Secure A Ship – Maritime Security

Suspicious Incident. This incident will not be added to IMB statistics.
19.05.2013: 1045 UTC: Posn: 25:32N – 057:27E, Around 18nm WSW of Bandar-e-Jask, Iran. Four suspicious boats with three armed persons in each boat chased a LPG tanker underway. Master raised alarm, activated SSAS, increased speed, took evasive manoeuvres, contacted Iran warship by VHF for assistance and the non-essential crew mustered in the citadel. The boats followed the tanker for 30 minutes and then moved away.

19.05.2013: 0525 UTC: Posn: 12:12N – 044:20E, Gulf of Aden. Five pirates armed with AK47 rifles and a RPG approached a general cargo ship underway. The vessel enforced anti piracy measures and the on board armed guards fired warning shots, when the skiff closed to 400m from the vessel, resulting in the skiff aborting and moving away. Crew and vessel safe.

18.05.2013: 0155 UTC: Posn: Alexandria Waiting Anchorage, Egypt. Duty officer on board an anchored chemical tanker noticed a robber lowering ship’s stores into a waiting boat. Alarm raised and crew mustered. Seeing crew alertness the robber escaped with his accomplices. Port control informed.

17.05.2013: 0230 LT: Posn: 06:03.1N – 001:17.7E, Lome Anchorage, Togo. Eleven robbers in an unlit boat approached an anchored chemical tanker. The duty A/B noticed the boat and informed OOW who raised the alarm, contacted Togo Navy and activated the fire pumps. Two robbers jumped into the water and attempted to board the tanker via the anchor chain but failed and returned to their boat. At 0300 LT, the boat approached again from the port quarter with additional robbers who were seen holding hooks attached with ropes. The duty crew directed search lights towards the boat and noticed that the boat was flooding due to the fire hose water. The boat remained alongside and made several attempts to board the tanker. At 0420 LT, the robbers aborted the attempted boarding and moved away. At 0500 LT, a Togo Navy boat arrived at the location and patrolled the area.

12.05.2013: 0203 LT: 03:48N – 077:11W: Buenaventura anchorage, Colombia. While at anchor D/O on board a bulk carrier noticed robbers from a small boat boarding the vessel at the forecastle. He immediately alerted the deck watch keepers to retreat to the bridge. Port control informed and ship advised that a coast guard patrol vessel would be sent immediately. Crew on the bridge noticed five robbers disembarking from the forecastle deck into a small boat. Coast guard boat arrived at location and investigated. All crew safe, nothing stolen.

12.05.2013: 0415 LT: Posn: 03:41S – 114:27E, Taboneo Anchorage, Indonesia. Five robbers in a boat approached and boarded an anchored bulk carrier via the anchor chain and broke into the forward store. The alert crew noticed the robbers, raised the alarm and proceeded towards the forecastle. Seeing the crew alertness, the robbers escaped in their boat with the stolen stores. Local agents informed.

09.05.2013: 2230 UTC: Posn: 06:04N-001:15E, Lome Anchorage, Togo. Eight persons in a boat came alongside and attempted to board an anchored tanker. Alert duty crew spotted the approach and sounded alarm, informed Togo Navy, identified the boat with the ship’s spot light and commenced deck water for the fire hoses. It was observed that the boat attempted to come along side from various directions but the water from the fire hoses was flooding the boat resulting in the attempt being aborted. The Togo Navy immediately responded and a navy boat arrived at the location in 20mins. All crew safe.

07.05.2013: 1458 UTC: Posn: 04:43.3N – 008:20.7E, Calabar River, Nigeria. Seven armed pirates in a speed boat approached and fired upon bulk carrier underway with pilot on board. Master raised alarm, increased speed, sent distress message, activated SSAS and non essential crew members mustered in the citadel. The pirates aborted the attack and moved away when they heard the ship’s alarm. No injuries to crew.

05.05.2013: 2248 UTC: Posn: 05:41.7N – 001:20.2E, Around 27nm SSE of Lome, Togo. Nine armed pirates in a speed boat approached a chemical tanker during STS operations. Alarm raised and all crew members retreated into the accommodation and locked the doors. Three pirates boarded the tanker and opened fire. Master contacted Togo Navy for assistance. The Togo navy guards on board the other vessel, alongside, exchanged fire with the pirates resulting in the pirates aborting the attempted attack and moved away. There were some damages caused due to the gun firing.

05.05.2013: 02.54 UTC: Posn: 02.28.6S 080:04.1W, Equador.
Robbers attempted to board a container vessel underway. Alarm sounded, crew mustered and vessel secured. Incident reported to coastguard who sent a boat for assistance. Seeing alert alertness the robbers moved away. All crew safe.

05.05.2013: 0300 UTC: Posn: 13:40N – 048:30E, Gulf of Aden. The below incident will not be included in the IMB statistics. Four high speed skiffs with three persons on each skiff approached a tanker underway at stbd side in two groups. Two skiffs closed in to a distance of 200 metres form the tanker and the armed security team fired warning shots resulting in the skiffs stopped the approach and moved away.

04.05.2013: 1135UTC: Posn: 03:49.5N – 006:41.2E, 33NM SW of Bonny River Fairway Buoy, Nigeria. Six to eight pirates in a speed boat chased and fired upon a Refrigerated Cargo Ship underway. Vessel enforced anti-piracy measures and managed to move away. All crew safe but ship sustained minor damage due to the firing.

04.05.2013: 0940 UTC: Posn: 04:02.3N – 006:54.9E, Around 28nm SW of Bonny, Nigeria. Seven armed pirates in a speed boat approached a container ship underway. Master raised alarm, increased speed, sent distress message, activated SSAS and non essential crew members mustered in the citadel. The pirates closed in to a distance of 60-70 metres and fired at the ship using automatic guns. At 0953 UTC, the pirates aborted the attack and moved away as the distance between ship and boat increased. No injuries to crew.

30.04.2013: 2000 LT: 03:47.30N – 098:42.11E, Belawan port, Indonesia.
Robbers boarded a berthed general cargo ship while crew were involved with customs and immigration and getting the ship ready to discharge. Duty AB noticed the robbers at the poop deck and immediately report to the DO who raised alarm. On seeing alerted crew the robbers escaped with stolen ship stores.

27.04.2013: 1550 LT: Posn: Belawan Port, Indonesia.
Two robbers in a boat approached and boarded a berthed chemical tanker. They broke into the tank cleaning gear locker and stole ship’s properties. Duty crew noticed the robbers, raised the alarm and ran towards the robbers. Upon hearing the alarm, the robbers jumped overboard and escaped with the stolen items in their boat. Incident reported to the local agents.

27.03.2013: 1530 LT: Posn: 03:56N – 098:47E: Belawan Anchorage, Indonesia.Robbers boarded a bulk carrier and stole ship’s stores from forecastle bosun store and escaped. The theft was discovered after the robbers had left the vessel.

26.03.2013: 1745 UTC: Posn: 31:14.4N – 032:18.1E, Port Said West Terminal, Port Said, Egypt. Six robbers in a boat armed with knives came alongside a berthed Container Ship. Four robbers boarded the vessel and injured an on-board security guard. The robbers stole ship’s stores and transferred them into their boat. The incident was reported to the local police.

26.03.2013: 0405 LT: Posn: 03:40.5S – 114:26.06E, Taboneo Anchorage, Indonesia. Robbers boarded a anchored bulk carrier and were noticed by the alert duty crew who informed D/O. Alarm raised, and crew alerted. Seeing the alert crew the robbers jumped overboard and escaped.

26.04.2013: 1830 UTC: Posn: 03:48N – 004:57E, Around 83nm WSW of Brass, Nigeria. Pirates in a boat attempted to attack a container ship underway. Master raised alarm, switched off all ship’s lights, altered course and increased speed. The boat chased the ship for one hour and aborted the attempted attack.

25.03.2013: 0130 LT: Posn: 01:42.40N – 101:27.20E, Inner anchorage, Dumai, Indonesia. Five robbers armed with knives and guns boarded an anchored General Cargo Ship. The robbers took hostages four crew on duty and tied their hands with rope. Two of the crew taken as hostage were forced to lead the robbers to the engine room store, which was then forced open and ship property stolen. The alarm was raised by the hostage crew after the robbers escaped. The authorities were informed via ship’s agent.

25.04.2013: 2045 UTC: Posn: 04:10N – 005:30E, Around 45nm WSW of Brass, Nigeria. Fourteen heavily armed pirates in two boats, one supply boat with the name UTAY 8 and the other is a speed boat with orange hull and blue wheelhouse approached and boarded a container ship underway. The ship raised alarm and crew took shelter in the citadel. The pirates were able to breach the citadel and they kidnapped the Master, C/O, C/E, 2/E and 3/E and escaped with ship’s and crew cash. The remaining crew were reported safe.

24.04.2013: 0330 LT: Posn: 01:36N – 105:23E, South China Sea.
Fifteen pirates armed with guns and long knives in three high speed boats boarded a tug underway. They took hostage nine crew members, assaulted some of the crew and tied them up. They ransacked all cabins, stole vessel’s properties, crew members cash and personal belongings and escaped.

24.03.2013: 0300 LT: Abidjan Port, Ivory Coast. Shore security guard on board a berthed general cargo ship noticed two robbers on the aft mooring stations. He immediately informed the Duty officer who alerted the Master and other crew members. On seeing the alerted crew the robbers jumped overboard and escaped in their small boat. Port control was informed who later informed the Master that the robbers were detained and stolen items recovered.

24.03.2013: 0100 UTC: Posn: 06:50.5S – 039:17.8E, Berth No.11, Dar es Salaam Port, Tanzania. A robber boarded a berthed container ship via the forward mooring ropes. The duty A/B noticed the robber who threatened the A/B with a long knife. The A/B immediately ran away and reported to the SSO who in turn raised alarm and informed the port control. Upon hearing the alarm and seeing the crew alertness, the robber jumped into the sea and escaped empty handed in his boat. Shore security guards came on board for investigation.

24.03.2013: 0140 LT: 05:59S-106:54E: Tanjung Priok Anchorage, Indonesia. During a routine round, the ship’s crew found the steering gear room open and it was discovered that some items inside the store were missing. After investigation the incident was reported to the Coast Guard.

24.04.2013: 2345 LT: Posn: 03:51.3N – 005:40.5E, 40nm SW of Brass, Nigeria.
Pirates in a speed boat chased and fired upon a container ship underway. The vessel increased speed and evaded the boarding.

24.04.2013: 0400 – 0510 LT: 01:17.5N – 104:50.5E, About 16nm NE of Bintan Island, Indonesia.
Pirates boarded a tanker underway and robbed crew personal belongings and cash and escaped.
No injuries to crew and tanker continued passage.

