Weekly Pirate Activity Update - 9 December

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 port blockades. UK Dept for Transport issues guidance on armed guards, as one company receives major funding. West Africa sees maritime security training commence and Nigeria debates a maritime security bill. Extension of the EU operation under review as AU funding is boosted. Seychelles increase diplomatic integration. Shipping to become costlier. Reduction of yachting in the region, and will they/won't they honour a Russian Master?

Somali pirates continue to draw a blank in replenishing their haul of hijacked vessels. Tet another week that see low intensity for attacks in the region. Mothership sighting and naval disruptions abound. In the meantime, residents in an area of Somalia claim pirates, and possibly al-Shabaab (or whatever the name change may be), are resorting to robbing drivers.

MT Gemini and 21 crew members, released last week,unfortunately, without four South Koreans, has arrived safely in Mombasa.

The major news for Somalia this week has been the presence of the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, visiting Mogadishu. This is the first time the UN's top official has visited the country in almost 20 years. With a large delegation and intense security, the Secretary General will meet Somali officials and AMISOM representatives.

The need to step up anti-piracy efforts by Somali states has been recognised, the problem is getting international support.

The African Union has called for a no-fly zone and blockade of three ports in Somalia in their pursuit of a solution to combat the Islamic militants.

The UK Department for Transport issue guidance on the use of private company armed security professionals this week. Welcomed by some, the issue of armed guards continues to divide industry. Use of armed guards should be considered as a last resort and not the default setting, say many commentators. The matter of being authorised to carry weapons on ships still has some way to go before it is widely accepted, but not necessarily internationally. The Republic of the Marshall Islands has also issued a notice to all its flagged vessels stating their position on this matter. The funding to the tune of £5 million for one maritime security concern by a UK law firm adds to the debate.

Another security-based issue that has created widespread debate is the use of citadels. Advocated as the very last resort should pirates board a vessel. Despite the statement that citadels have been 87 percent successful, the lack of a standard has seen some calling it no better than "hiding under a duvet".

After the Spanish taking over Command of the EU's counter piracy flasgship and their Defence Minister seeking the extension of the EU Op Atalanta, it is reported that there is clear indication of willingness to extend the mandate. As with previous extension of the operation, the decision is not likely to be made until near to December 2012. The Greek Minister for National defence gave proposals for pooling and sharing of ships in support of Op Atalanta.

West African states have sent officers for maritime security training in the region in order to harmonise the methods and strategies between them all. However, in Nigeria, the proposal of a new maritime security bill has seen criticism of the introduction of an agency to work with the Navy. The EU has announced the boost to funding for the African Union to help in bringing an end to the crisis in the region.

The Seychelles once more demonstrates it willingness to bring stability to the region by engaging at diplomatic level with China and UAE. This comes after last week's news that Russia had agreed to assist in anti-piracy initiatives.

Capt Mukundan, Director of the IMB, is interviewed by the Hindu Businessline and speaks of the economic impact of piracy attacks; role of India in curbing this growing menace and finding a peaceful solution in Somalia. He warns that shipowners need to spend more on security.

The Volvo Ocean Race and yachting in general in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean has been directly impacted by piracy. Fewer and fewer yachts are entering the region as the risk is just too high for many.

The Master of the Faina, hijacked in 2008 by Somali pirates, was considered a hero on his return to his country. It was expected, and promised, that he would receive an award for his bravery but this has yet to materialise. Supported by the Seafarer's Union of Russia, efforts continue to bring about a state award.

East Africa                                

Officials from Galmudug state in Somalia acknowledged they need to step up their fight against pirates that operate from their region,
a senior official said.
Galmudug President Mohamed Ahmed Alin accepted that his administration has failed in its anti-piracy efforts, in an exclusive interview with Somalia Report.
"Pirates are a common problem and we agree that our administration is not doing enough because we don't have the equipment to fight
pirates on the sea. We don't have any maritime police," said President Mohamed Ahmed Alin.
"We know that pirates are using our regions as their hub, particularly Harardhere and Hobyo. They are not only using our land but our sea. For us to fight them in both places, we need help from the international community," Alin added."Pirates have power in our region, but we don't support pirates. We want to fight them but they have more weapons than we do. We need help," he explained.
Galmudug has pledged to quickly create more schools in order to educate young men in the hopes they don't turn to piracy. Elders have also agreed to help educate the young men about the perils of piracy.
"We discussed more and more and now we are planning to create an awareness campaign against pirates. We will tell the young men to stop this job and we will do this together with Islamic leaders," Haji Farah, an elder in Galmudug region told Somalia Report.
On Thursday Galmudug's parliament voted to take power from the president and blamed him for failing to secure the state. The president, however, said that the move was illegal and vowed to remain in office.
Mudug region is hub of pirates and, at the moment, there are hostages and hijacked vessels in Harardhere, Hobyo and Garacad area as well as investors and pirate commanders living in Galka'ayo, the regional capital.

Multiple local residents in Middle Shabelle reported that pirates and al-Shabaab fighters, both looking for alternative sources of income, are now robbing drivers throughout the region.

In the last 24 hours, gunmen attacked at least three cars on the road that connects Balcad and Jowhar districts, both in Middle Shabelle region, and robbed the passengers of all their belongings, according to the residents in Balcad.

Residents who spoke to Somalia Report, however, differ over whether the gunmen were pirates or al-Shabaab militia.

