IMB 2014.pdf

ICC- IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report – First Quarter 2014

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ICC INTERNATIONAL MARITIME BUREAU

PIRACY AND ARMED ROBBERY

AGAINST SHIPS

REPORT FOR THE PERIOD

1 January – 31 March 2014

WARNING

The information contained in this document is for the internal use of the recipient only.

Unauthorised distribution of this document, and/or publication (including publication on a

Web site) by any means whatsoever is an infringement of the Bureau’s copyright.

ICC International Maritime Bureau

Cinnabar Wharf

26 Wapping High Street

London E1W 1NG

United Kingdom

Tel :+44 207 423 6960

Fax:+44 207 160 5249

Email [email protected] Web : www.icc-ccs.org

April 2014

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.icc-ccs.org/


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INTRODUCTION

The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) is a specialised division of the International Chamber of

Commerce (ICC). The IMB is a non-profit making organisation, established in 1981 to act as a focal

point in the fight against all types of maritime crime and malpractice. The International Maritime

Organization (IMO) in its resolution A 504 (XII) (5) and (9) adopted on 20 November 1981, has inter

alia, urged governments, all interests and organization to co-operate and exchange information with each

other and the IMB with a view to maintaining and developing a coordinated action in combating maritime

fraud.

This report is an analysis of worldwide reported incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships from

1 January to 31 March 2014.

Outrage in the shipping industry at the alarming growth in piracy prompted the creation of the IMB

Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) in October 1992 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The key services of the PRC are:

Issuing daily status reports on piracy and armed robbery to ships via broadcasts on the

Inmarsat-C SafetyNET service

Reporting piracy and armed robbery at sea incidents to law enforcement and the IMO

Helping local law enforcement apprehend pirates and assist in bringing them to justice

Assisting shipowners whose vessels have been attacked or hijacked

Assisting crewmembers whose vessels have been attacked

Providing updates on pirate activity via the Internet

Publishing comprehensive quarterly and annual reports detailing piracy statistics

The services of the PRC are provided free of charge to all ships irrespective of their ownership or flag.

The IMB also locates ships seized by pirates and recovers stolen cargos on a chargeable basis.

The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre can be contacted at:

ICC International Maritime Bureau (Asia Regional Office)

PO Box 12559, 50782 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Tel ++ 60 3 2078 5763

Fax ++ 60 3 2078 5769

E-mail: [email protected]

24 Hours Anti-Piracy HELPLINE Tel: ++ 60 3 2031 0014

Piracy report on the Internet: The IMB posts updates of attacks on the Internet at www.icc-ccs.org.

By posting the information on the internet, ship owners and authorities ashore as well as ships at sea can

access these updates regularly and make informed decisions on the risks associated with certain sea areas.

Sometimes, incidents occurring in the previous quarter(s) are reported to the Centre after a time lag. This

late reporting of incidents results in changes to the figures in the tables. As of 31 March 2014, the IMB

has received reports of 49 incidents but may receive details of more in the coming months relating to the

same period.

Because of the recent debate concerning Malacca Straits, narrations of incidents in this area are shown

as separate categories.

Attacks in the Gulf of Aden and off the east coast of Somalia have been grouped together in the narrations

for easy reading.


http://www.icc-ccs.org/


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DEFINITIONS OF PIRACY & ARMED ROBBERY

Piracy is defined in Article 101 of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

and Armed Robbery defined by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in its 26th Assembly

session as Resolution A.1025 (26).

Article 101 of UNCLOS defines Piracy as:

Definition of Piracy consists of any of the following acts:

a) any illegal acts of violence or detention, or any act of depredation, committed for private ends by the

crew or the passengers of a private ship or a private aircraft, and directed-

(i) on the high seas, against another ship or aircraft, or against persons or property on board such ship

or aircraft;

(ii) against a ship, aircraft, persons or property in a place outside the jurisdiction of any State;

(b) any act of voluntary participation in the operation of a ship or of an aircraft with knowledge of facts

making it a pirate ship or aircraft;

(c) any act of inciting or of intentionally facilitating an act described in subparagraph (a) or (b).

