May 16, 2012
IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu's opening address to the High-level segment on arms on board ships
Source: IMO
In a series of opening addresses given by Koji Sekimizu, Secretary-General IMO, at the International Maritime Organisation & [...]
May 16, 2012
IMO Conference on Capacity Building to Counter Piracy off the Coast of Somalia
Source: IMO
In a series of opening addresses given by Koji Sekimizu, Secretary-General IMO, at the International Maritime Organisation conference held in the London headq [...]
May 15, 2012
EU Naval Force Delivers First Blow Against Somali Pirates On Shoreline
Source:EUNAVFOR.eu
Earlier today, May 15, following the decision taken on 23 March 2012 by the Council of the European Union to allow the EU Naval Force to take disruption action agai [...]
May 12, 2012
Dutch Navy Rescues 17 Iranian Hostages; Arrests 11 Suspect Pirates
Source: MiNews26
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS (BNO NEWS) -- A Dutch Navy vessel on Friday rescued seventeen people who were being held hostage on a suspected pirate dhow off the coast of So [...]
May 10, 2012
Greek-owned Tanker Hijacked in the Arabian Sea
Following a relatively quietened period at sea, a Liberia-flagged tanker was reported hijacked in the Arabian Sea by pirates.
MT Smyrni Hijacked - Photo: Marinetraffic.com
The Greek-ow [...]
May 3, 2012
UK Joins the ReCAAP
Source: ReCAAP.org Press Release
UK Joins ReCAAP
On 2 May 2012, the United Kingdom (UK) became the eighteenth Contracting Party to the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against [...]
May 1, 2012
Updated: Tanker Hijacked off Lome, Togo Reported Released
Source: AFP
BW Rhine Reported Hijacked - Photo: Marinetraffic.com
KUALA LUMPUR — A Singapore-managed product tanker with valuable gasoline cargo went missing and was s [...]
April 30, 2012
IMO Secretary General Speech on Safeguarding Seafarers and the Shared Responsibility
Source: IMO
In a speech at the ReCAAP ISC Piracy and Sea Robbery Conference 2012 by Koji Sekimizu, the subject of Safeguarding Seafarers: A Shared Respons [...]
April 24, 2012
The Impact of Somali Piracy - an Infographic
Source: Travel Insurance
The impact of Somali piracy is presented graphically by the Travel Insurance blog. The figures from 2011 shown in this manner demonstrate the huge impact the crime of piracy at sea has [...]
April 23, 2012
Somali Pirates Free Italian Tanker After 118 Days
Source: Bangkok Post
An Italian chemical tanker captured by Somali pirates off the coast of Oman in December with 18 crew members has been released, the foreign ministry in Rome said on Monday.
[...]
April 23, 2012
EU Warship Rescues Sri Lankan Fishermen But Suspect Pirates Released
Source: EUNAVFOR
EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Spanish warship, ESPS Infanta Elena rescued 6 Sri Lankan fishermen and their fishing vessel from 7 suspected pirates. The fishing vessel had [...]
April 22, 2012
13 - 20 April 2012
Slight hiatus: More disruptions than attacks. Bombs over Bargal, but by whom? Yemeni fishermen kidnapped. Tanzania arrests 5 pirates in the vicinity of a mothership near its gas fields. 6 Sri Lankan fishermen lat [...]
April 22, 2012
David Cameron anti-piracy operation hits a South African snag
Source: Telegraph.co.uk
By Aislinn Laing, Johannesburg
David Cameron's plans to allow British ships travelling around Africa to carry private armed guards to combat the threat of pi [...]
April 20, 2012
Suspect Somali Pirates Detained Near Tanzania Gas Fields; Dhow Freed
Source: Reuters
DAR ES SALAAM (Reuters) - Tanzania has arrested five suspected Somali pirates on an island close to its natural gas reserves in the southern part of the east Africa [...]
April 16, 2012
7 - 13 April 2012
Kingpin falls: Crew deaths and injuries as vessels released. 'Local' vessel released. Pirates surrender to Danish warship. Rumoured political support to pirates. Escalating piracy off West Africa, including motherships use, sees ca [...]
April 12, 2012
MV Leila Reported Released by Somali Pirates
Source: Reuters
Somali pirates have released a Panama-flagged vessel they seized two months ago allowing it to continue on its way to the breakaway enclave of Somaliland, the ship's agent and a government offi [...]
April 10, 2012
Lost in Translation? The Emergence Of Regulation To The Maritime Security Sector
Source: Safety4Sea Contributed by Paul Gibbins - PGC Global
Number of successful hijacks continues to fall
As pirate attacks on commercial vessels continue to rise, [...]
April 8, 2012
31 March - 6 April 2012
Bad Good Friday: Chinese cargo ship hijacked off Iran but rescued on the same day as China asks for Iran's help. NATO states 60 percent reduction in piracy. Iranian commandos arrest 12 pirates after ship rescue. Galmudug plan [...]
April 8, 2012
UPDATED: 17 April 2012
High Risk Areas Piracy Incident Maps - March 2012
OCEANUSLive provides graphic illustrations of pirate activity throughout the month of March.
Piracy and robbery at sea incidents throughout March 2012 show an increase [...]
April 8, 2012
Crew of Freed Chinese Freighter Recall Hijack By Pirates
Source: Ching.org.cn
"It is the most scary moment in my life when the Iranian navy was exchanging fire with the Somali pirates," Meng Qingchang, the second mate of the rescued freighter Xianghuamen [...]
April 7, 2012
Iranian Navy Rescues Chinese Cargo Ship At China's Request
Sources: AFP/IMB/SomaliaReport
BEIJING: The Iranian navy has freed 28 Chinese crew members less than a day after their cargo ship was hijacked by Somali pirates off the Islamic Republic’s s [...]
March 30, 2012
24 - 30 March 2012
Hard-hitting Week: Seafarers hit hard as four vessels hijacked in two days, including the first hijack in Maldivian waters. EU forces disrupt two pirate groups whilst Iran Navy claims shoot out with pirates. Somaliland law cha [...]
March 29, 2012
Hand in Glove: Security Standards And Contracts
Source: SAMI Media Release
The Security Association for the Maritime Industry (SAMI), which represents over 150 maritime security companies worldwide, welcomes the launch of the Baltic and Internationa [...]
March 29, 2012
EU French Warship Halts Pirate Action Group
Source: EUNAVFOR.eu
EU Counter Piracy Naval Forces have tracked down and stopped a group of suspected pirates who were believed to have tried to attack a Hong-Kong flagged tanker approximately 400 nautical mile [...]
March 28, 2012
EU Warship Frees Suspect Mothership from Pirate Captors
Source: EUNAVFOR
On 26 March 2012, the EU Naval Force Flagship ESPS Patino located a Yemeni registered dhow that was suspected of being involved in acts of piracy off the Somali coast.
[...]
March 26, 2012
Iran-bound Brazilian sugar ship hijacked off India
UPDATED: 26 March
(Reuters) - An Iranian bulk carrier of Brazilian sugar was hijacked in the eastern Indian Ocean early on Monday with 23 crew on board, international shipping monitors said.
[...]
March 26, 2012
17 - 23 March 2012
Upping stakes: EU demonstrates intent by extending its mandate and permitting strikes on Somali soil. NATO op also extended as more pirates disrupted. EU considers pooling resources as USA to refocus European-facing pol [...]
March 19, 2012
NATO disrupts suspected pirate group in the Gulf of Aden
NATO Press Release
On 17 March, in the Gulf of Aden, the Turkish Navy Ship (TCG) Giresun, acting as part of NATO’s counter-piracy (Operation OCEAN SHIELD), successfully disrupted a group of p [...]
March 19, 2012
Admiral Sir James Burnell-Nugent Joins Oceans Beyond Piracy
COLORADO, USA– March 15, 2012– Admiral Sir James Burnell-Nugent KCB, CBE, formerly of the Royal Navy and current director of Orchard Leadership, has joined the Oceans Beyon [...]
March 19, 2012
10 - 16 March 2012
Numbers game: Focus on the figures relating to the reduction of piracy raises a few eyebrows. Pirates attack Somali police commander. Reformed pirate tells his tale. Ransom negotiations stall. Ghana Navy arrests tanker [...]
March 17, 2012
Guns seized from oil tanker docked at Milford Haven
Source: BBC News
The tanker's crew failed to declare there were firearms on board
Three shotguns and ammunition have been seized from the crew of an an oil tanker which docked in Milford Haven.
Offi [...]
March 12, 2012
High Risk Areas Piracy Incident Maps - February 2012
Attacks by pirates and robbery at sea over the last month are illustrated below. The positions on the situational maps are representational.
In all, 44 incidents are shown, including the position [...]
March 12, 2012
9 March 2012
Hijack swap: Pirates seek ship swap for freedom of imprisoned colleagues; dhow, hijacked, released due to mechanical problem, but tanker confirmed by owners to have been captured. Nigerian piracy set to worsen as soldiers k [...]
March 8, 2012
Standards Squabble in Private Maritime Security
Source: Shiptalk
Private maritime security standards appear to be a bit like buses – you wait for years for one to turn up and then two arrive almost at once.
There appears to be some confusion in th [...]
March 4, 2012
2 March 2012
Increasing violence: Not to be left behind, West African piracy proves just as deadly. Hijacked dhow, more attacks and notably in the Strait of Hormuz. Hostages die following Danish disruption op. Negotiations to release vessels near [...]
March 3, 2012
EU Warship Disrupts Pirate Action Group & Releases Hostages
Source: EUNAVFOR.eu
EU NAFVOR warship FGS Berlin has successfully engineered the release of an Indian flagged dhow and crew, disrupting a Pirate Action Group and destroying two attack skiffs [...]
February 29, 2012
Pirates Treated Iranian & Pakistani Hostages as Steering Slaves: Danish Navy
Source: AFP
COPENHAGEN - The Iranian and Pakistani crew of a hijacked cargo ship were treated like slaves by Somali pirates before their release in a deadly rescue operation [...]
