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 of Aden, approached a passenger ship. Around 20 skiffs were sighted bristling with weaponry.
April 11 at 1005 UTC, in position 1231N – 04338E, in the Gulf of Aden, near the Bab al Mandeb straits, a group of 20 skiffs was detected at 3nm ahead of the port bow. A smaller group of 5 skiffs broke away and made for the passenger ship. After instructing the crew members to remain within the ship, the security team sighted between 5 and 7 pirates on each skiff with guns and Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) at a distance of 600-700 metres. As the skiffs came closer, the security team fired warning shots to deter any attack. At the same time, a further 3 skiffs approached from the starboard side at a distance of 800 metres. Weapons were sighted on this group of skiffs and the security team again fired warning shots as the skiffs came to within 300-600 metres of the ship. The pirates aborted any attempt to attack the vessel. The passenger ship then informed a warship in the vicinity and alerted all shipping in the area via VHF Channel 16 IMB Report.
The attack comes a day after a chemical tanker was approached by 2 skiffs to within 500 metres at the western point of the IRTC, only 92nm Southeast of the attack on the passenger ship. The onboard security team had manned the bridge wings and fired warning shots to deter the attack OCEANUSLive Report.
Reports of suspicious PAG activity at the Eastern end of the IRTC were issued recently. To see more, sign up to OCEANUSLive.org. If you are transiting the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea or Indian Ocean, your reports can enhance the maritime situational awareness of your fellow seafarers, and thereby increase security and safety for all.
Vessels are reminded that the coalition forces' warships may not be in the vicinity of a pirate attack, subsequently, it is emphasised that seafarers can greatly reduce their chances of being pirated if they follow precautions as recommended in the Best Management Practices, increasing speed and carrying out evasive manoeuvres is a proven deterrent to piracy attacks. The use of a CITADEL DOES NOT guarantee a military response. Before owners, operators and masters commit to a policy that recommends the use of a citadel, it is important to understand the criteria that military forces will apply before a boarding to free the ship can be considered.
Vessels are advised to exercise extreme caution when navigating in the vicinity of the reported position of the attack and maintain maximum CPA with any ship acting suspiciously. Additionally, registration of vessel movement with MSC(HOA) prior to transiting the region is recommended.
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Any suspicious activity should be reported to UKMTO in Dubai in the first instance (UKMTO@eim.ae or Telephone+971 50 552 3215) and on entering the UKMTO Voluntary Reporting Area (VRA) bound by Suez,78E and 10S.
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