The IMO defines Armed Robbery in Resolution A.1025 (26) “Code of Practice for the Investigation of

Crimes of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships” as:

Armed robbery against ships” means any of the following acts:

.1 any illegal act of violence or detention or any act of depredation, or threat thereof, other than an act

of piracy, committed for private ends and directed against a ship or against persons or property on board

such a ship, within a State’s internal waters, archipelagic waters and territorial sea;

.2 any act of inciting or of intentionally facilitating an act described above


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FUNDING

The Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC), funded purely on donations wishes to thank the following

organisations that have financially contributed towards the Centres 24hour manned service:

ANIA

Assuranceforeningen Skuld

Assuranceforeningen Gard

Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association Limited

Charles Taylor Consulting / Standard Club

Den Norske Krigsforsikring for Skib

Japan P&I Club

Steam Ship Insurance Management Services Limited

Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Malaysia

The North of England P&I Association Ltd

Tsakos Shipping

The PRC is additionally non-financially supported by:

ExactEarth (www.exactearth.com)

Vesseltracker (www.vesseltracker.com)

http://www.exactearth.com/

http://www.vesseltracker.com/


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TABLE 1: Locations of ACTUAL and ATTEMPTED attacks January - March 2009 – 2014

Locations 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

S E ASIA Indonesia 1

8 5 18 25 18

Malacca Straits 1

Malaysia 2 4 9 2

Philippines 1 1 2 1

Singapore Straits 4 2 2 5

Thailand 1

FAR South China Sea 2 4 1

EAST Vietnam 4 2 2 3 1

INDIAN Bangladesh 1 1 4 3 4 4

SUB CONT. India 3 3 3 3 4 2

AMERICAS Brazil

Brazil

2 1 1

Colombia 2 1 2

Costa Rica 2

Ecuador 1

Guyana 1 1

Haiti 2 1 1

Peru 7 2 1 2 2

Venezuela 1

AFRICA Angola

A

1

Benin 1 1

Cameroon 1

Dem. Rep. of Congo Republic 1

Egypt 1

Equatorial Guinea

Gabon 1

Ghana 1 2

Guinea 1 1

Gulf of Aden* 41 12 10 8 2 2

Ivory Coast 1 1 3 3

Kenya 1

Liberia 1 1

Mauritania 1

Morocco

Mozambique 1

Nigeria 7 2 5 10 11 6

Red Sea** 3 2 7 1

Somalia 20 18 85 28 3 2

Tanzania 2 1 1 1

The Congo 1 2 1 3

Togo 2

REST OF Arabian Sea*** 2

WORLD Indian Ocean**** 1

Mediterranean Sea 1

Oman 1

Sub total 102 67 142 102 66 49

Total at year end 410 445 439 297 264


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*Gulf of Aden

**Red Sea

***Arabian Sea

****Indian Ocean

All of the above attacks are attributed to Somali pirates.

CHART A: THE FOLLOWING FOUR LOCATIONS WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR

MORE THAN 65% OF THE TOTAL 49 REPORTED INCIDENTS FOR THE

PERIOD.

BANGLADESH, 4

INDONESIA, 18

NIGERIA, 6

SINGAPORE STRAITS, 5


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Chart B: Monthly comparison of incidents during January - March 2014

Chart C: Total incidents as per region of the world January – March 2014

15

19

15

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

JAN FEB MAR

Monthly Incidents

1

6

19

23

0

5

10

15

20

25

REST OF THE

WORLD

INDIAN SUB

CONTINENT

AFRICA SE ASIA


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TABLE 2: ACTUAL and ATTEMPTED attacks by location, January - March 2014

ACTUAL ATTACKS ATTEMPTED ATTACKS

Location Boarded Hijacked Fired Upon Attempted Boarding

SE ASIA Indonesia 18

Singapore Straits 5

INDIAN Bangladesh 4

SUB CONT. India 2

AFRICA Angola 1

Cameroon 1

Gabon 1

Gulf of Aden* 2

Liberia 1

Nigeria 1 1 2 2

Red Sea** 1

Somalia 2

Tanzania 1

The Congo 3

REST OF WORLD Oman 1

Sub total 37 2 5 5

Total 49

*Gulf of Aden

**Red Sea

The above attacks are attributed to Somali pirates.