February 28, 2012
UPDATED - Costa Allegra Change of Navigation Plan to Port Victoria
Source: Seychelles State Gov
Stranded Costa Allegra - (Phot:Shipspotting.com)
In a statement by Costa Cruises concerning the the sistership to the ill-fated C [...]
February 27, 2012
24 February 2012
Conference: London the centre of all things Somalia this week, piracy & seafarers fade a little into the background. Hijacked MV Leila fooled by pirates looking for assistance. Late report of hijack and assault off Nigeria. A [...]
February 26, 2012
Somalia TFG Ministry of Defence: The Somali Solution to the International Piracy Problem: Anti Piracy Task Force (APTF) Coastguard Initiative
Press Release: Halliday Finch
The Transitional Federal Government of Somalia recognises the importance of securi [...]
February 24, 2012
Seychelles President Winning For Indian Ocean
Source: The People
President James Michel has outlined five areas of intervention to rescue Somalia and curb the piracy threats in the Indian Ocean region. The Seychelles Head of State has also thanked the UK [...]
February 23, 2012
Seychelles Committed to Counter Piracy But Two Fishermen Remain Hostage
Original Source: Afrique-Asie.fr [French language]
The Seychelles is committed to the fight against piracy with limited means but with great will and courage.
The article below [...]
February 23, 2012
Anti-Piracy Film Scoops Accolade
Source: IFW.Net
An anti-piracy film produced for the international SaveOurSeafarers (SOS) campaign, scooped the top prize at the Royal Television Society (RTS) North-East and Border awards.
The short film, produced by Yo [...]
February 23, 2012
Royal Navy Helps Reduce Somali Piracy
Following his posting as Commander of the UK Counter-Piracy Task Group, Captain Gerry Northwood, Royal Navy, has written in The Times newspaper about how concerted efforts are helping reduce attacks on merchant vessel [...]
February 23, 2012
EUNAVFOR Welcomes the President of Seychelles & Senior Visitors
Source: EUNAVFOR.eu
On 21 February, Rear Admiral Duncan Potts welcomed His Excellency President James Michel of the Seychelles; Mr Joel Morgan, his Minister for Home Affairs, Environme [...]
February 22, 2012
Hijacked MV Leila Arrives off Somali Coast
Source: Somalia Report
The Panama flagged roll on/roll off (Ro/Ro) vessel, MV Leila, hijacked by Somali pirates near Oman last Thursday, arrived off the coast of Bargal in Bari region of the semi [...]
February 20, 2012
17 February 2012
Murder at Sea: Captain and Chief Engineer killed off Nigeria, innocent fishermen killed off Kochi, India; news of MV hijack confusing in being reported; attacks in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean with numerous PAGs operatin [...]
February 20, 2012
International Maritime Experts Call for Better Coordinated Counter-Piracy Messaging
Source: Oceans Beyond Piracy
Press Release: International Maritime Experts Call for Better Coordinated Counter-Piracy Messaging
LONDON, UK - February 20, 2012 - [...]
February 19, 2012
Chemical Tanker Hijack At Anchor in Lagos, Nigeria
In the early hours of January 16, a Bahamas-flagged chemical tanker, at anchor in Lagos, Nigeria, was hijacked by heavily armed pirates, or depending on the definition within territorial waters, heavily a [...]
February 18, 2012
MV Leila Hijacked by Pirates Off the Omani Coast
Original Source: Neptune Maritime Security
MSCHOA has confirmed the hijacked vessel as being MV Leila. The Panama-flagged Ro/Ro cargo vessel, with a crew of 24, is owned and operated by New Port Cargo &a [...]
February 15, 2012
Vessels Attacked in Southeast Asia Region - Jan 2012
Date
Area
Flag/Ship Type
Vessel Name
Position
1 Jan
SCS
Liberia bulk carrier
Grace One
03:44S - 114:27E
3 Jan
SCS
Liberia Co [...]
February 15, 2012
Communicating The Armed Deterrent
Armed deterrent is making an impact, but at a price
By Paul Gibbins - PGC Global
In the fight against piracy, it is widely accepted that the armed deterrent is making an impact, but at a price. With the recent [...]
February 12, 2012
Captain and Chief Engineer Killed During Pirate Attack Off Nigeria
Pirates fired on a drifting Panama-flagged bulk carrier off the coast of Nigeria, killing the captain and chief engineer, a maritime watchdog body said as it warned shipping to stay clear [...]
February 12, 2012
10 February 2012
Back with a vengeance: MVs hijacked in Arabian Sea and off Nigeria; attacks in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean whilst Iran thwarts attack. Study shows where piracy has influenced shipping, insurance and security industry costs. Somali [...]
February 10, 2012
Vessels Attacked in Horn of Africa/indian Region - Jan 2012
Date
Area
Flag/Ship Type
Vessel Name
Position
4 Jan
GoA
Marshall Islands bulk carrier
Delfa
13:10N - 049:12E
4 Jan
GoA
[...]
February 9, 2012
MV Free Goddess Confirmed Hijacked by Pirates
Source: Neptune Maritime Security
Following days of confusion and concern, Greek-owned MV Free Goddess has been confirmed as hijacked by pirates some 520nm Northeast of Socotra Island, Yemen, and is now [...]
February 9, 2012
Somali Piracy's Impact on Global Economy Nears $7 Billion
Source: Oceans Beyond Piracy
February 8, 2012 - Oceans Beyond Piracy released a report that raises concerns about the cost of Somali Piracy to the world economy. Approximately 80% of all costs a [...]
February 5, 2012
A brief hiatus. Poor weather deterrent as minimal attacks occur. Motherships prepared. UK involvement in Somalia increases, including a new Ambassador, as conference nears. Seychelles shoulders the burden, again as campaign seeks greater prosecutions. Ir [...]
February 4, 2012
FCO Minister hears from NGO’s on Somalia
3 February 2012 Source: FCO - UK in Somalia
Foreign Office Minister Henry Bellingham has held discussions on Somalia with leading NGO’s and academics ahead of the London Conference on Somalia on 23 F [...]
February 2, 2012
2011 Record of Vessels Hijacked by Somali Pirates.
The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Annual Piracy Report has been extensively quoted in the maritime media since its publication.
For the first time in five years there is a discernible red [...]
February 1, 2012
Hired guns can help to tackle threat of piracy, says minister
Carol Huang for The National
Feb 1, 2012
ABU DHABI // Private security contractors could play a valuable role in countering maritime piracy, the British minister for [...]
January 31, 2012
International cooperation between Seychelles, UK and Denmark takes tough stance on piracy
January 30, 2012 source: ForimmediateRelease.net
International cooperation to counter the increasing threat of piracy has led to the successful detention of 1 [...]
January 29, 2012
Presidential seal of approval. Daring rescue, kidnapped US writer, panicked pirates and napping guards as dhows hijacked. Claim of mutilation. Nigeria's maritime security in the hands of ex-militant. Pirates released, jailed, rights waived and in jurisdi [...]
January 29, 2012
“We Are Safe”
Piracy attacks have reached an all-time high. The success rate in hijacking vessels, however, has dropped significantly during 2011. Attributed to three main causes; Best Management Practices (BMP), intensified naval actions and [...]
January 25, 2012
US Navy SEALs Rescue Hostages Held by Somali Pirates
Source: World News MSNBC.com
Jessica Buchanan & Poul Thisted Rescued (Pic: SR)
In a daring nighttime raid Tuesday, U.S. Navy SEALs rescued two hostages, including one American, w [...]
January 22, 2012
Under pressure. Counter piracy forces continue to force the piracy issue by deterring mothership operations. More pirates detained and Puntland accelerates efforts. Hijack story debunked but aid workers remain pawns. Piracy figures show a decline but war [...]
January 20, 2012
Dutch Marines Hit Back Against Pirates Attack
Original source:Netherlands Ministry of Defense 17 Jan 2012
The Dutch military security team aboard the fall pipe rock dumping vessel Flintstone in the Arabian Sea repulsed a pirate a [...]
January 20, 2012
German EU Warship Pressures Pirates Into Releasing Dhow and Crew
Source: eunavfor.eu
Indian dhow used as mothership
After three days of persistent pressure, FGS Luebeck has forced Somali pirates to release an Indian dhow with 15 [...]
January 20, 2012
Pirate Negotiatior's Plea for Pre-trial Release
An insight into the problem of Somali pirate court cases is not often seen in a public forum, however, on that rare occasion an individual is accused of being a pirate negotiator, the difficulty in proving t [...]
January 18, 2012
Neptune Maritime Security to Attend MARLO’s 2012 Annual Seminar
By David Rider, Neptune Maritime Security
Neptune Maritime Security is delighted to announce that Nigel Booker, one of the company’s directors, will be present at MAR [...]
January 15, 2012
Plunder, Politics, Presumption and Puntland
Is Piracy Driving Growth in Puntland?
By Robert Young Pelton of Somalia Report
British Professor Anja Shortland recently presented her latest report on piracy in Somalia at Chatham House. Like many recent pira [...]
January 13, 2012
Unlucky for many. Counter piracy forces success continues as pirates detained, mothership operations curtailed and MV Fairchem Bogey released, but aid workers sold to pirates. Nigeria and UN discuss progress, as Singapore and Japan consider cooperation. [...]
January 13, 2012
Pirates Attack EU NAVFOR Flagship
At first light on 12 January 2012, having just completed the escort of a World Food Programme ship carrying food-aid into Somalia and while operating close to the Somali port of Mogadishu, the EU NAVFOR Flagship, the ESPS [...]
January 11, 2012
Belgiums First Piracy Prosecution - but right to bear arms remains controversial
Source: International Law Office - January 11 2012
The International Maritime Bureau reported in October 2011 that the number of attacks by Somali pirates reached an all [...]
