Piracy activity on November 23 ranged at a moderate level according to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre. Specifically, according to the data given, there were three pirate attacks; one off the Bayelsa Coast in Nigeria , a second one off the Cap Island, Philippines and an other off Vung Tau anchorage, Vietnam.
A few armed pirates with automatic weapons in a speed boat approached and fired at a tanker while it was some 61 nautical miles off the Bayelsa Coast, Nigeria.
The alarm was raised, the SSAS was activated and the onboard security team returned fire.
The pirates managed to board the tanker using a ladder and all crew retreated to the citadel. After two hours, the pirates left the tanker. The vessel is said to have sustained some damages at the superstructure due to the firing. All crew are safe and no injuries reported. However, one pirate reported killed.
Regarding the second incident, eight persons wearing masks, and armed with automatic weapons, in a speed boat attempted to board a bulk carrier underway using a long pole attached with hook off the Cap Island, Philippines.
The master raised the alarm and activated the SSAS. Vessel speed increased and evasive manoeuvres were undertaken.
The persons in the boat opened fire and tried to board the vessel but failed due to the hardening measures taken by the vessel and moved away. The master further warned other vessels via VHF channel 16 and reported the incident to the Philippines authorities. Luckily, all crew members have been reported safe.
Moreover, a robbery incident occurred on board an anchored bulk carriel off Vung Tau anchorage in Vietnam, according to IMB. A fishing boat was noticed slowly approaching the vessel. The boat circled the vessel and then stopped near the bow.
One crew stayed near the forecastle to keep watch on the boat. Another boat, unknown to the crew, had come alongside the vessel near the accommodation.
Then two robbers armed with knives boarded the vessel and started stealing ship’s stores. As the second crew made his routine rounds the robbers confronted and threatened him with the knife.
The duty crew retreated into the accommodation and raised the alarm, resulting in the robbers escaping.The incident reported to Port Control via VHF.
Source: IMB Piracy Reporting Centre