TABLE 3: Ports and anchorages, with three or more reported incidents. January – March 2014

Country Location 01.01.2014 to 31.03.2014

Bangladesh Chittagong 3

Indonesia Belawan 3

Indonesia Jakarta / Tg. Priok 3

The Congo Pointe Noire 3


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TABLE 4: Status of ships during ACTUAL attacks, January – March 2014

LOCATION BERTHED ANCHORED STEAMING

S E ASIA Indonesia 2 13 3

Singapore Straits 5

INDIAN Bangladesh 3 1

SUB CONT. India 2

AFRICA Angola 1

Cameroon 1

Gabon 1

Liberia 1

Nigeria 2

Tanzania 1

The Congo 3

Sub total 5 22 12

Total 39

TABLE 5: Status of ships during ATTEMPTED attacks, January – March 2014

LOCATION BERTHED ANCHORED STEAMING

AFRICA Gulf of Aden* 2

Nigeria 4

Red Sea** 1

Somalia 2


Sub total 10

Total 10

*Gulf of Aden

**Red Sea


TABLE 6: Types of arms used during attacks, January - March 2009 – 2014

Types of Arms 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Guns 59 33 88 48 20 14

Knives 14 11 16 21 19 17

Not stated 29 22 35 31 26 16

Other weapons - 1 3 2 1 2

Total for three months 102 67 142 102 66 49


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TABLE 7: Comparison of the type of attacks, January - March 2009 – 2014

Type of Attack 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Attempted 30 12 34 32 4 5

Boarded 34 26 45 45 51 37

Fired upon 29 18 45 14 7 5

Hijack 9 11 18 11 4 2

Sub total 102 67 142 102 66 49

Total at year end 410 445 439 297 264

TABLE 8: Types of violence to crew, January - March 2009 – 2014

Types of Violence 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Hostage 178 194 344 212 75 46

Kidnap 5 - 6 3 14 2

Threatened 3 1 4 4 3 3

Assaulted 2 1 2 1 - -

Injured 9 12 34 9 3 1

Killed 2 - 7 4 1 -

Total for three months 199 208 397 233 96 52

TABLE 9: Type of violence to crew by location, January – March 2014

Location Hostage Threat Injured Kidnap

SE ASIA Indonesia 7 1

Singapore Straits 1

INDIAN Bangladesh

SUB CONT. 1

AFRICA Angola 26 1

Nigeria 13 2

Sub total 46 3 1 2

|Total 52


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TABLE 10: Types of arms used by geographical location, January - March 2014

LOCATIONS Guns Knives Other Weapons Not Stated

SE ASIA Indonesia 4 8 1 5

Singapore Straits 3 2

FAR EAST Vietnam

South China Sea

INDIAN Bangladesh 3 1

SUB CONT. India 1 1

AFRICA Angola 1

Cameroon 1

Gabon 1

Gulf of Aden* 2

Liberia 1

Nigeria 5 1

Red Sea** 1

Somalia 2

Tanzania 1

The Congo 1 1 1


Sub total 14 17 2 16

Total for three months 49

*Gulf of Aden

**Red Sea


TABLE 11 Types of vessels attacked, January – March 2009 – 2014

Type 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Bulk carrier 32 11 32 21 16 9

Catamaran 2

Container 16 7 17 17 7 5

Crane ship 1

Dhow 1 1 4

General cargo 10 7 10 6 7 7

Guard vessel 1

Heavy load carrier 1

Landing craft 1

Livestock carrier 2

Naval auxiliary ship 1

Pipe layer vessel 1

Refrigerated 1 2 1

Research ship 1 1

RORO 3 1 1 2 2

Seismographic 1

Supply ship 1 1 3 4 2


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Tanker Bitumen 1

Tanker Chem / Product 16 19 24 24 17 13

Tanker Crude Oil 11 5 30 11 8 7

Tanker LPG 1 2 1 4 3 2

Trawler / Fishing 3 7 2 2 1

Tug 1 2 12 2 2 2

Vehicle carrier 2 4

Wood Chip carrier 1

Yacht 3 3

Sub total 102 67 142 102 66 49

Total at year end 410 445 439 297 264

Chart D: Type of vessels attacked January – March 2014

2

2

2

2

4

5

7

7

9

9

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

LPG TANKER

RO-RO

TUG

SUPPLY SHIP

PRODUCT TANKER

CONTAINER

GENERAL CARGO

TANKER

CHEMICAL TANKER

BULK CARRIER


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TABLE 12: Nationalities of ships attacked, January - March 2009 – 2014