23.04.2013: 0407 LT: Posn: 01:19N – 104:47E, Around 15nm NE of Bintan Island, Indonesia. Five pirates armed with a pistol and long knives in a high speed wooden craft approached and boarded an asphalt tanker underway. They stole cash and crew personnel effects and escaped. Master raised the alarm and attempted to contact the coastal authority but received no respond. No injuries to crew.

23.03.2013: 0200 LT: 01:42.N – 101:28E, Dumai Anchorage, Indonesia. Five robbers armed with long knives in a small boat boarded the vessel from STBD quarter using a rope. The watchman was tied up with ropes. He was found lying down with his hands tied up when the forward watchman went to replace him. The duty officer was immediately informed. The alarm was raised and the crew was mustered on poop deck. A small wooden boat was seen leaving the vessel. Upon investigation it was found nothing had been stolen.

22.03.2013: 2200 LT: Posn: 22:15N – 091:44E, Chittagong Anchorage, Bangladesh. Robbers boarded a product tanker during anchoring operations and stole ship’s stores and properties and escaped upon seeing the crew members returning after anchoring. Port authorities, coast guard and agent informed.

22.04.2013: 2240 LT: Posn: 02:31N – 006:50E, Around 133nm South of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Armed pirates boarded a container ship underway. They kidnapped four crew members and escaped. No injuries were reported to the remaining crew members who sailed the ship to Senegal. Further details awaiting.

21.03.2013: 0220 LT: Posn: 07:05.3S – 112:39.4E, Gresik Inner Anchorage, Indonesia. Four robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier. They forced their way into the forward store and stole ship’s property. When noticed by the crew, the robbers jumped overboard and escaped. Port control informed.

18.04.2013: 0010 UTC: 04:44.8S – 011:48.7E, Pointe Noire Anchorage, The Congo. Three robbers in a small boat approached and attempted to board an anchored General Cargo Ship. Alert duty crew spotted the robbers climbing the anchor chain and raised the alarm. On hearing the alarm, the robbers jumped into the water and escaped empty handed. Port Control contacted and all crew safe.

17.04.2013: 0210 LT: Campha Outer Anchorage, Vietnam.
Three robbers boarded a bulk carrier via forward bow and hawse pipe unnoticed. Duty AB noticed them in the process of lowering ropes into a waiting Boat and informed the Master who raised the alarm and alerted the crew. The crew tried to recover the ropes by using the winch but the robbers cut off the ropes and escaped.

16.04.2013: 0500 LT: Posn: 10:22N – 075:33W, Catagena Inner Anchorage, Colombia. OOW observed a boat with several persons manoeuvring in the vicinity of the vessel. Two watchmen were sent to check and they observed the vessel for some time and then while returning heard noises from the aft part of the vessel. When watchmen went closer to investigate they saw a few robbers near the paint locker. They informed OOW who raised alarm and all the robbers jumped overboard and escaped in their boat. Upon investigation it was found that the paint locker, CO2 station, oxygen locker and engine compartment doors were open and stores stole. Port control contacted and agent contacted.

16.04.2013: 0012 UTC: Posn: 01:48N – 006:46E, around 36nm WNW from Principe Island, Gulf of Guinea. Armed pirates in a skiff approached and fired upon a tanker under way. Alarm raised, SSAS Alert and distress signals activated, fire pump started, crew proceeded to their emergency stations and citadel, speed increased and evasive manoeuvres made. After around 20minutes the skiff aborted the attack and moved away. Crew and vessel safe.

16.03.2013: 2308 LT: Posn: 11:08N – 074:16W, Puerto Prodeco Anchorage, Colombia. Duty officer onboard an anchored bulk carrier noticed an unidentified person on the forecastle and immediately informed the deck security guard and port security guard to investigate. When they arrived at the forecastle they noticed two robbers climbing down the anchor chain and trying to escape by swimming in heavy seas and swell. One of the robbers was rescued by throwing a lifebuoy while the other disappeared out of sight. Later, the robber was taken ashore by the security. Nothing stolen.

15.04.2013: 1040 UTC: Guayaquil, Ecuador. A group of armed robbers in a boat approach and boarded a container ship departing from the berth. Alarm raised and all crew members mustered in the accommodation and locked all the doors. The CSO contacted the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre and requested assistance. The Centre contacted the Ecuador Maritime Authorities and a coast guard patrol boat was sent to the location. On arrival it was found that the robbers had left the vessel. All crew safe. The vessel continued her passage under pilotage with the patrol boat.

14.03.2013: 1215 LT: Posn: 13:39N – 050:48E, Gulf of Aden. Four suspicious dhows along with skiffs were noticed by a tanker underway. From this group one skiff approached the taker at high speed. Alarm sounded and non essential crew retreated in the citadel. As the skiff approached weapons and a ladder were sighted in the skiff. Onboard armed security team fired one warning shot resulting in the skiff stopping and turning back to regroup with the rest.

14.03.2013: 0402 LT: 01:40.2S – 116:39.1E, Adang Bay, 25nm SSW from Balikpapan Port, Indonesia. Three robbers armed with long knives boarded an anchored bulk carrier. The alert duty seaman spotted the robbers attempting to enter the forecast store and informed the D/O who the alarm raised and sounded the forward fog horn. Seeing the alerted crew muster and proceeded towards the forecastle the robbers jumped overboard and escaped. Pilot station and all vessels at Adang Bay alerted. Nothing stolen and no injuries to crew.

13.04.2013: 0930 UTC: Posn: 04:34.4S – 081:19.1W, Talara Anchorage, Peru.
Duty watch man onboard an anchored tanker sighted two robbers armed with long knives and notified C/O who raised the alarm. Upon hearing the alarm, the robbers jumped overboard and escaped with ship’s stores. All crew safe.

13.01.2013: 1830 LT: Posn: 03:52N – 077:06W, Buenaventura Inner Anchorage, Colombia. Robbers boarded an anchored chemical tanker during heavy rain and stole ship’s properties and escaped. Port control informed and was advised to be vigilant against robbery at the anchorage.

13.04.2013: 0230 LT: Posn: 07:05.6S – 112:39.5E, Surabaya Port, Indonesia.
Three robbers in a small boat armed with long knives approached a berthed bulk carrier. Duty A/B noticed the robbers, informed the D/O and retreated into the accommodation. Alarm raised and crew mustered. Seeing the crew alertness, the robbers escaped without stealing anything. Incident reported to port control. Deck patrols increased.

12.03.2013: 1200 – 1300 LT: Belawan Anchorage, Indonesia. Robbers boarded an anchored chemical tanker, stole ship stores and escaped unnoticed.

11.04.2013: 2330 UTC: Posn: 08:30N – 013:11W, Freetown Inner Roads, Sierra Leone. Master onboard an anchored general cargo ship noticed a boat approaching them and sent an A/B to investigate. The Master noticed that the robbers were already onboard and they caught the A/B and laid him on the deck at knife point. Alarm raised, Master and C/O went forward to assist the A/B but the robbers threatened them and they had to retreat into the accommodation and called the security vessel and the company’s local supervisor. The security vessel arrived and investigated but the robbers had escaped with stolen ship’s stores and properties.

09.04.2013: 0400 – 0500 LT: Posn: 10:34N – 107:01E, Ho Chi Minh City Port, Vietnam. Robbers boarded a bulk carrier at berth unnoticed. They stole ship’s properties and escaped unnoticed.

06.04.2013: 1300 LT: Posn: 03:56.9N – 098:44.1E, Belawan Anchorage, Indonesia.
Robbers boarded an anchored chemical tanker unnoticed, stole ship’s properties and escaped unnoticed. The robbery was reported to authorities and local agent. Local agent informed Master that the robbers representative was willing to sell back the stolen equipment to the Master.

05.04.2013: 0640 LT: Posn: 17:39N – 083:24E, Visakhapatnam Anchorage, India.
Seven robbers in three fishing boats approached an anchored tanker. Two robbers managed to reach the ship rails using hooks attached to heaving lines but were noticed by the alert duty crew who raised the alarm and prevented their gaining access to the ship decks. The robbers moved away from the boat and waited a short distance away. Incident reported to port control and a patrol boat came and searched the waters around the tanker.

03.04.2013: 0330 LT: Adang Bay Anchorage, Indonesia. Two robbers armed with a gun and knives boarded a bulk carrier from the forecastle and made hostage the duty crew at knife point. D/O called him on walkie-talkie but did not receive any response. Another crew was sent immediately from the stern to check the forward. When he arrived the duty crew was found tie-up. The D/O was alerted and he raised the alarm. Two speed boats were seen departing from the vessel. All crew was mustered and went forward to investigate. It was found ship’s stores had been stolen from forward store.

04.03.2013: 0530 UTC: Posn: 14:17.4N – 049:51.7E, Around 40nm SE of Mukalla City, Yemen, Gulf of Aden. Four skiffs with around six persons in each skiff approached an oil tanker underway from the port bow, mid-ships and astern. Master raised alarm, took anti piracy measures, informed UKMTO and all non essential crew retreated to the citadel. Onboard armed security team fired warning shots resulting in the skiffs stopping the approach at a distance of around four cables from the vessel. Ladder and RPG sighted in the approaching skiffs. A warship was deployed to the location for assistance.

04.03.2013: 0400 LT: Posn: 03:33.36S – 114:26.55E, Taboneo Anchorage, Indonesia. An anchored bulk carrier was boarded by robbers who stole ship’s stores and escaped unnoticed. Master reported the incident to port control.

27.02.2013: Posn: 01:42.19N – 101:29.11E, Dumai Quarantine anchorage, Indonesia.
An anchored chemical tanker was boarded by robbers who stole engine spares and escaped unnoticed. The incident was discovered by one of the crew who noticed the broken lock and missing spares.

27.02.2013: 0320 LT: Posn: 04:34.4S – 081:18.8W, Talara Anchorage, Peru.
Two robbers in a small motorised boat attempted to board an anchored tanker via the anchor chain. Alert duty crew noticed the robbers and informed the duty officer who raised the alarm and sounded ship’s whistle. Upon hearing the alarm, the robbers aborted the attempt and moved away.

24.02.2013: 2345 LT: Posn: 10:18.13N – 075:31.16W, Cartagena ‘A’ Anchorage, Colombia.
Four robbers boarded an anchored LPG tanker via the anchor chain and hawse pipe. The robbers caught and tied up the duty A/B who had sighted and shouted at them. The robbers broke into the forecastle store and escaped with ship’s property.