January 9, 2012
Maritime crime in Nigeria is alive and well
Source: Risk Intelligence
Nigerian piracy has not declined in 2011; it has merely moved elsewhere, according to analysis by the Denmark-based maritime security intelligence company Risk Intelligence [...]
January 8, 2012
OCEANUSLive Weekly Pirate Activity Update
Drama! Iranian crew freed by US Navy; Indian crew freed by NATO and EU; Indonesia rescues tugboat and crew; MV Olib G released. Protests against pirates as Puntland welcomes EU mission expansion. Nigeria cla [...]
January 8, 2012
Malta MV Olib G Released by Pirates for $3 Million
Source: Somalia Report
MV Olib G (Source: EUNAVFOR)
Somali pirates released MV Olib G, a Maltese-flagged tanker for $3 million early on Sunday morning, according to pirates in Garacad, [...]
January 6, 2012
Soldiers of Fortune?
In an open letter responding to an article - 'MPs' report asks for pirate-killing guide' by the UK paper, Morning Star, in which it contains the words “British mercenaries need better regulatory guidance when it comes to killi [...]
January 1, 2012
Spare A Moment For Victims of Piracy
The humanitarian tragedy caused by the blight of Somali piracy received increasing attention during 2011 with international political figures calling for action. Seafarers' trauma of being held in captivity, threats an [...]
December 29, 2011
OCEANUSLive Weekly Pirate Activity Update
Tanker hijacked the main news. Pirates seized in local operations but civilians killed in crossfire. Ransom share causes rift among pirates. Unconfirmed EU to extend naval mission mandate, however, grant giv [...]
December 27, 2011
Italian Tanker, Enrico Ievoli Hijacked by Pirates Off Oman
In the early hours of December 27, off the coast of Oman, the Italian-owned chemical tanker, Enrico Ievoli, was reported attacked and hijacked by pirates.
Italian MT Enrico Ievol [...]
December 23, 2011
CEANUSLive Weekly Pirate Activity Update
No successful attacks but a successful disruption in Gulf of Aden. MV Savina Caylyn is released for over $11 million. $8million demanded for Liquid Velvet. S Korea upholds life sentence. India calls for citad [...]
December 22, 2011
Festive Greetings and Happy Holidays
As we reach the end of 2011, we look back on a dramatic year in the maritime world where freedom of the seas and right to safe passage have been challenged once more by unscrupulous and unconscionable acts of piracy. H [...]
December 21, 2011
U.S. Navy Stops Pirate Attack
Source: MarineLink | by Ensign Elizabeth Kandt, USS Pinckney Public Affairs
Guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91), assigned to Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, disrupted a group of suspected pirates close [...]
December 21, 2011
Italian Tanker, Savina Caylyn Released by Somali Pirates for $11.5 million
Source: Somalia Report
Somali pirates have just released the Italian-flagged oil tanker MV Savina Caylyn for a ransom of $11.5 million, according to pirate sources. The 22 crew me [...]
December 20, 2011
Merchant Ship Crews Held Hostage in Somalia
Source: EUNAVFOR
While the issue of piracy off the coast of Somalia has received significant coverage over the past 4 years, with the exception a number of high-profile individuals, the fate of the merchant cre [...]
December 20, 2011
Somali Pirates Demand $8 million for Greek Vessel MT Liquid Velvet
A ransom demand of $8 million was made for MT Liquid Velvet 49 days after it was hijacked by Somali pirates.
Exclusive by Somalia Report
MT Liqu [...]
December 15, 2011
CEANUSLive Weekly Pirate Activity Update
No pirate attacks as the northeaset monsoon kicks in. Pirate activity halted ashore but alarming target shift. Prison funded by locals opened in central Somalia. US court hands out life sentences. Bangla [...]
December 9, 2011
OCEANUSLive Weekly Pirate Activity Update
Pirate attacks remain at low intensity as UN Secretary General visits Somalia; states in Somalia look to step up anti-piracy efforts. Disruption of pirate groups continues, whilst African Union calls for por [...]
December 7, 2011
Freed MT Gemini & Crew Arrive in Mombasa
Pirates Released 21 of 25 Crew, Still Holding South Koreans
By Andrew Mwangura of Somalia Report
The Singaporean flagged oil products tanker MT Gemini safely anchored at “O” anchorage at the port [...]
December 6, 2011
UK Dept for Transport Guidance on Measures to Counter Piracy
Source: DFT.gov.uk
The UK Department for Transport has today published guidance on the measures to counter piracy, armed robbery and other acts of violence against merchan shipping. In light [...]
December 5, 2011
EU NAVFOR Figures Confirm Value of Armed Security Teams
By David Rider, Neptune Maritime Security
Figures released December 1st by EU NAVFOR list just 12 attacks for the month of November in their area of operation. Whilst some sources h [...]
December 2, 2011
OCEANUSLive Weekly Pirate Activity Update
Few attacks; MT Gemini is released but 4 South Koreans kept behind. 3 kidnapped oil workers freed in Nigeria. British navy captures 7 pirates. Somali Ambassador declares piracy can be ended by May 2012 [...]
December 2, 2011
Russia Ready To Assist Seychelles In Anti-Piracy Initiatives
Source: Seychelles State House
December 01 2011 -- President James Michel has met with the Head of Africa Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Mr. Serge [...]
December 2, 2011
British Royal Navy Thwarts Pirate Attack
Source: Somalia Report
Seven Pirates Arrested Using 2 Speedboats, Mothership Escapes
Somali pirates in Somalia’s semi-autonomous region of Puntland told Somalia Report that the British Navy thwarted th [...]
December 1, 2011
Somali pirates jailed in France for kidnapping couple
For the first time France has prosecuted Somali pirates who seized French citizens (BBC/AFP)
Source: BBC News
A French court has jailed five Somali men for between four and eight [...]
November 26, 2011
OCEANUSLive Weekly Pirate Activity Update
In a very quiet week for piracy in all regions, this week has seen good news prevail. Rosalia D'Amato is released and the Captain of Samho Jewelry is honoured by the IMO. A recording of VHF call of a pirate [...]
November 25, 2011
Italian Vessel, Rosalia D'Amato Released by Pirates
And so it ends after more than seven months in captivity, Rosalia D'Amato, is reported to have been released by Somali pirates. We do not know the conditions of seafarers on board. The ne [...]
November 23, 2011
IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea 2011 goes to hijacked ship Master Captain Seog Hae-gyun of the Republic of Korea
Source: IMO.org
Captain Seog Hae-gyun of the Republic of Korea, Master of the chemical tanker Samho Jewelry, has been presented with [...]
November 22, 2011
Somalia: Security Council urges comprehensive global response to maritime piracy
Source: UN.org
Pirates off Somalia
22 November 2011 – The Security Council today reiterated its condemnation of maritime piracy and armed robbery at sea off [...]
November 21, 2011
Held hostage by Somali pirates, after 18 months, 13 Mynamar sailors return home
By Aye Sapay Phyu Mynamar TimesNovember 21 - 27, 2011
Pic: Aye Zaw Myo
A GROUP of 13 Myanmar sailors held captive by Somali pirates in appalling conditions for about 15 mont [...]
November 19, 2011
OCEANUSLive Weekly Pirate Activity Update
No successful attacks in the week off Somalia once more, but hijack off Nigeria with 3 kidnapped. Pirate disruptions continue. SE Asia sees more vessels boarded as conferences call for greater collaboration [...]
November 18, 2011
Pirates hijack Chevron vessel off Nigeria: sources
Source: Reuters
Eight armed men boarded an oil supply vessel contracted by U.S. energy company Chevron off the Nigerian coast early on Friday, shipping and security sources said.
This would be the secon [...]
November 18, 2011
Another one to celebrate - gift of a Naval Base
Source: The People
President James Michel has, on behalf of the people of Seychelles, thanked the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and his government for the beautiful gift he has given to the [...]
November 17, 2011
The Netherlands to Host the 10th Plenary of the CGPCS on 17 November
Source: CGPCS
Chaired by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) will hold its 10th Plenary Meeting on November 17, 2011, [...]
November 15, 2011
Captain who took on pirates awarded an OBE
Source: The News - Portsmouth
THE former captain of the Portsmouth-based warship HMS Lancaster has been awarded an OBE for fighting piracy off the coast of Somalia.
Commander Rory Bryan, 42, scooped the hon [...]
November 15, 2011
Piracy; Costs More Than Just a Ransom
“At the moment of the attack there were 78 people onboard and 1 million barrels of crude oil. I cannot imagine what could have happened if we did not surrender to the pirates. Human lives endangered and disastro [...]
November 13, 2011
UN Piracy Resolution Faces Significant Hurdles
Writing as JURIST Guest Columnist Raymond Gilpin, Director of the Center for Sustainable Economies at the United States Institute of Peace, says that the UN piracy resolution will only have a meanin [...]
November 12, 2011
OCEANUSLive Weekly Pirate Activity Update
No successful attacks in the past week; late reported hijack of FV off Seychelles and an astonishing recapture by vessel’s crew. EU disruption but suspects are released. Mistaken pirates released. [...]
November 11, 2011
President Michel Pressures International Community Over Piracy
Source: The People
President James Michel cannot allow any more Seychellois fishermen to be taken hostage by Somali pirates, when this happens it affects him, the families, the Seychellois na [...]
November 10, 2011
Modern Piracy Tactics and Challenges
Op-ed by Allison Maykuth of Beowulf Defense And Security
Following on in a series of op-eds submitted by BDS, Allison Maykuth discourses on the maritime security-related issue of evolving tactics of pir [...]
November 9, 2011
Solar-powered catamaran skirts the Somali pirate zone
by Raphaël Domjan/Sail-World Cruising
'Planet Solar - newly maintained and rearing to go. Next, the Indian Ocean and its pirates' .
[...]
