For 18 April – 20 May 2015
he Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) has issued Worldwide Threat to Shipping Report for period 18 April – 20 May 2015. The report provides information on piracy threats to merchant mariners and naval forces for the last 30 days.
WEST AFRICA
West Africa Piracy and Maritime Crime
GUINEA:
On 15 May, six robbers armed with AK-47 rifles boarded an anchored bulk carrier near position 09:25 N 013:44 W, Conakry Anchorage. The Second Officer saw two robbers on the poop deck and immediately raised the alarm and informed the Master. The robbers aimed the AK-47 towards the Second Officer and a duty crewman who immediately retreated into the citadel. The robbers subsequently broke into the Masters cabin, fired several rounds and demanded money from the Master. Before escaping the robbers stole crew belongings and ships cash. Port control was informed of the incident. (IMB)
NIGERIA:
NIGERIA: On 14 May, pirates boarded two vessels near position 04:01 N – 007:05 E, approximately 23 nm south of Port Harcourt. A platform supply vessel was boarded and then used to attack a selfpropelled barge. Pirates kidnapped six crewmembers from one vessel and three from the other. There are no further details and MTISC-GOG will provide updates as they become available. (MTISC-GOG).
NIGERIA:
During the week of 4 May, a Lebanese national and a local Nigerian security guard were kidnapped by up to ten armed men in two speedboats in the Ox-Bow Lake area of Ogu in the Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The Lebanese national was working with a local Nigerian company engaged in a project on the lake. (All Africa Global Media).
EAST ASIA – SOUTHEAST ASIA – INDIAN SUBCONTINENT
Southeast Asia – Indian Subcontinent Piracy and Maritime Crime
Southeast Asia – Indian Subcontinent Piracy and Maritime Crime
INDONESIA:
On 18 May, four robbers boarded an underway tanker near position 01:05 N 103:36 E, 4 nm southwest of Pulau Nipah. The Duty Oiler on routine rounds saw four robbers in the steering room. He immediately informed the First Engineer who raised the alarm. Master notified VTIS Singapore. Bridge crewman saw the four robbers escaping in their boat. Upon investigation, it was found that the robbers gained access to the engine room via the hatch cover of the CO2 bottle room and later escaped through the steering room with ships property and generator spares. (IMB)
BANGLADESH:
On 17 May, three robbers armed with long knives boarded an anchored general cargo ship near position 22:12 N 091:43 E, Chittagong Outer Anchorage. Duty crewman saw the robbers and raised the alarm, sounded ships whistle, directed search lights towards forecastle and had the crew mustered. Seeing the crew response, the robbers fled empty handed in their boat. Port Control and Coast Guard informed. A coast guard boat came for assistance and investigation. (IMB)
BANGLADESH:
On 16 May, an unknown number of robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier near position 21:46 N 091:42 E, 7 nm west of Kutubdia Island. The robbers stole ships property and escaped. Duty crew on routine rounds noticed the theft and raised the alarm. Incident reported to Port Control and Coast Guard. (IMB)
VIETNAM:
On 16 May, an unknown number of robbers boarded an underway heavy lift cargo ship near position 08:19 N 108:51 E, 158 nm southeast of Vung Tau. The chief officer heard suspicious noises near the aft of the ship. He switched on the deck lights, sent a duty crewman to investigate and then informed the Ships Master. As the duty crewman approached the aft, he noticed a boat moving away from the stern of the ship. Upon investigation, it was found that the padlocks to all the ships store rooms and engine room entrance were missing and ships properties stolen. (IMB)
INDIA:
On 15 May, an unknown number of robbers boarded a berthed product tanker during cargo operations near position 23:01 N – 070:13 E, Kandla Port. They stole ships property and escaped. Duty crewman on routine rounds noticed the theft and raised the alarm. Upon investigation, it was found that the robbers gained entry through the forward fire wire and escaped by opening the anchor cover. Small foot prints were visible on forecastle deck. Local agents and authorities. (IMB)
Source and Image Credit:ONI