Flag State

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Algeria 1

Antigua Barbuda 1 2 4 2 2 2

Bahamas 7 2 4 5 2 1

Belgium 2

Bermuda 1

Bolivia 1

Brazil 1

Cayman Island 1 1

China 1 1 2

Comoros 2

Croatia 1 1

Curacao 1

Cyprus 5 3 1

Denmark 4 3 2 1

Dominica 1

Ethiopia 1 1

France 2

Germany 3 1 2

Gibraltar 1 1 1

Greece 2 4 2

Hong Kong (SAR) 4 6 5 4 2

India 4 3 3 4

Indonesia 2

Iran 1

Isle of Man 1 1 1 1

Italy 2 1 1 2 2

Jamaica 1

Japan 1

Korea North 3 2

Korea South 1 1

Liberia 11 10 12 19 15 7

Libya 2

Luxemburg 1 2

Malaysia 1 4 1 2 1

Malta 5 4 7 3 3 1

Marshall Islands 6 5 15 5 7 8

Mongolia 2

Netherlands 3 1 2

Nigeria 1

Norway 1 1 4 1 1 2

Oman 2

Panama 18 9 21 17 9 6


14

Philippines 2 1

Russia 1

Saudi Arabia 1 1

Seychelles 2 1

Sierra Leone 1 1

Singapore 7 10 8 14 6 6

Spain 1 1 1 1

St Vincent Grenadines 2 1 3

St. Kitts & Nevis 1 1 1

Taiwan 4

Tanzania 1

Thailand 2 1 1

Togo 1

Turkey 1 1 3 1 1

UAE 4

United Kingdom 2 3 2 1

USA 2 1 1

Vietnam 1 1 1 1

Yemen 3 2

Not Stated 1 1

Sub total

102 67 142 102 66 49

Total at year end 410 445 439 297 264

Chart E: Flag States whose ships have been attacked three or more times from January – March

2014

6 6

7

8

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

PANAMA SINGAPORE LIBERIA MARSHALL

ISLANDS


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TABLE 13: Countries where victim ships controlled / managed, January – March 2014

Country No of Ships

Belgium 1

Denmark 1

Egypt 1

France 1

Germany 5

Greece 10

Hong Kong 2

Italy 2

Japan 1

Malaysia 1

Monaco 2

Netherlands 2

Nigeria 1

Norway 3

Singapore 10

Tanzania 1

UAE 2

United Kingdom 1

USA 1

Vietnam 1

Total 49

Chart F: Managing countries whose ships have been attacked three or more times from January

– March 2014

3

5

10 10

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

NORWAY GERMANY GREECE SINGAPORE


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OFF SOMALIA / GULF OF ADEN ATTACK FIGURES UPDATE

Between 1 January and 31 March 2014, the IMB PRC has received reports of five incidents

including two vessels fired upon.

The combination of efforts at sea; including the continued presence of the Navies in the region,

increased BMP4 compliance, employment of Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel

(PCASP), along with the international efforts on land and the efforts of the elected central

government within Somalia has resulted in a drop in the number of attacks.

As the IMB PRC continues to monitor the situation in the region it cautions ship owners and

Masters against complacency. Somali pirates still have the capability and capacity to carry out

attacks. The IMB PRC believes that a single successful hijacking of a merchant vessel, will rekindle

the Somali pirates’ passion to resume its piracy efforts.

As of 31 March 2014, suspected Somali pirates continue to hold one vessel for ransom with three

crewmembers onboard as hostage. In addition, 49 crewmembers are still held on land and four are

missing.


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PIRACY AND ARMED ROBBERY PRONE AREAS AND WARNINGS Mariners are warned to be extra cautious and to take necessary precautionary measures when transiting

the following areas:

SOUTH EAST ASIA AND INDIAN SUB CONTINENT

Indonesia: Tanjung Priok – Jakarta, Dumai, Belawan, Taboneo, Muara Berau, Samarinda, Nipah

Anchorage waters. Pirates / robbers normally armed with guns / knives and / or machetes. Generally be

vigilant in other areas. Many attacks may have gone unreported. Pirates / robbers normally attack vessel

during the night. When spotted and alarm sounded, the pirates / robbers usually escape without

confronting the crew.

Recent meetings between the Indonesian Marine Police and the IMB PRC resulted in positive actions by

the Indonesian Authorities which had so far brought incidents to come down.

The Indonesian Marine Police have advised all ships intending to anchor to do so at / near the following

areas where Indonesian Marine Police will conduct patrols for greater protection.

1. Belawan: 03:55.00N-098:45.30E

2. Dumai: 01:42.00N-101:28.00E

3. Nipah: 01:07.30N-103:37.00E

4. Tanjung Priok: 06:00.30S-106:54.00E

5. Gresik: 07:09.00S-112:40.00E

6. Taboneo: 04:41.30S-114:28.00E

7. Adang bay: 01:40.00S-116:40.00E

8. Muara Berau: 00:17.00S-117:36.00E

9. Muara Jawa: 01:09.00S-117:13.00E

10. Balikpapan: 01:22.00S-116:53.00E

Ships are advised to maintain strict anti-piracy watch and measures and report all attacks and suspicious

sightings to the local authorities and IMB Piracy Reporting Centre. The IMB PRC will also liaise with

the local authorities to render necessary assistance.