November 6, 2011
Crew recapture Taiwan ship from Somali pirates (AFP)
Source: Khaleej Times
Taipei — The crew of a Taiwanese fishing vessel fought against armed Somali pirates to retake their ship after it was hijacked off East Africa, Taiwan authorities said Sunda [...]
November 5, 2011
Pirates release oil tanker Halifax off Nigeria
Source: BBC News
An oil tanker seized by pirates off the coast of the Niger Delta last week has been released, officials in Nigeria say.
The vessel - MT Halifax - was attacked near the oil city of [...]
November 5, 2011
OCEANUSLive Weekly Pirate Activity Update
MV Blida released, attacked but escapes and pirates abandoned hijacked ship. That’s the good news. Bad news – three hijacks drive home that piracy threat remains high, despite Puntland arresting [...]
November 5, 2011
Somalia Report EXCLUSIVE
US to Promote Use of Armed Guards on Vessels
Sec of State Hillary Clinton Orders Embassies to Promote the Use of Contractors
By ROBERT YOUNG PELTON 11/04/2011
Somalia Report has obtained an unclassified docum [...]
November 3, 2011
"To Sail the Gulf of Aden is Like Playing Russian Roulette"
Source: EUNVAFOR
Christian Colombo, a former French Navy sailor and his wife were on their way to fulfil their dream. They were sailing to see the world in their yacht, the SY Tribal Kat u [...]
November 3, 2011
Greek Tanker Hijacked Off Nigeria; Third Hijacking in 7 Days
UPDATED: The Greek-owned tanker, MT Halifax, has failed to report its position off Nigeria over the last few days. Having lost communications with the ship, the vessel has since been reported as [...]
November 3, 2011
Algerian vessel, MV Blida and 25 Crew Reported to be Released by Somali Pirates
Source: Somalia Report
After 11 months in captivity, MV Blida and her crew of 25 have been freed by Somalia pirates after they agreed to accept a US$2 ransom from the shipown [...]
November 1, 2011
Greek Tanker, Liquid Velvet, Hijacked in the Gulf of Aden
The Greek-owned tanker, Liquid Velvet, was reported to have been hijacked by pirates in the Gulf of Aden at the western end of the Internationally Recognised Transit Corridor (IRTC), the first in t [...]
October 30, 2011
Somali piracy: Armed guards to protect UK ships
Source: BBC News
Ships sailing under a British flag will be able to carry armed guards to protect them from pirates, the prime minister has announced.
David Cameron says he wants to combat the risks [...]
October 29, 2011
OCEANUSLive Weekly Pirate Activity Update
A quiet week at sea – Puntland pirates arrested; aid workers kidnapped and confusion over the fate of MV Iceberg 1. Pirates go missing and Yemeni fishermen are confused with Somali pirates. Contra [...]
October 26, 2011
Maritime Security - "Who's Watching The Watchers?"
Op-ed by Michael Durao of Beowulf Defense And Security
In a series of op-eds relating to maritime security, Beowulf's Michael Durao underlines the need to ensure that the maritime security fiel [...]
October 26, 2011
ITF - A Welcome Response From SACEUR
Source: Shiptalk
The ITF has welcomed the latest statement of determination to prevent piracy from the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, US Navy Admiral James Stavridis.
The organisation was responding to an exchan [...]
October 24, 2011
Paul and Rachel Chandler: Police should have led rescue bid
Source: BBC News
A couple kidnapped by Somali pirates have criticised the government for putting the Foreign Office in charge of their case, rather than police.
Paul and Rachel Chan [...]
October 24, 2011
Sisulu Condemns Piracy
Source: Defence Web
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Lindiwe Sisulu has again spoken out against the scourge of piracy. Addressing the 10th South African-Botswana Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security she lame [...]
October 22, 2011
OCEANUSLive Weekly Pirate Activity Update
New low from pirates after death of captive tourist; four pirates detained as mothership is freed. A Yemeni pirate is sentenced to life; fewer successful hijacks but record level of attacks in 9 months. [...]
October 20, 2011
Russia offers help in fighting sea piracy in Gulf of Guinea
Source: Ria Novorsti
Russian UN Ambassador, Vitaly Churkin (Photo; RIAN)
Russia is ready to join international efforts to curb sea piracy in the Gulf of Guinea where about 30 [...]
October 20, 2011
Ban calls for integrated strategy against maritime piracy in Gulf of Guinea
Source: UN.org
The issue of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea was raised by several West African officials at the 66th General Assembly annual general debate in New York [...]
October 18, 2011
Ship attacked at Exxon Nigerian oil platform
Source: Reuters
Gunmen attacked a ship supplying an Exxon Mobil oil platform off the Nigerian coast, the company said on Tuesday, less than three weeks after someone was kidnapped from a vessel at one of its f [...]
October 16, 2011
Royal Navy stages daring rescue of ship seized by Somali pirates
Source:Daily Mirror Reporter
THE Royal Navy saved the crew of a ship after it was hijacked by pirates – the second rescue in a week.
HMS Somerset’s Merlin helicopter track [...]
October 14, 2011
OCEANUSLive Weekly Pirate Activity Update
Dramatic joint rescue mission and fewer attacks over the week but global attacks at an all time high. Crew safe after tanker released off West Africa. Arming ships and issuing counter piracy policy dominate [...]
October 12, 2011
Tackling piracy: UK Government response
Source: FCO.gov.uk
Foreign Office Minister Henry Bellingham gave a speech to the British Chamber of Shipping on the UK Government’s response to counter-piracy.
One of the most important duties of a Governmen [...]
October 12, 2011
UK Government announces funding of counter-piracy projects
Source: FCO.gov.uk
Foreign Office Minister Henry Bellingham has announced funding plans demonstrating the [UK] Government's determination to deliver action in response to the threat from pir [...]
October 11, 2011
British & US special forces storm hijacked ship, Montecristo, off Somalia
British and US special forces have stormed an Italian ship hijacked by Somali pirates, according to an Italian defence ministry spokesman.
MV Montecristo (Photo: Re [...]
October 11, 2011
Captain tied up in dark cabin for 21 days, engineer dipped in water till he fainted.
By Smita Nair of Express India
For 21 days, Mahadeo Makane was tied to a wooden chair in the motorman’s cabin, deep in the belly of the ship he once captained, wit [...]
October 10, 2011
ICS Chairman Addresses India Shipping Summit
Press release featured in MarineLink.com
“We have reached the end of our tether on piracy," ICS Chairman tells India Shipping Summit.
ICS Chairman (Photo Shipmanagementinternational.com)
[...]
October 6, 2011
Gunfight off Tanzania sees pirates detained. 10 attacks over the last week as the Puntland anti-piracy efforts receive resources yet claim piracy can be eliminated in 60 days. Kidnapped, disabled Frenchwoman in Kismayo say pirates. Prison sentences handed [...]
October 6, 2011
Maritime Security - No Room For Complacency
Op-ed by Ryan Pearce of Beowulf Defense And Security
The following op-ed is provided as a cautionary tale in the field of maritime security. Whilst it is acknowledged that a level of success has occur [...]
October 5, 2011
Petrobras Drillship Attacked By Pirates
By John Konrad Source article
Yesterday, just months after arriving on location, the newly built Ocean Rig Drillship Poseidon, was attacked by pirates while drilling off the coast of Tanzania.
In a st [...]
September 30, 2011
A week of high drama in the Red Sea and the shipping community coming together for World Maritime Day and launch of a support organisation for seafarers, MV Eagle and MV Dover are released. However, South African couple remain hostages. The piracy toll in [...]
September 29, 2011
MV Dover and 24 crew released by Somali pirates following $3.8 million ransom payment
By Andrew Mwangura, Somalia Report - Exclusive
MV Dover has finally been released by Somali pirates, officials who spoke to Somalia Report have confirmed.
&ldquo [...]
September 29, 2011
September 29 is World Maritime Day 2011 with the theme Piracy: Orchestrating the Response. The following is a message from the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Mr. Efthimios E. Mitropoulos
As a manifestati [...]
September 29, 2011
MV Eagle released by Somali pirates after 9 months captivity
Following payment of a ransom, MV Eagle, which was pirated on January17, 2011 approximately 490nm South of Salalah, Oman has been released from pirate control off the coast of Somalia. T [...]
September 28, 2011
Recent pirate activity in the Mozambique Channel has prompted Neptune Maritime Security to issue the following Advisory Notice to shipping partners transiting the area and maritime media outlets, in order to raise awareness of a potential hotspot [...]
September 26, 2011
Indian Navy thwarts Somali pirate attack on two cargo ships in Gulf of Aden
By Economic Times (India Times)
Attacks by Somali pirates on two cargo ships in the Gulf of Aden were thwarted by an Indian Navy [...]
September 24, 2011
The 26 crew members of the Greek-owned and Cypriot-flagged general cargo ship MV Pacific Express docked safely in Kenya's port city of Mombasa Saturday afternoon after surviving a pirate attack and devastating fire aboard the vessel.
By Andrew Mwangura
[...]
September 24, 2011
A Spanish oil tanker that was hijacked by pirates off West Africa 10 days ago was freed Saturday and the 23-member crew is OK, its owner said.
No ransom was paid for the release of the Cypriot-flagged Mattheos I, although pirates who seized it stole as mu [...]
September 24, 2011
Frustrated pirates set ship on fire; British tourist “spotted” in Somalia. Nigerian pirates spreading their reach but not necessarily ‘copycat’; Tanker is released. Convicted pirates appeal in US court. Insurers back private securit [...]
September 21, 2011
Saudi Arabia gives boost to IMO Djibouti Code Trust Fund to combat piracy
By IMO
Saudi Arabia has made a significant contribution to the IMO Djibouti Code Trust Fund, giving a welcome boost to the IMO-led project to implement the Code of Conduct concerni [...]