22.02.2013: 1800 UTC: Posn: 03:51N – 005:57E, Around 30nm SSW of Brass, Nigeria.
About six pirates armed with automatic riffles in a skiff launched from a mother vessel chased and fired upon a general cargo ship underway. Master raised alarm, activated anti piracy preventive measures, increased speed, took evasive manoeuvres and non essential crew took shelter in the citadel. The pirates attempted to board the ship several times and then aborted the attempt due to the hardening measures taken by the ship. Incident reported to MRCC Nigeria. No injuries to crew but the ship sustained some damage due to the firing.

20.02.2013: 2100 LT: Posn: 05:34S – 104:35E, Teluk Semangka Anchorage, Indonesia.
Engine room stores were robbed from a LPG tanker carrying out a STS operations. The robbery was discovered upon sailing and the ship’s crew suspect the local mooring gang which, had remained onboard the vessel during the STS operations.

18.02.2013: 0400 LT: Posn: 22:11.1N – 091:46.0E, Chittagong Anchorage ‘C’, Bangladesh.
After STS discharge operations, the crew on an anchored tanker while awaiting for further instructions discovered that two STS mooring ropes were stolen. Coast Guard informed.

20.02.2013: 0048 LT: Posn: 07:09S – 112:40E, Gresik area, Surabaya, Indonesia.
A bulk carrier under pilotage and awaiting berthing was boarded by robbers who stole ship’s stores and escaped unnoticed. Incident reported to pilot onboard who in turn reported to port control.

20.02.2013: 0600 LT: Posn: 01:23.3S – 116:56.5E, Balikpapan Anchorage, Indonesia.
Master onboard an anchored chemical tanker carrying out bunkering operation saw two robbers on the forecastle deck with long swords stealing the mooring ropes. He raised the alarm and mustered the crew. Seeing crew alertness the robbers jumped overboard and escaped.

07.02.2013: 0700 LT: Posn: 03:40.48N – 005:53.12E, Around 40nm SSW of Brass, Nigeria.
Around 17 pirates armed with AK47 rifles attacked, boarded and hijacked an offshore supply vessel underway and tried to use it as a mother vessel. The vessel was released on the 11.02.2013 with no injury to crew. Ship’s stores and equipment were stolen and some communication equipment damaged.

18.02.2013: 2310 LT: Posn: 00:08.9N – 106:18.9E, 52nm West of Pulau Penjantan, Indonesia.
D/O onboard a container ship underway noticed two masked pirates on the bridge wing attempting to enter the bridge. Alarm raised and crew mustered on bridge. The pirates could not enter the locked bridge and escaped upon seeing the crew alertness.

18.02.2013: 1645 UTC: Posn: 07:14.4N – 052:17.2E, Around 150nm ESE of Eyl, Somalia.
Two white speed boats approached and fired upon a general cargo ship underway. Onboard armed security returned fire resulting in the skiffs moving away.

06.02.2013: 0245LT: Posn: 01:41.8S – 116:38.6E: Adang Bay anchorage, Indonesia. Three robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored bulk carrier via the anchor chain. They attacked the duty crew on the forecastle, who managed to escape and raise the alarm. All crew mustered and proceeded forward. Seeing the alert crew the robbers jumped overboard and escaped in their boat. On investigation it was discovered ship’s stores stolen from the forecastle store.

04.02.2013: 0024 UTC: 06:19.16N – 003:24.57E, Lagos Anchorage, Nigeria. Armed persons with guns approached and fired upon an anchored chemical tanker carrying out STS operations. The response of the onboard Naval security team resulted in the armed persons moving away. One crew member died during the medical evacuation due to an injury sustained during the firing.

03.02.2013: 0659 LT: 04:07.38N – 003:54.42W, 70nm South of Abidjan port, Ivory Coast. Owners off an oil tanker reported that they had lost contact with their vessel while underway and strongly suspected the vessel may have been hijacked. On 05.02.2013 the vessel and 17 crew members were released. Two crew were injured. The vessel proceeded to a safe port.

02.02.2013: 0430 LT: Posn: 03:55.6N – 098:48.6E, Belawan Anchorage, Indonesia. Six robbers armed with knives in a wooden motor boat approached an anchored chemical tanker. One of the robbers attempted to board the tanker by hooking a ladder near the mid ship manifold area. Alert duty crew spotted the robbers and informed the D/O who raised the alarm, sounded ship’s whistle and crew mustered. Upon hearing the alarm and seeing the crew alertness, the robbers aborted the attempted boarding and moved away

31.01.2013: 1350 LT: Posn: 14:33.8N – 120:54.8E, Manila South Quarantine Anchorage, Philippines. Three robbers in a boat approached and boarded an anchored general cargo ship. Alert crew saw the robbers near the forecastle store and raised alarm. Seeing crew alertness the robbers escaped with stolen ship stores. Incident reported to VTMS and Coast Guard who advised to double watches and maintain proper look out.

31.01.2013: 2030 UTC: POSN: 03:46.3N-005:49.1E, Around 45nm SSW off Brass, Nigeria. A product tanker under way noticed three skiffs approaching it at high speed. A suspected mother vessel was observed on radar at a distance of around 1.2nm. As the skiffs closed duty officer raised alarm and non essential crew mustered in citadel. Vessel commenced evasive manoeuvres and headed towards a nearby oil terminal to seek assistance from naval guard vessels. A further two skiffs were noticed approaching the vessel and all skiffs fired towards the bridge and accommodation. A RPG was also fired but missed the vessel. The attack lasted fro nearly one hour before the skiffs broke off. Crew safe but vessel sustained damage due to the firing.

31.01.2013:0430LT: 20:53.1N – 016:59.7E, Nouadhibou Port, Mauritania. Two robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored refrigerated cargo ship while the remaining six robbers remained in the boat. Alert duty crew spotted the robbers and raised the alarm. On hearing the alarm, the robbers jumped overboard and escaped empty handed. Port control contacted but no response received.

29.01.2013: 0030 LT: 22:56.6N – 088:10.1E, Haldia Anchorage, India. Robbers armed with knives and a gun boarded a product tanker at anchor and started lowering mooring ropes. Duty Officer spotted the robbers and raised alarm, informed Master. The robbers escaped with the stolen ship’s stores. VTIS and Coast Guard informed.

27.01.2013: 0020 LT: Posn: 17:01.5N – 082:24.8E, Kakinada Anchorage, India. Eight robbers in two boats armed with long knives approached an anchored chemical tanker. Two of the robbers boarded the tanker and stole ship’s stores from the forecastle. Duty crew noticed the robbers and informed the officer on watch who raised the alarm and informed Master. Upon hearing the alarm, the robbers escaped with the stolen stores. Port control informed.

23.01.2013: 0600 LT: Posn: MBM Terminal, Talara Port, Peru.
Robbers boarded a berthed tanker and escaped with ship’s stores unnoticed. Upon investigation, it was found that the robbers boarded via the hawse pipe by dismantling the anchor chain metal guard and then forced their way in to the forecastle store by breaking the watertight door padlock hinge. Incident reported to the authorities.

22.01.2013: 0200 LT: Posn: 01:42.3N – 101:29.2E, Dumai Inner Anchorage, Indonesia. Robbers boarded an anchored chemical tanker, stole engine spares and escaped unnoticed. The theft was discovered after departure from the port during maintenance work for generator engine. Some foot prints were discovered on the floor.

16.01.2013: 0300 LT: Posn: 22:17.05N – 091:43.35E, Chittagong Anchorage, Bangladesh. Five robbers armed with long knives boarded an anchored bulk carrier via the anchor chain during cargo operations. 2nd Mate noticed the robbers and asked the deck watchman to check. While approaching the forecastle, the deck watchman was threatened by three robbers. The Master ordered the crew to enter inside the accommodation and lock the access. 2nd Mate directed the spot light towards the robbers who escaped thru the anchor chain. Upon inspection, it was found that ship’s properties were stolen. Port control and coast guard were informed and a navy / coast guard boat came to the location and searched for the robbers.

15.01.2013: 0030 LT: Posn: 04:43.9S – 011:46.7E, Pointe Noire Anchorage, The Congo. Three robbers armed with knives disguised as fishermen in a small boat approached and boarded an anchored container ship. Duty crew spotted the robbers and raised the alarm. On hearing the alarm, the robbers jumped overboard and escaped empty handed in their boat. Port control contacted but received no response.

12.01.2013: 0105 LT: Posn: 01:11.1S – 116:46.7E, Balikpapan Anchorage, Indonesia. Two robbers armed with long knives boarded an anchored bulk carrier via the anchor chain. Duty crew noticed the robbers and raised the alarm. All crew mustered and rushed to the forecastle. On seeing the crew alertness, the robbers escaped empty handed in their speed boat.

09.01.2013: 0920 UTC: Guyana, South America. Two robbers armed with guns and long knives boarded a berthed LPG tanker from the offshore side by using a grappling hook. They took the C/O and shore security guard as hostage, proceeded to the master’s cabin and stole ship’s cash and escaped. No injury to crew.

08.01.2013: 0750 UTC: Posn: 12:40.2N – 043:16.1E, Bab El Mandeb TSS, Red Sea. About 5-6 persons each in two skiffs doing 14 knots approached a gas carrier ship underway. Alarm raised, anti-piracy measures initiated, distress message was transmitted and the armed security team on board fired a warning flare and showed their weapons. One skiff slowed down but the other skiff continued its approach and closed to 200 meters from the tanker. The armed team fired two more warning shots but the skiffs ignored the warning shots and continue to approach the tanker. Further shots were fired across the lead skiff’s bow resulting in the skiffs aborting and moving away.

05.01.2013: 1100 UTC: Posn: 03:07.2N-051:51.1E, Around 400nm ENE of Mogadishu, Somalia. Six pirates in a skiff chased and fired upon a container ship using automatic weapons and RPG. Vessel raised alarm, crew mustered in citadel and armed security team fired warning shots resulting in the pirates aborting and moving away. A warship and naval helicopter were dispatched towards the vessel. Crew and vessel safe.

04.01.2013: 2315 LT: Posn: 01:16.0S – 116:49.0E, Balikpapan Port Jetty No.5 C, Indonesia. Four robbers approached a chemical tanker at berth while engaged in loading operations. One of the robbers boarded the vessel by climbing the forward fire wire, stole ship’s properties and escaped. The incident was reported to the local agent and the port authorities.

03.01.2013: 0400LT: Posn: 22:49N-070:03E, Kandla port anchorage, India. Robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier, broke into the forecastle store room, stole ship’s stores and escaped unnoticed.

29.12.2012: 2300 LT: Posn: 03:43.1S – 114:27.7E, Taboneo Anchorage, Indonesia. Robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier while waiting to commence loading operations. Robbers broke into the forward bosun store, stole ship’s properties and escaped unnoticed. The incident occurred between Dec 29th 2300LT to Dec 30th 0400LT and was reported to the local agent and the port authorities.

