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OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE

(U) WORLDWIDE: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report
21 December 2015 - 20 January 2016
21 January 2016

(U) Table of Contents

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

(U) Scope Note

(U) Summary
(U) Counter-Piracy and Maritime Crime Announcements and Advisories
(U) Details: Monthly Incidents by Region
(U) Appendix A: Further Contact Information and Resources
(U) Appendix B: Terminology and References

1. (U) Scope Note

(U) The Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) message provides info on piracy threats to, and criminal action
against, merchant vessels worldwide in the last 30 days. This report is produced primarily to inform merchant
mariners and naval forces.

2. (U) Summary
A. (U) COTE DIVOIRE: On 20 January, two robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored vessel in Abidjan
Anchorage.
B. (U) NIGERIA: On 19 January, pirates in two speed boats chased and fired upon an underway vehicle carrier
37 nm southwest of Bayelsa.
C. (U) CONGO: On 19 January, two robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored vessel in Pointe Noire
Anchorage.
D. (U) BAHRAIN: On 16 January, a Bahrain-flagged fishing dhow was attacked outside Bahrain territorial waters,
resulting in the death of one crewman who tried to resist the boarding.
E. (U) INDONESIA: On 15 January, four robbers boarded an anchored offshore support vessel in Galang
Anchorage, Batam.
F. (U) VIETNAM: On 14 January, a Vietnam-flagged fishing boat was repeatedly rammed while operating in an in
an area 90 nautical miles off the central city of Da Nang.
G. (U) BELIZE: On 13 January, four robbers armed with guns boarded an anchored sailing yacht in Middle Long
Cay.
H. (U) INDIA: On 11 January, an unknown number of robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier in Kandla OTB
Anchorage, Kandla Port.

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I. (U) INDIA: On 11 January, eight persons boarded an anchored chemical tanker in Kandla Anchorage.
J. (U) NIGERIA: On 9 January, a speedboat with five armed men approached the AUNTY JULIE oil platform in the
Coinoil Oil Field.
K. (U) VIETNAM: On 7 January, three robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier in Hon Cam anchorage.
L. (U) VIETNAM: On 5 January, an unknown number of robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier in Hong Gai
Anchorage.
M. (U) CHINA: On 1 January, an unknown number of robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier in dense fog in
Tianjin Outer Anchorage.

3. (U) Counter-Piracy and Maritime Crime Announcements and Advisories

A. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Government of Japan convoy schedule for January 2016. To apply for JMSDF escort, visit
http://www.mlit.go.jp/en/maritime/maritime_fr2_000000.html, please contact directly the Anti-Piracy Contact and
Coordination Office, Maritime Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MILT), Japan: Tel:
+81-3-5253-8932; Fax: +81-3-5253-1643. Email: INFO-PIRACY@mlit.go.jp. (MSCHOA)
B. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Korean Navy convoy schedule for January 2016. All merchant vessels wishing to join
the convoy group must submit their application forms directly to the ROK naval warship carrying out the mission.
The ROK MTG can be reached directly at INMARSAT: 00-870-773-110-438; Email: cheonghaeetg@navy.mil.kr.
(MSCHOA)
C. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Chinese Navy convoy schedule for January 2016. For further information, please e-mail
planavy@navy.mil.cn, or call Tel: 441 302 243; or 441 302 244; or 441 302 237. (MSCHOA)
D. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Indian Navy convoy escort schedule for January 2016. To register, email
dgcommcentre-dgs@nic.in; or visit www.dgshipping.com. Telephone numbers for contact are: 91-2222614646 or fax at 91-22-22613636. (MSCHOA)
E. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Russian Navy convoy escort schedule for January 2016. For further information e-mail
smb@msecurity.ru; isps@msecurity.ru; or fax +7 (499) 642-83-29. (MSCHOA).

4. (U) Details: Monthly Incidents by Region

(U) This section lists reports of active violence against shipping, credible threats to shipping, or the potential for a
situation to develop into a direct threat to shipping over the last 30 days. Every effort is made to ensure that
incidents are not double-counted. In the event double-counting is detected, or an incident is later learned to be
different than initially reported, an explanation of the cancellation of the inaccurate report will be made in at least
one message prior to dropping the erroneous report.
A.

(U) NORTH AMERICA: No current incidents to report.

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B. (U) CENTRAL AMERICA - CARIBBEAN - SOUTH AMERICA:

Figure 1. Central America - Caribbean South America Piracy and Maritime Crime
1. (U) BELIZE: On 13 January, four robbers armed with guns boarded an anchored sailing yacht in Middle Long
Cay. The robbers sexually assaulted a female passenger and also stole cash, electronics, passports, and an
outboard motor. (www.safetyandsecuritynet.com)
C.