September 21, 2011
Somali pirates set ship on fire as they were unable to hijack the vessel and kidnap the crew
By Tradewindsnews
Somali pirates hit Cyprus Maritime’s 22,600-dwt Pacific Express (built 1981) yesterday, September 20, and it was feared the shi [...]
September 16, 2011
335 attacks worldwide; private sailor and tourist killed with wives kidnapped by Somali pirates; 23 crew taken by West African pirates but MV released with 24 crew by Somali pirates; EU expects a surge in attacks after the monsoon clears; greater acti [...]
September 16, 2011
Mongolia-flagged bulker, Hoang Son Sun reported released by Somali pirates.
UPDATED
By Andrew Mwangura, Somalia Report
After nine months of captivity, the Mongolia-flagged, Vietnamese-owned bulk carrier MV Hoang Son Sun and her crew of 24 vietnamese sai [...]
September 15, 2011
Pirates put a value on seafarers lives, but what about the governments?
By Davide de Bernardin
Piracy, like most human acts, is all about money. All around the world, ships get pirated in order to steal their cargo, to steal crew property, to renam [...]
September 12, 2011
Piracy continues to threaten seafarers in the South East Asia region.
South East Asia, unlike the East and West coasts of Africa, has seen a reduction in piracy attacks due to increased and more aggressive naval patrols since 2005. However, the scourge [...]
September 12, 2011
Danish strategy in support of the effort in countering piracy off Somalia is issued.
The overall goal of the Danish efforts to combat piracy is to contribute to making the waters off the coast of the Horn of Africa and the Indian Ocean safe and navig [...]
September 10, 2011
EUNAVFOR Operation Atalanta warships stopped and boarded a skiff thought to have been involved in an incident with the French Sailing Yacht Tribal Kat. One member of the crew from the yacht was found safe.
The SY Tribal Kat was located on 8 September, by [...]
September 9, 2011
Just as one ship and Danish hostages are released, another yacht is hijacked. Oman navy thwarts hijack attempt and frees Indian crew whilst arresting pirates. Captives remain in grave danger, some over a year. Private security divides government and shipow [...]
September 9, 2011
Global Shipping Industry Calls for UN Armed Force Against Somali Pirates
By Ship Management International
The global shipping industry (represented by the Round Table of international shipping associations) has called for the establishment of a United [...]
September 8, 2011
One year has passed since 3 Turkish & 15 Georgian sailors were kidnapped on a Greek-owned ship off Somalia.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
While the families say they cannot get any response for their calls, government officials say the situat [...]
September 8, 2011
Following the rescue of a hijacked ship, 2 Indian crew and a Somali pirate die in Oman hospital
By Rejimon K of Times of Oman
IN SAFE WATERS: The rescued Indian ship docked [...]
September 7, 2011
Danish yachting family finally released after reported $3 million ransom is paid
Via Somalia Report
The Danish yachting family held hostage since February have been released, the Danish Foreign Ministry said Wednesday, one day after Somalia Report report [...]
September 7, 2011
The US Maritime Administration issues an advisory of the risk to vessels transiting High Risk Waters, published via AMVER, the USCG blog.
This MARAD advisory provides information on the risk to vessels transiting the high risk waters (HRW) of th [...]
September 6, 2011
Container ship, MSC Panama, released by Somali pirates following $7 million ransom payment
Somali pirates freed the Liberian-flagged container ship MSC Panama seized last December after receiving a $7 million ransom on Tuesday, pirates holding the ship to [...]
September 1, 2011
Relative quiet returns to the Horn of Africa region. Fishing vessel taken in preparation for the next 'pirate season'. Gulf of Guinea profile stays on an upward curve, including ransoming a captain. India and Pakistan proxy war. Joint operations put forw [...]
August 30, 2011
Press Release via Neptune Maritime SecurityFigure 1 (double click toenlarge)Further to our previous media releases detailing a potential new trend in pirate tactics in an area of the Red Sea off Eritrea (see Figure 1), Neptune Maritime Security has ha [...]
August 26, 2011
Pirates hijack vessels nearer to ports in Oman and Benin and the amount of attacks set to rise. MT Polar is released and MV Blida crew threatened over ransom payment. U.S. Federal Court sentences pirates to life sentences, whilst S Korea demands similar. [...]
August 26, 2011
Somali pirates release MT Polar after 10 months captivity.By Somalia ReportSomali pirates today released the MT Polar after holding her for ten months. Details of any ransom payment are being kept quiet by official sources, but Bar Kulan&nbs [...]
August 26, 2011
In the realms of Maritime Domain Awareness, threat and risk assessments are the foundation of security, but needs accuracy, completeness and trustworthiness, not just compliance, to be truly useful and effective.By Allan McDougall, Evolutionary Security Ma [...]
August 23, 2011
Hijacked chemical tanker, Fairchem Bogey arrives off the Somali coast.The Marshall Islands flagged chemical oil product tanker, MT Fairchem Bogey, has safely anchored off Garacad in Somalia's Mudug region after it was hijacked by Somalia pirates on August [...]
August 20, 2011
An Indian-owned chemical tanker is hijacked off the Gulf port of Salalah in the early hours.
An Indian chemical tanker was reported to have been hijacked today, August 20 at 0150 UTC off the port of Salalah in Oman.The Marshall Island-flagged tanker, MV F [...]
August 17, 2011
Pirate activity remains at low intensity; two attacks, no boardings. Iranian vessel disputes hijacking claim. MV Sinin released after 6 months and another possible soon, along with Danish hostages. Plea for clemency for SA couple. Somali pirates in-g [...]
August 13, 2011
Four unsuccessful attacks by Somali pirates, including a boarding and a 12-skiff swarm attack. West African piracy shifts international focus. The mystery of the missing crewmember, but pirates clash results in two deaths. Five pirates are jailed in Hollan [...]
August 12, 2011
As the southwest monsoon in the Somali Basin and Arabian Sea nears its end, after creating something akin to a hiatus from piracy, notwithstanding the flurry of desperate attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, there is clear potential for more violent an [...]
August 10, 2011
By David Rider, Neptune Maritime SecurityDespite the best efforts of the world’s navies and EU NAVFOR in particular, piracy in the Indian Ocean/Gulf of Aden and Red Sea areas shows no sign of abating. Quite the contrary, according to a report released by t [...]
August 5, 2011
Quiet during the storm - low pirate activity at sea, but rivals clash ashore. Unheralded hostage release and U.S. once more debates the definition of piracy. West African piracy surges and War Risk alters. Taiwan is willing but limited, whilst the Ir [...]
August 3, 2011
By: Davide de Bernardin; freelance researcher and analyst on maritime economics & international security.Year after year the money spent on ransoms for the return of the pirated ships rises. In 2005, the average ransom was about US$150,000, but in 2010 [...]
July 29, 2011
No hijack and fewer attacks with a vessel released after an usually low ransom payment. Puntland's plea for help and pirates denied by local residents protests; vessels and hostages moved. Dutch prosecutors demand jail term even if hijacks fail whilst susp [...]
July 21, 2011
Pirates hit back with a hijack, numerous attacks, fights amongst their gangs and release of 2,000 goats. Iran Navy disrupts pirates. Accused pirates plead not guilty to US yacht killings; hold MV crew at their mercy whilst crew paraded on video begging for [...]
July 17, 2011
Somali pirates make themselves known after monsoon hiatus. Two merchant vessel evade pirates but UAE oil product tanker is captured with 16 crew on board.Somali pirates have finally had success after failing to capture any merchant vessel in the last few m [...]
July 15, 2011
Puntland forces chase pirates in vain following reported hijack off Bosaso; chemical tanker evades pirates by simply display armed security team. South Korean sailors threatened because of past government actions against pirates. Suspected pirates missing [...]
July 14, 2011
IMB Report: Pirate Attacks at Sea Becoming Bigger and BolderPress Release via Neptune Maritime SecurityAccording to data released today (July 14th 2011) by the International Maritime Bureau, pirate attacks off Somalia and in the GoA/Indian Ocean region cli [...]
July 8, 2011
Attacks remain at low level with a boarding resulting in pirates and crew abandoning the ship following a fire. South Korea blocks suspected pirates but news that Socotra Island is used as a pirate logistics base. Idea of adhoc tribunals in Somalia critici [...]
July 7, 2011
By Somalia Report Maritime correspondent, Andrew MwanguraTanker ablaze after pirate attack now under control and en route to Aden. Crew safe and no pollution occurred.A fire that broke out aboard the Liberian-flagged oil tanker, the MT Brillante Virtuoso, [...]
July 1, 2011
Fewer attacks across the region but one attack off Oman by pirate-held fishing vessel. One vessel evades two pirate attacks in 5 days. More confusion over MV Dover ransom and release. Puntland forces nab pirates but Galmudug President fires cabin [...]
June 26, 2011
Merchant vessel evades pirates as mothership loiters.Somali pirates have journeyed Northeast from Somalia into the the Northern Arabian Sea once more. Defying the poor weather conditions of the Southwest monsoon, the pirate-held fishing vessel,&n [...]
June 24, 2011
Less activity at sea over the last week; two attacks off India's west coast and two attacks in BAM. Suspected pirates picked up off India as dhow runs out of fuel. Somaliland axes 8 judges. Hostage illness reported; India and Pakistan clash over warship ma [...]
June 23, 2011
Arrest of Security Team, Tough Stance on Ransom Could Endanger SeamenFrom Somalia Report - by Abdullahi Jamaa and Andrew Mwangura
The sentencing of a foreign security team to long jail terms for bringing into Somalia $3.6 million for pirates holding hijac [...]
June 19, 2011
Danish warship hands 24 Somali pirates to Kenyan court for trialBy Somalia Report (Mohamed Hassan & Andrew Mwangura) - 19 JuneDanish warship HDMS Esbern Snare of the NATO counter piracy force docked in the Kenyan port of Mombasa on Sunday, carrying 24 [...]
