Professional Documents
Culture Documents
2. (U) Summary
A. (U) USA: On 31 May, the general cargo ship LIZANNE was boarded and inspected by US Customs and Border
Protection officials in Miami after receiving a tip of possible involvement in drug smuggling activity.
B. (U) MAURITIUS: On 29 May, the Taiwan-flagged fishing ship HSIN CHUN No. 16 was boarded by Coast Guard
personnel and impounded after it left port and tried to flee the country.
C. (U) GUYANA: On 28 May, Guyana police arrested five people allegedly involved in a pirate attack that left one
man dead and three others missing at sea.
D. (U) NIGERIA: On 28 May, Nigerian militants attacked an oil pipeline near Tebidaba-Brass.
E. (U) NIGERIA: On 28 May, Nigerian militants attacked an oil pipeline near Nembe.
F. (U) AUSTRALIA: On 27 May, Australian authorities arrested 14 people and impounded a ship on suspicion of
drug smuggling.
G. (U) BANGLADESH: On 26 May, twelve robbers in several speedboats attacked a group of fishermen near
Jongra in the Morapashu River area of the Sundarbans East Zone.
H. (U) SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES: On 25 May, a UK-flagged yacht was boarded by two masked
men, one with a gun, while anchored in Tobago Cays.
I. (U) GUATEMALA: On 25 May, a sailing yacht was boarded at night in a marina area of Rio Dulce.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
J. (U) INDONESIA: On 19 May, four robbers in a small craft boarded an anchored general cargo ship in Batam
Anchorage.
K. (U) MALAYSIA: On 18 May, the Pahang Customs Department seized 73,976 bottles of liquor which were about
to be smuggled into the country.
L. (U) INDIA: On 14 May, an unknown number of robbers boarded an LPG tanker, berthed at Berth IFFCO-5,
Kandla Port.
M. (U) CHINA: On 29 April, robbers boarded an anchored ore carrier in Jingtang Anchorage.
N. (U) CHINA: On 27 March, robbers disguised as stevedores boarded a berthed bulk carrier during cargo
operations in Yangzhou Conch Terminal.
O. (U) INDONESIA: On 27 February, an unknown number of robbers boarded a berthed bulk carrier and escaped
with ships properties in Tanjung Priok Port, Jakarta.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
A.
Figure 2. Central America - Caribbean South America Piracy and Maritime Crime
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
1. (U) GUYANA: On 28 May, Guyana police arrested five people allegedly involved in a pirate attack that left one
man dead and three others missing at sea. They said the four crew members were aboard a boat in Surinamese
waters when the pirates attacked, taking away two 48 hp outboard motor engines, tied up the four crew members
and threw three crewmembers overboard. The area was searched but neither the vessel nor the other three crew
members have been located. The authorities said that the attack occurred in the Lower Shell Area, near Nickerie in
northern Suriname. (Jamaica Observer; www.ynetnews.com)
2. (U) SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES: On 25 May, a UK-flagged yacht was boarded by two masked
men, one with a gun, while anchored in Tobago Cays. The intruders demanded money and hit the Captain several
times on the head with the yachts heavy flash light; while his wife was held with an arm around her neck and a gun
pointed to her head. The intruders took cash from the Captains wallet along with several cell phones and escaped.
The Captain suffered several head and facial injuries, two fractured ribs and some bruising, and was attended by a
doctor in the anchorage immediately after the event. His wife was unhurt. The SVG Coast Guard, contacted by a
neighboring yacht, arrived quickly. Three suspects are currently charged with multiple offenses and are in police
custody in Kingstown. (www.noonsite.com)
3. (U) GUATEMALA: On 25 May, a sailing yacht was boarded at night in a marina area of Rio Dulce. The thieves
stole an outboard motor from a dinghy that was chained to the yacht. (www.noonsite.com)
4. (U) VENEZUELA: On 24 May, Venezuelan Coast Guard officers arrested the tanker HYPERION at Bachaquero.