Malacca Straits: Although the number of attacks have dropped substantially due to the increased and

aggressive patrols by the littoral states authorities since July 2005, ships are advised to continue

maintaining strict anti-piracy / robbery watches when transiting the Straits. Currently, there are no

indications as to how long these patrols will continue or reduce.

Singapore Straits: Vessels are advised to remain vigilant and to continue maintaining adequate anti-

piracy / robbery watch and measures. Pirates / robbers attack ships while underway or while at anchor

especially during the night.

South China Sea: Although attacks have dropped significantly in the vicinity off Anambas / Natuna /

Mangkai islands / Subi Besar / Merundung areas, vessels are advised to continue to remain vigilant.

Bangladesh: Robbers targeting ships preparing to anchor. Most attacks reported at Chittagong

anchorages and approaches. Attacks in Bangladesh have fallen significantly over the past few years

because of the efforts by the Bangladesh Authorities.

India: Kandla

AFRICA AND RED SEA

Africa:-

Nigeria (Lagos): Pirates / robbers are often well armed, violent and have attacked hijacked and robbed

vessels / kidnapped crews along the coast, rivers, anchorages, ports and surrounding waters. Attacks

reported up to about 170nm from coast. In many incidents, pirates hijacked the vessels for several days

and ransacked the vessels and stole part cargo usually gas oil. A number of crewmembers were also

injured and kidnapped in past attacks. Generally, all waters in Nigeria remain risky. Vessels are advised

to be vigilant, as many attacks may have gone unreported.


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Benin (Cotonou): Although the number of attacks has dropped significantly, the area remains risky. Past

attacks showed that the pirates / robbers in this area are well armed and are violent and in some incidents

have fired upon and hijacked ships. The pirates force Masters to sail to unknown location where ship’s

properties and sometimes part cargo is stolen (gas oil). Crewmembers have been injured in the past.

Recent patrols by Benin and Nigerian Authorities has resulted in a drop in the number of attacks.

However, vessels are advised to continue to be vigilant and maintain strict anti-piracy / robbery watches

and measures.

Togo (Lome): Attacks have dropped but the area remains a concern and risky. Pirates / robbers in the

area are well armed, violent and dangerous. Attacks can occur at anchorages and off the coast and usually

at night. Some attacks resulted in vessels being hijacked for several days and ransacked and part cargo

stolen (gas oil).

Red Sea / Gulf of Aden / Somalia / Arabian Sea / Indian Ocean: Attacks related to Somali pirates

have reduced. However, the risk of being approached or attacked still exists. Vessels are advised and

encouraged to remain vigilant and comply with all BMP4 procedures. The threat of these attacks still

exist in the waters off southern Red Sea / Bab el Mandeb, Gulf of Aden, including Yemen and the

northern Somali coast, Arabian sea / off Oman, Gulf of Oman and off the eastern and southern Somali

coast. In the past vessels have been attacked off Kenya, Tanzania, Seychelles, Madagascar, Mozambique

as well as in the Indian ocean and off the west and south coasts of India and west Maldives. Incidents

have also been reported close to the east African coastlines.

Somali pirates tend to be well armed with automatic weapons and RPG and sometimes use skiffs

launched from mother vessels, which may be hijacked fishing vessels or dhows, to conduct attacks far

from the Somali coast. Masters and ship owners are encouraged to follow the latest BMP procedures and

ensure that the vessel is hardened prior to entering the High Risk Area. While transiting through these

waters it is essential to maintain a 24-hour visual and radar watch as early sightings / detection and an

accurate assessment, keeping in mind the warnings and alerts for the area, will allow Masters and PCASP

to make informed decisions to keep clear of small boats, dhows, fishing vessels and if necessary take

evasive actions, increase speed, request assistance as needed.

Masters are reminded that fishermen in this region may try to protect their nets by attempting to

aggressively approach merchant vessels. Some of the fishermen may be armed to protect their catch and

they should not be confused with pirates.

Ivory Coast: Abidjan: Attacks dropped but remains risky.

The Congo: Pointe Noire

Egypt: Attacks reported at Suez and Alexandria anchorages.

SOUTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN WATERS

Ecuador: Guayaquil. Attacks stopped but ships advised to be vigilant.

Reporting of incidents

Ships are advised to maintain strict anti-piracy watches and report all piratical attacks (actual and

attempted) and suspicious sightings to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Tel: +60 3 2078 5763 Fax: +60 3 2078 5769 E-mail: [email protected]

The Centre’s 24 Hours Anti-Piracy HELPLINE is: +60 3 2031 0014

IMB Maritime Security Hotline

The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has also launched a dedicated hotline for seafarers, port

workers, shipping agents, shipyard personnel, brokers, stevedores, and all concerned parties to report any

information that they may have seen / heard / known etc. relating to maritime crime and security including

terrorism, piracy and other illegal activities.



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All information received will be treated in strict confidence and will be passed on to relevant Authorities

for further action. Maritime crime and security concerns us all and with your help, we can try to minimize

the risks and help save lives and property.

The Maritime Security Hotline can be contacted 24 hours every day at :

Tel: +60 3 2031 0014 Fax: +60 3 2078 5769 E-mail: [email protected]

REMEMBER: Your information may save lives. All information will be treated in strict confidence.



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TRENDS

A total of 49 incidents of Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships has been reported to the IMB Piracy

Reporting Centre (PRC) in the first three months of 2014 – the lowest first quarter figure since 2007,

when 41 incidents were recorded.

In the first three months, two vessels were hijacked, 37 vessels boarded, five vessels fired upon and five

attempted attacks were reported. Forty-six crewmembers were taken hostage and two kidnapped from

their vessel.

Off Somalia, five incidents were reported – the same number as the first quarter of 2013. In 2014, three

attempted attacks were recorded and two vessels fired upon. Although the number of attacks continues

to remain low, the threat of Somali piracy is still clearly evident.

For example, in January 2014 a Panamax sized product tanker was fired upon approximately 115NM

south of Salalah, Oman from a skiff launched from a mother vessel. The attack was repelled and the

international navies subsequently intercepted the mother ship – an Indian dhow which itself had been

hijacked a few days previously. Eleven Indian crewmembers were freed and five suspected pirates

apprehended. This incident demonstrates the essential role of the international navies in containing the

threat of Somali piracy and why their presence must be maintained despite the drop in attacks.

There can therefore be no room for complacency, as it will take only one successful Somali hijacking for

the business model to return. Masters are, therefore advised to maintain vigilance and adhere to the latest

BMP recommendations.

Off West Africa, 12 reports were recorded including the hijacking of two vessels with 39 crew taken

hostage and two crew kidnapped from their vessel. Nigeria accounts for six incidents including the

hijacking of a supply vessel, which was used unsuccessfully to hunt for other potential vessels to hijack.

It has to be once again emphasised that a number of attacks have gone unreported in the first quarter of

2014. In some of these cases crew have been kidnapped and held for ransom.

Angola saw its first reported hijacking in the first quarter of 2014 demonstrating the increased range and

capability of Nigerian piracy if left unchecked. The incident involved armed pirates boarding and

hijacking a loaded tanker from Luanda anchorage, Angola. The pirates stole a large quantity of the

tanker’s gas oil cargo in three separate STS operations. The vessel was under the control of suspected

Nigerian pirates for over a week before the owner regained contact, off Nigeria, approximately 1200 NM

from the initial boarding. One crewmember was injured during the incident.

Elsewhere, Indonesia ranks as the country with the highest number of attacks with 18 reports compared

with 25 in the first quarter of 2013. Vessels were boarded in all the incidents. Whilst these are

predominantly low level thefts from vessels seven crewmembers were taken hostage in five incidents,

while in four incidents it was reported that the robbers were armed with guns. The Indonesian Marine

Police has launched regular patrols of the higher risk anchorages in an effort to bring down the number

of incidents. The IMB PRC will continue to monitor the situation.

The IMB PRC remains an independent, single, and sustainable, 24hour manned Centre providing

information and reports to ships, law enforcement and governments alike and hence strongly urges all

Shipmasters and Owners, to report all incidents of actual and attempted piracy and armed robbery

incidents to the IMB PRC. Reporting and information sharing is the first and most important step in the

response chain and remains vital in ensuring that adequate resources are allocated by governments to

deal with the problem. A set of transparent statistics from an independent, non-political, international

organisation such as the IMB PRC acts as an effective catalyst to achieve this goal.


