Robbery of anchored vessels off Puerto la Cruz

The West of England P&I Club issued an update concerning a recent noticeable increase in the number of anchored vessels being subject to acts of robbery within the designated anchorage areas off Puerto La Cruz, Port of Jose and Guanta Bay.

The remote locations of these anchorages are ideal for the undertaking of such attacks which predominantly occur during the hours of darkness utilising small craft with the robbers typically gaining access to the vessel’s main deck via the anchor chain.

Reportedly the robbers are well armed, being equipped with larger calibre firearms and grenades, and have a predisposition to committing violent acts once on-board against anyone when they are challenged.

Vessels are encouraged to follow the following Venepandi’s  precautionary measures as previously published by the Club:

• Maintain an anchor watch with a lookout on the bridge and ideally on the main deck at all times.
• Be alert to the presence of small local fishing boats which do not appear to be fishing, with many persons onboard.
• So far as possible, illuminate the area around the vessel with flood lights.
• Ensure that hawse pipe covers are fitted in place and secured.
• Raise accommodation ladders and pilot ladders to main deck level when not in use.
• Keep a good radar lookout for approaching small craft, particularly during the hours of darkness.
• If a small craft is detected:
  • shine a searchlight or the daylight signalling lamp on the boat to indicate that it has been seen and that its movements are being monitored.
  • use the whistle to warn them off and alert other vessels in the area. The local port authorities recommend that a signal consisting of five prolonged blasts, with an interval of one second between each is sounded, with an interval of approximately 10 seconds between successive signals.
• If boarding is threatened or attempted, alert the local Harbour Master and the vessel’s local port agent by the most expeditious means. If this is unsuccessful, call the local P&I Correspondent for assistance. The contact details of all such parties should be kept readily to hand.
• If robbers succeed in boarding the vessel, obey their instructions and do not resist. In addition to the robbers being armed, they are often under the influence of drugs and may be aggressive.
• In the event of a robbery, report the incident to the local P&I Correspondent and instruct them to notify the local authorities, the National Guard and the army.

Also, the Club advises shipowners and ship operators, shipmasters and crews to follow  the recommendation contained in the IMO’s Guidance on preventing and suppressing acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships MSC.1/Circ.1334.

Source: The West of England P&I Club