Question of the Week
Maritime News
Warnings of attacks off Somalia and Singapore
5 March 2010
There have been warnings of an upsurge of attacks by Somali pirates in the coming weeks, as well as reports from Singapore that tankers passing through the Malacca Strait should be on the alert for potential terrorist attacks.The warnings of growing Somali pirate attacks are based on intelligence reports that vessels, men and equipment have been gathering in some Somali ports in preparation for the calmer mid-monsoon weather in March to May. One expert warns that the most vulnerable area – apart from the Gulf of Aden – is likely to be north of the Seychelles, and that ships should keep a lookout and take evasive action if they spot a suspect vessel at least three miles away.
Meanwhile, the Singapore Navy has issued an alert about a terrorist threat to tankers and large vessels in the Malacca Strait – a former pirate hotspot – and the need for increased vigilance. Somali pirates have now released 18 Filipino seafarers from the Greek-owned, Panama-flagged Navios Apollon held captive since 28 December. The vessel was released on 28 February.
There are also reports from inside Somalia that pirates are due to release the British yachting couple Paul and Rachel Chandler, held for more than four months since their capture in October, amid concerns about their health.
Ill health is also a concern for seafarers on the United Arab Emirates-owned, Panama-flagged Leila, which has been held by Somali port authorities for six months in a commercial dispute. The crew – seven Indians, two Pakistanis, two Somalis and two Sri Lankans – have little food or water and have not been paid since September.
Other recent incidents reported by the International Maritime Bureau's worldwide Piracy Reporting Centre include:
- Pirates in two boats fired on a fishing vessel 340 miles off the Somali coast on 4 March; the vessel escaped with no casualties.
- Two pirates attempted to board a chemical tanker in the southern Red Sea on 3 March, but were repelled after the crew used water spray and a coalition warship provided assistance.
- Four pirates attempted to board an oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden on 2 March, but aborted the attempt after fire hoses were used and evasive manoeuvres taken.
- Five pirates attempted to board a chemical tanker 230 miles off Oman in the Arabian Sea on 2 March, but abandoned the attack after the ship raised the alarm, made evasive manoeuvres and took anti-piracy measures.
- Somali pirates hijacked an oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden on 1 March.
- Two craft approached a tanker in the southern Red Sea on 28 February, which raised the alarm, increased speed and took anti-piracy measures, including use of floodlights and recordings of dogs barking. The pirates abandoned the attack after a naval vessel was called.
- Pirates attempted to board a vessel 190 miles off Oman in the Arabian Sea on 23 February, but abandoned the attack because of the ship's manoeuvring and use of barbed wire fencing.
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