Warning: Mothership In Transit Off Somalia

Sighted 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 northwards.

The Zoulfecar has been acting as a mothership since its capture 3 November 2010. During a dawn patrol last November, the Royal Navy frigate, HMS MONTROSE, as part of the NATO counter-piracy operation, dispatched its helo to destroy a whaler from the Zoulfecar close to a known pirate camp, in order to send a message to the Somali pirates, that NATO and other coalition forces are willing to take the fight to them in order to prevent them attacking merchant ships," said the Commanding Officer, Commander Jonathan Lett RN, according to a report by Sky News. It has been alledged that pirates have seriously injured one of the crew members following a disagreement whilst the vessel was held off Hobyo. No clarification has been received to date.

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.

Vessels are advised to exercise extreme caution when navigating in the vicinity of the reported position of the vessel and maintain maximum CPA with any ship acting suspiciously. Additionally, registration of vessel movement with MSC(HOA) prior to transiting the region is recommended.