"I used this road last week and I saw these robbers. They were al-Shabaab members, but not wearing their uniforms. They stole all the goods and money from the passengers. I recognized two of the members who I know are al-Shabaab in Jowhar," a resident in Jowar said.

Other residents also believe the robbers are al-Shabaab fighters.Abadir Hussein, a minibus driver in Balcad district, confirmed the incidents but said the men were pirates.

“Over the last few days, pirates began attacking our cars on the road between Balcad to Jowhar districts. They stole all the money and belongings of passengers. Most people in these areas believe these guys are al-Shabaab, but we as drivers believes they are pirates. Since they are under more pressure from international navies, they are turning to theft to make money," Abadir told Somalia Report.

Pirates denied their involvement in the attacks.

"No, we don’t commit like these small things. We deal with millions of dollars and not small change from passengers' pockets. Al-shabaab militants may want to make income like this, but we don't," Mu’amin Ali, a pirate based in Hararsher, told Somalia Report.

Al-Shabaab has not yet commented on the attacks. Read more.

Counter piracy task force of NATO, Operation Ocean Shield, intercepted pirate activity off the coast of Somalia in the Gulf of Aden this Wednesday, according to NATO reports - Maritime Executive.
A suspicious skiff in the Gulf of Aden with seven pirate suspects aboard was spotted by a Japanese maritime patrol aircraft on Wednesday. The patrol craft contacted NATO immediately, and the USS Carney was dispatched to investigate the activity.
The USS Carney approached the pirate skiff as the patrol aircraft circled overhead, and the skiff began to flee. When hailed by the Carney, the skiff eventually stopped.
NATO officials said that the pirate suspects were seen throwing ladders and other equipment overboard before a team from the Carney boarded. The NATO team seized fuel and other piracy-useful items from the skiff, and left the seven men only enough fuel to return to the Somali coast.
The amount of hijackings in the Gulf of Aden has decreased by over 50% since 2009, with only 21 ships seized over 2011. NATO attributes this drop in hijackings to the increasing presence of naval warships in the heavily pirated area.

Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) warship TCG Gediz of the Republic of Turkey, assigned to CMF’s counter-piracy mission, Combined Task Force 151 has disrupted a suspected pirate mother ship and a pirate skiff in the southern Somali Basin - Coastweek.
The task force received a report of an attack on the merchant vessel MV Jeanne as it transited international waters off the coast of the Somalia/ Kenya border.
CTF 151 Commander, Rear Admiral Kaleem Shaukat, Pakistan Navy tasked Gediz, patrolling in the area, to search for the skiff that had participated in the attack.
Gediz located a suspected mother ship for the pirate action group operating in this area, a group which included the skiff responsible for the earlier attack on MSC Jeanne.
This vessel was also suspected of involvement in two other recent attacks in this operating area.
Gediz’s boarding team conducted a search of the vessel, and destroyed all equipment associated with piracy, including multiple grappling hooks and a boarding ladder.
Gediz identified the suspected pirate skiff and witnessed the crew toss multiple items overboard, including grappling hooks and what appeared to be weapons.
When Gediz was in close enough proximity for a more thorough examination of the skiff, they assessed that it presented no further threat and that all materiel involved in possible acts of piracy had been discarded.

Two crew members of the hijacked Seychelles fishing vessel, the FV Aride have been taken ashore after their vessel was seized as it was being used as a mothership, according to a pirate who spoke to Somalia Report .
A pirate who asked not to be named told Somalia Report that the hijackers of FV Aride shared the vessel with another group of pirates and used the ship to launch attacks on other vessels.
“I am really close to them. My friends used the FV Aride as a mothership over the last two weeks. Then the international navies seized the vessel with two pirates four days ago, but the other group escaped back to land by speed boat. Now Mohamed Garfanje and his group are holding only two hostages,” said the pirate from Harardhere. (Editor's note - previous reports said the mothership escaped and the speedboat was captured by the British Navy.)
“The hostages are alive and in good condition. They are in the Hobyo area and my friends will soon demand a ransom for them,” added the pirate.

The African Union (AU) has renewed its earlier calls for a no-fly zone over Somalia and additional sanctions to blockade three ports in Southern Somalia with a view to cutting off supplies to Islamic militants in Somalia. They also welcomed the decision of Ethiopia to support AMISOM and the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and Kenya’s operation in Somalia - Neptune Maritime Security.
The AU ambassadors said the Kenya-led operation in South-Central Somalia, which is carried out in pursuance of IGAD and the AU decisions as well as relevant UN Security Council resolutions, had made major military gains in the country.
“Together with the military gains achieved in Mogadishu, they create a unique opportunity to further peace and reconciliation in Somalia and bring to a definite end the untold suffering inflicted on the Somali people,” the PSC said on Friday.
The PSC requested the AU Commission to submit its recommendations to the UN Security Council for an enhanced mandate of AMISOM and to authorize its strengthening to a level and size that are appropriate for the consolidation of peace and security in Mogadishu and South Central Somalia.
AMISOM’s current strength is 12,000 soldiers although the AU and IGAD, a regional security body formed by seven states in East frica which has been seeking the deployment of 20,000 troops to deal with the crisis in Somalia.
The AU further called on the UN to agree on a stable financing plan for AMISOM, adding that it was time the funds were drawn from the UN budget.

Release by Pirates                  

The Singaporean flagged oil products tanker MT Gemini safely anchored at “O” anchorage at the port of Mombasa, Kenya Monday evening at 17:25 hrs after being freed by Somalia pirates five days ago.