(U) ATLANTIC OCEAN AREA: No current incidents to report.

D. (U) NORTHERN EUROPE - BALTIC: No current incidents to report.

E.

(U) MEDITERRANEAN - BLACK SEA: No current incidents to report.

F. (U) WEST AFRICA:

Figure 2. West Africa Piracy and Maritime

Crime
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1. (U) COTE DIVOIRE: On 20 January, two robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored vessel near position
05:13 N - 004:02 W, Abidjan Anchorage. The robbers were spotted on the aft deck by duty crewmen, who raised
the alarm. The robbers escaped with mooring lines. (MTISC-GOG)
2. (U) NIGERIA: On 19 January, pirates in two speed boats chased and fired upon an underway vehicle carrier
near position 03:52 N - 005:33 E, 37 nm southwest of Bayelsa. Master raised the alarm and activated SSAS,
mustered all crew and activated the water hoses. After three hours, the pirates abandoned the chase. One crew
member reported minor injury. Remaining crew safe. (IMB)
3. (U) CONGO: On 19 January, two robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored vessel near position 04:45 S 011:50 E, Pointe Noire Anchorage. The robbers were spotted by a duty crewman, who raised the alarm. The
robbers were able to escape with ships properties. (MTISC-GOG)
4. (U) NIGERIA: On 9 January, a speedboat with five armed men approached the AUNTY JULIE oil platform in the
Coinoil Oil Field, near position 04:25 N - 005:35 E. The MV SUNSHINE, the security vessel for the area,
approached the speed boat. Both boats briefly exchanged gun fire and the speed boat left the area. (www.lsssapu.com)
5. (U) NIGERIA: On 12 January, a merchant ship in the Lagos Secure Anchorage Area reported to local authorities
of being followed by five men in a speedboat. The merchant ship soon after reported that they had seen two men in
the rudder trunk and the unknown men had reportedly left the ship soon after their sighting. The ship was instructed
to drop anchor and await further inspection. (MTISC-GOG)
6. (U) CONGO: On 4 January, three robbers boarded an anchored vessel near position 04:47 S - 011:52 E, Pointe
Noire Anchorage. Duty crewmen spotted the robbers on deck and raised the alarm. The robbers jumped overboard
and escaped in their rowboat. (MTISC-GOG)
7. (U) NIGERIA: On 27 December 2015, an unknown number of pirates attacked an anchored tanker near position
05:35 N - 005:00 E, approximately 10 nm west of Warri. The attack was reportedly repelled by an onboard
detachment of Nigerian Navy personnel. (www.fleetmon.com)
8. (U) NIGERIA: On 24 December, seven gunmen in a speedboat attacked a passenger boat in the Brass Local
Government Area of Bayelsa State. One person was killed and six others injured. (www.tribune.com.ng)
9. (U) NIGERIA: On 21 December, pirates attacked three passenger boats in the Kula waterways in the Akuku-Toru
local government area of Rivers State. Several dozen people are believed to have perished in the attack as many
could not swim when the pirates forced them to jump in the river before stealing belongings. (www.allafrica.com)

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G. (U) ARABIAN GULF:

Figure 3. Arabian Gulf Piracy and Maritime

Crime
1. (U) BAHRAIN: On 16 January, a Bahrain-flagged fishing dhow was attacked outside Bahrain territorial waters,
resulting in the death of one crewman who tried to resist the boarding. The robbers boarded the dhow, beat the
crew with wood planks and stole the fish catch before escaping. (www.maritime-executive.com)
H.

(U) INDIAN OCEAN - EAST AFRICA: No current incidents to report.

I.

(U) EAST ASIA - SOUTHEAST ASIA - INDIAN SUBCONTINENT:

Figure 4. East Asia - Southeast Asia - Indian Subcontinent

Piracy and Maritime Crime
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Figure 5. East Asia - Southeast Asia - Indian Subcontinent

