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Horn of Africa Piracy Activity Update - 20 May

May 19, 2011 - 23:12:37 UTC
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Attacks spread across the length of the region as monsoon season approaches; a new phrase "extended unit self defense" a game-changer; call for armed guards almost sanctioned; naval actions off Somalia free more hostages; international response to piracy, and West Africa changes tactics.

The monsoon season approaches in the region but pirates continue to make their presence felt across the length of the area of operations. Eleven attacks have been reported over the past 7 days. Fortunately, no hijacks have occurred. U.S. Navy helicopter fires on pirates under a rule of engagement 'game-changer' - "extended unit self defense." As two maritime security bodies come into being, the IMO holds a Maritime Safety Committee session which discusses, amongst other matters, the use of armed guards at sea. The Thai Navy, however, is to place armed detachments on its merchant vessels.
Naval action nearer to the Somali coast has seen a blockade on pirate-held vessels ability to deploy on mothership operations. A more aggressive stance by the forces in the region has resulted in pirates being challenged to a greater degree with vessels attacked, pirates killed and hostages freed, although clear details in some cases have been somewhat sparse. The 19th SHADE (Shared Awareness and Deconfliction) meeting took place in Bahrain, where the coordination discussions between 108 Representatives from the militaries of 28 countries, law enforcement agencies, shipping industry, and various governments, included a brief on the upcoming Best Management Practice version 4 (BMP4). Piracy, however, has been demonstrated to be a global problem as a Filipino sailor is found dead on his ship days after it had been hijacked of the West African coast.

Military Action
Working from the north to the south of the region, pirate attacks were carried out in the Gulf of Oman where MV Artemis Glory, was assisted by USS Bulkeley and its helo in evading capture. As a consequence of the action, 4 pirates were killed. The Arabian Sea attacks occurred north of Socotra Island and at the eastern 'fan' of the Gulf of Aden. Further attacks occurred in the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC), and latterly in the southern Red Sea. Moving out into the Indian Ocean, attacks were conducted in the central area and just over 100nm off the Somali coast. Down to the south off Tanzania, two attacks occurred within 50nm radius and only 4 hours in between attacks. A further attack in the south Indian Ocean was east of the northern tip of Madagascar, and south of the Seychelles, despite the deterioration of weather conditions due to the approaching south-westerly monsoon.

Somali pirates have been rather adept at changing their Rules Of Engagement (ROE) at the drop of a ransom payment. Now, it is the turn of the coalition forces to make an unexpected impact by adapting their ROE. Keenly, witnessed in the 'game-changing' principle of "extended unit self defense", the U.S. Navy was able to actually fight pirates during an attack on a merchant vessel Coalition Maritime Forces. Information Dissemination says give the matter a 'ponder' in their article "ROE, a change in piracy". The Royal Danish Navy was involved in a fire fight with pirates on a mothership. During the exchange 4 pirates were killed and 10 wounded. 16 Iranian crewmembers were rescued with no injuries to them or the Danish navy team. 28 pirates in all were on board the vessel. 24 pirates were ultimately detained - Danish forsvaret.dk. In the same week as the Esbern Snare incident, the USS Stephen W Groves was involved in an exchange with pirates holding the Taiwanese fishing vessel, Jih Chun Tsai 68. Following a gunfight, the warship's boarding team discovered the master had been killed and two of the crew wounded; 3 pirates had been killed and the surviving pirates were returned to Somalia.

Ransom and Release
The story surrounding the fishing vessel, FV Prantalay 12, rumbles on. Conflicting reports of its possible sinking by military action and having been stated as concluding release from pirate control for a number of days as the vessel is no longer seaworthy have not been fully explained to date. NATO maintains that the vessel remains in pirate hands.