MT Gemini (Photo: inibanda.blogspot.com)

While under tight security, the vessel entered the port and the crew members underwent a military debriefing before they were allowed to go ashore for medical check-up and to meet their diplomatic representatives.

The crew told Somalia Report that their Somali pirate captors robbed them on their first and last day of captivity, but did not abuse them during the seven month ordeal.

Pirates released 21 of the 25 crew, keeping four South Korean hostages as bargaining chips in their negotiations with the South Korean government. The pirates are seeking to win the release of Somali pirates being held in South Korean prisons by swapping hostages for prisoners.

The South Korean crew members left behind includes the Master, Chief Engineer, Chief Mate and Second Mate. Read more.

West Africa                               

The Chairman, South Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Hyde Ochia, has called on the government to beef up coastal security on gas carriers . This is coming on the heel of growing threats of pirates on gas carriers. Gas carriers face safety challenges as surging global demand spurs traffic through high-risk waterways. They have also been attacked by pirates demanding ransom, reports Nigeria's The Nation.
He said gas production has helped to diversify the nation ‘s exports, currently based almost totally on oil.
The potential risk , Ochia noted, put the oil companies under increasing pressure to protect supplies from attacks.
Ochia said ensuring the security of gas carriers is extremely important to the nation ‘s economic prosperity as it provides another source of revenue apart from oil.
He commended the United States government for guarding oil shipments around Ghana, other countries as pirate attacks on West African coastlines surge.

Two former militants, who had embraced the amnesty programme of the [Nigerian] federal government, were on Friday paraded by the Nigerian Navy for allegedly belonging to a notorious gang of pirates that have been operating with the Eastern territorial waters.

Parading the two suspects at the Eastern Naval Command headquarters in Calabar, Flag Office Command, FOC, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Usman Jibril, said the two former militants whose names were given as Alambulo Werighour and Gabrile Dressman belong to the gang that had been terrorizing the people within the maritime territory. Read more.

The course to reinforce the capacities of twenty military officers from Africa started in Douala yesterday with an official opening ceremony presided at by the General Sali Mohamadou. The African Marine officers, who are from Cameroon, Senegal, Nigeria, Liberia, and Uganda, will up to December 16, 2011, appropriate effective operational skills and techniques in the use of maritime security materials, reports AllAfrica.com.

Participating soldiers were selected from the gendarmerie, customs, Rapid Intervention Battalion. They are expected to harmonise various methods and strategies that will be helpful in maritime security. In his opening speech ceremony at the Naval Base in the economic capital, Douala, yesterday, the US Vice Consul in Douala remarked that America is committed to the global fight against maritime insecurity in Africa through its programme, the African Partnership Station (APS).
Colonel Bernard Abanda of the Division of Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defence said the American-funded and APS-facilitated programme will afford Cameroon an important quota for the global fight against piracy along the borders. He explained that there no boundary problems with Cameroon, but that it is necessary to be prepared to prevent such happenings as the influence of pirates which may be overtaken by rebels for an eventuality.

General Sali Mohamadou expressed gratitude towards the American gesture, noting that for some years now it has multiplied assistance to Cameroon offering high-level training and exchanges which has helped Cameroonian military and other African military partners to acquire technical and tactical skills in order to enhance its operational capacities. "The new challenge against peace and security of our countries, the mutualisation of means and skills has become a rule for any serious fight against the various transnational crimes that is a major problem to societies and their development. Modern armies not only need performant materials, but also skilful and competent men trained on international procedures and techniques," he added.

Despite stiff opposition from many senators, the bid by Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan to create a parallel maritime security agency to operate on Nigeria’s territorial waters alongside the Navy yesterday scaled through to its Second Reading at the Senate.

Titled “A bill for an Act to Establish the Maritime Security Agency to Promote Maritime security and for other Related Purposes 2011”, it is intended to regulate corporate body or persons engaged in the provision of Maritime Security Services within the Nigerian territorial waters.

The proposed legislative piece is also to provide security information and mechanism to produce all National Maritime and Maritime related infrastructure within the Nigerian territorial waters.

In his lead debate, Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba asserted that Nigeria was losing $26.3billion annually to poaching, piracy attacks and bunkering.

He recalled that in the wake of September 11, 2011 terrorist attacks in the US, it was discovered that there was no synergy among security agencies, a situation, he said was virtually the pattern the world over.

The senator also asserted that it was now the standard international practice to have dedicated agencies to address challenges of maritime insecurity and argued that Nigeria stand to lose nothing by the legislation of the agency as initially envisaged by the government to take over the role as currently performed by PICOMSS.

Rather, he noted that it would provide for full implementation of security regimes as required by international bodies and address the nation’s other national maritime security challenges.

He noted that the Bill was perculiar because it was fashion to deal with issues of security and safety for all categories of users of the Nigeria Maritime Industry including persons, ship, aircraft of any other craft or object in the internal and territorial waters of Nigeria.

The bill was however opposed by many senators including the Senate committee chairman on Navy, Chris Anyawu, who described the move as a duplication of some sort.

She submitted that it would be wrong and unconstitutional to form such an agency when the Nigerian Navy is empowered by law to protect the nation’s territorial waters. Read more, The Nigerian Observer.