June 18, 2011
Foreign security team are jailed for 15 years.$3.6 million, earmarked for ransom payment, and aircraft are seized by Somali GovernmentBy Somalia Report - 18 JuneTwo British members of a foreign security company have been sentenced to 15 years and four [...]
June 17, 2011
A flurry of activity in the arena of piracy and attacks in Red Sea, Bab al Mandeb Strait and Arabian Sea; warship sinks skiffs but not the mothership; Pirated MV ablaze as released vessel repels an attack. Another vessel is released; a seafarer explains ex [...]
June 10, 2011
Pirates continue to move to the Red Sea and back into the Gulf of Aden; piracy now acknowledged as a year-round capability. Two MVs released, one connected to the ‘failed ransom drop.’ Danish hostages moved, again. Six pirates convicted in Somaliland; stud [...]
June 8, 2011
If Piracy is illegal, why don't we fight it?Written by: Davide de Bernardin; freelance researcher and analyst on maritime economics & international security.The latest news on Somali piracy comes from India: the prospect of jail in the country will no [...]
June 5, 2011
A study into the human cost of Somali Piracy has been carried out under One Earth Future Foundation. The study is to be launched through Chatham House in London.PRESS RELEASE2 June 2011Human Cost of Somali Piracy ReportAs violence against seafarers by So [...]
June 3, 2011
A quieter week in the region as pirates move to the Red Sea. Pirate-held MV patrols the Arabian Sea. Organized crime and financial links to piracy; South Korea jails pirates; “Pirates fought the Law, and the Law lost;” Life as a hostage described but SA ho [...]
May 29, 2011
Captain of hijacked Taiwanese vessel killed by gunfire. Three pirates also killed as ship is sunk in clash with U.S. warship (via Somalia Report).
The hijacked long liner, Jih Chun Tsai 68, operating as a mothership by Somali pirates ran into [...]
May 26, 2011
Release after 4 months captivity; a ransom drop goes wrong; fewer attacks as pirates held in US plead guilty to piracy charges as South Korea sentences pirates; interim guidelines for armed security on ships; Seychelles agrees to accept pirates from Danes; [...]
May 19, 2011
Attacks spread across the length of the region as monsoon season approaches; a new phrase "extended unit self defense" a game-changer; call for armed guards almost sanctioned; naval actions off Somalia free more hostages; international response to piracy, [...]
May 17, 2011
The breadth of pirate attacks throughout Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea demonstrates the dangers faced by seafarers.Following recent successful actions by coalition forces operating off the Somali coast, it seems the pirates are launching desperate bids to c [...]
May 13, 2011
Rumoured releases; attacks but no hijacks over past 7 days. Danish hostages sick; plenty of comment on the big business that is piracy; the take up of arms, call for a dragnet and the use of armed guards at sea; Senator Kirk's trip report to Somalia; UK ac [...]
May 11, 2011
Three MVs attacked by pirates off Oman - all unsuccessful.As Pirate Action Groups continue to operate in the Arabian Sea, 3 merchant vessels evade attacks in the last 48-hour period.Two attacks occurred May 10. At 1117 UTC in positions 1735N - 05756E, appr [...]
May 9, 2011
Merchant vessel evades known pirate Dhow in the Arabian Sea.A Pirate Action Group consisting of a mothership and 2 skiffs was observed operating in the Arabian Sea over the last few days. The PAG launched an attack on a bulk carrier May 8. There are two PA [...]
May 7, 2011
In a breaking news report by SomaliaReport, members of the Danish family captured by Somali pirates are suffering a deterioration in health. Potential move ashore as MV Dover nears possible release.Mother and Daughter Health Detiorating, No Doctors Al [...]
May 6, 2011
Release, hijack and attacks but 4 pirates dead after ransom drop. China and Pakistan in first anti-piracy drill; Yemen and Spain sentence pirates; tension escalates as navies and pirates take off glove; MV Iceberg1 crew pleads for help on video; Senator Ki [...]
April 27, 2011
MV Renaur release confused with MV Eagle; Asphalt Venture limps into Mombasa with half crew; Indian seafarers protest march, and Seychelles Coastguard to the rescue, again. A second Somali man is arrested suspected of piracy. Plus, a late report of a hijac [...]
April 26, 2011
Recent pirate and armed robbery activity in Southeast Asia, India and off the SeychellesA recent spate of piracy and armed robbery at sea in Southeast Asia, India and the Seychelles has seen hostage taking at knife point and with automatic weapons. Reporte [...]
April 24, 2011
Container ship evades pirate attack in the Arabian Sea, 99nm from the position of the hijack of Rosalia D'Amato; the third attack in 24-hours.A Pirate Action Group consisting of a mothership and 1 skiff was observed operating in the Northern Arabian Sea, t [...]
April 24, 2011
Two merchant vessels evade pirate attacks in the Somali Basin in 24-hour period. Whilst MV Eagle is rumoured to be released, ashore, 18 suspected pirates are detained in Bosaso.A Pirate Action Group consisting of a mothership and 2 skiffs was observed oper [...]
April 22, 2011
Italian MV Rosalia D'Amato is hijacked; South Korean MV Hanjin Tianjin initially reported hijacked but was actually saved by the citadel; UAE hosts a counter piracy conference to forge 'a common approach to maritime piracy'; South Africa helps the internat [...]
April 21, 2011
Earlier report stated that pirates had successfully hijacked two merchant ships in the Arabian Sea today. Proved not to be the case as the crew of MV Hanjin Tainjin escape by retreating to a citadel.Updated: After a relatively quiet few days with no attack [...]
April 15, 2011
Thor Nexus, Beluga Nomination and Asphalt Venture released whilst Irene SL makes it way to safety - but its not so straightforward. Royal Australian Navy rescue hostages; the UN considers plans for specialized Somali courts to try pirates; US charges alleg [...]
April 13, 2011
MV Belgua Nomination released from pirate control; assisted to safety by 2 tugs. The German-owned multi-purpose MV Belgua Nomination is reported to have been released from Somali pirate control after 12 weeks captivity. Although the negotiations [...]
April 12, 2011
Pirate Action Group attack on passenger ship deterred by security team in Gulf of Aden.A Pirate Action Group (PAG), the biggest group reported for some time, and likely to include some from the same PAG that have carried out a series of attacks in the Gulf [...]
April 11, 2011
MV Thor Nexus released by Somali pirates following ransom drop. Pirates fight over ransom money ends in death.The Thai-owned general cargo ship, MV Thor Nexus, hijacked by pirates at the end of 2010, has been released by Somali pirates following the ransom [...]
April 10, 2011
Pirate Action Group approach deterred by chemical tanker in Gulf of Aden.A Pirate Action Group (PAG), likely to be the same PAG having carried out a series of attacks in the Gulf of Aden, in and round the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) [...]
April 8, 2011
MT Irene SL released; MV Susan K hijacked; 2 pirates killed, 8 detained by Dutch forces are charged; UAE Special Forces rescue vessel after 30-hour siege; gun battle between pirates and locals; Indian shipowners want armed guards, and military authorities [...]
April 8, 2011
Delight at Irene SL release but piracy crisis in Indian Ocean calls for governments to show political will not political indifference.PRESS RELEASEINTERTANKO is delighted that the Irene SL has been released by the Somali pirates who hijacked this tanker an [...]
April 6, 2011
Pirate distraction tactic fails to net merchant vessel in Arabian Sea.Pirate Action Groups (PAGs) in the Arabian Sea area continue to make their presence felt. A mothership with 2 skiffs is operating in the region and has used the two skiffs to draw attent [...]
April 5, 2011
Crew of the MV Arrilah-I, who were freed over the last weekend after their vessel was hijacked, escaped their attackers by hiding in citadel as pirates repeatedly tried to force them out, including using smoke.
The 21 sailors and 3 unarmed security guards [...]
March 31, 2011
UN Security Council condemns, deplores and re-authorises; US Dept of State considers options for counter-piracy; Indian forces capture 16 pirates and free 16 crew; Somalia's international agreements and Puntland does their own, and crazy notions from pirat [...]
March 30, 2011
Pirates hijack tug and crew off Malaysia, but release hostages in a liferaft with provisions.In an incident report by the International Maritime Bureau Piracy Reporting Centre (IMB), an odd departure from the usual story of high seas piracy occurred off Ti [...]
March 30, 2011
OCEANUSLive.org is now open for Beta testing by the shipping industry!The idea behind |O|L| came from the need to share information within the industry to support common issues affecting mariners worldwide. Real-time sharing of information in high th [...]
March 28, 2011
All is silent concerning the pirate-held MV BlidaThe fate of Algeria-flagged bulk carrier, MV Blida, seized by Somali pirates earlier this year, is still unclear as no contact has been established for more than 80 days since it was pirated near Oman, [...]
March 28, 2011
Early morning attack nets pirates a crude tanker in the Arabian Sea.Pirates successfully hijacked a crude tanker in the Arabian Sea near to the locations of suspicious activity and an attack the previous day, outside of the Internationally Recommended Tran [...]
March 25, 2011
The tragic impact of piracy continues to affect seafarers. No hijacks over the last week, but a small rise in attacks with injuries and US Navy interdiction. Conference season is well underway with piracy on every agenda.The news that a merchant vessel, du [...]
March 25, 2011
Pirate action groups in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean continue to menace shipping.Over the past 48 hours, pirates have carried out four attacks spanning a distance of approximately 840nm in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. The first instance was [...]
March 24, 2011
Sanctuary, or Not
Citadels are becoming one of the de facto measures to avoid pirate capture, but are they properly implemented and how can they be enhanced?
The early successes in the use of shipborne citadels to protect ships' crews, attacked by So [...]
March 23, 2011
The plague of piracy continues to strike in other regions than Somalia.Hidden amongst the headline news of the tsunami and earthquakes hitting Japan, the near-civil war in Libya with coalition forces making their presence felt, and the continually increasi [...]
