Updated News: MV Evades Pirate Mothership & Skiffs

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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 small arms and RPG in position 1114N 06328E, approximately 560NM East of Socotra Island in the Indian Ocean. The attack was a mere 70km or so from an attack which occurred 26 January at 0630 UTC. The attacks were carried out by a Mothership and Skiffs. Both of these attacks were unsuccessful as both MVs managed to evade the hijack attempts. The Pirate Action Groups remain the vicinity.
Update (via IMB Report): Pirates in 4 skiffs launched from a mother vessel armed with RPG and guns chased a tanker underway. The tanker implemented anti-piracy countermeasures by increasing speed, and ordering all 23 crew into the citadel. Meanwhile, 4 unarmed security guards fired rocket flares in an attempt to disrupt the attack; however the pirates were able to successfully board the tanker. The Master was able to contact the owners from his position in the citadel. The vessel's owners then contacted the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre in order to request for assistance. The centre immediately contacted the military authorities and relayed the tanker’s request for assistance. A Dutch warship was despatched to the location to render the necessary assistance to the vessel and crew. On 29 January at 0600 UTC, the Royal Dutch Navy boarding team boarded the tanker and released the 23 crew and 4 security guards from the citadel. No pirates were discovered and appeared to have escaped prior to the arrival of the warship. The warship remained the vicinity of the tanker.

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. If a citadel, or safe room, is used, ensure that sufficient communications is available to contact the military authorities and that supplies can last for a duration of at least 96-hours (See BMP3).

Vessels are advised to exercise extreme caution when navigating in the vicinity of the reported position of the 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.



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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