South East Asia                      

As if to once more to underscore the difficult task reporting authorities, such as IMB, have in maintaining an up-to-date and accurate database of piracy and armed robbery at sea, an report was received by the piracy watchdog on December 8 of an incident that occurred August 7. As mentioned in many conferences, seminars and international media by IMB representatives, not all piracy incidents are reported for reasons varying from the fear of adverse publicity for a shipping company or owner, to the fear of the vessel being held behind in order for an investigation to be undertaken. The incident is as follows:

At 0310 in position 04:25N-099:50E 45nm, NorthWest off Pangkor Island Malaysia. Four pirates in a speed boat attacked and hijacked two fishing vessels carrying out fishing operation. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) received information from the owners and coordinated with the Royal Malaysia Navy and despatched two coast guard boats, one warship and one Navy helicopter to investigate and assist.

Upon reaching the location they sighted the pirates were sailing towards Indonesian waters. The warships and CG boats detained the boats and two pirates. The remaining pirates jumped overboard and escaped in a speed boat.

Another incident in the Indian Ocean occurred November 7 at 0200 LT in position 16:46N - 096:10E, Yangon Port, Mynamar, Vietnam bulk carrier, My Thinh, was boarded by about 7 robbers armed with rods, swords and catapults. The robbers stole coils of rope and working instruments before escaping. Mynamar Port Authority was informed.

Pirates in Court                       

Seven suspected pirates, who are alleged to have been involved in an attempted act of piracy on a vessel that supplies the Seychelles tuna fleet, arrived in Seychelles on Thursday to face prosecution. They were caught by British Royal Marines based aboard UK ship RFA Fort Victoria.

The ship was on its way to Seychelles for routine re-supply and maintenance when on November 28, it intercepted two vessels approximately 400nm north of Seychelles. The vessels appeared to be attacking the supply ship Alakrantxu, a Spanish-owned boat based in Victoria.

Captured Pirates (Photo: Seychelles Nation)

Warning shots were fired from a Royal Naval helicopter before Royal Marines from RFA Fort Victoria, supported by the helicopter, successfully captured the vessels. No-one was injured during the boarding and the team were able to gather potential evidence that could be used in the prosecution.

Under the memorandum of understanding on the transfer of suspected pirates signed between UK and Seychelles, Seychelles can consider accepting the transfer of pirate suspects where there is sufficient evidence to pursue a prosecution.

Given the alleged circumstances, and threat to Seychelles’ tuna fishing industry, the Seychelles government agreed it would accept the seven suspected pirates for prosecution.

British high commissioner Matthew Forbes said: “Seychelles’ willingness to prosecute pirates serves as an excellent example to other states and we are working with our international partners to ensure that convicted pirates can be repatriated to Somalia to serve their sentences." Read more Seychelles Nation.

Private Security                       

According to Lloyd’s List, the shipping industry is currently divided on the use of citadels.

There are some who see citadels as a valuable part of a layered defence system, whereby other liken them to an ostrich approach to security – burying your head and hoping for the best, writes Shiptalk.

Actually some observers have gone further according to a recent article, as one investigator claims that using a citadel is no better than “hiding under a duvet”.

However, while the descriptions may be compelling, it appears the facts rather fly in the face of this thinking. According to Dryad Maritime, citadels have saved crews in 87% of recent successful pirate boardings.

The compelling statistics were delivered at the recent Security Association for the Maritime Industry (SAMI), Citadel Symposium – held onboard the HQS Wellington in London.

SAMI’s Steven Jones said the issue of shipboard citadels is one of the most complex and divisive in the industry, and these seems to confirm that. “Citadels are a potentially vital part of a layered shipboard defence. Get it right and they can save an entire crew; get it wrong and you could be consigning them to death. Citadels are giving even the most senior and seasoned of maritime professionals sleepless nights, and concerns about the way they are created, the facilities they contain and the actual ability of them to withstand attack are real problems.”

It was also noted at the event that while the navies are doing a great job with limited assets in the Indian Ocean their limited numbers could mean that a crew had to occupy the citadel for some days before a naval ship could reach them. It said this required considerable thought and planning. It was also claimed that owners, naval architects and ship builders are not addressing the citadel issue at an early enough stage. Barriers included cost issues and uncertainty over how long the threat would be evident.

A business set up by former Royal Marine officers and a Merchant Navy officer to combat maritime piracy has secured £5m of funding in deal set up by Sheffield law firm Taylor&Emmet.
SAMI Trading has raised the cash to support its growth plans. Read more at Insider News Yorkshire.

Call to Arms & Actions          

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arrived in the Somali capital early on Friday, on a rare visit to be made by the UN's top official in the war-torn Horn of Africa nation in recent years - the first in almost 20 years.

UN Secretary General visits Somalia (Photo:BBC/AFP)

Officials said Mr. Ban would meet with Somali officials and the African Union peacekeeping mission (AMISOM) forces that have been battling with the Islamist group al-Shabaab.

Security was tight in Mogadishu as the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) troops blocked traffic from accessing the main streets of the bullet-ridden city.

Business activities came to a standstill as most shops remained closed. Somali officials said the police were patrolling the city streets using armored vehicles.

“We were expecting to go out to our shops but we are unable to go out because TFG soldiers have blocked all the streets,” Mohamed Ali, a local businessman told Somalia Report.

A senior TFG official who requested not to be named told Somalia Report that the U.N. chief was accompanied by a team of high-profile delegation.

BBC News said, he was wearing a bulletproof vest as he was welcomed at the airport by Somalia's prime minister. His visit comes a day after the fiercest clashes in the city for several months.