March 22, 2011
After confused reports of a hijack, the target MV evades pirates in the Arabian Sea, just.Following some confused reporting yesterday, when a vessel was reported to have been hijacked by pirates, it later transpired that the vessel had been boarded but the [...]
March 21, 2011
Pirate Action Group foiled yet again in attack on a vessel in the Somali Basin but crewmembers are injuredOn March 21 at 0846 UTC, a tanker, believed to be Liberian-flagged MT Al Nouf, was reported coming under attack by a pirate action group (PAG) co [...]
March 19, 2011
Interview with a pirate; the why, how, where and what of Somali piracyIn an exclusive interview conducted by a Somalia Report correspondent, Ahmed Abdi, a former pirate tells about his life as a pirate. The article by Somalia Report, the premier site for e [...]
March 18, 2011
Main events in pirate activity have been release and capture of vessels, use as motherships; the capture of 61 pirates, including "child pirates" by Indian forces, ransom demand for Danish hostages and Puntland protests to release them.The most surprising [...]
March 17, 2011
MV Hannibal II has been released from pirate control as another MV, Sinar Kudus, is captured and used as a mothershipThe MV Hannibal II was reported to have been released from Somali pirate control after holding it for more than four months. It has been st [...]
March 17, 2011
$15 million ransom demand for Danish hostages; local Elders demand their release(By Ahmed Abdi via Somaliareport.com )Following unconfirmed reports of negotiations being underway between the family of the Danish hostages, kidnapped on February 24 on their [...]
March 16, 2011
Hijacked MV Sinar Kudus, with 20 Indonesian hostages, quickly turns around to mothership operations to carry out further attack
On March 16 at approximately 0730 UTC, it was reported to military authorities that a merchant vessel, the bulk cargo carr [...]
March 14, 2011
Four pirates, alleged connected to the pirates holding the Danish hostages, detained by Puntland ForcesBreaking news from Somalia Report.com Security Forces of the Regional Autonomy of Puntland, nabbed a group of suspected pirates during their land-based, [...]
March 14, 2011
UN Office states Somalia's Government, TFG, will fall short of its taskAn exclusive report from Somalia Report by Abdilatif MaalimAt a time when shipping industry associations campaign for greater action by governments to do more to find a solution to the [...]
March 14, 2011
MV Jahan Moni released by Somali pirates following ransom paymentThe Bangladesh bulk carrier, MV Jahan Moni, hijacked by pirates in December 2010, has been released by Somali pirates following the ransom payment of $4million. The 25 crew and the wife of th [...]
March 13, 2011
Pirated vessel, MV Irene SL, seen South of Socotra Island, possibly conducting mothership operationsOn March 13 at 1010 UTC, the pirated MV Irene SL, possibly acting as a mothership was reported in position 1015N 05339E on a Northeasterly heading at a [...]
March 13, 2011
Recently released MV York, used as a mothership, arrives in MombasaExclusive report courtesy of SomaliaReport.com The LPG tanker, MV York, arrived in Mombasa in Kenya this morning, March 13. She was on of the four motherships used by pirates to extend thei [...]
March 11, 2011
MV Jahan Moni may be released soonAn exclusive report by Andrew Mwangura for SomaliaReport.com (8/3/11)The Bangladesh bulk carrier, MV Jahan Moni, hijacked by pirates in December 2010, may soon be released reports Somalia Report .The average release time f [...]
March 11, 2011
A wide range of piracy related articles published over the last week, notably the failed rescue attempt of the Danish yacht family, the release of two vessels and the indictment of pirates in USA.The Danish yacht family and crew stay as the main news [...]
March 11, 2011
Kenyan police detain 2 British and 1 Kenyan suspect from released MV IzumiIn an exclusive report from Somalia Report (3/3/11), the crewmembers of the MV Izumi, released after 4 months captivity, had to wait a little longer before disembarking the vessel in [...]
March 11, 2011
Pirate Action Groups operating in the Indian Ocean fail to hijack two vesselsAs news of the deaths of several Puntland (semi-autonomous region of Somalia) soldiers during a failed rescue attempt of the Danish yacht family and crew in Northern mountain rang [...]
March 10, 2011
Rescued crew of MV Rak Afrikana, reported sunk, transferred to MV York also released by piratesOriginal report by ANDREW MWANGURA via SomaliaReport.comIt was reported via SomaliaReport.com that a distress call was sent from the MV Rak Afrikana&n [...]
March 10, 2011
Somali pirates release MV Rak Afrikana but vessel begins to sink some time afterwardsIt was reported that marine authorities received a distress call from the MV Rak Afrikana stating that the vessel had a ‘hole in the hull’ and was taking on large amounts [...]
March 6, 2011
Pirates Action Group foiled in attack on a vessel in the Somali BasinPirate Action Group attacks have recently concentrated on the Northern Arabian Sea. This does not indicate that there is any relative safety nearer to the Somali coast. Shipping companies [...]
March 5, 2011
Pirates Action Groups continue to carry out brazen attacks on shipping in the Arabian SeaPirate Action Group attacks have increased in the last few days in the Northern Arabian Sea. In all, 5 attacks have occurred in 48-hours in the Arabian Sea and In [...]
March 5, 2011
Pirates Action Group continue to menace shipping in the Arabian SeaShips are warned of a Pirate Action Groups that continue to operate in the Northern Arabian Sea. So far, the common practice has been the deployment of 2 pirate skiffs to pursue transiting [...]
March 4, 2011
The main news in pirate activity off the Horn of Africa is the Danish yacht crew with 3 children being kidnapped; MV Dover was hijacked off Oman, a new shipping industry campaign is launched, and two vessels are released from pirate control.Seven [...]
March 4, 2011
Pirates continue to attack shipping in the Indian OceanThe menace of piracy in the Indian Ocean continues to threaten seafarers on an almost daily basis. Following 3 attacks in the previous 24-hours, a further 2 attacks occurred today, March 4.The first at [...]
March 3, 2011
Pirates carry out 3 attacks in 24-hours in Gulf of Aden and Indian OceanIn the last 24 hours in the pirate-rich environment of the Horn of Africa, Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, 3 attacks and suspicious activity has been carried out. Today, March 3, at 084 [...]
March 3, 2011
Suspect pirate action group operating off Omani coastOn March 3 at 0615 UTC, a Pirate Action Group, consisting of 1 white and black-hulled wooden Dhow and 1 grey-coloured speed boat, was reported in position 1731N 05732E, approximately 200nm North-Eas [...]
March 2, 2011
Pirates abandon sailboat after being engaged by escorting armed security vesselOn March 2 at 0750 UTC, a motor sailboat, the Capricorn, was boarded by 6 armed pirates in position 1211N 06358E in the Indian Ocean, approximately 550nm East of Socotra Is [...]
March 2, 2011
Somali pirates release German-operated MV Ems River cargo ship and its crew after holding the vessel for more than two monthsAs claimed by Somali pirates, and a regional maritime expert, in a Reuters report that the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged, German-owne [...]
March 1, 2011
Danish family, including 3 children, kidnapped as Somali pirates claim another yachtThe Danish family captured by pirates in the Indian Ocean will suffer the same fate as four American sailors slain last week if any rescue is attempt is made, a Somali pira [...]
March 1, 2011
FV evades hijack attempt in the Somali BasinOn march 1 at 1100 UTC, a fishing vessel was attacked by pirates in position 0224S 04607E in the Somali Basin, approximately 265nm Southeast of Mogadishu, Somalia. The attack was carried out by 2 skiffs with [...]
March 1, 2011
Shipping chiefs call on ‘people power’ to pressure governments to crack down on Somali pirates now throttling vital trade routes
As the threat of violence against seafarers in the Gulf of Aden, Horn of Africa and Indian Ocean grows, OCEANUSL [...]
February 28, 2011
MV Izumi with 20 Filipino crew reported released by Somali pirates on February 26, 2011The Panama-flagged, Japanese-owned, MV Izumi, has been reported by the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs as being released from Somali pirate control on Feb [...]
February 28, 2011
MV Dover reported hijacked in the Arabian Sea only 10nm off Oman coastOn February 28 at 0606 UTC, a bulk cargo carrier, MV Dover, was boarded by pirates in position 1848N 05825E in the north Arabian Sean, approximately 10nm East of Madrakah, or 260nm North [...]
February 27, 2011
Merchant vessel attacked by pirates in the Arabian Sea only 85nm off Oman coastOn 27 February, at 0534 UTC, a merchant vessel, a bulk carrier, was reported as coming under attack by 1 skiff in position 2029N 06008E, approximately 85nm off the Oman coast in [...]
February 25, 2011
Pirate activity off the Horn of Africa this past week saw the yet another dramatic change to the already highly charged region. The killing of kidnapped US hostages has only increased tension and frustration.The killing of the 4 US citizens onboa [...]
February 25, 2011
Three Merchant vessel attacked by pirates in the Indian Ocean. All managed to evade hijack.Despite the raising of the stakes in the Horn of Africa region, Somali pirates continue to spread the fear of piracy amongst the seafaring community. On 25 February, [...]
February 25, 2011
Merchant vessel attacked by pirates in the Indian Ocean only 240nm from Quest hijackOn 25 February, a merchant vessel was reported as coming under attack by 1 mothership and 1 skiff in position 1446N 05839E, approximately 192nm Southeast of Salalah, Oman i [...]
February 22, 2011
Crew of hijacked US Yacht killed by pirates as US Navy shadowsThe four US yacht crew kidnapped by Somali pirates on February 18, were shot by pirates whilst two Somali pirates were conducting hostage negotiations onboard a US warship, says US Central Comma [...]
February 19, 2011
Merchant vessel attacked by pirates in the Gulf of Aden outside the IRTCOn 19 February, a merchant vessel, a bulk carrier, came under attack by pirates in 3 wooden skiffs. The attack occurred in position 1219N 04406E, in the Gulf of Aden, approximately 60n [...]