The ship was alleged to have been carrying 30 more tons of oil than listed on the manifest. (www.fleetmon.com)
5. (U) PANAMA: On 12 May, three robbers boarded a sailing yacht anchored one mile up from the mouth of Rio
Chagres. They managed to kick a door open to gain access and then ransacked the boat, stealing personal
valuables and cash. (www.noonsite.com)
6. (U) ST LUCIA: On 7 May, robbers boarded a sailing yacht anchored in Marigot Bay. The robbers stole cash from
a suitcase and escaped. (www.noonsite.com)
7. (U) VENEZUELA: On 12 May, four robbers armed with steel pipes boarded an anchored LPG tanker near
position 10:11 N - 064:47 W, Puerto Jose Anchorage. Duty crewman on routine rounds noticed the robber and
raised the alarm. Seeing the alerted crew, the robbers escaped. A search was carried out by the crew. Ship's stores
were reported stolen. Incident reported to VTS. (IMB)
8. (U) BAHAMAS: During the first few days of May, at least three outboard motors were stolen from three different
sailing yachts moored in Georgetown. (www.noonsite.com)
9. (U) MEXICO: On 4 May, Mexican law enforcement authorities searched several shipping containers aboard CMA
CGM OHIO, berthed at Manzanillo Port. Authorities found 73 kilograms of cocaine in one container, shipped from
Buenaventura, Colombia en route Acajutla, El Salvador. (www.fleetmon.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.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
F. (U) WEST AFRICA:
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
7. (U) NIGERIA: On 5 May, pirates in two speed boats chased and fired upon an underway tanker near position
03:50 N - 005:24 E, 43 nm southwest of the Bayelsa coast. Armed security team onboard returned fire resulting in
the pirates aborting the attack. All crew safe. Nigerian authorities notified. (IMB)
8. (U) NIGERIA: On 5 May, gunmen suspected to be sea pirates shot and killed two traders and injured a child and
the driver of a commercial boat. The boat was conveying passengers from Bonny Local Government Area (LGA) in
Rivers state to Kaa in Khana LGA when they were attacked. (Punch Online)
9. (U) NIGERIA: On 5 May, militants attacked the Okan offshore oil facility, located in the Escravos Bay in the Niger
Delta region. A group known as the Niger Delta Avengers has claimed responsibility for the attack. The facility has
been temporarily shut down as damage is being assessed. (www.punchng.com; www.maritime-executive.com)
10. (U) NIGERIA: On 5 May, an underway tanker reported being attacked by robbers near position 03:54 N 005:32 E, approximately 36 nm southwest of the Bayelsa coastline. The robbers chased the ship, then reportedly
fired upon the vessel. An embarked contingent of Nigerian Navy personnel and anti-piracy measures taken by the
ship prevented a boarding. (MTISC-GOG)
11. (U) NIGERIA: On 4 May, a speedboat approached an underway vessel near position 03:54 N - 005:17 E,
approximately 60 nm southwest of Brass. Armed guards aboard the ship fired warning shots and the speedboat
turned away. (MTISC-GOG)
12. (U) NIGERIA: On 3 May, a soldier was injured while four gunmen were killed in an unsuccessful ambush by
pirates in Peregbene, along the Ogbia-Nembe waterways, Bayelsa State. Security operatives attached to the Joint
Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield, reportedly overpowered the gang of sea robbers during a shootout, killing four
members of the gang in the process. A Nigerian Army soldier was injured in the gun battle that lasted over an hour,
according to military sources. (www.allafrica.com)
13. (U) DROC: On 3 May, robbers boarded an anchored vessel near position 05:51 S - 013:26 E, Matadi
Anchorage. The robbers were seen by crewmen, who raised the alarm. The robbers escaped with stolen ships
stores. (MTISC-GOG)
G.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
H. (U) INDIAN OCEAN - EAST AFRICA:
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
1. (U) MAURITIUS: On 29 May, the Taiwan-flagged fishing ship HSIN CHUN No. 16 was boarded by Coast Guard
personnel and impounded after it left port and tried to flee the country after being ordered to be seized by a
court order. Authorities caught up with the vessel 20 miles from the coast and boarded the vessel and arrested the
Master. (www.fleetmon.com)
2. (U) AUSTRALIA: On 27 May, Australian authorities arrested 14 people and impounded a ship on suspicion of
drug smuggling. A search of the vessel, approximately 100 nm off the western coast of the country, led to the
discovery of 200 kilograms of methamphetamine. (www.channelnewsasia.com; Reuters)
3. (U) YEMEN: On 16 May, five skiffs made a suspicious approach on an underway container ship near position
14:45 N - 050:58 E, near Al Mukalla. Ships Master raised the alarm, increased speed and mustered the crew. As
the skiffs closed to 0.5 nm, a ladder was noticed in one approaching skiff. Armed security team onboard the vessel
fired warning shots. Master contacted the authorities and a nearby Japanese warship dispatched its helicopter,
which resulted in the skiffs aborting and moving away. (IMB)
4. (U) EGYPT: On 5 May, general cargo vessel HIPPO was searched by Egyptian Navy personnel in the Gulf of
Suez. Narcotics were reported to have been found during the course of the search. The vessel and crew were
detained and taken to Ain Sukhna for a more detailed inspection. (www.fleetmon.com)
I.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
7. (U) INDONESIA: On 20 May, an Indonesian Navy patrol boat on a routine patrol inspected a small cargo vessel
near Nongsa, Batam. Eight tons of smuggled onions, garlic, and other produce, along with a freezer, were found
during the search. (www.cnews.id)
8. (U) INDONESIA: On 18 May, a robber boarded an anchored bulk carrier unnoticed near position 00:14 S 117:34 E, Samarinda Anchorage. The robber was able to steal ships properties and escape unseen. The incident
was noticed later by the crew during routine rounds. (IMB)
9. (U) MALAYSIA: On 16 April, five robbers boarded an anchored pipe-laying barge near position 01:23 N - 104:28
E, 10 nm east of Pulau Lima, Johor. The robbers tried to communicate with the duty crewman in their local dialect.