23.12.2012: 1945 LT: Posn: 04:01N – 005:14E, 40nm from the Coastline, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Pirates armed with guns attacked, boarded an offshore supply vessel underway and kidnapped four crew members. No injuries to other crew members and vessel continued passage to a safe port.

20.12.2012: 2235 LT: Posn: 03:57.0N – 098:46.9E, Belawan anchorage, Indonesia. Robbers boarded an anchored chemical tanker receiving provisions, stole ship’s property and escaped unnoticed. Upon investigation it was found that the robbers gained access to the forecastle by breaking through the razor wire. Local agent and the port authorities informed.

18.12.2012: 1030 UTC: 11:18.1N – 049:09.26E, Bossaso anchorage, Somalia. A general cargo ship was detained since 17.11.2012 by Somali authorities for illegal dumping of cargo and ordered to anchor off Bossaso. On 18.12.2012 eight Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) personnel (four policemen and four soldiers) were detailed to guard the ship. The four soldiers took over the ship and forced the Master to sail to another port. It is believed that these four soldiers were paid by a pirate gang to hijack the ship. While en-route one of the soldiers re-joined the four policemen, regained control of the ship and sailed back and returned to Bossaso. The ship arrived and berthed at Bossaso port on 20.12.2012 where all the PMPF personnel (policemen and soldiers) were replaced.

15.12.2012: 0430 UTC: Posn: 24:10N – 059:08E, Around 45nm NE of Muscat, Oman, Gulf of Oman (Off Somalia). A dhow was seen launching a skiff which approached a tanker underway. Master raised alarm, increased speed, altered course, crew mustered and contacted authorities for assistance. At a distance of 0.2nm weapons and ladders were identified on the skiff and the on board armed security team fired warning shots resulting in the skiff moving away.

14.12.2012: 2105 LT: Posn: 32:00.24N – 120:45.56E, Nantong Working Anchorage, China. Three robbers tried to board an anchored bulk carrier via the gangway but were challenged by the alert crew and denied access to the ship. The robbers then managed to gain access to the ship via the barge working cargo. The alert crew spotted the robbers as they tried to lower ship stores and raised the alarm. On seeing crew alertness the robbers left the ship and entered the barge. Local agents informed.

13.12.2012: 2310 UTC: Posn: 04:16.0N – 005:19.8E, Around 25nm SW Offshore, Bayelsa, Nigeria. Pirates armed with machine guns in a boat chased and fired upon an offshore support vessel underway. Master raised alarm, increased speed, sent distress message and all crew except the Master mustered in the safe room. The on board security team returned fire and after around 20 minutes the firing ceased and the pirates moved away. Due to the exchange of fire one security personal was killed and two sustained injuries.

10.12.2012: 2345 LT: Posn: 03:43.8S – 114:26.4E, Taboneo Anchorage, Indonesia. Robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier while the duty crew were busy attending to a barge. Once the crews returned to their watch keeping duties they noticed the bosun store lock broken and ship properties stolen. On investigating it was found that the robbers had accessed the vessel via the anchor chain after managing to cut the wire lashing and break the padlock securing the hawse pipe covers. Local agents informed.

08.12.2012: 1135 LT: Posn: 3:55N – 98:47E, Belawan Roads, Indonesia. Three wooden boats with five robbers in each approached an anchored chemical tanker awaiting for cargo operations. Due to the crew alertness, the robbers were spotted and were unable to board the vessel. Before moving away, one of the robbers gestured to the crew that they would return during the night hours. Due to the threat and no response from [port authorities the Master heaved up the anchor and sailed to the open sea.

05.12.2012: 0300 LT: Posn: 03:47.02N – 098:42.04E, Belawan Port, Indonesia. Four robbers boarded a berthed bulk carrier during discharge operations. They broke into the deck store, stole ship’s stores and escaped unnoticed. The theft was noticed during the hand over watch and was reported to the local agent and the port authorities.

01.12.2012: 2100 LT: Posn: 01:23S – 116:59E, Balikpapan Outer Anchorage, Indonesia. Robbers in an unlit small boat closed to an anchored bulk carrier and attempted to climb onboard the ship via the anchor chain. Alert duty O/S noticed the robbers, shouted at them and informed the bridge who raised the alarm. All crew members rushed to the forecastle. On hearing the alarm and seeing the crew alertness, the robbers aborted the attempted boarding and escaped in their boat. Port control informed.

30.11.2012: 0145 LT: Posn: Cochin Outer Anchorage, India. Three robbers in a wooden boat approached and boarded an anchored tanker. They broke into the forecastle store and stole ship’s stores. Duty crew heard some noises in the fore peak store, checked and found the door’s lock broken and informed D/O who raised the alarm. On hearing the alarm, the robbers escaped with the stolen ship stores. Coast guard and port control informed.27.11.2012: 1950 LT: Posn: 03:55.9N – 098:45.8E, Belawan Anchorage, Indonesia. Four armed robbers boarded an anchored chemical tanker via the anchor chain. They attempted to attack the duty AB who managed to escape and inform the OOW. By the time the crew mustered the robbers has escaped with stolen ship stores. Attempts to contact and report incident to port authority were unsuccessful. All crew safe.

30.11.2012: 2250 UTC: Posn: 06:02.3N – 001:18.3E, Lome Anchorage, Togo. Four robbers in a blue and white coloured skiff approached an anchored product tanker. Armed guards onboard the tanker found the intention of the skiff aggressive and fired a warning shot. The skiff aborted the approach and moved away. Master called the Togo navy but received no response. At 2305 UTC, the skiff along with three similar skiffs approached the tanker at high speed from the bow, mid-ship and stern. The armed guards fired two warning shots in the air which were ignored by the skiffs which closed to the ship side and then moved along the ship side on towards the stern. Only when the armed team fried more warning shots did the skiffs move away. The Master heaved up the anchor and sailed further away from the anchorage area to drift. At 2320 UTC, Togo navy responded and the Master reported the incident to the navy.

30.11.2012: 0110 LT: Posn: 01:26.24N – 104:34.05E, Around 12nm north of Bintan Island, Indonesia. Nine pirates armed with long knives boarded an anchored tug from astern and took the duty watchman as hostage. The pirates then went to the bridge and stole stole crew personal belongings, cash and vessel’s navigation equipment and escaped in around 20 minutes. During the incident, two crew members were slightly injured.

29.11.2012: 2235 LT: Posn: 06:01.5S – 106:54.0E, Tanjung Priok Anchorage, Indonesia. Three robbers boarded a chemical tanker at anchor. Robbers were sighted at poop deck, alarm raised and all crew mustered. Seeing alert crew the robbers escaped with stolen ship’s stores. All crew safe.

27.11.2012: 0405 LT: 00:18.52S – 117:40.00E, Samarinda Anchorage, Indonesia. Robbers armed with long knife boarded an anchored bulk carrier. Duty watchman noticed the robbers who threatened him with a long knife and warned him not to approach any closer. Duty watchman alerted the Chief officer who raised the alarm and alerted the crew. On seeing the alert crew the robbers escaped with stolen ship’s stores. No reply received from port authority and agent onboard vessel indicated that theft was normal Samarinda.

25.11.2012: 0510 LT: 10:18.4N – 075:33.6W, Cartagena Anchorage, Colombia. Robbers boarded an anchored product tanker, stole ship’s stores from the forward store and escaped unnoticed. The crew on duty noticed the theft and reported the incident to port control and coast guard.

24.11.2012 : 0135 LT: Posn: 17:02.2N – 082:25.77E, Kakinada Anchorage, India. Four robbers armed with knives and iron rods boarded an anchored bulk carrier via the poop deck. Duty A/B on rounds noticed the robbers stealing ship stores and informed the OOW. Alarm raised and as the A/B approached the robbers they jumped overboard and escaped with their accomplices in to boats. Port control informed.

21.11.2012: 2223LT: Posn: 06:01.75S – 106:55:58E, East Cargo Anchorage, Jakarta Roads, Indonesia. Five robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored bulk carrier via the poop deck. They attacked and took hostage the duty AB and stole deck and engine stores. When the AB failed to respond to the radio calls the duty officer raised the alarm resulting in the robbers escaping.

21.11.2012: 0500LT: Posn: 01:42.92S: 116:38.04E, Adang Bay Anchorage, Indonesia. Robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier carrying out loading operations via a barge. The robbers attacked and tied up the Bosun on his routine rounds of the forecastle. They stole personal effects of the bosun, broke into and stole ships stores from the forward locker. The robbers were noticed by alert Master and crew on bridge who raised the alarm resulting in the robbers escaping.

20.11.2012: 1200 LT: Posn: San Pedro de Macoris Port, Dominican Republic. Robbers boarded a berthed product tanker unnoticed. They stole ship’s properties and escaped. The theft was noticed by crew doing routine ship search after departure.

18.11.2012: 0500 LT: Posn: 03:17.02N – 109:05.38E, South China Sea. A laden chemical tanker enroute from Pasir Gudang to Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia was boarded and hijacked by a gang of 11 pirates. The crew of the tanker were set adrift in a life raft and the tanker deviated towards Vietnam. When the owners could not get in touch with the tanker, the owners contacted the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre which immediately relayed the message to all authorities in the vicinity and broadcast the message to all ships in the ocean region. The IMB PRC then continuously liaised with the owners and the Vietnam authorities on the location of the tanker. The Vietnam Marine Police intercepted the tanker and detained all the pirates and escorted the tanker to a port for further investigations. The crew of the tanker were rescued by passing fishing vessels and safely landed ashore at Vung Tau.

16.11.2012: 0150 LT: Posn: 03:55.9N – 098:48.4E, 7.4nm East of Nipahlarangan, Belawan, Indonesia. Three robbers armed with knives and iron bars boarded an anchored chemical tanker. They stole ship’s stores and escaped. Master raised alarm, crew mustered and contacted port authorities but received no response.

16.11.2012: 1530 LT: Posn: 10:19.00N – 075:31.42W, Cartagena Inner Anchorage, Colombia. Robbers boarded and stole ship stores from an anchored LPG tanker unnoticed. The theft was noticed by ship’s crew during routine day work. Alarm raised, crew mustered and a search was carried out. Port authority informed.

13.11.2012: 2040 LT: POSN: 02:31.2S – 080:05.2W, GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR. 10-12 robbers armed with guns and knives in two boats approached and came alongside a container ship underway during a river passage. Duty crew at aft station noticed the boats and reported to the Master on bridge who raised the alarm, activated the SSAS and mustered all crew inside the accommodation. The robbers boarded the vessel, tied up the shore security guard and broke into four of containers on deck. The robbers managed to steal the shore security guard personal properties and some cargo from the containers before escaping. Pilot reported the incident to Guayaquil port control.