February 19, 2011
Merchant Vessel evades pirate attack of the North-east coast of MadagascarOn 19 February in the early morning, a merchant vessel was reported as coming under attack by pirates in position 1133S 05045E, approximately 90nm off the north e [...]
February 18, 2011
A US Yacht has been hijacked by pirates in the Indian Ocean off OmanOn 18 February at 1323 UTC, a yacht, said to be the 58-foot SV QUEST, was reported as coming under attack by pirates in position 1800N 06102E, 240nm off the Oman coast [...]
February 18, 2011
Pirate activity in the Horn of Africa region saw two vessels hijacked; the continued call for greater action from navies; the revelation that hostage crews were used to hijack other vessels to gain release; Norwegian shipowner states 'pirates should b [...]
February 18, 2011
Indian Offshore Tug boarded by pirates in the Singapore StraitsOn 17 February, at or about 0445local time, an Indian-registered offshore tug, POORNA, was under-way, at approximately 6.4 nm southwest of Pulau Nipa, in position 0108N, 10333.16E,&nb [...]
February 17, 2011
Merchant Vessel fires warning to pirates 40 nautical miles off the Indian west coast At 1000 UTC on 16 February, in position 2053.2N – 06939.1E, around 40nm south of Porbandar, India, 3 pirate skiffs were detected at 6.3 nm ahead of an underway c [...]
February 17, 2011
Barge under tow by Tug boarded by pirates in the Singapore StraitsAt 0815 Local on 11 February, in position 0110N – 10335E, around 3nm east of pilot western boarding ground "B" in the Singapore straits, 4 pirates in wooden boat boarded a barge under tow by [...]
February 15, 2011
Fishing Vessel reported hijacked in the Somali BasinIt has been reported that on 13 February, approximately in position 1200N 05302.1E, Around 8nm south of Samhah island, Yemen, pirates attacked and hijacked a fishing vessel, reportedly Yemeni FV [...]
February 13, 2011
MV SININ hijacked 225km from MV IRENE SL hijack in the North Arabian SeaDuring the evening on 12 February at 1931 UTC, a merchant vessel, believed to be Maltese bulk carrier, MV SININ with 23 crew - 13
Iranian and 10 Indian nationals - sent out a distres [...]
February 11, 2011
Pirate activity off the
Horn of Africa saw 2 oil tankers hijacked prompting outrage; Further outrage at treatment of hostages; Call for greater action from navies; India free crew and arrests pirates. The following is a situational
map of the events ov [...]
February 10, 2011
Following the release of FV Golden Wave, the Finnish warship, Pohjanmaa, provides assistanceThe EUNAVFOR warship, FNS POHJANMAA, carried out one of its first counter-piracy tasks when it secured and assisted the fishing
vessel GOLDEN WAVE after a request [...]
February 10, 2011
Merchant Vessel evades Pirate attempted hijack in Bab El Mandeb Strait in the Red SeaA pirate attack on a merchant vessel occurred early in the morning on 10 February. The attack was carried out by pirates from 5 skiffs in position 1251N
04315E in the Ba [...]
February 9, 2011
Anchored Tanker attacked by armed robbers in the South China SeaAt
0315 Local time, in position 0120.8N – 10420.5E, eastern OPL anchorage, Malaysia, 5 robbers armed with guns and knives boarded a tanker at
anchor. The Chief Engineer and the duty AB wer [...]
February 9, 2011
FV Golden Wave, also known as Keummi 305, released from pirate control early 9 FebruaryThe South Korean fishing vessel, FV GOLDEN WAVE, with 43 sailors aboard, including 39 Kenyans, 2 Chinese and 2 South
Koreans, was released after four months of captivi [...]
February 9, 2011
Previously pirated MV ZOULFECAR, acting as a mothership, sighted off Somali coastSighted on 9 February, the previously pirated MV Zoulfecar was reported in position 1122S 05145E, approximately 73km off the Somali coast at a speed of 6kts heading north [...]
February 9, 2011
Greek-flagged MV IRENE SL reported hijacked by pirates in the North Arabian SeaDuring mid-morning 9 February, the Greek-flagged and Panamanian-owned Very Large Crude Carrier, MV IRENE SL, which was carrying
about 2 million barrels of crude oil, worth roug [...]
February 8, 2011
Italian MV SAVINA CAYLYN reported as hijacked by pirates in the Indian Ocean following sustained attackIn the early hours of 8 February, the Italian-flagged and -owned oil tanker, MV SAVINA CAYLYN, was reported hijacked in position 1210N 06600E, approximat [...]
February 6, 2011
OCEANUSLive.org, Innovation-led Social Collaboration for the Maritime Industry OCEANUSLive.org has been undergoing extensive development to ensure that, once live, the system brings about new levels of social media innovation. The key emphasis is placed on [...]
February 5, 2011
Merchant Vessel evades Pirate attempted hijack off the Indian West coast.A pirate attack, originally reported in position 1004N 07054E stated a merchant
vessel coming under attack. The mid-morning attack has been clarified as an attack by pirates fr [...]
February 4, 2011
Pirate activity off the Horn of Africa spreads farther north; IMO and UN Secretary Generals introduce the new drive against piracy. The following is a situational map of the events over the
last week.The incidence of piracy has pushed further north durin [...]
February 3, 2011
Merchant Vessel evades Pirate Mothership attempted hijack in the Indian Ocean, in which NO weapons were fired.In what may be considered a departure from the normal pirate method of operating, it was reported on 3 February at 1431 UTC, that a merchant vesse [...]
February 2, 2011
Merchant Vessel evades Pirate Mothership attempted hijack in the Indian OceanOn 2 February, in the mid-afternoon, a merchant vessel reported coming under attack by pirates in position 1303N
06330E, in the Indian Ocean, East of Socotra Island, by a pirate [...]
January 31, 2011
Merchant Vessel evades Pirate attempted hijack in the Indian Ocean; Mothership operations continue to spread out in the regionIn the same day that a pirate attack occurred at the fartherst point reported, off the Iranian coast, on 30 January, a merchant ve [...]
January 31, 2011
EU NAVFOR and Finland create famous point in history.The 1st February
sees the beginning of a new era for the Finnish Navy when FNS
POHJANMAA joins EU NAVFOR Operation ATALANTA to support WFP and the deterrence and disruption of piracy in the Horn of Af [...]
January 30, 2011
Merchant Vessel evades Pirate attempted hijack off the Iranian coastIn yet another development in the growth of piracy, the farthest attack to the North, so far, has been report only 35km off the Iranian coast.Mid-morning on 30 January, merchant vessel was [...]
January 29, 2011
Robberies at sea off Nigeria and Jakarta, Indonesia highlight the continued risk to the seafaring communityTwo incidences of robbery at sea were reported recently by the International Maritime Bureau Piracy Reporting Centre, which resulted in ship and/or p [...]
January 29, 2011
Pirate activity in the Horn of Africa less intense over the last week. Confusion over one hijacked and one released vessel. The situational map of the attacks over the
last week...Confusion and acrimony, combined with frustration and determination, [...]
January 29, 2011
MV evades Pirate Action Group 2nd attempted hijack in the Indian Ocean. Crew holed up in citadel prior to rescue by Dutch warship over 24 hours later On 28 January at 0450 UTC, a merchant vessel was reported as coming under attack by 2 pirate skiffs firing [...]
January 26, 2011
MV Evades Pirate Attempted Hijack In The Indian Ocean Following Exchange of GunfireAt 0630 UTC 26 January, a merchant vessel was reported as coming under attack by 2 skiffs and 1 fishing
dhow, acting as mothership, in position 1114N 06250E, approximately [...]
January 25, 2011
MV BELUGA NOMINATION declared as hijacked by pirates after days of uncertainty
On the afternoon of 22 January 2011, the MV BELUGA NOMINATION was attacked by a skiff with an unknown number of pirates on board. Small arms were used against the [...]
January 24, 2011
MV employed evasive manoeuvres as vessel chases by adjusting to collision course in the South China Seas At 0300 Local time, in position 1042N 10944E, South China Sea, the Duty officer
onboard a product tanker underway spotted a vessel approaching [...]
January 23, 2011
NATO Shipping Centre Weekly Counter Piracy Assessment 15/1-2011The Nato Shipping Centre, based at Northwood UK, has published the weekly Counter Piracy Assessment for the Horn of Africa region. The overall assessment is that the risk of piracy in the regio [...]
January 22, 2011
Pirate activity increases in the Horn of Africa, following a record year of hostage-taking incidents, the following is a situational map of the events over the last week
The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy Reporting Centre reports, in its lates [...]
January 22, 2011
South Korean Special Forces kill eight Somali pirates, capture five in the Indian Ocean as MV crew rescuedFollowing the storming of the vessel and rescue of the crew from Somali pirates by South Korean commandoes,
Lt. Gen. Lee Seong-ho, head of combat op [...]
January 21, 2011
MV Evades Pirate Attempted Hijack In The Indian Ocean21
January at 1055 UTC, a merchant vessel was reported as
coming under
attack by a single pirate skiff with automatic weapons fired at the
vessel in position 1237N
06500E, in the Indian Ocean [...]
December 31, 2010
Status Of Piracy and Armed Robbery IncidentsIn 2008, Somali piracy became headline news. In that year alone there were a total of 293 piracy incidents worldwide, an increase of 11% from 2007 which saw 263 incidents, or at least those that were reported.In [...]
November 13, 2010
Citadels; Safe Haven For All?
Recent reports demonstrating the willingness of the shipping industry to adopt simple anti-piracy measures, particularly in the Horn of Africa and Indian Ocean, have seen an increase in the use of 'citadels' or 'safe rooms'. [...]
Suspect Activity
Pirate Attack
Vessel Hijack
Fishing