Duty crew onboard an anchored tanker noticed the aft station stores missing. A search was carried out. No unauthorised persons found on board.
- Shokai, Product tanker, Panama
The incident: Four robbers armed with long knives boarded an anchored tanker. They took hostage the duty AB and tied him up. The onboard shore security watchman abandoned his post when threatened with knives. Duty engineer on routine rounds noticed the robbers and raised the alarm resulting in the robbers escaping with stolen engine spares. Incident reported to the port authority via local agent.