Somali pirates and Spanish authorities claim a ransom of $5million has been dropped for the release of 2 Spanish seafarers still held following the interception of the Spanish fishing vessel, FV Vega 5, in the Arabian Sea by the Indian Navy in March when 13 crew were rescued although 9 were not on board at the time. The crewmen, Captain Alfonso Rey Echeverri and Jose Alfonso Garcia, were held on the Italian tanker, Savina Caylyn - Somalia Report. Piracy Charges
On Tuesday, May 17, it was reported that 8 men charged with the hijack of a yacht which resulted in the deaths of four ;
Americans were to enter plea agreements in a Norfolk Virginia court says Navy Times. On Friday, 3 Somali men (left; via CNN) pleaded guilty to the charges in the federal court for their roles in the hijack of the SV Quest, giving the most detailed description of the days leading up to the tragic deaths of the four Americans - CNN.com. The three men claim "they played no role in the murder of the four United States citizens." Armed Security on Ships
In an article by Michelle Wiese Bockmann of Bloomberg, "Shipowners Turn to AK-47s to Halt $2.4 Billion of Piracy Off Africa, India." Bloomberg. The fact that armed guards are used extensively on merchant vessels transiting the dangerous waters raised the question of legitimacy of security operators. Two associations, International Association for Maritime Security Professionals (IAMSP) and Security Association for the Maritime Industry (SAMI), have recently launched. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) at its 89th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) agreed interim guidance on use of privately contracted armed security personnel on board ships. The MSC approved a circular on "Interim guidance to shipowners, ship operators, and shipmasters on the use of privately contracted armed security personnel (PCASP) on board ships in the High Risk Area, and Interim recommendations for flag States on the use of privately contracted armed security personnel on board ships in the High Risk Area. Both sets of guidance are aimed at addressing the complex issue of the employment of private, armed security on board ships" stated the IMO.
Ships Need Armed Guards to Fend Off Pirates, U.K. Group Says - Bloomberg. Quoting the British Chamber of Shipping spokesperson, Jonathan Roberts, “The threat is constantly increasing, and we need to look at new alternatives.” Merchant vessels need armed guards to stop Somali pirates from disrupting world trade, it said, reversing a previous policy that cautioned against the practice. Further comment can be seen in "The continuing threat of piracy in the Indian Ocean" - Chamber of Shipping. South Africa
In the Leadershiponline article, Somali piracy "Escalating Threat Spurs SA Into Action. Not Being Involved Cannot Continue", states that the South African government has made an abrupt and complete u-turn on the matter of piracy almost on its doorstep. Citing one reason for not being previously involved in counter piracy as wishing to not appear as a regional bully, the "intrusion of piracy" says the Defence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, poses the biggest threat to southern African security. The impact on the economy (lucrative coal exports to India under serious threat) and the increase in shipping and insurance costs, not forgetting the attacks on SA vessels (including a research vessel this year and the yacht SY Choizil in 2010), and with more and more attacks taking place in waters around Seychelles, Mauritius, Madagascar, Tanzania and Mozambique, SA forces see an urgent need to bolster its capacity to counter piracy. The SA frigate, SAS Mendi, and a helicopter were recently deployed in the region, and is to be replaced by SAS Amatola (the first SA warship to receive international training since the 1970's by the UK's Operational Sea Training authority in 2007). The urgent call for maritime patrol aircraft has been made by the SA Air Forces Leadershiponline. Republic of Korea
In The National, the Republic of Korea Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Moon Hayong, states that the response to Somali piracy is very similar to that of the UAE as the international relations move closer in light of the threat of piracy and reflects the international community's stance on the matter. The two countries are "consulting over the creation of an institutional framework for mutual legal assistance between our two nations. Once created, this legal framework is expected to contribute to strengthening bilateral cooperation on criminal cases related to piracy" -Gulf in the Media.