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OBSERVATIONS

Narrations of the 49 attacks for 01 January to 31 March 2014 are listed on pages 25 to 34. The following

serious incidents, in chronological sequence are described in more detail.

Angola:

Armed pirates boarded and hijacked a Liberian flagged Tanker MT Kerala, anchored off Luanda, Angola,

on 18 January 2014. The pirates sailed the vessel and stole large quantities of the tanker’s gas oil cargo

in three separate STS operations. The tanker was subsequently released off Nigeria and the Master made

contact with the Owners on 26 January 2014. Interpol and US NCIS later boarded the tanker to conduct

investigations. One crewmember was injured during the incident.

Nigeria:

Eight armed pirates in a high-powered boat attacked a Panamanian Chemical Tanker MT Cher, while

underway around 75nm WSW of Brass, Nigeria at approximately 1055 LT on 06 February 2014. The

tanker raised the alarm, made evasive manoeuvres, sent distress message and activated the SSAS alert.

The pirates manoeuvred alongside the tanker and boarded using a long ladder. The crew cut off the power

supply to the vessel and retreated into the citadel. After around five hours, the crew emerged and noticed

that the pirates had used sledgehammers to break into stores and cabins and loot ship and crew property.

The tanker’s communication equipment has also been destroyed. The crew managed to start the

emergency generators and other necessary machinery, informed the Owners and sailed to Lagos.

On 04 March 2014, a Marshall Island Bulk Carrier was attacked and fired upon by armed pirates while

underway at position Latitude 04:00.2 North and Longitude 005:16.6 East, around 58nm WSW of Brass,

Nigeria at approximately 1915 UTC. Armed pirates in two skiffs chased and fired upon and attempted to

board the bulk carrier underway. The ship raised the alarm and the non-essential crew mustered in the

citadel. The Master increased speed, took evasive manoeuvres and activated the SSAS Alert. Due to the

hardening measures taken, the pirates aborted the attempt and moved away. The ship sustained bullet

marks along the accommodation area due to the firing.

On 06 March 2014 a Nigerian flagged Supply Ship Prime Lady was attacked and hijacked by armed

pirates while underway at position Latitude 04:11 North and Longitude 005:44 East, around 30nm WxS

of Brass, Nigeria at approximately 1912 LT. Seven pirates in a speed boat armed with machine guns,

revolvers and knives approached a drifting vessel and hijacked her. They took all the crewmembers as

hostage and used the vessel as a mother vessel to lookout for another vessel to hijack. After around 20

hours when the pirates found no suitable vessel, they forced their way into the locked cabins and stores

and stole crew and ship properties. Some of the crewmembers were beaten up during the incident while

one crewmember missed being shot.

Four armed pirates attacked and fired upon a Liberian flagged Tanker MT Crete, while drifting around

40nm SW of Bayelsa, Nigeria at approximately 0115 LT on 20 March 2014. The Master immediately

raised the alarm and non-essential crewmembers retreated into the citadel. The Master and C/E started

the main engine and managed to get underway before the pirates boarded the vessel.

Oman: On 30 March 2014, a Panamanian Tanker MT Album was attacked and fired upon by six armed persons

in a skiff, while underway around 8nm ENE of Musandam Island, Oman at approximately 1415 LT.

Alarm raised, crew mustered, fire pump activated and the tanker altered course to move away from the

skiff. Upon hearing the alarm and crew alertness, the armed persons aborted the attempt and moved away.

Somalia: On 17 January 2014, a Marshall Islands Product Tanker MT Nave Atropos was attacked and fired upon

by armed pirates while underway around 115nm south of Salalah, Oman, at approximately 1804UTC.

Armed pirates in a skiff launched from a recently hijacked mother vessel nearby chased and fired upon

the tanker underway. The Master raised the alarm, increased speed, altered course, activated the SSAS

Alert and contacted UKMTO. All non-essential crewmembers mustered in the citadel. The on board

armed security team returned fire resulting in the pirates aborting the attack. A coalition helicopter arrived

to assist. They apprehended five suspected Somali pirates and released the 11 Indian crewmembers on

the mother vessel.

