Alert: Pirates Attack In Red Sea

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Merchant Vessel evades Pirate attempted hijack in Bab El Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea
A 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 Bab El Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea off Yemen. The 5 skiffs carried between 5 and 6 pirates onboard, with weapons and a ladder, which was partially hidden under green canvas. The vessel, however, managed to successfully evade the attempted hijack by conducting evasive manoeuvres. Reportedly, the pirates observed armed security guards were present and aborted the attack. This swarm tactic, using so many skiffs to conduct multi-directional attack, has not occurred in the region for some time. In 2009, such tactics became a regular occurrence, however, with the increase in the use of motherships, it became less used. The Pirate action group (PAG) remains in the area.

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 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.



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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