Last updated: Thursday 27th October
Current Situation
Several PAGs are known to be in the region, and all areas have shown increased activity now that the calmer period following the South West monsoon has occurred. To date in October there have been 10 attacks (none successful) and 11 disruptions of PAGs by naval forces.
The Bab Al Mandeb (BAM), Southern Red Sea (SRS) and Gulf of Aden (GOA) remain areas of concern. In the GOA pirate activity is heightened with several possible sightings. Fishing activity is ongoing in the far western part of the GOA. Vessels can expect to see groups of skiffs in this area carrying out fishing related activities.
The IRTC remains an area of concern, particularly in and around the Mukalla-Bosaasso trade route. In the eastern area of the IRTC there have been reports of suspicious skiffs and dhows. The threat of pirate attack is constant and difficult to predict. All of these incidents highlight increased pirate activity in these areas and vessels are advised to transit with extreme caution.
The Somali Basin remains an area of high activity, and there are many areas of concern. A Shui’Ai type dhow was seen transiting north along the Somali coast, in vicinity of 0850N 05045E, and was last seen on 24 Oct 11 at 0837Z. It is believed that this dhow is heading to the eastern GOA, carrying two skiffs on its deck. Photo insert is of a Shui’Ai type dhow to aid in recognition. On 23 Oct, a pirate Dhow approached a vessel in position 0447N 05420E at 0725Z.
Although it has been quiet in the Central Somali Basin, there may be an active PAG in the area or transiting through the area en route to the Arabian Sea. The PAG is possibly a Yemeni type dhow with 1-3 skiffs. This dhow is described as having a white hull with blue trim (gunnels), and white superstructure. There are known PAGs working out in the Seychelles region, and all Masters are advised to transit this region with extreme caution.
The suspicious skiff reported yesterday is in vicinity of position 0345N 059 45E as of 261404Z Oct 11, approx 280NM off the coast of central Somalia. This skiff is reported to be dead-in-the-water, but there are indications that it is carrying pirate paraphernalia. Masters are advised to proceed with caution in this area.
If Masters encounter suspicious activity (such as stationary radar contacts or skiffs laden with ladders or other piracy equipment), please report as much detail as possible, including photographs of skiffs and possible mother ships.
This article was posted by Neptune Maritime Security via shipping.nato.int. To find out more, please visit www.neptunemaritimesecurity.com