On 13 February 2014, a Sierra Leone Ro-Ro ship MV Andrea was attacked and fired upon by armed

pirates while underway around 32nm east of Barawe, Somalia at approximately 1430UTC. Five pirates

armed with guns chased and fired upon the ship underway carrying UN cargo. Lockdown was initiated


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and the armed security team onboard the vessel returned fire. After 20 minutes, the pirates aborted the

attempt and moved away. On deck containers sustained bullet holes damaged. Ship and crew reported

safe.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The IMB appreciates the assistance and vital cooperation provided by the Coalition naval forces /

EU naval force (EUNAVFOR ATALANTA) / MSCHOA / US Navy / French Alindien / NATO /

UKMTO / Indian Navy / Iranian Navy / Malaysian Navy / Russian Navy / Chinese Navy / South

Korean Navy / Japanese Maritime SDF/ Singapore Navy/ Royal Thai Navy / and Yemeni Coast

Guard and Navy for assisting the many vessels that have been attacked in the past by suspected

Somali pirates both in the Gulf of Aden and off eastern / southern Somali coast, Indian Ocean,

Arabian Sea and other areas. The positive actions by the Navies including pre-emptive and

disruptive counter piracy tactics had resulted in the drop in the number of attacks.


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PIRACY NEWS

Cooperation between Indonesian Marine Police and IMB shows initial positive results

Meetings and cooperation between Indonesian Marine Police and IMB recently had shown initial positive

results based on the number of attacks on merchant ships received in the first quarter of this year around

the Indonesian high risk waters, especially at the anchorage areas.

The Indonesian Marine Police actions to conduct patrols in these areas had helped reduce the number of

attacks. Early this year the IMB PRC, with the cooperation of the Indonesian Marine Police, advised all

ships intending to anchor to do so at / near the following areas where the Indonesian Marine Police

conduct regular patrols. This is to enable them to maximise their resources and provide greater protection

to vessels in / near these positions.

1. Belawan: 03:55.00N-098:45.30E

2. Dumai: 01:42.00N-101:28.00E

3. Nipah: 01:07.30N-103:37.00E

4. Tanjung Priok: 06:00.30S-106:54.00E

5. Gresik: 07:09.00S-112:40.00E

6. Taboneo: 04:41.30S-114:28.00E

7. Adang bay: 01:40.00S-116:40.00E

8. Muara Berau: 00:17.00S-117:36.00E

9. Muara Jawa: 01:09.00S-117:13.00E

10. Balikpapan: 01:22.00S-116:53.00E

The Indonesian Marine Police and IMB PRC will continue to work together and cooperate to find ways

to bring the attacks down. The IMB PRC will also monitor the situation.

Merchant ships are advised to cooperate and by maintaining strict anti-piracy and robbery watches and

report all attacks and suspicious sightings to the local authorities including the IMB PRC who will liaise

with the local authorities to render necessary assistance.

Japan gives one million dollar boost to Gulf of Guinea fund

The IMO West and Central Africa Maritime Security Trust Fund, established by IMO Secretary-General

Koji Sekimizu has received a substantial contribution of USD 1million from the Government of Japan.

The funding from Japan will go towards supporting the implementation of the Code of Conduct

concerning the prevention of piracy, armed robbery against ships and illicit maritime activity in the West

and Central Africa, which was signed by west and central Africa countries in June 2013.

“This is a very welcome donation to the trust fund, which will enable IMO to support States in the Gulf

of Guinea to develop their national and regional capabilities to improve maritime governance in waters

under their jurisdiction and to prevent, within the provisions of international law, piracy, armed robbery

against ships and other illicit maritime activities. It is fundamental for a sustainable maritime

transportation system that international shipping can operate without the threat of piracy and armed

robbery,” IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu said.

IMO has also been implementing a series of maritime security-related technical cooperation activities in

the region, including table-top exercises, with the support of funding from the Government of Norway.

31st Shared Awareness and Deconfliction (SHADE) conference, Bahrain

The 31st SHADE conference held in Manama, Bahrain on 11 March 2014, once again, brought together

states, navies and industry representatives involved in regional counter piracy operations to share

information and ideas towards achieving a common goal – suppression of Somali piracy.

The conference theme echoed the improvement and the success in the suppression of Somali piracy but

at the same time continued to caution against complacency. This caution was very aptly voiced by

Captain Peter Olive, Royal Navy, Chief of Staff to EU NAVFOR, who said: “SHADE is important

because with levels of success in piracy at an historic low, the temptation to start reducing commitment


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to counter piracy efforts is there. That would be a mistake because nothing has fundamentally changed

in the coastal regions from which pirates emanate.

The IMB PRC totally agrees with and echoes this thought and continues to advice caution to ship owners

whose vessels ply through the high-risk waters of Somali piracy.

Documents

IMB 2014.pdf