India In the Eurasiareview, Somali Pirates In Indian Ocean: What Are India’s Options? - An analysis is discussed. In addition to Indian Navy’s anti-piracy operation, it has also undertaken the responsibility of securing the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius, at the request of the respective host governments. It further states that India should also make use of this opportunity to take affirmative action against piracy which can go beyond addressing immediate security concerns to enhancing India’s strategic position on the global stage - Eurasiareview. Iranian Navy Rescue Under the headline "Iran's Navy warships (below; Presstv.ir file photo) have foiled a pirate attack on an Iranian cargo ship in
the Indian Ocean off the southeast coast of Somalia in the Horn of Africa." Reporting of the incident brings to eight the number of foiled Somali pirate attacks on Iranian ships since the start of the new Persian Year on March 21. The point to highlight is the disconnect between naval action taken by Iran that is largely kept apart from the rest of the international navies operating in the region. Some inroads have been made, but political considerations often prove a stumbling block for the appropriate level of international cooperation and coordination that is necessary to truly combat the threat of piracy in the region. See Presstv.ir article. 10 Iranian hostages who were freed in Galmudug after a NATO attack on pirates heading for home have been flown back to Iran from the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, after meeting officials from the Iran Embassy. Four fellow crewmembers from Pakistan were also released following the release by the Galmudug forces after pirates had fled ashore when the captured dhow, being used as a mothership, was destroyed by the NATO forces - Somalia Report. China In a move that is considered unusual for China, a statement has been made aimed at the Somali pirates no doubt. "All Your Base Are Belong to Us" it says in Danger Room. China’s top general is suggesting that the rest of the world put aside their differences, and team up to launch amphibious assaults on the pirates’ onshore havens - Wired.com. West Africa The UK's P&I Club warns that "Members should be made aware of a worrying change in motives and tactics adopted by Pirates off the West African coast." Previously attacks off the West Africa coast could be separated into two main areas; Petty theft of crew personal effects and ships stores in and around port areas; Hijacking / Pirating of vessels for political means. It seems the commercial opportunities of piracy have manifest themselves a little deeper in the West African pirates who are now turning to wholesale theft of oil cargoes from tankers the UK P&I Club bulletin states. A Filipino sailor was found dead on a ship attacked by pirates. The Philippine government reports that a Filipino sailor has been found dead onboard a ship that was attacked by pirates off the coast of Benin. The Marshall Islands-flagged, MV Sea King, was at anchor in the West African Nation when pirates attacked it on May 11, reports Maritime Executive. The armed pirates stole valuables from the chemical tanker, including personal effects from the 15 Filipino crewmembers onboard. The body of Christopher Cortez Ceprado was found onboard the ship four days after the attack. Whilst it has been presumed that the pirates killed Ceprado during the incident, the Philippine government is still conducting an investigation Maritime Executive.  And finally...
Africa Sweeps Board at Somalia Cartoon Contest. In a competition organized by the Association of East Africa cartoonists, the Hadaf Somalia International Cartoon competition drew over 800 entries from 265 cartoonist in 50 countries. The eventual winners were Alphonce Omondi, a Kenyan cartoonist; Amin Amir, a Canadian-based Somali, and Damien Glez from Burkina Faso. The competition, reports our partner site, Somalia Report, was themed on the challenges facing peace in Somalia - Somalia Report. The cartoon by Alphonce Omondi: Piracy events
Over the last 7 days are: Hijack:
  • None.
11 Unsuccessful Attacks:
  • May 13 at 2110 UTC, in position 1310.7N - 04837E, Gulf of Aden in the IRTC, a U.S.-flagged container ship, Maersk Alabama, was reported coming under attack by a skiff with 5 pirates on board. An armed security detachment was on board and fired warning shots at the skiff, which saw the attempted hijack aborted.
  • May 14 at 0340 UTC in position 1354.7N - 05756.2E, approximately 220nm ENE of Socotra Island, general cargo ship, Merle, came under attack by pirates firing RPG at the vessel. The Deck Officer raised the alarm, a SSAS alert issued, increased speed and conducted evasive manoeuvres. The on board security team fired rocket flares which saw the pirates abort the attack..
  • May 14, 0434 UTC, in position 0827N - 06759E, around 304nm west of Minicoy Island, India, a Singapore-flagged tanker, Maersk Glory, was attacked by 5 pirates in a skiff. RPG were fired at the vessel, however, the Master had raised the alarm, increased speed and carried out evasive manoeuvres resulting in the attack being aborted.
  • May 14, at 0700 UTC in position 1913N - 006019E, approximately 190nm south by east of Ras Al, Oman, a Bahamas-flagged chemical tanker, Gulf Muttrah, came under attack when a dhow launched a single skiff with 5 pirates on board. The pirates, armed with RPG and small arms, chased the vessel. The Master raised the alarm, increased speed and took evasive action. The armed security team on board fired warning shots which saw the pirates abort any attempt to attack.
  • May 15 at 1639 UTC, in position 1409N - 05525E, approximately 110nm northeast of Socotra Island, a Panama-flagged container ship, MSC Ayala, was chased and attacked by pirates. The Master took evasive manoeuvres and employed anti-piracy measures, deterring the pirate attack.
  • May 16 at 1036 UTC, in positions 2411N - 06111E, approximately 145nm east by northeast of Muscat in the Gulf of Oman, a Panama-flagged VLCC, MV Artemis Glory, saw four pirates in a skiff, armed with guns, chase and fire on the ship underway. The Master raised alarm, increased speed, took evasive manoeuvres, sent distress messages, contacted authorities and the crew activated fire hoses. The pirates attempted to board the tanker several times using grappling hooks, but were unable due to the aggressive manoeuvres taken by the Master. A CMF Naval helicopter came to render assistance and the pirates abandoned attempted boarding (See "extended Unit self defense" above).
  • May 17 at 0733 UTC, in position 0900S - 04054E, approximately 160nm southeast of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, saw a Spanish-flagged fishing vessel, FV Alakrantxu, attacked by a single skiff with a whaler (mothership) in the vicinity, approximately 160nm southeast of Dar es Salaam. The vessel was fired upon by 5 pirates in the skiff, however, the vessel carried a security team who fired warning shots resulting in the pirates aborting the attempted hijack.
  • May 17 at 1156 UTC, in position 0924.6S - 04044.6E, occurred only 25nm south from the attack on the Spanish FV Alakrantxu. 4 pirates in a skiff fired RPG at a Panama-flagged vehicle carrier, Felicity Ace, which managed to evade capture through increasing speed and evasive manoeuvres.
  • May 18 at 1451 UTC, in position 1156S - 05841E, approximately 550nm east of the northern tip of Madagascar, south of the Seychelles, a merchant vessel was attacked by 1 skiff. RPG were fired at the vessel, but it is believed (no updates were issued) evaded the hijack attempt.
  • May 20 at 0633 UTC, in position 1315n - 04301E, in the southern Red Sea, approximately 20nm northeast of Assab, Eritrea, a bulk carrier was chased and attacked by pirates in 2 skiffs. The Master enforced anti-piracy measures, successfully deterring the hijack attempt IMB Report.
Suspect Pirate Activity:
  • NATO Shipping Centre (NSC) reports that four Dhows were retaken from pirate control. Jelbut 33, a previous vessel of interest, while currently unable to conduct pirate operations is still in pirate control and has returned to the Somali Coast anchored at El Danan.
  • The Arabian Sea remains a high risk area, however, NSC assesses that there are no pirate-controlled dhows are operating in the area.
  • In the Greater Somali Basin, the approaching south-westerly monsoon closes the window for dhow PAG/mothership operations, which will likely affect the whaler PAG operations seen off Tanzania and Madagascar/Seychelles.
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 any reported positions of attacks 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 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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