All 22 hostages from the MV Iceberg 1 have now been released
from pirate captivity. They had been held since the Iceberg 1 was
pirated on 29 March 2010, a period of two years and nine months. The
former hostages are now recovering from their ordeal and are receiving
food and medical care.On 21 Dec 2012 at 0845Z, a vessel transiting in the Gulf of Oman
(2322N; 05926E) was approached and chased by two skiffs for
approximately 1.5 hours. Vessel was subsequently confirmed as safe. On
20 Dec 2012 at 1015Z, a vessel transiting in the Gulf of Oman was
approached by a skiff reported in position 2449N; 05750E, with possibly
armed personnel onboard. The skiff fell back and the vessel was reported safe.The vessel reported hijacked from Bossaso anchorage on 18 Dec 2012
has returned to its previous position. This incident is no longer
assessed as being piracy related. See Alert Update for NSC 028/12.In addition to the incidents above, the NATO Shipping Centre has
identified a new area of concern on the PAG map located within the Gulf
of Oman.Merchant vessels are advised to remain vigilant throughout the HRA
and ensure that Self Protection Measures are in place as Pirate Attack
Groups (PAGs) are likely operating in the area. Sea states have been
favourable to piracy over recent weeks. They are expected to become more marginal in the coming weeks with the onset of the Northeast monsoon.
However, small boats will still be able to operate.During the past few months there have been continued reports
concerning suspicious activity in the HRA. Fishing activity is expected
to continue in this area. Fishermen may carry small arms. Masters are
reminded to remain vigilant in order to distinguish between fishing
vessels and potential pirates.Counter Piracy GuidanceMasters are advised that the threat of piracy against merchant
shipping is always present throughout the entire HRA and vessels are
advised to ensure all necessary Self Protection Measures are implemented as recommended in BMP4. As per Section 5 of BMP4, early registration
with MSCHOA before entering the HRA and regular reporting to UKMTO are
highly recommended. Prudent and timely implementation of all recommended actions and ship hardening measures in BMP4 can make the critical
difference of being approached, attacked, or pirated. NSC would like to
remind masters that BMP4 highly recommends maintaining best possible
vessel speed when transiting the HRA to deter pirate boardings.Successful disruptions by naval forces over the past few months, in
conjunction with masters’ adherence and implementation of BMP4, have
significantly reduced the pirates’ ability to capture vessels. Somali
pirates have shown the ability to act far off the coast of Somalia and
in darkness. Somali pirates are in search of vessels of opportunity,
such as those who are not employing BMP4 recommended Ship Protection
Measures.Despite deterioration in conditions associated with the approaching
Northeast monsoon, sea states remain conducive to piracy operations.
Merchant vessels are advised to remain vigilant throughout the HRA and
ensure that Self Protection Measures are in place, as PAGs may continue
to operate in the area.Recently, PAGs have made “soft-approaches” on merchant ships
transiting the HRA. A skiff will often approach a vessel in order to
probe the reactivity of an embarked security team (if present). If no
response, the pirates may proceed with an attack, sometimes accompanied
by a second skiff. This practice is likely more economical as they would avoid needless expenditure of resources, such as ammunition, and
personal risk without a significant probability of success.There have been a number of incidents reported to Counter Piracy
organisations in the HRA involving small craft approaches to merchant
vessels. Although these incidents may appear to be piracy related, the
majority actually are not and have been assessed as non-piracy related
activity common to the pattern of life in the area. This can include
fishing, small vessel trade, smuggling and other local traffic.It has been observed that some Masters are choosing to phone their
Company Security Officer (CSO) first in the event of a piracy incident.
However, one of the fundamental requirements of BMP4 is that UKMTO is
the primary point of contact for merchant vessels during piracy
incidents in the HRA. This aims to avoid unnecessary delay and prevent
inaccurate or incomplete information from reaching military commanders.
CSOs should ensure their ships’ security plans reinforce the BMP4
recommendation that UKMTO be immediately telephoned at +971 50 55 23215
in the event of any piracy activity. UKMTO will then make it a priority
to contact the CSO with any information received whilst ensuring the
relevant information reaches the military commanders with the minimum of delay.Sailing yachts should avoid transiting the HRA. Past activity has
shown that pirates will also attack both large and small yachts passing
their way. Despite the fact that attacks on merchant vessels appear to
have decreased, the possibility of attacks and the successful pirating
of sailing vessels remains likely due to their vulnerability and the
reduction of revenue sources from merchant vessels.
PIRACY
27 December 2012 - 21:26
NATO Shipping Centre: Weekly Piracy Update
All 22 hostages from the MV Iceberg 1 have now been released from pirate captivity.
PIRACY
27 December 2012 - 21:26
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