The European Union (EU) said Monday it had agreed to boost funding to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), with an additional 50 million euros as part of efforts to help end the crisis in the Horn of African nation. The European Commission’s latest funding brings the EU contribution to a total of 258 million euros since 2007. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, said the funds would be used to boost the fight against piracy, development assistance and humanitarian aid in Somalia.
'The EU is working with the African Union (AU) to bring an end to the crisis in Somalia.

This support to AMISOM is part of the comprehensive approach we have developed in support to the Horn of Africa,” Ashton, the European Commission Vice-President, said Monday.
EU Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs, said AMISOM played a key role in creating the ground for a better future for Somalia, giving the people of the country hope and a perspective of peace.

“Today’s decision is a clear sign that the EU remains committed to supporting AMISOM in its mission of creating the necessary pre-conditions that will enable the Somali authorities to bring security to its people and progress in the peace process,' Pielbalgs said.
AMISOM is an African Union-led mission, mandated by the United Nations Security Council.

The President of the Republic of Seychelles, James Michel, has made an appeal to world leaders to give more attention to the situation in Somalia as a matter of urgency, following the increase in piracy attacks and recruitment of pirates that are ‘better armed, better organized and prepared to resort to more desperate measures.’ - Defence Professionals.

“The reality of the situation in the Indian Ocean is that despite the reduction in the success rate of pirate attacks, the number of assaults continues to remain relatively constant, and in the Southern Indian Ocean even increase,” said the President in his letters to world leaders. 

The President has sent letters detailing his concerns to the leaders of China, USA, India, Russia, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, France, UK, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Netherlands, Australia, Sweden, Turkey, Finland, South Africa, Luxembourg, Canada, Brazil, Egypt, South Korea, the European Union, the United Nations and NATO. 

President Michel has made requests to the world leaders for a comprehensive approach to the Somali situation where the anti-piracy and anti-terrorist interventions are complemented by increased support in the peace-keeping mission of AMISOM (African Union Mission in Somalia) as well as the establishment of the rule of law through, inter alia, the building of prisons, law enforcement and reinforcing the areas of stable government in Somalia.

Following the opening of the new Seychelles Embassy in Abu Dhabi last Thursday, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Paul Adam, has met with his counterpart, writes Focus on Travel News.

Mr. Jean-Paul Adam met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs for the United Arab Emirates, His Highness, Sheik Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and with the Minister for the Interior, His Highness, Sheik Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister.

These discussions follow pledges made by Minister Adam and the new Seychelles Ambassador to the UAE, Mr. Dick Esparon, to strengthen existing ties and cooperation’s, which the Ambassador described as marking a new era of in bilateral relations between the two nations.
“Seychelles foreign policy has grown and evolved into an active economic diplomacy that recognizes that we cannot just wait for the world to come to us. We must reach out to the world… And we believe there is no better place to start than in Abu Dhabi,” said Minister Adam.

In the meeting with Sheik Abdullah, the two ministers exchanged views on measures that need to be taken to resolve the situation in Somalia. Minister Adam also took the opportunity to thank the UAE for its support in the fight against piracy, notably through the recent donation of a state of the art Coastguard base and radar system that would better allow the patrol and surveillance of Seychelles waters.

The two Ministers also discussed a special conference on Somalia and on piracy that the UAE will be organizing in Dubai in 2012 to further raise funds for the fight against piracy, and to strengthen nation building efforts within Somalia.
In the meeting, both Ministers reiterated their joint commitment to continue to prosecute pirates, as a key aspect of ending the impunity associated with the crime. The UAE has already arrested and prosecuted a number of Somali pirates.

Pirates are becoming increasingly brutal as the widespread use of armed security teams on vessels has cut the level of successful hijackings, Norden says, writes TradeWindsNews, according to Neptune Maritime Security.

The Danish owner, which deploys guards with guns when necessary, believes pirates are starting to put up more of a fight when shots are fired in their direction.

“Unfortunately, it can also be noted that the Somalian pirates are more active and that their attacks have become more brutal – now they do not flee when warning shots are fired at them, they shoot back,” its latest newsletter explained.

“Pirates have become desperate in their fight for crews and vessels and thereby ransom money.”

Norden reveals one of its vessels has been attacked and two others have experienced attempted attacks.

Flemming Dahl Jensen, who heads the company’s anti-piracy effort, said: “This emphasises that our fight against piracy must be given high priority. “But we do not wish to convert our vessels into sailing Fort Knoxs.”

Norden first voiced its intention to deploy armed guards in March this year.

Somali piracy is a direct threat to maritime security and commerce. It is also a theatre of international politics and great power competition. Involvement in counter-piracy for some states has been motivated as much by political signalling and wider security interests than it has by national and alliance commitment to solving the piracy problem. Counter-piracy operations have proved to be a useful way for states to expand their influence in a strategically significant region. Read more at RUSI (requires registration).

Two Royal Thai Navy ships that spent 140 days patrolling waters off Somalia returned to Sattahip last month after an error-free, and otherwise uneventful, mission - Pattaya Mail.

The HTMS Similan and HTMS Narathiwat arrived at the Sattahip Naval Base Nov. 28 with much more pomp-and-pageantry than greeted the
navy’s maligned first mission last winter. Unlike the muted January return of the Similan and HTMS Pattani, last month’s ceremony was attended by top military officials, including Chief of Defense Forces Thanasak Patimaprakorn.
Thanasak said the mission would be remembered in history for the Thai navy’s cooperation with the international task force working to prevent Somali pirates from operating in the Gulf of Aden. The mission, he said, showed the world the Thai navy’s talent and potential and its willingness to participate on the international stage.

