Somali pirates make themselves known after monsoon hiatus. Two merchant vessel evade pirates but UAE oil product tanker is captured with 16 crew on board.
Somali pirates have finally had success after failing to capture any merchant vessel in the last few months.
The pirates have conducted three attacks in the last 2 days (see situational maps below).
The pirates successfully hijacked a UAE-flagged oil product tanker, MT Jubba XX, on July 16 at 0742 UTC approximately 220nm Northwest of Socotra Island. Nine heavily armed pirates seized the vessel and its 16 multinational crew as it made its regular journey between UAE and Berbera in Somalia. The vessel was last sighted today, July 17, at 0813 UTC in position 13:48N - 051:25E in the Gulf of Aden heading towards the Somali coast. The vessel was not registered with MSCHOA, the vessel movement reporting centre managed by EUNAVFOR.
The most recent attack was today, 17 July, at 1055 UTC approximately 95nm west of Aden in the Bab al Mandeb Strait, in position 12:36.24N - 043:24.6E. An MV was attacked by pirates in 3 skiffs, reports an embarked security team. Weapons and ladders were observed. The alarm was raised and the security team fired warning shots as the pirates continued their approach. Following the warning the attack was aborted.
The first attack of the three occurred on July 16 at 0340 UTC in position 13:36.3N - 050:17.3E in the Gulf of Aden. Six pirates in a skiff chased a bulk carrier underway. The alarm was raised on the vessel and the crew were mustered in the citadel. The embarked security team fired a hand flare, but the pirates continued to chase the vessel coming within 300metres of the ship. The security team then fired warning shots after sighting guns, RPG and ladders. The pirates aborted the attempt. A warship was informed of the incident.
A cargo dhow, Al Nasri, hijacked by pirates 35nm outside of Bosaso in Somalia on July 14 with a crew of 7 Indians and 7 Pakistanis has been released. The fragile cargo of 2,000 goats destined for Dubai proved to be the reason for the release according to Indian and Pakistani diplomats. The Puntland forces had attempt to reach the vessel when it was hijacked but it had left for an unknown destination - Somalia 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 it they follow precautions as recommended in 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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