11.11.2012: 0530 UTC: Posn: 04:34.16S – 081:19.18W, Talara Anchorage, Peru. Two robbers armed with knives boarded a tanker at anchor. Robbers were spotted. They jumped overboard with stolen stores and escaped with three more accomplices waiting in a boat. No injuries to crew.

06.11.2012: 1930 LT: Posn: 01:44.58N – 106:11.42E, Around 58nm South of Pulau Airabu, Anambas Islands, Indonesia. Ten robbers armed with long knives boarded a tugboat towing a barge enroute from Port Klang to Kuching. One of the crew member has been assaulted. The robbers stole crew members personal belongings, cash and vessel’s document and certificates before escaping. The incident was reported to the owners and the Master lodge a police report upon arrival at Kuching, Malaysia on Nov 08th 2012.

03.11.2012: 2100 LT: Posn: 06:00.4S – 106:54.6E, Jakarta Anchorage, Indonesia.
Four robbers in a small boat approached the stern of an anchored container ship. One robber boarded the ship using a hook attached with rope while the other three robbers remained in their boat. Deck watchmen spotted the robber and raised the alarm. Seeing crew alertness the robber escaped empty handed.

27.10.2012: 0030 LT: Posn: 03:56N – 098:47E, Belawan Anchorage, Indonesia. Three robbers armed with long knives boarded an anchored container ship via the anchor chain. They took hostage the duty crew and tied him up on the forecastle deck. Another duty crew reported the incident to the D/O on the bridge who raised the alarm and contacted the port authorities. Three rocket flares were fired at the forecastle resulting in the robbers escaping in their fishing boat. Upon investigation it was found that the robbers managed to steal the hostage crews personal effects.

21.10.2012: 1220 LT: Posn: 03:47.8N – 098:42.1E, Belawan International Container Terminal, Indonesia.
Two robbers armed with long knives in a small boat approached a berthed container ship. Alert duty crew noticed one robber attempting board the ship using a rope. The crew shouted at the robber who aborted the boarding and escaped.

18.10.2012: Tanjung Datu, Sarawak, Malaysia. Robbers boarded a tug towing a barge, stole crew cash and escaped.

17.10.2012: 0200 LT: 00:52.9N – 105:10.7E, Around 19.4nm East of Pulau Mapur, Indonesia. Ten robbers armed with guns and knives boarded a salvage vessel towing a barge from Singapore to Balikpapan, Indonesia. The robbers stole ship properties, crew cash and property and escaped. All the crew safe and vessel continued her passage towards Balikpapan.

16.10.2012: 0035 LT: 09:24.1N – 013:45.9W, Conakry roads, Guinea. Six robbers boarded a general cargo ship at anchor. The crew secured themselves in the accommodation and contacted the owners for help. The Owners informed the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre which relayed the message to the Guinea authorities who dispatched a patrol boat to assist the vessel. The robbers stole cargo contents from the containers and escaped upon seeing the approaching patrol boat. All crew safe.

16.10.2012: 0405 LT: Muara Berau anchorage, Samarinda, Indonesia. Three robbers boarded a bulk carrier at anchor. They were spotted by the duty crew during security rounds. The duty AB reported to the bridge and approached the robbers who assaulted and injured him. The duty AB managed to escape. The robbers stole crew belongings and escaped.

15.10.2012: 0200 LT: 01:06.7N – 104:10.2E, Kabil Citranusa Port, Batam, Indonesia. Three robbers boarded a general cargo ship at anchor. They were spotted by the alert duty crew who raised the alarm. Upon sensing the crew alertness, the robbers escaped empty handed.

13.10.2012: 2210 LT: Posn: 22:15.1N – 091:44.6E, Chittagong Anchorage ‘A’, Bangladesh. Seven robbers armed with long knives boarded an anchored bulk carrier from the aft during cargo operations. Duty crew noticed the robbers trying to steal ship’s stores and raised the alarm. On hearing the alarm and seeing the crew alertness, the robbers jumped into the water and escaped with the stolen stores. Coast guard informed and a patrol boat came to the location and searched for the robbers but the robbers had disappeared.

10.10.2012 : 1210 UTC : Posn: 00:31N – 050:37E, Around 320nm east of Mogadishu, Somalia. A Skiff with six to eight pirates onboard approached and fired upon a fishing vessel at high speed. The onboard security team returned fire resulting in the skiff aborting and moving away. All crew safe

08.10.2012: 0235 LT: Chittagong Inner Anchorage, Bangladesh. Around 12 robbers boarded a anchor handling tug at anchor when four deck crew were working on deck. On spotting the robbers with swords the crew retreated into the accommodation and raised the alarm. Crew mustered, fired pyro techniques and informed the coast guard who arrived and searched the area. The robbers managed to escape with stolen ship stores.

05.10.2012: 0545 LT: Posn: 00:13.9S – 117:33.0E, Muara Berau Anchorage, Samarinda, Indonesia. Six robbers armed with long knives boarded an anchored bulk carrier. Duty crew noticed the robbers stealing ship stores from the forward locker and raised the alarm. Upon hearing the alarm, the robbers escaped in their boat with the stolen stores. Coast guard informed.

04.10.2012: 2030 UTC: Posn: 04:48.8N – 001:25.1E, around 80nm south of Lome, Togo. Around 10 to 12 pirates armed with automatic guns boarded a product tanker drifting in the STS area. The pirates hijacked the tanker and mustered all crew on the bridge while waiting for a barge to steal ship’s cargo. When the barge arrived, the ship crew were forced to prepare the fenders for the barge to come alongside. After stealing the cargo the pirates locked the crew in the masters cabin, damaged some of the navigational equipment, stole ships cash, crew personal belongings, provisions, bonded store and electronics items and then left the vessel on 05.10.2012 in the early morning hours. All crew is safe apart from some physical injuries.

29.09.2012: 1930 LT: Posn: Belawan Anchorage, Indonesia. Three robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored chemical tanker at forecastle. They held the duty A/B at knife point and tied him up and stole ship’s stores. D/O raised the alarm upon sighting the robbers and crew mustered. Seeing the crew alertness, the robbers escaped in their fishing boat with the stolen stores. Port control informed.

25.09.2012: 0035 LT: Posn: 01:16.1N – 104:14.1E, 6.8nm NW of Bintan Island, Indonesia. Officers on watch onboard a tug towing a barge underway noticed two robbers had boarded the barge. Alarm raised, SSAS activated, sent distress on VHF, reported to Singapore port control and crew mustered. At 0237 LT, a police boat arrived on scene but they could not find any small boats behind the barge. Police escorted the vessel and left at 0250 LT. It seems that the robbers escaped upon seeing the police boat. The tug continued the passage.

24.09.2012: 0545 LT: Posn: 01:07.1N – 103:35.4E, STS Nipah Anchorage, Indonesia. Two robbers attempted to board an anchored tanker from the port quarter sunken deck. Alert crew noticed the robbers and raised the alarm. Upon hearing the alarm, the robbers aborted the attempted boarding and escaped. Authorities informed thru local agents.

21.09.2012: 0135 LT: Posn: 18:33.09N – 072:22.01W, Port-Au-Prince Anchorage, Haiti.
Three robbers armed with machetes boarded an anchored general cargo ship. Watchman on routine rounds noticed the robbers at forecastle deck. The robbers attacked the watchman and injured him. D/O raised alarm and crew mustered. Upon hearing the alarm and seeing the crew alertness, the robbers escaped with the stolen stores. Port authority informed and the coast guard arrived at the location after three hours.

19.09.2012: 0400 LT: Chittagong anchorage, Bangladesh. Two robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored bulk carrier awaiting cargo operations and held the duty A/B hostage at knife point. Four more robbers boarded the ship via the hawse pipe. They searched the duty A/B for the keys to the store rooms and then tied him up. As no keys were available the robbers broke into the store room and managed to steal ship stores. Stevedores on an approaching lighter vessel spotted the robbers and raised the alarm. Seeing the alert crew and stevedores the robbers escaped via the hawse pipe. Port control and coast guard informed.

11.09.2012: 1300 LT: Posn: 03:54N – 098:46E, Belawan Anchorage, Indonesia.
Five robbers in a small boat approached an anchored container ship. of these two robbers boarded the ship, broke into the forward store, stole ship’s properties and escaped upon seeing duty A/B approaching. Port control informed.

09.09.2012: 1935 UTC: Posn: 06:09.03N – 002:53.36E, Around 34nm SW of Lagos, Nigeria. Pirates armed with guns chased and fired upon a tanker underway. Master raised alarm, increased speed, took evasive manoeuvres and non-essential crew mustered in the citadel. The pirates attempted to board the tanker several times and later aborted the attempted attack due to the evasive manoeuvres from the tanker. No injuries to crew but there were several bullet marks on the superstructure.

04.09.2012: 0430 LT: Kabil Port, Batam, Indonesia. Four robbers boarded a berthed chemical tanker and entered the engine room where a duty motorman noticed and challenged them. One of the robbers pushed and hit the motorman who then retreated into the engine control room, locked himself, raised alarm and informed the D/O. Upon hearing the alarm, the robbers escaped. Coast guard informed and they came onboard for investigation.

02.09.2012: 0515 LT: Posn: 00:13.35S – 117:35.18E, Muara Berau Anchorage, Samarinda, Indonesia. Five robbers in a speed boat approached and boarded an anchored bulk carrier awaiting cargo operations. They broke into the paint store and boatswain store and stole ship stores and properties. C/O noticed the robbers on the forecastle deck and raised the alarm. On hearing the alarm and seeing crew alertness, the robbers jumped overboard and escaped with the stolen items in their waiting boat. Vessel made several attempts to contact port control but received no response.

31.08.2012: 0415 LT: Posn: 01:42.8N – 101:27.9E, Dumai Anchorage, Indonesia. Three robbers armed with long knives approached and boarded an anchored Wood Chip Carrier. The robbers took hostage the O/S on duty. Another duty A/B who saw the incident informed the D/O. Alarm raised and crew alerted. The shore security onboard the vessel managed to speak to the robbers and convinced them to free the O/S. All crew safe and nothing was stolen.

28.08.2012: 2015 LT: Posn: 00:15.4S – 117:35.9E, Muara Berau Anchorage, Samarinda, Indonesia. Robbers boarded a bulk carrier at anchor and stole ship’s stores. The robbery was noticed by a crew member when he saw a person jumping overboard and a boat picking him up. Upon inspection it was noticed that the forward storeroom door was forced open to allow access into the store.