The Thai task force deployed 368 men, including a navy SEAL team and Bell helicopter group. While the Similan, a supply ship, and the Narathiwat, a battle cruiser, partook in plenty of patrol missions, they saw little real action.
Navy officials said the ships engaged in 830 ship escorts, including two Thai fishing boats. The only break from the routine patrols was one water rescue and just one encounter with actual pirates.

Despite the cold winter day, EU's top defense commander was welcomed warmly in Sofia, with military parade.
The Military Committee of the European Union is the highest-ranking security structure within the 27-nation bloc. And yet, it is grappling with serious safety woes, reports Iran's PressTv.

These are side-effects of EU-wide austerity. Defense budgets were not spared as governments slash spending to contain a debt crisis, threatening to plunge the EU into a new recession.
“Differently from now”, because here's what happens now - a case-example from Libya.

Such is the case with counter-piracy operations in Somalia where ransom revenues have hit an all-time high, while EU's first naval operation - “Atlanta” - is clearly failing to tackle the issue.

A total of 243 hostages and 10 vessels are currently being held by Somali pirates. These have cost global economy up to 12 billion dollars, the EU Naval Forces estimate. And yet, these Forces have failed to curb piracy due to budget cuts leading in turn to shortage of warships.
But this role has already been lost, many argue. According to the Stockholm-based International Research Institute, while global military spending have climbed to 1.6 trillion dollars, Europe's have dropped to 382 billion. With further cuts expected, whole industries will leave the shrinking EU military market in the next decade and head for Asia and South America, experts say. As for Europe, it risks to find itself with 27 bankrupt armies, unable to conduct even the simplest of operations.

The Volvo Ocean Race’s anti-piracy plan will see the fleet transported by an armed heavy lift ship from an undisclosed Safe Haven Port in the Indian Ocean and resume racing from a set-down point along the Sharjah coastline in the northern Emirates, within a day’s sailing of the Leg 2 finish in Abu Dhabi - Daily Sail.

Back in August it was announced that the route for Legs 2 and 3 would be re-drawn because of the threat of piracy in the Indian Ocean. With the fleet set to depart Cape Town for the start of Leg 2 on Sunday, Race Director Jack Lloyd has made parts of the plan public for the first time.

The six boats will leave Cape Town as scheduled on Sunday, 11 December and continue to be tracked as normal until they reach a point in the Indian Ocean. From there, details about the boats’ location will be switched off to the public as they sail on to a Safe Haven Port. At that port, the boats will be loaded on to a ship protected by armed guards and featuring other security measures and transported to the northern Emirates. The sailors will not travel on the ship.

Oman and Yemen, used to greeting around 200 cruising yachts a year who pass through their waters to reach the Red Sea, are suffering because of the persistent danger of piracy which has now spread right across the Arabian Sea, says Sail-World. 

Reduction in yachts visiting (Photo: Sail-World)

Fear of piracy has forced cancellation or rerouting of yachts and yacht rallies, say rally organisers. This has resulted in the ports of the two countries losing business as the number of yacht arrivals has seen a dramatic decline in the past three years. 

Peter Ford, CEO, Port of Salalah, confirmed that there has seen a noticeable reduction in the number of yachts berthing up for maintenance and resupply because of the risks of pirate attacks while at sea. 

Rally organisers say the figure dropped by around 75 per cent in 2010, and reduced further this year with just a handful willing to take the chance. Planned rallies and cruises for 2012, which would likely dock at Oman's ports are also being cancelled. 

'Due to the very dangerous situation in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden this is a no-go area for yachts. Yachts have to sail round South Africa or ship their yachts as cargo to Europe,' said Lo Brust, organiser of the Vasco da Gama Rally. 'I expect only a few yachts heading for Salalah this season. I decided not to organise a rally(from the Mediterranean) to Yemen, Oman and India.

Piracy at Record High            

The ransom revenues of Somali pirates hit a record level in 2011, Rear Admiral Christian Canova, deputy commander of EU NAVFOR Somalia, said in an interview with the Bruxelles2 website posted on Wednesday - Voice of Russia.

Somali Pirates (Photo: Voice of Russia)

He added that over the past eleven months, pirates have received more than 135 million dollars in ransom versus 80 million dollars within the same period in 2010.
8 civilian ships and 200 crewmembers are still being held by Somali pirates, Canova said, praising the international naval presence in the pirates-infested Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa where several Russian warships are also deployed.

Attacks by pirates on cargo ships off the Somalia coast in 2011 accounted for 56 per cent of such attacks globally. In the first nine months of 2011, there were 199 attacks off the coasts of Somalia, targeting 24 vessels, in which 400 crew were taken hostage, according to the International Maritime Bureau's Piracy Report Centre, reports Hindu BusinessLine. The economic cost for global trade in 2010 due to piracy was estimated to be $7-12 billion, according to Oceansbeyondpiracy.org. India, which supplies a large number of crew to ships globally, has over 150 training institutes capable of producing around 11,000 seafarers annually. The Indian Government has to ensure that Indian seafarers are not targeted by pirates, says Mr P. Mukundan, Director, International Maritime Bureau. This organisation acts as a focal point for the shipping industry in respect of trade fraud, and it runs the piracy reporting centre, one of the major providers of information on piracy attacks. Based out of London, Mr Mukundan was in Chennai recently.

