Pirate Action Groups operating in the Indian Ocean fail to hijack two vessels
As news of the deaths of several Puntland (semi-autonomous region of Somalia) soldiers during a failed rescue attempt of the Danish yacht family and crew in Northern mountain range of Somalia makes headlines, at sea the Pirate Action Groups continue to attack merchant shipping in the Indian Ocean. Within the last two days they have attempted to hijack two vessels, to no avail. However, the threat from the PAGs remains high in the southern Arabian Sea, and northern to central parts of the Indian Ocean.
On March 11 at 0454 UTC, a vessel was reported coming under attack by a PAG consisting of a mothership, a white tug with a black hull, and 2 skiffs in position 1055N 0663E, approximately 416nm Northwest of Minicoy Island, India. Weapons including small arms and RPG were fired at the vessel. The attack which occurred March 10 in position 1349N 06521E, around 550nm Northwest of Minicoy Island, India, saw a tug chased by 2 skiffs with 4-5 pirates onboard. At a distance of approximately 3 cables, following an increase in speed and evasive manoeuvres, the tug's embarked security team fired warning shots. The chasing skiffs aborted the attempt and returned to a suspected mothership (green and white hulled). Both vessels successfully evaded the hijack attempts.
The previously pirated, MV Polar, was reported in position 0636N 05120E, off the Somali coast, heading on a course 079 degrees at a speed of 10kts and is possibly conducting mothership operations.
PAGs have been in operation in the areas for some time and, wherever possible, are reported here to ensure that seafarers may increase their situational awareness through information dissemination.
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.
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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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