28.08.2012: 0300 LT: 06:00N – 001:16E, Lome Anchorage, Togo. Armed pirates boarded and hijacked an anchored product tanker. The Togo Navy received a distress call and dispatched a patrol boat which intercepted the tanker which was already underway. Orders to stop the vessel were ignored and the pirates opened fire at the patrol boat. The patrol boat returned fire. The tanker proceeded into neighbouring country’s waters and escaped. The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre informed all authorities in the region and broadcast a warning to ships in the area to look out for the vessel and report any sightings. A search by air and sea was carried out. On 30.08.2012 the pirates released the tanker. The crew and tanker are safe and proceeded to a safe port.

21.08.2012: 0230 UTC: Posn: 09:15.9N – 013:58.3W, Around 23nm SW of Conakry Port, Guinea.
Seven armed robbers in a fast boat approached an anchored general cargo ship during heavy rain. Six robbers boarded the vessel and entered the bridge by firing at and breaking the bridge windows. They took hostage the electrical officer, second officer and third officer, tied their hands and took them to the Masters cabin. They then ransacked the Masters, Chief Eng, 2/Mate, 3/Mate and 2nd Eng cabins, stole cash and other valuable belongings and escaped in their waiting boat. 3/Mate received slight injuries on the face when he was hit during the incident. The Master contacted Conakry port control but no response received.

17.08.2012: 0430-0500 LT: Posn: 21:52N – 091:42E, Kutubdia Anchorage, Bangladesh. Robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier, stole ship’s stores from the poop deck and escaped unnoticed. The theft was noticed by duty crew during routine rounds. Port Control and Coast Guard were informed.

10.08.2012: 0100 UTC: Posn: 08:30.0N – 013:32.7W, Freetown Outer anchorage, Sierra Leone. Three robbers armed with long knives boarded an anchored bulk carrier. Alert D/O sighted the robbers and raised the alarm. Crew mustered and Master informed port authority and local agent. Seeing crew alertness the robbers escaped with stolen stores. All crew safe.

09.08.2012: 2100 LT: Posn: 22:09.1N – 091:44.5E, Chittagong Inner Anchorage, Bangladesh. About 10 robbers armed with long knives boarded an anchored container ship from the stern. They held one crew member and threatened him with long knives and stole ship’s stores. OOW lost contact with the duty crew and raised the alarm. All crew were mustered and they rushed to the aft mooring station. Upon seeing the crew alertness, the robbers released the duty crew and escaped with the stolen stores.

06.08.2012: 0230 LT: Posn: 06:00.30S – 106:53.59E, Tanjung Priok Anchorage, Jakarta, Indonesia. Four robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier. They broke open the aft store and stole ship’s property. Duty O/S spotted the robbers, raised alarm and ran after the robbers. While the O/S was grappling with two of the robbers, the other two robbers jumped into the water with the stolen ship property. On seeing the other crew approaching, the remaining two robbers jumped into the water and escaped with their accomplices.

02.08.2012: 0230 LT: Dumai Anchorage, Indonesia. Five robbers armed with long machetes and knives boarded an anchored chemical tanker. Three crew members were taken hostage and their hands were tied. The robbers stole engine spares and escaped. No injuries to crew.

30.07.2012: 0140 LT: Posn: 06:02.5N – 001:16.5E, Lome Anchorage, Togo. Five robbers in a wooden boat approached an anchored chemical tanker. Alarm raised, crew mustered in the citadel and Togo navy notified. The robbers aborted the attempt and moved away upon seeing the navy patrol boat approaching. Later at 0312 LT, another two boats with 16 persons approached and came alongside the vessel from both sides and were observed to investigate the fending arrangements around the vessel. Togo navy failed to respond to calls made by the vessel. Alarm raised and continuous ship’s whistle sounded resulting in the persons moving away.

27.07.2012: 2330 UTC: Posn: 06:05N – 001:18E, Lome Anchorage, around 3nm SxE off breakwater, Togo.
D/O onboard an anchored chemical tanker noticed on radar a wooden boat approaching at a speed of five knots. Lookouts directed the search light towards the approaching boat and 12 armed robbers were identified. Alarm raised and ship’s horn sounded but the boat continued the approach. All crew except duty officer entered the citadel. The D/O tried to call Togo navy without success. After alerting other ships in the vicinity the D/O retreated into the citadel as the robbers boarded the vessel using ropes and hooks. After several attempts to contact the Togo navy directly and later with the assistance from other ships in the vicinity, the D/O finally established communication with the navy and informed them of the boarding. After around 30minutes the a Togo navy boat arrived, confirmed no other boats in the vicinity and informed the D/O to check accommodation and then other areas of the ship. Once the crew established that no robbers onboard the navy personal boarded the vessel, did a complete search of the vessel and took statements from the crew. Nothing stolen and no damages to the tanker.

27.07.2012: 1145 UTC: Posn: 13:34N – 042:39E, Red Sea.
Two white coloured skiffs with seven armed pirates in each skiff approached a bulk carrier underway in the TSS south of Hanish Al Kubra Island from the port and stbd sides. As the skiffs closed to 0.2nm from the vessel, ladders were sighted and the onboard armed security team fired warning shots resulting in the skiffs moving away.

18.07.2012: 2040 UTC: Posn: 19:49S – 034:50E, Beira Port, Mozambique.
Robbers boarded a container vessel at berth, stole ship’s stores and escaped unnoticed. Master informed port authorities and local agent. All crew safe.

17.07.2012: 0145 UTC: Posn: 06:17.3N – 002:28.1E, Around 1nm off fairway buoy, Cotonou Anchorage, Benin. Two robbers armed with guns boarded an anchored bulk carrier. They entered Masters cabin stole ships cash and escaped in a fast small wooden boat. No injuries to crew. Incident reported to authorities who arrived onboard to investigate.

15.07.2012: 0355 UTC: Posn: 09:13.9N – 013:47.4W, Around 22nm SSW of Conakry, Guinea. Seven pirates armed with guns and knives boarded a drifting container ship awaiting berthing instructions. They entered the bridge, took hostage the 2/O and C/O and tied their hands behind their backs. Two pirates took the 2/O and knocked on the Master’s cabin. As the Master opened the door, they slammed it into the Master’s face and then stole ship’s cash and crew personnel belongings. The pirates re-assembled on the bridge and took the crew members as hostage until they disembarked into their waiting boat. Port control and ships in the vicinity have been informed.

18.06.2012: 1105 UTC: Posn: 12:19N – 043:57E, Gulf of Aden.
Six skiffs with 4-6 pirates in each skiff approached a bulk carrier underway at 25 knots from the stbd bow. Master raised alarm, increased speed, altered course and sent distress message. The skiffs attempted to close onto the vessel from the stbd beam and stbd quarter and one skiff tried to approach from the port bow. The onboard armed security team fired eight warning flares but the pirates continued their attempts. Weapons and ladders were identified in the skiff. After nearly 40 minutes the security team fired six warning shots and the pirates aborted and moved away. A naval ship came for assistance.

17.06.2012: 0030 LT: 17:00N – 082:18E, Kakinada Anchorage, India.
Robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier. Duty A/B on rounds heard two robbers talking to each other on the forecastle. He immediately informed the 2/O on bridge who raised the alarm and sounded ship’s whistle continuously. The duty A/B heard a motor boat moving away from the vicinity of the forecastle. On inspection a new mooring rope was found partially hacked into small pieces on the deck. Kakinada port control was called on VHF but no response received. Ship’s agent was informed and security message transmitted via VHF to warn other ships at the anchorage.
12.06.2012: 0300 UTC: Posn: 13:20.2N – 042:56.9E, Red Sea.
A tanker underway noticed a white skiff with two outboard motors approach her at more than 25 knots. Initially two pirates were observed in the skiff and as the skiff closed five more were observed to surface from the skiff floor. As the skiff continued to approach aggressively and at a distance of around 200 meters from the tanker the Master authorised the armed team to fire warning shots. After around 1 hour 25 minutes another two white skiffs with twin outboard motors and doing more than 25 knots were observed approaching the tanker. The armed team again showed their weapons, fired rocket flares and at a distance of 200 meters fired warning shots. In both incidents the non essential crew retreated into the citadel, a distress was sent for assistance. A surveillance aircraft was dispatched which arrived at the location.
10.06.2012: 1745 UTC: Posn: 31:13.7N – 029:42.4E, El Dekheila Anchorage, Egypt.
An anchored bulk carrier was boarded by robbers via the hawse pipe by forcibly removing the secured anchor chain cover. The portside watertight door padlock was broken open and contents from the port liferaft stolen. Alarm was raised when D/O noticed that the portside watertight door was partly opened and duty A/B and boatswain investigated. Upon hearing the alarm, the robbers escaped in a small boat with the stolen stores.

29.04.2012: Posn: 1326N 04239E, South Red Sea (SRS).A merchant vessel reported a suspicious approach by four grey skiffs in vicinity of  (SRS) in position . The majority of the people on board two of the four skiffs were carrying weapons. Vessel is SAFE.

26.04.2012: 0740 LT: Posn: 11:56N – 044:39E, 19nm from point alfa, IRTC, Gulf of Aden.
Four skiffs with about 3-4 pirates armed with AK 47 rifles chased a tanker underway. All crew except Master and crew necessary to man vessel and security team went into citadel. The pirates approached the vessel very close to 0.4 nm on stbd aft. due to anti piracy measures and warning shots from security team, the skiffs aborted the attack. Crew and vessel safe and continued her passage.

26.04.2012: 0130 LT: Posn: 06:02N – 001:15E, 6.1nm SSE of Lome, Togo.
Two boats with 8 men each approached an anchored oil tanker, one forward position and one aft. Spotlights were directed on two boats to track their movements. Informed Master and Togo navy. Long ropes were sighted when they come close to board but deck watchkeepers dettered their boarding. The boatmen began to move away when they were informed that togo navy has been informed. Later spotted a boat with 10 men. searchlights were focused on the boat. Long ropes were sighted when they came near to starboard qtr. The boat moved away when they were warned about Togo navy.

24.04.2012: 0130 LT: Posn: 01:14.4N – 103:35.5.E Singapore Straits.
While at anchor, robbers boarded a container ship, stole ships stores and escaped.

22.04.2012:0400 UTC:Posn: 14:58.2N-042:01.8E, around 53nm West of Al Hudaydah, Yemen, Red Sea.
Pirates in three skiffs approach and attempted to board a chemical tanker underway. On boaard security team fired warning shots resulting in the skiffs aborting the attack.