Capt Mukundan, IMB Director

In an interaction with Business Line, he spoke of the economic impact of piracy attacks; role of India in curbing this growing menace and finding a peaceful solution in Somalia.
Excerpts from the interview:
From every perspective, a piracy attack is an unprecedented criminal phenomenon. Crews and owners feel vulnerable and believe that once a vessel is hijacked, no one will come to their assistance. This has, however, changed recently with a more robust approach by naval vessels to intervene and arrest pirates who board the vessels. Fleet-owners are routing their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope rather than risk attacks in the waterways of the Gulf of Aden.
For the industry, it is important to ensure that the Gulf of Aden and Indian coast are free from piracy, even if it costs a considerable amount of money to divert ships.
Additional cost
Shipowners need to spend more on security, at a time when freight rates are very low and barely cover operating costs. Yes, eventually the additional cost that owners need to pay to keep the ships safe will be passed on to the end customers. Pirates are unsophisticated criminals trying to hold shipping groups to ransom.
And, this should not be allowed. Read more.

Task Force                                

Operation Atalanta, the European Union operation against piracy in the Indian Ocean, has been heralded the most successful EU mission to date and is likely to be extended - IFW.net.

Since 1 December, Spain has assumed command of the operation, which is set to run until December 2012.
But at a meeting of EU defence and foreign affairs ministers in Brussels last week, acting Spanish Minister for Defence Carme Chacón proposed Operation Atalanta be extended for a further two years.
A spokesman for EU foreign affairs and security supremo Catherine Ashton said the EU member states had given a clear signal of their willingness to extend the Operation Atalanta mandate until December 2014.
“Such a decision will enable long-term planning and will send a clear political message to our partners of the EU’s commitment in the fight against piracy,” he added.
Operation Atalanta began in December 2008 and the first decision to extend the mission was taken on its second anniversary in 2010.

The Greek Minister of National Defence, Mr. Dimitris Avramopoulos, attended the EU Defence Ministers Summit and the European Defence Agency’s Steering Board, which took place in Brussels. In addition, he joined the minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Stavros Dimas, in the Meeting of Ministers of Defence and of Foreign Affairs - Defence Greece.com.
The European Defence Agency (EDA) approved the annual work programme for the year 2012, the triennial work programme for the years 2012-2014 and the creation of a helicopter pilots programme.
In the context of the same meeting, the establishment of Pooling and Sharing for the endorsement of E.U. operations was widely discussed.
As far as the ATALANTA operation (counter-piracy) and the general questioning on the establishment of pooling and sharing for the Armed Forces’ coordination and funds saving -given the financial constraints- are concerned, Mr. Avramopoulos presented a Hellenic proposal for the establishment of a pool of 8 to 10 frigates, the operational cost of which will be spread among the participating countries, based on a GDA price index.
The adoption of this proposal greatly favours our country, reducing the cost for its participation in operation ATALANTA.
In the disagreement phrased by the United Kingdom, concerning the French proposal for an increase by 2% of the annual budget, a percentage equivalent to the inflation rate, Mr. Avramopoulos made a conciliatory proposal to adopt a solution increasing it by 1%, which found support by other countries. The issue remained pending.

Seafarers' Plight                      

The twelve men, survivors of the hijacked Vega 5 were sacked on 25 November. Pescamar justified the move on the grounds that the company now needed a smaller workforce. The 12 had all worked on the Pescamar prawn trawler, the “Vega 5”, which was hijacked on 27 December 2010 off the coast of the southern Mozambican province of Inhambane. The ship was taken to Somalia, where it was turned into a pirate mother ship. The Mozambican crew was forced to work for the pirates as they raided shipping in the Arabian sea.

In March, an anti-piracy unit of the Indian navy engaged the “Vega 5” in a gun battle. The “Vega 5” caught fire, and those aboard jumped into the sea. The Indian navy picked up 61 pirates and 13 of the original crew members (12 Mozambicans and one Indonesian). Nine other crew members (seven Mozambicans and two Indonesians) were missing, believed drowned. The two Spanish crew members were held hostage in Somalia, and eventually released in May against a large ransom.

The “Vega 5” survivors were angered by the sackings, and by the fact that they had received no compensation from Pescamar for their ordeal at the hands of the pirates They contrasted the millions of dollars paid in ransom for the two Spaniards with the shabby treatment they received from Pescamar.

Manuel, however, said the company was open to signing new work contracts with the 12, and “we never considered abandoning them”.The letters of dismissal were just a “breakdown in communication”.

The contracts of the 12 were about to expire anyway. Under normal conditions, Manuel said, the 12 should have been informed that the company was “rescinding their contracts in order to sign new ones, which did not happen”. Read more at The Zimbabwean.

The SUR’s member, Viktor Nikolsky, Master of MV FAINA, became famous when his ship was hijacked by Somali pirates in 2008. He exhibited bravery while being hostage and deserves a state award, reports Bro.Ru.

Master of Faina (Phot: Bro.Ru)

The ITF-affiliated Seafarers’ Union of Russia made efforts to support V. Nikolsky by applying to different departments, ministries, including the current president, Dmitry Medvedev. However, the authorities have remained uninterested in granting the seafarer an award up till now.

Not a long time ago, the SUR received a letter of guarantee regarding V. Nikolsky’s case from Sergei Mironov, the leader of the Just Russia Party, with 62 MPs in December 2011. He promised to do his best for granting a state award for the seafarer.