Piracy and Maritime Crime
1. (U) INDONESIA: On 15 January, four robbers boarded an anchored offshore support vessel near position 00:44
N - 104:09 E, Galang Anchorage, Batam. Duty oiler noticed the robbers via the security camera and informed the
duty officer. Alarm was raised and crew was mustered. Seeing the crews alertness, the robbers escaped with
stolen ships properties. (IMB)
2. (U) VIETNAM: On 14 January, Vietnam-flagged fishing boat QNg 98137 carrying 10 fishermen from Quang Ngai
was operating in an area 90 nautical miles off the central city of Da Nang when it was attacked by a vessel with a
steel hull, white cabin and Chinese letters on its side. After the first direct hit on the fishing boat's cabin, the
fishermen rushed to retrieve all of the fishing nets to prevent them from being damaged or washed away. The
Chinese vessel then crashed into the boat for a second time, this time at its starboard side, a spokesman said. The
attack caused severe damage to communication cables, the navigation cabin and several other parts of the ship,
(www.tuoitrenews.vn)
3. (U) INDIA: On 11 January, an unknown number of robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier near position 22:46
N - 069:59 E, Kandla OTB Anchorage, Kandla Port. The robbers were able to steal ships stores and escape
unnoticed. The theft was noticed by the crew while securing the deck after cargo operations. Incident reported to
local authorities. (IMB)
4. (U) INDIA: On 11 January, eight persons boarded an anchored chemical tanker near position 22:46 N - 070:02
E, Kandla Anchorage. They were noticed near the forecastle store room armed with knives. Duty crewman raised
the alarm and crew was mustered on the bridge and local Coast Guard/port authorities informed. Seeing the alerted
crew the robbers escaped without stealing anything. (IMB)
5. (U) VIETNAM: On 7 January, three robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier near position 20:43 N - 107:09 E,
Hon Cam anchorage. During routine rounds, a duty crewman heard voices near the forecastle. As he approached
to investigate he saw the three men with knives approaching him. The crewman managed to safely retreat to the
accommodation area and informed the duty officer who sounded the ships whistle and raised the alarm. Seeing the
alerted crew the robbers escaped with stolen ships stores. Local authorities and agents informed. (IMB)

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6. (U) VIETNAM: On 5 January, an unknown number of robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier near position
20:41 N - 107:10 E, Hong Gai Anchorage. The robbers stole ships stores and escaped unnoticed. Theft was
discovered by duty crewmen later in the day. (IMB)
7 (U) VIETNAM: On 2 January, a Vietnamese fishing boat was rammed and nearly sunk by a larger vessel,
reportedly with Chinese writing on the side. The fishing boat, QNg 98459, was rammed approximately 70 nm off
from Con Co Island. Much of the crews equipment was lost when the boat was swamped. Two nearby Vietnamese
fishing boats rendered assistance, rescuing several crewmen who were washed overboard and also helping to
keep the boat from completely sinking. (tuoitrenews.vn)
8. (U) INDONESIA: On 30 December 2015, Indonesia's Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Resources (KKP) said it
would investigate an incident in which Chinese crewmen stole nine fishing boats from the Pomako port in Timika,
Papua, reportedly taking them to China. The nine ships are KM KOFIAU 19, KM KOFIAU 15, KM KOFIAU 16, KM
KOFIAU 17, KM KOFIAU 18, KM KOFIAU 49, KM OMBRE 50, KM OMBRE 51 and KM OMBRE 52. The KKP also
stated that the ships reportedly broke other laws, including employing foreign crew, carrying dual flags, fishing
beyond the permitted areas, violating manpower and immigration laws and conducting transshipment at the sea
border between Arafura, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. (Antara News)
9. (U) INDIA: On 30 December, two robbers in a small fast boat boarded an anchored tanker near position 22:37 N
- 069:55 E, Sikka Anchorage. Duty crewman noticed the robbers, raised the alarm and crew was mustered. Seeing
the alerted crew, the robbers escaped with stolen ship properties. Incident reported to port control. (IMB)
10. (U) INDONESIA: On 27 December, four robbers approached an anchored bulk carrier near position 03:43 S 114:25 E, Taboneo Anchorage. One robber attempted to board the vessel via the hawse pipe but was spotted by a
duty crewman who raised the alarm. Seeing the alerted crew, the robbers aborted and moved away. (IMB)
11. (U) BANGLADESH: On 25 December, two crewmen were kidnapped from a cargo ship in the Meghna River
near Tankir Bazar in the Laxmipur district. A ransom was demanded from the kidnappers for their release. The next
day, police, acting on a tip, rescued the two men. (www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com)
12. (U) INDIA: On 24 December, an unknown number of robbers boarded an anchored tanker unnoticed near
position 22:46 N - 070:02 E, Kandla Anchorage. The robbers stole ships properties and escaped. The incident was
discovered later in the day. (IMB)
13. (U) BANGLADESH: On 24 December, robbers kidnapped three fishermen from a group fishing approximately
50 nm south-west of Kuakata. The robbers soon after attacked another group of fishermen, stealing their outboard
motor and leaving them adrift. Authorities responded to the incidents and are investigating. (www.thedailystar.net)

