Pirate distraction tactic fails to net merchant vessel in Arabian Sea.Pirate Action Groups (PAGs) in the Arabian Sea area continue to make their presence felt. A mothership with 2 skiffs is operating in the region and has used the two skiffs to draw attention and fire from merchant vessels in order to distract them whilst one of the skiffs makes an approach from the opposite side of the vessel.
April 5 at 0628 UTC, in position 1600.6N – 05952.1E, approximately 375nm Northeast of Socotra Island, close to the
locations of reported suspicious activities, 2 large white-hulled skiffs were observed at 2.5nm approaching a crude tanker. The Master raised the alarm and all of the crew, except for the duty crew, mustered in the safe room. The onboard security team fired rocket flares as a warning to the pirates, which were ignored by skiffs who continued their approach. At
600 meters, the security team then fired warning shots. 1 skiff stopped whilst the other skiff continued to make its approach and fired weapons at the vessel. The security team proceeded to return fire, the skiff then aborted the attempted attack. The vessel and crew are reported to be safe IMB Report.
Two reports of suspicious PAG activity were made April 5. Likely to be the same PAG, one sighted at 0656 UTC, was approximately 8.5nm Southeast of the above attack, whilst the second sighting, at 1239 UTC, was approximately 29nm Southwest of the attack.
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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