Weekly Piracy Report – Pirates Go 0 for 3 Off Somali Coast as Security Teams Prove Successful

HOA Pirate Activity, MAR 15 – 21

Weekly Incidents by Region – March 15-21

WEST AFRICA
IVORY COAST: LPG Tanker boarded on 17 March while anchored at position 05:13 N – 004:02 W, Abidjan Anchorage. The robbers reportedly boarded the ship during a heavy rain and between rounds by duty personnel. The robbers managed to steal ship’s stores and escaped unnoticed. Theft of stores noticed during the subsequent security rounds by duty personnel. Port authorities and other ships in vicinity were notified. (IMB)
INDIAN OCEAN–EAST AFRICA
INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship fired upon 19 March while underway at position 05:40 N – 053:23 E, approximately 520 nm northeast of Mogadishu. Six pirates in one skiff, armed with assault rifles and at least one rocket propelled grenade, chased the ship and then fired upon the ship. Ship’s Master raised the alarm, increased speed and mustered the crew in a safe location on the ship. The onboard armed security team returned fire, causing the skiff to break off the attack and move away. No injuries to the crew were reported. (IMB)
INDIAN OCEAN: Merchant vessel fired upon 17 March while underway at position 05:47 N – 053:50 E, approximately 390 nm south of Socotra Island, Yemen. (NATO)
GULF OF ADEN: Petroleum products tanker attacked on 17 March while underway at position 13:09 N – 048:52 E, approximately 70 nm southeast of al Mukalla, Yemen. A skiff with six pirates aboard was noticed by bridge crew as it made a high speed approach toward the ship. Bridge duty officer raised alarm, informed the Ship’s Master and the embarked security team. Master increased speed, altered course and contacted a nearby warship for assistance. The pirate skiff closed to within a half mile and fired upon the ship. The embarked armed security team returned fire resulting in the pirates aborting the attack and moving away. The nearby warship dispatched a helicopter to the location to search for the skiff, without success. No crew injuries or damage to the ship was reported. (IMB)
SOUTHEAST ASIA
INDONESIA: Bulk carrier boarded on 18 March while anchored at positions 01:18 S – 116:47 Balikpapan Inner Anchorage. Three robbers boarded the ship, broke into the forward cargo hold and stole ship’s stores. Two duty personnel on rounds saw the robbers and raised the alarm. Upon hearing the alarm, the robbers escaped in a waiting boat. Incident reported to port authorities. (IMB)
Source: http://gcaptain.com/weekly-piracy-report-pirates-somali/?42802