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J. (U) NORTHEAST ASIA:

Figure 6. Northeast Asia Piracy and

Maritime Crime
1. (U) CHINA: On 1 January, an unknown number of robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier in dense fog near
position 38:48 N - 118:19 E, Tianjin Outer Anchorage. They opened the aft diesel oil tank, stole part of the oil and
escaped. The theft was noticed later in the day by duty crewmen who noticed the open manhole cover. Incident
reported to port authority and local agent. (IMB)
2. (U) CHINA: On 29 December, five robbers in large boat came alongside an anchored bulk carrier near position
38:47 N - 118:16 E, Caofeidian Anchorage. Alert crew spotted the boat, raised the alarm and all crew was
mustered. Seeing the alerted crew, the robbers aborted the attempt and moved away. (IMB)
K.

(U) PACIFIC OCEAN - SOUTHERN OCEAN: No current incidents to report.

5. (U) Appendix A: Further Contact Information and Resources

(U) This appendix provides contact information for the author of the WTS as well as other entities that can be
contacted with maritime crime reports. It also lists other resources where the WTS is posted and where piracy and
maritime crime incident information can be found.
(U) Contact
(U) Originator of this WTS report requests consumer feedback. Originator will incorporate all anti-shipping events
and violence against the maritime industry into this weekly message where appropriate. To aid in our reporting,
please add the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) to your normal corporate and organizational reporting
requirements. The 24-hour watch can be reached at +1 (301) 669-4053.
(U) Other Resources
(U) This Worldwide Threat to Shipping Report is posted at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agencys Maritime
Safety site: http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) also publishes a live
piracy report based on reporting from the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, listing all piracy
and armed robbery incidents in the last ten days: http://www.icc-ccs.org/. The PAWW and WTS Reports are posted
weekly on the ONI Intel Portal: http://www.oni.navy.mil/Intelligence_Community/piracy.htm.
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6. (U) Appendix B: Terminology and References

(U) This appendix is provided to promote consistent use of accurate terms of reference in reporting and also
identifies those references that were used to gather the information contained in this report. ONI welcomes
comment and suggestions for addition or amendment.
(U) Terminology
(U) In order to promote consistent use of accurate terms of reference, the following have been adopted to describe
the range of criminal anti-shipping activity and impediments to safe navigation in our worldwide reporting and
analysis. Please note that these terms relate to observable activity and are independent of target vessel status and
exclude actions by governmental powers in lawful pursuit of their authorities:

(U) Attempted Boarding Close approach or hull-to-hull contact with report that boarding paraphernalia were
employed or visible in the approaching boat.

(U) Blocking Hampering safe navigation, docking, or undocking of a vessel as a means of protest.

(U) Boarding Unauthorized boarding of a vessel by persons not part of its complement without successfully
taking control of the vessel.

(U) Firing Upon Weapons discharged at or toward a vessel.

(U) Hijacking Unauthorized seizure and retention of a vessel by persons not part of its complement.

(U) Kidnapping Unauthorized forcible removal of persons belonging to the vessel from it.

(U) Robbery Theft from a vessel or from persons aboard the vessel.

(U) Suspicious Approach All other unexplained close proximity of an unknown vessel.

(U) Sourcing
(U) ONI derives information in this report from direct reporting and analysis of reports from the following agencies
and commercial sources.

Agence France Presse (AFP)

Associated Press (AP)
Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), Denmark
BBC News
EU Naval Forces (EU)
Fairplay (FP), London
Informa Group (INFO), formerly LLP, Llp Limited, London
International Maritime Bureau (IMB), London and Kuala Lumpur
International Maritime Organization (IMO), London
gCaptain
Latitude38.com (LAT) website
Lloyd's List (LL), daily, London
Local Media (LM)
LSS-SAPU.com (LSS)
Maritime Administration (MARAD), U.S.
The Maritime Executive (website)
Maritime Security Centre - Horn of Africa (MSCHOA)
Maritime Security Council (MSC), U.S.
Maritime Trade Information Sharing Centre - Gulf of Guinea (MTISC-GoG)
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), Navigation Safety System
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North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Brussels

Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) (analysis and comment)
Operator (owner or operator of affected vessel)
Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)
Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia,
Information Sharing Center (ReCAAP ISC)
Reuters
Royal Australian Navy (RAN)
Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN)
Seafarers Assistance Program (SAP), Kenya
Tradewinds (TW)
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization (UKMTO)
United Press International (UPI)
U.S. Maritime Liaison Office (MARLO) Bahrain
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

(U) ICOD: 20 January 2016

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