Early morning attack nets pirates a crude tanker in the Arabian Sea.Pirates successfully hijacked a crude tanker in the Arabian Sea near to the locations of suspicious activity and an attack the previous day, outside of the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) in the military-patrolled Gulf of Aden.
On March 28 at 0613 UTC, a crude oil tanker, UAE-flagged, Kuwaiti-owned, MV Zirku, with a crew of 29 (1 Croat, 1 Irai, 1 Filipino, 1 Indian, 3 Jordanians, 3 Egyptians, 2 Ukranians and 17 Pakistanis, was bound for Singapore when it was reported coming under attack by 2 pirate skiffs in position 1536N 05704E, approximately 190nm Southeast of Salalah, Oman. The pirates chased the tanker firing RPG and small arms. The Master ordered an increase in speed, carried out evasive manoeuvres, fired flares and fire hoses were activated. Despite these measures, the pirates were able to come alongside the vessel, board her and pirated the ship IMB Report. The vessel was registered with MSC(HOA) and was reporting to UKMTO.
Two pirate incidents had occurred the previous day within 77nm of today's attack. They were:
- March 27, a Pirate Action Group, consisting of 1 dhow with 1 skiff was reported in position 1547N 05545E on a course 221 at a speed of 7knots. Close to eastern end of the IRTC, an area heavy with maritime traffic
- March 27 at 1245 UTC, in position 1555.3N – 05551.7E around 122nm Southeast of Salalah, Oman. A mothership was seen launching a skiff, which then approached a Liberia-flagged, Russia-owned tanker, MV NS Asia, at high speed. An alarm was sounded, the 23 all Russian crew were mustered in the citadel, SSAS unit was activated, the Master increased speed and coalition forces were contacted. The onboard security team fired warning shots when the skiff was approximately 3 cables from vessel. The pirates then aborted the attack. The vessel evaded the hijack attempt. IMB Report.
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. The use of a CITADEL DOES NOT guarantee a military response. Before owners, operators and masters commit to a policy that recommends the use of a citadel, it is important to understand the criteria that military forces will apply before a boarding to free the ship can be considered.
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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