In its weekly report for 30 April-6 May, ReCAAP ISC informed of one actual incident of armed robbery against the Bahamas-registered tanker ‘Sonangol Namibe’, while the ship was proceeding at Visakhapatnam SPM anchorage, India, in the early afternoon hours of 13 April.
While proceeding to anchor, the ship was approached by 11 perpetrators in five country boats.
The master sounded the ship’s whistle, raised the alarm and made an announcement on the PA system.
The accommodation and other spaces of the ship were secured and guarded by the crew.
The master also reported the incident to Vizag Port Control and Indian Coast Guard (ICG), requesting for assistance.
The perpetrators subsequently boarded the ship via the main deck.
The crew did not offer resistance, but monitored the perpetrators and managed to restrict their movement to deck.
Upon receiving the information from the master, the Port Control informed Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) / Vizag Port Trust (VPT), Coastal Security Police (CSP) and ICG along with the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) and Dy PFSO.
CISF / VPT and ICG crafts headed to the location. Upon seeing the authorities’ crafts approaching, the perpetrators escaped in their boats. The were no injuries and no items were stolen.
India’s Director General of Shipping requested the Port Authorities and Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) of Visakhapatnam to conduct investigation and provide details of action taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
The ReCAAP ISC urges ship master and crew to report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State and flag State, exercise vigilance and adopt relevant preventive measures taking reference from the Regional Guide to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia.
