Even with passing of the one year anniversary of the last piratedship in the High risk Area, the threat of piracy against merchantshipping is still there. Successful disruptions by naval forces overthe past weeks and months, in conjunction with masters’adherence and implementation of BMP4, have significantlyreduced the pirates’ ability to capture vessels.
The SW monsoon system has established itself making conditions unfavourable for small boatoperations in the western part of the Indian Ocean. Since 2009 piracy activity has been low duringthe monsoon season, but pirates still maintain their intent and capability to mount attacks onmerchant vessels.
Naval forces are keeping a close eye on any suspicious vessels and continue to patrol the HRA. Any areas of concern will be posted to NSC’s Known Pirate Activity map which is available on NATO Shipping Centre’s web page.
Source: NATO Shipping Centre