20.04.2012: 0520 LT: Posn: 01:10.6S 117:15E, Samarinda Anchorage (Muara Jawa), Indonesia.
During rounds on deck duty AB onboard an anchored bulk carrier noticed a boat near the forecastle. Suddenly eight robbers appeared on deck, tied the AB’s hands and feet, made him lie down on deck and started lowering the mooring ropes. The AB managed to free his feet and ran aft for help and inform duty officer. Alarm raised and all crew proceeded to the forecastle. Robbers manage to escape with stolen ships stores and ships properties. Local authorities informed but received no response.

17.04.2012: 1920 LT: Guayaquil Inner Anchorage. Ecuador.
Seven robbers in a small fast craft approached and came alongside a container ship underway during a river passage. Alert crew noticed the robbers with a ladder attempting to board and raised the alarm. Seeing the alert crew the robbers aborted the attempt and moved away. Pilot reported to Harbour Control.

17.04.2012: South China Sea. A tug towing a barge was hijacked while enroute from Langkawi, Malaysia to Tawau, East Malaysia. The tug and tow had left Langkawi on 12.04.2012. The last contact the Owners had with the tug was on 16.4.2012 after which the vessel was hijacked. The seven crew members of the tug were set adrift and were rescued by a Vietnamese fishing vessel and safely landed in Vietnam. The barge was located in the vicinity of Palawan island, Philippines on the 26.4.2012 by the Philippines Coast Guard. The hijacked tug is still missing.

14.04.2012: 0652 UTC: Posn: 16:54N – 065:59E (Around 410nm WSW of Mumbai, India), Off Somalia.
Seven pirates armed with guns in a skiff approached a chemical tanker underway at high speed. Alarm sounded and armed security team mustered. When the skiff was 0.5nm from the vessel the armed security team fired warning shots and the skiff aborted the approach. A mother vessel was sighted in the vicinity.

12.04.2012: 0025 UTC: 05:58.5N – 001:16.8E, Around 9.6nm South of Lome Breakwater, Lome, Togo.
Two robbers armed with machine guns boarded an anchored tanker and entered the engine room and accommodation.
Alert crew raised the alarm and all crew retreated into the citadel. Attempts to contact the authorities failed but the sister ship of the vessel in the vicinity relayed the area message to the Togo navy. A Naval team boarded vessel for investigation. No injuries to crew.

04.04.2012: 0230 UTC: Lome Anchorage, Togo.
Ten robbers in a boat came alongside and attempted to board an anchored product tanker. Alert duty officer raised alarm and informed Togo navy and directed the search light towards the boat resulting in the boat moving towards another vessel in the anchorage. Later another boat with six robbers approached the tanker at high speed. Alarm raised and crew alerted. Seeing crew alertness and the razor wire rigged the robbers moved away. The Master heaved up anchor and proceeded to a safe distance.

03.04.2012: 0230 LT: Posn: Dumai Anchorage, Indonesia.
Duty crew onboard an anchored chemical tanker spotted two robbers armed with long knives. He immediately informed the duty officer who raised the alarm and sounded the ships whistle. Seeing crew alerted the robbers escaped. Port control contacted but no response.

26.03.2012: 0240 UTC: 05:21S – 049:18E, Around 370nm west of Victoria, Seychelles (Off Somalia). Four armed pirates in a skiff chased and fired 30 rounds on a tanker underway. The tanker enforced anti piracy measures and onboard security team returned fire resulting in the skiff aborting the attack moving away. The crew and vessel safe.

24.03.2012: 2215 LT: Posn: Port Au Prince Anchorage, Haiti. Two boats approached an anchored product tanker during heavy rain. Duty crew noticed there were 2-3 armed robbers on each boat and one robber threatened him by waiving a hand gun. One of the robbers armed with machete managed to board the tanker and was seen cutting the mooring rope on the poop deck. OOW raised the alarm and contacted pilot station for assistance. On hearing the alarm, the robber jumped into the water with the stolen stores and escaped in their boat. A coast guard boat came to the location and manoeuvred around the tanker. Master heaved up the anchor and proceed to drift outside the anchorage area.

24.03.2012: 1100 UTC: Posn: 20:49N – 062:27E Around 190nm ENE of Sur, Oman(Off Somalia). Duty officer onboard a tanker underway noticed a mother vessel at a distance of 6nm. At a distance of 4nm the mother vessel was noticed launching a skiff. Master alerted the onboard security team. The skiff approached the vessel at a speed of around 25-30 knots. Master raised alarm, sent distress message and altered course. As the skiff closed to around 1000 meters the onboard security team launched a rocket flare and fired two warning shots resulting in the skiffs stopping and moving towards the tanker’s stern. The skiff with 6-7 pirates maintained a distance of 1nm and continued to chase the tanker. Only when the armed security team fired more warning shots did the skiff stop and abort the attack and return to the mother vessel. A warship responded to the distress message and sent a surveillance aircraft to the location.

23.03.2012: 1720 UTC Posn: 22:37.50N – 063:31.80E (Around 220nm east of Sur, Oman), Off Somalia. Master onboard a general cargo ship noticed three skiffs approaching at high speed. The skiffs were observed following the ship as she altered course to move away. Seeing this Master alerted security team who fired warning shots when the skiff were observed 15/20 feet away from the ship. The skiffs moved away.

22.03.2012: 0825 UTC: Posn: 02:57.20N – 006:12.45E, Around 100nm SW off Bonny Island, Nigeria. Armed pirates in two boats chased a chemical tanker underway. Master raised the alarm, sent SSAS alert and instructed the crew to proceed to the safe room. Nearby US warship responded to the alert and offered assistance. Later the pirates aborted and moved away. All crew reported safe.

19.03.2012: 0300 UTC: Posn: 05:40N – 053:23E, Around 520nm NE of Mogadishu, Somalia. About six pirates armed with guns in a skiff chased and fired upon a container ship underway. Master raised alarm, increased speed and crew mustered in a safe place. The onboard armed security team returned fire resulting in the pirates aborting the attack. No injuries to crew.

18.03.2012: 2130 LT: Posn: 01:18S – 116:47E, Balikpapan Inner Anchorage, Indonesia. Three robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier. They broke into the forward store and stole ship stores. Duty A/B and 3/E spotted the robbers and raised the alarm. Upon hearing the alarm, the robbers escaped in their waiting boat. Port authorities informed.

17.03.2012: 0633 UTC: Posn: 13:09N – 048:52E, Gulf of Aden. A skiff was noticed approaching a product tanker underway. D/O raised alarm, informed the Master and security team. Master increased speed, altered course and contacted warship for assistance. About 5-6 pirates armed with guns and RPG in the skiff closed to 4-5 cables and fired upon the tanker. The onboard armed security team returned fire resulting in the pirates aborting the attack and moving away. A warship dispatched a helicopter to the location. No injuries to crew and ship.

14.03.2012:0110 UTC: Posn: 05:51.95S-013:03.11E, Boma Anchorage, Dem. Rep. Congo. Ten robbers in two boats boarded an anchored Refrigerated Cargo Ship. They took duty A/B as hostage and attempted to enter the forward cargo hold by breaking the entrance hatch seal. Robbers escaped after 30 minutes with ship cargo and stores. The hostage A/B was slightly injured after being kicked in the back. Port control called but no reply received.

11.03.2012: 0130 LT: Posn: 06:01S – 106:53E, Tanjung Priok Outer Anchorage, Indonesia. Two robbers in a fishing boat boarded an anchored bulk carrier during heavy rain. They entered the engine store room. The duty oiler on routine rounds spotted the robbers and raised the alarm. Upon hearing the alarm, the robbers escaped with the stolen ship property. Port control informed.

10.03.2012: 0800 UTC: Posn: 12:32.5N – 043:26.8E, Red Sea. One skiff approached and chased a tanker underway. Master raised alarm, activated anti-piracy measures and contacted an Iranian warship for assistance. Seeing the warship the pirates aborted the attempted attack.

07.03.2012: 1030 UTC: Posn: 04:12.5N – 006:54.6E, Around 5.8nm off Port Harcourt Fairway Buoy, Nigeria. Seven heavily armed robbers in a speed boat approached a chemical tanker underway. The tanker raised alarm, increased speed and set course away from land. The armed naval guards onboard the vessel made their presence known. Later, the robbers aborted the attempted attack and moved away.

03.03.2012: 2355 LT: Posn: 17:02.88N-082:25.15E, Kakinada Anchorage, India. Around ten robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored bulk carrier via the forecastle. Duty watchmen saw the robbers and raised the alarm. Seeing crew alertness the robbers escaped in two boats with stolen ship stores. Master informed Port Control and local agent. No casualties to crew and no damage to ship.

28.02.2012: 1510 UTC: Posn: 04:12N – 006:56E, 3nm from Fairway Buoy Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Eight pirates armed with guns in a wooden boat boarded and started firing towards the bridge and galley on an anchored refrigerated cargo ship. The pirates ransacked the ship and stole crew cash, personnel effects and ship cash and properties. They took hostage the Master and C/E and escaped. The ship informed the local authorities through the agents and sailed to a safe distance without the presence of Master and C/E onboard. One crew wounded and one crew unaccounted for.

27.02.2012: 0430 UTC: Posn: 12:29N – 043:41E, Bab El Mandeb Straits, Red Sea.
A bulk carrier underway noticed nine skiffs approaching aggressively at stbd side and one skiff at port side. Master raised alarm, increased speed and began evasive manoeuvres. One skiff with 10-15 pirates onboard close in to a distance of less than one nm and the security team fired warning shots. The skiff stopped its approach for a moment and began to chase the ship again. Then, the security team fired more warning shots resulting in the pirates aborting the attempted attack and rejoin with the other skiffs and continued to drift.

22.02.2012: 1130 UTC: Posn: 13:30N – 050:22E, Gulf of Aden. A tanker underway sighted a skiff at 1.6nm approaching at around 20knots. A suspicious dhow was sighted in the vicinity. Master sent distress to navies and informed UKMTO. As the skiff approached weapons were sighted and the onboard armed security team fired a warning shot. Following this the pirates immediately fired upon the tanker with AK-47. There was an exchange of fire between the armed team and the pirates with around 50 – 60 rounds being fired by the pirates before aborting and moving away. A naval helicopter was dispatched.

18.02.2012: 0700 UTC: Posn: 05:29S – 064:02E (Around 500nm east of Seychelles), Off Somalia. A chemical tanker underway noticed a skiff at a distance of 2nm. As the skiff approached to 0.5nm it stopped and five to six pirates with RPGs and automatic weapons were noticed. The onboard armed security team fired warning shots which resulted in the skiff returning fire and then moving away.

