For the period 8-14 September 2011
During the reporting period (08 – 14 Sep 11) the following incidents occurred within the region; one disruption, one act of maritime crime, one incident of suspicious activity, and one attack on a sailing yacht.
Although pirates continue to maintain low levels of activity, the recent incidents support our assessment that pirates will concentrate their efforts within the Southern Red Sea (SRS)/Bab Al Mandeb (BAM)/Gulf of Aden (GOA)as they did last year, despite unfavourable conditions caused by the South West Monsoon.
Southern Red Sea (SRS)/Bab al Mandeb (BAM)
The act of maritime crime occurred in the SRS, and the incident of suspicious activity happened in the BAM. Masters must remain vigilant of fishing skiffs and all approaching vessels operating along their routes. Piracy is as opportunistic as ever, and the early adoption of BMP is highly recommended. Pirate skiffs may be blending into local fishing activity/traffic; accordingly, this area remains a high threat region.
Gulf of Aden (GOA)/Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC)
The IRTC continues to be a high threat area. The disruption occurred in the GOA in the vicinity of Abd al Kuri. Within the GOA, the assessment that sporadic acts of piracy can occur at any time is firmly repeated.
Arabian Sea/Greater Somali Basin
The attack on the sailing yacht occurred off the coast of Yemen and resulted in a kidnapping. Even though the South West monsoon remains in full swing, the attempted piracy confirms that pirates are still willing to accept high risks. Despite the weather, pirates continue to attempt hijackings in the Arabian Sea as an opportunity occurs, even if no mother ships are currently reported active in the area.
Counter Piracy Guidance – Update
Recent attacks on shipping within territorial waters are a reminder of the need to be alert for such activity at all times. Extra vigilance and early adoption and adherence to BMP for all areas remains essential. To assist counter piracy efforts ships’ Masters are strongly encouraged to provide detailed and descriptive reports of suspicious vessel activity, including the provision of respective images, whenever possible.
Source: NATO Shipping Centre