Merchant vessel evades known pirate Dhow in the Arabian Sea.
A Pirate Action Group consisting of a mothership and 2 skiffs was observed operating in the Arabian Sea over the last few days. The PAG launched an attack on a bulk carrier May 8. There are two PAGs operating in the southern part of the Arabian Sea.
May 8 at 0843 UTC, in position 1206N - 05928E, approximately 325nm east of Socotra Island, a container ship was reported coming under attack by 2 skiffs with 5 pirates on board each one. They fired the weapons of pirate choice, RPG and small arms, at the vessel. A mothership was observed in the vicinity and has been identified as the pirated Jelbut 33. The Master of the vessel raised the alarm and initiated an increase in speed and evasive manoeuvres to get away from the mothership and skiffs. The Master was also able to send out a distress message to the coalition forces operating in the area. An armed security detachment was on board and fired warning shots at the skiffs, which saw the attempted hijack aborted. The attack occurred approximately 55nm from the position of the hijack of Italian MV Rosalia D'Amato, April 21.
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 it 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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