Until 26 May 2011
During the reporting period (20 – 26 May 2011) piracy activities continued throughout the AOR. Although no successful act of piracy has been committed, there have been two attacks, one approach and one suspicious incident in total.
Two attacks and one approach were reported in the Southern Red Sea (SRS)/Bab El Mendeb (BAM).
It is assessed that with the onset of the South Westerly monsoon the piracy activities within the SRS/BAM may increase as it did between June and August last year. Pirates are currently assessed to be operating within the SRS/BAM area and may be blending into local fishing activity/traffic. Within the Gulf Of Aden (GOA) it is assessed that sporadic acts of piracy will continue in this area.
One attack and suspicious incident were reported within the Arabian Sea. It is assessed that a probable dhow PAG is operating within area 10 and 20N and 60 and 65E. FV PRANATALAY 12 is still considered under pirate control and has not been released yet, however she is considered no longer seaworthy.
Gulf of Aden/Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC)
Although no incidents were observed in the central GOA within the past week, we continue to assess that the IRTC continues to be a high threat area. The judgement that pirate skiffs may blend into local traffic and commence an attack at any time without any warnings remains valid.
Arabian Sea/Greater Somali Basin
The activities shown during the last week highlight that the Arabian Sea still remains a high threat area, it is assessed that one pirated dhow may be operating within the area. With the onset of the South Westerly monsoon imminent the weather window for addition dhow PAG/mother ship operations is rapidly closing.
Source: NATO Shipping Centre