Earlier the SUR applied to S. Mironov for a help but with no result. This letter of guarantee was received before last Sunday’s parliament elections in Russia. Let’s see if he keeps his promise.

Piracy Incidents                       

Hijack:

• None.

Unsuccessful Attacks (All Regions):

• (LATE Report) August 7 at 0310: Posn: 04:25N-099:50E 45nm NW Off Pangkor Island Malaysia. Four pirates in a speed boat attacked and hijacked two fishing vessels carrying out fishing operation. Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA)received information from the owners and coordinated with the Royal Malaysia Navy and despatched two coast guard boats, one warship and one Navy helicopter to investigate and assist. Upon reaching the location they sighted the pirates were sailing towards Indonesian waters. The warships and CG boats detained the boats and two pirates. The remaining pirates jumped overboard and escaped in a speed boat.

• Indian Ocean - November 7 at 0200 LT in position 16:46N - 096:10E, Yangon Port, Mynamar, Vietnam bulk carrier, My Thinh, was boarded by about 7 robbers armed with rods, swords and catapults. The robbers stole coils of rope and working instruments before escaping. The Mynamar Port Authority was informed.

• Red sea - November 27 at 0555 UTC in position 15:05N - 042:00E, Marshall Islands bulk carrier, Star Gamma approached by two dhow to within 1nm. It was stated that guns were sighted and the vessel fired warning shots, prompting the boats to turn away.

• Indian Ocean - November 29 at 0645 UTC in position 02:42S - 045:26E, Marshall Island container ship, Violetta, en route to Mombasa, Kenya was pursued by skiff within 0.8nm of the vessel. The master raised the general alarm; all crew mustered at designated stations; all egress was secured. Onboard security team fied 2 signal parachutes and followed with warning shots being fired. A maritime aircraft was dispatched to survey the area and to detect the PAG presence.

• Gulf of Aden - November 30 (late report via ReCAAP) at 0636 LT in position 12:14.11N - 044:09.50E, approximately 65nm west of IRTC Point A, Singapore-flagged tanker, Maersk Venture, was chased by three skiffs, which were at a distance of 2nm apart, which then altered course and closed to within 0.5nm. The ship increased speed, mustered the crew and commenced ballast overflow. Due to the piracy counter measures initiated by the ship, the pirates aborted the chase.

• South America (P) - December 3 (via IMB) at 1000 UTC: 03:49.53N - 077:09.55W, Buenaventura Inner Bay Anchorage, Colombia. Unnoticed robbers boarded a Panama-flagged bulk carrier, Cielos Di Venezia, at anchor during heavy rain, stole ship stores and escaped. The incident was noticed only when the duty crew carried out routine rounds. Incident reported to authorities.

• Arabian Sea - December 4 (via NSC) at 0915 UTC, in position 20:39N - 060:00E, approximately 75nm east of Masirah Island, Oman. Malta- flagged bulk carrier, Atlantica, was chased and fired upon by pirates in a single skiff. The Master took preventive measures and the onboard security team returned fire resulting in the pirates aborting the attempt and moving away.

• Mediterranean Sea - December 6 (via IMB) at 0035 UTC in position 31:10.5N - 029:51.9E, Alexandria Inner Anchorage, Egypt. Three robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored bulk carrier. They stole ships stores and escaped in a motor boat. Crew alerted the armed guard and reported the incident to port control. A police patrol boat arrived for investigation.

• Java Sea - December 8 (via IMB) at 0040 LT: Posn: 03:41.7S - 114:25.9E, Banjarmasin Anchorage, Indonesia. Robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier using grapnel hook. They opened the bolted hawsepipe cover and were seen by the alert duty cadet on deck watch. He raised alarm via walkie-talkie; the D/O sounded the general alarm and blew the fog horn continuously. Upon hearing the alarm, the robbers escaped through the hawse pipe. Two boats were seen moving away from the ship. Ship attempted to contact port control but received no response.

• South China Sea - December 6 (via IMB) at 0515 LT in position: 01:42.16S -116:37.75E, Adang Bay anchorage, Indonesia. Duty crew onboard an anchored Panama-flagged cement carrier, Glory Sun, noticed six robbers moving away in a speed boat with one mooring line in tow. Upon inspection, the forecastle store was found broken into. Local police and agent were informed.

AT LEAST 10 ships and an estimated 172 hostages (IMB figures) are in the control of Somali pirates, as well as an unknown number of small dhows. Somaila Report shows 14 ships held with 262 hostages held (7 Commercial and 7 Fishing vessels), along with a number of hostages taken from other vessels. See Somalia Report Weekly Piracy report. UKMTO figures state 11 vessels and 244 hostages are held.

EUNAVFOR summary of November pirate incidents (here) differs to that of their counterparts at NATO, included in their Weekly Piracy Assessment, (here), which shows the difficulty in accurate reporting of incidents in the area of operations.

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. BMP version 4 is available at the link above; a high resolution version can be downloaded here.

VESSELS ARE ADVISED to exercise extreme caution when navigating in the vicinity of any reported positions of attacks and maintain maximum CPA with any ship acting suspiciously. Additionally, registration of vessel movement with MSC(HOA) prior to transiting the region is recommended. 

Horn of Africa Pirate Activity

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Any suspicious activity should be reported to UKMTO in Dubai in the first instance (Email UKMTO 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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