ReCAAP Information Sharing Center has published a special report to notify interested parties that there has been an increase in the number of piracy incidents reported in Bangladesh since January 2024.
As RECAAP ISC informs, during January-May 2024, a total of nine piracy incidents were reported in Bangladesh, compared to only one incident reported in the entire year of 2023. The aim of this special report is to alert the shipping community regarding the increase in the number of incidents in Bangladesh, and provide the latest situation update, insights into the modus operandi of the incidents, advisories by Bangladesh authorities and related agencies, and recommendations to ships that are passing through the area of concern.
Situation update
Of the nine incidents reported during January-May 2024, seven were actual incidents and two were attempted incidents. The incidents occurred off Kutubdia Island and at Chattogram Anchorage, as shown in Map 1 below. Of the seven actual incidents, there were three CAT 2, one CAT 3, and three CAT 4 incidents. Annex B provides a description of the nine incidents.
The shipping community is advised to adopt the following measures when anchored/berthed in Bangladesh:
- All ships are to exercise enhanced vigilance, alertness, and report all incidents to the relevant authorities immediately.
- Maintain communication over VHF channel with the port control and law enforcement agencies when entering Bangladesh waters.
- Request port-approved watchmen through the local shipping agent.
- Keep a watchful lookout and do not allow any boats to come near the ship.
Observations of incidents in Bangladesh (2007-2023 & Jan-May 2024)
Some key observations are derived from incidents that occurred in Bangladesh over the past 18 years (2007-2023 & Jan-May 2024):
a. Number of incidents: There were a total of 169 incidents (153 actual incidents and 16 attempted incidents) reported during the period in review. Of these, a total of 158 incidents (93%) occurred in the ports/anchorages, while 11 incidents (7%) occurred onboard ships while underway. During the 18-year period, 2010 saw the highest number of incidents – 24 incidents (21 actual and three attempted incidents). The Centre observes that there has been a pattern of an increase of incidents at an interval of three to four years during 2007 to 2014; and an interval of two years during 2020 to 2024. Graph 1 shows the number of incidents reported in Bangladesh during 2007-2023 and January-May 2024.
b. Significance level: Out of the 153 actual incidents reported during the 18-year period, there were 34 CAT 2 incidents (22%), 51 CAT 3 incidents (33%) and 68 CAT 4 incidents (45%).
c. Modus operandi: The majority of the incidents reported over the 18-year period involved 4 to 6 men, and in 47% of the incidents the perpetrators carried knives/machetes. However, the crew did not sustain injuries in 58% of the incidents, and ship property/stores were targeted. Container ships were mostly boarded, and boarding occurred during hours of darkness and during darker moon phase.
The incidents which occurred during January-May 2024 are consistent with the trend for the past 18-year period except that the majority of incidents reported during January-May 2024 involved 1-3 men (34%), perpetrators were not known to carry weapons (67%) and tankers were boarded (45%).
Advisory to ship master, SSO and crew
The Bangladesh’s Department of Shipping (ReCAAP Focal Point) advises ships bound for Bangladesh to adopt the following measures:
- Exercise enhanced vigilance, alertness and report all incidents to the relevant authorities immediately.
- Slow-speed ships, deep draft ships, tug boats and towed vessels are to avoid the fishing zone. For ships sailing to Chattogram port and anchorages, they are to commence their voyage from Saint Martin Island to Cox’s Bazar areas and navigate on safe route.
- Maintain communication over VHF channel with the port control and law enforcement agencies when entering Bangladesh waters.
- While at anchor, request for port-approved watchmen via the local shipping agent.
- No barter trade or any types of business are permitted at anchorages and in the port and berthing areas
- While at anchor, keep sharp lookout and do not allow any boats to come near ship.
