Somalia: Weekly Piracy Report

Hostages Held By Pirates

On Vessels: 233 (in addition to an unknown number from fishing vessel hijacked this week)

On Land: 26

Total: 259

Incidents

Hijacks: 1

Unsuccessful Attacks: 7

Over the course of the last week, there was one successful and seven unsuccessful pirate attacks on vessels in the region. Pirates targeted a bulk carrier, crude oil tanker, an offshore supply ship, a chemical products oil tanker, a container ship, a fishing vessel and an Indian dhow.

Somalia Reporthas also received information that an oil tanker, MV Leila, was hijacked yesterday afternoon, however we are yet to receive official confirmation. It is believed that the Harardhere-based Fathi pirate group might be behind the possible hijacking. (Update: As of 1200 GMT today,Somalia Reportreceived news that the vessel was heading towards the Yemeni coast, possibly to be used as a mothership. As of yet, there have been no communications from the allegedly hijacked vessel.In a puzzling development, the vessel's communications equipment are reported to have been turned off).

On February 9, armed pirates on a small skiff attacked a Liberian-flagged German-owned container ship, MV Thalassa, while she was underway in position 1841 north-06127 east heading to Karachi from Jeddah. The pirates aborted the attack after the master of the ship altered course and increased the speed of the vessel. All 24 members of the crew are reported to be safe.

On February 10, pirates attempted to hijack a Qatar-flagged and -owned offshore supply ship, KMB No.1, while underway in position 2001 north-06039 east. Six pirates were sighted onboard an orange dhow, and three of these deployed into a skiff and followed the ship for approximately 30 minutes. Armed personnel aboard the supply ship managed to avert the attempted piracy attack.

On February 12, a dhow was reported hijacked while underway between Bosaso, Puntland and Berbera, Somaliland. The ill-fated dhow was hijacked just outside Bosaso port, and will likely be used as a pirate mother ship.

On February 13, armed pirates on a skiff attacked a Hong Kong-flagged, Canadian-owned container ship, MV Cosco Pride, while she was underway in position 13095 north- 048489 east. The Master made evasive manoeuvres, and evaded the attack. All crew members are safe, however the vessel suffered some damage.

Again, on February 13, pirates on three small skiffs were deployed from a white haul boat, and subsequently attempted to hijack a Liberian-flagged Greek owned bulk carrier MV Mourmoura. The vessel was underway in position 1457 north-06429 east. Three security guards aboard the bulker demonstrated their presence, and pirates aborted the attack. The vessel and her 19 Filipino crewmembers are reported to be safe.

In the third attack of the day, the fishing vessel FV Sinjin 35 was also attacked by pirates on a small skiff. The ship was in position 0752 south-06954 east, but sped away leaving the fishing gear behind.

At 1930 on February 14, 12 armed pirates operating from a 20-foot dhow attacked a fishing vessel operating approximately 35nm SW of Masirah Island, Oman. The brown pirate dhow is named Hander, and is still believed to be operating in the region. Pirates took the eight crew hostage and stole the vessel’s stores, including personal belongings, cash, diesel and food.

On February 15, seven heavily armed pirates on two skiffs attempted to hijack a Panama-flagged, Singapore-owned chemical oil products tanker, the MT Bow Sagami in position 1235 north-04220 east. The security team aboard the chemical oil products tanker fired warning shots, and pirates aborted the attack. The vessel and her crew, comprised of one Filipino and twenty Indians are now safe.

Counter-Piracy

Somaliland Commandos Graduate

Somaliland can now count on a contingent of specially trained commandos to help in the fight against piracy. The team underwent a six month training course in Dararweine district, which focused on sea, air and land-based warfare techniques. Major Ahmed Tanzania, the armed forces training commander, said the team would be deployed to aid in the fight against piracy, counter-terrorism and secessionists.

Somaliland Busy Two Speedboats To Fight Pirates

Somaliland has purchased two speedboats, which have been transferred to the Minister for Fishing, Abdulahi Jama Geeljire. The boats will be used for counter-piracy operations, and to combat illegal fishing in Somaliland’s waters. The Minister stated that the boats had not been donated, but were purchased on the part of the government in a bid to improve their counter-piracy capacity. He added that Somaliland is looking to buy more boats over the course of the year.

Ransom Negotiations

MV Albedo

The Albedois still being held in the Harardhere area, after the latest negotiations failed to materialise in a ransom. After a period of silence following reports that pirates were looting goods on the vessel, ransom negotiations have resumed.

Pirates had been demanding $4.7 million for the vessel, but sources now say that they have reduced their asking price to $3.7 million.

Hostages

South Koreans

The four South Korean hostages who were separated from the hijacked ship Geminiand are being held by pirates in Harardhere, have received medical supplies, following reports that two fell ill.Somalia Reportsources have reported that the pirate investors brought a doctor from Galkayo to treat the hostages.

Since last month, two of the hostages have been suffering from stomach pains. Our source reveals that since they have begun receiving treatment and medicine in Harardhere, their health is improving.

Michael Scott Moore

Pirates holding the American journalist Michael Scott Moorein Ceel-Huur are still fearful of anAmerican rescue attempt in the vein of that conducted to free two Danish Demining Group (DDG)hostages last month. The pirates have brought more pirates in to guard their hostage, howeverSomalia Reportis yet to establish the exact number.

Negotiations for his release are ongoing. Following reports that Michael Scott Moore was being beaten, pirates have toldSomalia Reportthat negotiations are moving forward and his family have told them that the ransom would be paid soon.

Source: http://sunatimes.com/view.php?id=1689