16.01.2012: 0350 LT: Posn: 06:18N – 003:20E, Lagos anchorage, Nigeria. OOW on board an anchored chemical tanker noticed two heavily armed pirates on deck and raised the alarm. Master contacted the navy on VHF Ch 16 but received no response. Non-essential crew locked themselves in a safe location. The pirates made their way to the bridge, fired warnings shots and gained entry into the bridge. They assaulted the Master and stole his personal effects. In the meantime another 10 pirates arrived and ordered the Master to heave up anchor and chief engineer to start engines. The pirates were very aggressive and highly agitated and forced all crew members to lie down on the bridge floor. Under the pirates command, the vessel sailed to a location approximately 80-100nm south of Lagos. The crew were forced to prepare the vessel for lightering operations. On 20 Jan, all crew members were locked in the smoke room and the lightering commenced. None of the crew members were able to see the lightering ship. On 21 Jan, the pirates disembarked at position 06:04N – 004:28E after stealing crew cash and personal effects and ship cash. The Master returned to Lagos anchorage where authorities boarded for investigation. No injuries to crew but vessel sustained damage during lightering operations.

15.02.2012: 1650 UTC: Posn: 09:57N – 076:02E, Around 2.5 nm South of SPM, Cochin Anchorage, India. About 20 robbers in two boats approached an anchored tanker and attempted to board her. The lookout crew noticed the robbers, raised the alarm and crew mustered. The robbers aborted the attack upon seeing the crew alertness and moved away.

14.02.2012: 1930 LT: Posn: Around 35 nm of Masirah Island, Oman (Off Somalia). 12 pirates armed with guns in a 20 feet dhow, brown in colour, name written as Hander, attacked and boarded a fishing vessel while engaged in fishing activities. They took hostage eight crewmembers, stole their personal belongings, cash, 2 drums of diesel and all food items available onboard the fishing vessel and escaped. No injuries to crew. The fishing vessel reported the incident to Omani authorities. The dhow with pirates onboard was reported to be operating South West of Masirah Island.

13.02.2012: 0250 UTC: Posn: 04:43N – 003:44E, Around 110nm south of Lagos, Nigeria. Eight armed pirates boarded a drifting bulk carrier awaiting berthing instructions. The pirates took hostage Chief cook and forced him to take them to Master’s cabin. They fired 20 shots to force open master’s cabin door. Pirates fired two shots at Master and removed ship’s safe from the cabin. Then the pirates tried to enter Chief Engr cabin. During this the Chief Engr attempted to escape through cabin port hole window by using two bedsheets tied together to climb down from the port hole. During this attempt, he fell through and as a result of serious injuries he died. Later, the pirates took the Chief cook along until they went into their boat and ordered him to runaway. A French warship which was in the area and received the IMB PRC broadcast warning went to the aid of the vessel. A boarding team boarded the vessel and the warship escorted her to Lagos port. On arrival at the inner anchorage Lagos port the authorities boarded the vessel and provided medical assistance to the crew. Later all 18 crew members and bodies of Master and Chief Engr were taken ashore. The authorities are investigating the case.

12.02.2012: 0220 LT: Posn: 20:40N – 107:14E, Cailan Outer Anchorage, Vietnam. A gang of seven robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier using a hook and a rope. Duty A/B noticed the robbers and informed bridge who raised the alarm. All crew mustered. The robbers threatened the duty A/B with knives, broke the forepeak store lock and stole ship’s stores. Crewmembers tried to stop the robbers but they threw knives, sticks and iron rod at them and started lowering the stolen stores into their boat. The Master stopped the crew from confronting the robbers as some of them were armed with pistols. The robbers escaped with the stolen stores in a small motor boat. Master attempted to contact the port control but received no response.

11.02.2012: 1913 UTC: Posn: 05:11.5N-003:27.1E, 74nm south of Lagos fairway buoy, Nigeria. A general cargo vessel underway noticed on radar two boats approaching from astern. As the boats closed they fired upon the vessel. Alarm raised and crew mustered in a safe area. The boats chased the vessel for around 25 minutes before aborting and moving away. All crew safe. Ship sustained gun shot damages.

10.02.2012: 0400 LT: 07:06.5S – 112:39.8E, Gresik Port Inner Anchorage, Indonesia. Robbers boarded an anchored general cargo ship, stole ship’s stores and escaped unnoticed. Incident was reported to the local authorities.

09.02.2012: 1300 UTC: Posn: 18:44N – 061:32E, Around 180nm SE of Masirah Island, Oman (Off Somalia). C/O onboard a container ship underway noticed two suspicious boats in the vicinity. He informed the Master and started tracking the boats. It was observed that a red hull fishing vessel and a white skiff were chasing the ship. The skiff was observed to be doing around 19 knots. Alarm raised and anti piracy measures taken by Master and crew. As ships speed was greater than the skiff the distance between them increased and the skiff slowed down and stopped after 45 minutes.

09.02.2012: 1402 UTC: 04:57.7N – 002:16.7E, Around 83nm South of Cotonou, Benin. Pirates boarded and hijacked a product tanker drifting whilst awaiting orders and sailed to an unknown location.

08.02.2012: 0730 UTC: Posn: 04 18 S, 059 59 E, Around 280nm East of Seychelles Island. The OOW onboard a VLCC sighted two skiffs approaching. The VLCC increased speed to maximum and made evasive manoeuvres and applied anti piracy measures. The skiff had 5 pirates carrying guns and ladder. Onboard security team fired warning shots at the skiff as a result the skiff stopped approaching.

07.02.2012: 1300 UTC: Posn: 16:00N-062:26E, Arabian Sea (Somalia). Pirates attacked and hijacked a Bulk Carrier underway. Pirates sailed the vessel towards Somalia coast.

06.02.2012: 0442 UTC: Posn: 05:03S – 066:08E, Around 400nm NW of Diego Garcia, Indian Ocean (Off Somalia). Pirates in two white coloured skiffs approached a chemical tanker underway. OOW informed the Master who raised the alarm and activated anti piracy measures. As the skiffs approached the onboard armed team fired warning shots which were ignored by the skiffs. As the skiffs continued to approach the vessel at high speed the armed team again fired warning shots which resulted in the skiffs moving away.

04.02.2012: 0110 UTC: Posn: 04:46S – 011:47E, Point Noire anchorage, The Congo. Duty watch onboard an anchored container ship noticed wet footprints on the deck and the padlock to the bowthruster room broken. He informed the OOW who noticed a small boat alongside the vessel near the starboard midship. OOW raised the alarm and crew mustered. Upon inspection a number of stores were found broken into and ship’s stores and equipment stolen. Master contacted port control but did not receive any response.

01.02.2012: Night Hrs: Posn: 01:07N – 104:10E, Batam Outer Anchorage, Indonesia. Robbers boarded an anchored chemical tanker, stole ship’s stores and escaped unnoticed.

28.01.2012: 1042 UTC: Posn: 04:55N – 058:14E, around 620nm NE of Mogadishu, Somalia. A general cargo ship underway noticed a mother ship lowering a skiff. The skiff with five armed pirates was seen approaching the vessel. The onboard armed security team fired warning flares which were ignored by the skiff. As the skiff approached the vessel, at a distance of 500 meters the security team fired warning shots resulting in the skiff aborting and moving away.

28.01.2012: 0450 LT: Posn: 01:43.8S – 116:38.3E, Adang Bay Anchorage, Indonesia. Four robbers armed with a gun and knives boarded an anchored bulk carrier during cargo operations. The robbers tried to attack the duty A/B, who managed to escape and inform the 2/O. Alarm raised and all crew mustered and proceeded towards the robbers. The robbers fired four shots and escaped with ship’s stores. No injuries to crew. Incident reported to pilot station.

28.01.2012: 0340 LT: Posn: 05:48N – 118:05E, Sandakan Inner Anchorage, Sabah, Malaysia. Robbers boarded an anchored chemical tanker. Duty A/B on rounds sighted the robbers armed with long knives and immediately informed the duty officer. Seeing crew alertness the robbers escaped with stolen ship’s stores.

27.01.2012: 2230 LT: Posn: 20:38.4N – 106:53.0E, Haiphong anchorage, Vietnam. Eight robbers armed with long knives boarded an anchored container ship. They took the duty A/B hostage, forced him into the bosun store and tied him up. The robbers stole ship stores and escaped. As the A/B was not answering calls on the walkie talkie a search party was sent forward and rescued the A/B. Master tried to contact Haiphong port control but received no response.

27.01.2012: 0055 LT: Posn: 00:02.80N – 050:59.70W, Macapa anchorage, Amazon river, Brazil. Four robbers in a small unlit boat approached an anchored bulk carrier. The deck watch crew noticed the robbers climbing up the anchor chain and trying to remove the hawse pipe cover and informed the bridge. OOW immediately raised the alarm and activated the fire pump to start anchor wash. The robbers aborted the boarding and escaped in their boat. Port control and ships in the vicinity were informed.

26.01.2012: 2335 UTC: Posn: 02:26N – 079:18W, 45nm off Tomaco, Colombia. Three suspected armed pirates in black military uniforms chased a container ship underway in a white hulled speed boat. The vessel increased speed, made evasive manoeuvres and crew mustered. The boat aborted the attempt and moved away after chasing the vessel for 45 minutes.

24.01.2012: 0430 UTC Posn: 13:12.4N – 043:01.85E: Red Sea.  Security team onboard a bulk carrier underway reported two skiffs were approaching the vessel. There were a total of seven skiffs in the vicinity. The 1st. skiff had six pirates armed with AK47. No weapons were seen in the 2nd. skiff which had four pirates. The vessel enforced anti piracy measures, made evasive manoeuvres and two armed guards were placed on the stbd & port bridge wings. Upon sighting the armed guards the skiffs aborted the attack and moved away.

20.01.2012: 1045 UTC: Posn: 24:53.4N – 057:27.4E, around 95nm NW of Muscat, Oman, Gulf of Oman (Off Somalia).
Twelve pirates in a grey coloured skiff approached a tanker underway. As the skiff closed to the vessel ladders were sighted. Alarm raised, non-essential crew mustered in the citadel and the master took anti-piracy measures. As the skiff manoeuvred towards the vessel the onboard security team fired warning shots resulting in the pirates aborting the attempted attack.

06.01.2012: 0430 LT: Posn: 14:36.7N – 120:53.3E, Manila MICT Anchorage, Philippines. A duty crew onboard an anchored container ship waiting for pilot was taken hostage by robbers using a long knife. They tied up the duty crew hit him and stole ship stores. Another crew approaching the anchor stations noticed the robbers and informed the OOW on the bridge who raised the alarm. Seeing alerted crew the robbers escaped via the anchor chain. Master reported the incident to the pilot and requested him to inform the port authorities. Coast guard came for investigation.

Pirates Claim Hijacking of Italian Vessel

res. The 4th engineer sighted the robbers leaving the engine room and raised the alarm.

Select – Live Piracy Report.