One of the persons was armed with a metal rod. The duty crewman did not respond and the persons walked
towards the stern. The duty crewman retreated and informed the duty officer who in turn raised the alarm, made PA
announcement and mustered the crew. A search was carried out throughout the vessel. No unauthorized persons
located and nothing reported stolen. (IMB)
10. (U) BANGLADESH: On 15 May, seven robbers in a small boat came alongside and attempted to board an
anchored container ship near position 22:06 N - 091:45 E, Chittagong C Anchorage. Alert crew noticed the
robbers and informed the duty officer who in turn raised the alarm, sounded ships whistle and mustered the crew.
Upon hearing the alarm and seeing the crews alertness, the robbers aborted the attempted boarding and escaped.
(IMB)
11. (U) MALAYSIA: On 11 May, Malaysian authorities detained a ship believed to be smuggling almost 7,000 liters
of stolen diesel fuel near Semerak Canal. Fourteen crewmembers were arrested and are being held while the
investigation continues. A search of the vessel also turned up a large amount of fresh squid being smuggled to
another country for sale at a large profit. (www.bernama.com.my)
12. (U) MALAYSIA: On 15 April, armed persons in a speed boat fired upon and boarded the tug boat HENRY near
Pondo Sibugal, Sitangkai town. One crewman was injured by gunfire. The armed persons then kidnapped four crew
members and escaped. The Malaysian Marine Police escorted the tug to a safe port and transferred the injured
crewman to a hospital for medical treatment. (IMB; www.gcaptain.com; www.sunstar.com.ph) UPDATE: On 11
May, the hostages were released, when they were dropped off in front of the governor of Sulu Provinces house.
They were then taken to a local hospital for a medical examination. (www.rappler.com)
13. (U) VIETNAM: On 9 May, robbers boarded an anchored container ship near position 10:11 N - 107:04 E, Mui
Vung Tau Anchorage. Robbers were spotted by crewmembers and alarm was raised. Robbers escaped with stolen
ships stores. Port control informed. (IMB)
14. (U) INDONESIA: On 8 May, robbers boarded an underway chemical tanker near position 03:20 N - 109:36 E,
48 nm northeast of Pulau Subi Besar. Third Engineer saw the robbers and raised the alarm and switched all deck
lights on. Crew was mustered and a search of the ship was made. Nothing reported stolen. (IMB)
15. (U) INDIA: On 8 May, three persons in a fishing boat approached an anchored LPG tanker near position 17:37
N - 083:22 E, Visakhapatnam Anchorage. They boarded the tanker using a heaving line attached to a hook. Duty
Officer noticed the persons and ordered them to leave. The persons tried to explain that their intention was to stay
on ships stern and fish but disembarked shortly after they were told to leave. Master suspected intention to steal
ships stores. (IMB)
16. (U) INDONESIA: On 7 May, merchant tanker HAI SOON 12, underway from Singapore to Sunda Straits was
boarded by armed pirates near position 02:04.48 S - 108:39.27 E, around 21 nm south of Pulau Serutu. They took
hostage all crew members and hijacked the tanker. As the ships owners failed to receive the updates from the
ships master, they reported the incident to the IMB Piracy Reporting Center who then reported the event and
liaised with the Indonesian authorities. The IMB PRC sent a broadcast to all ships to look out for the hijacked
tanker. The Indonesian Navy dispatched their patrol boats, located and intercepted the tanker and rescued the
crew. Nine pirates detained. All crew reported safe. (IMB; ReCAAP; www.vesselfinder.com)
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
17. (U) INDONESIA: On 4 May, robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored bulk carrier near position 00:15 S
- 117:40 E, Samarinda Anchorage. Alarm was raised and crew was mustered. The robbers escaped with stolen
ships properties. (IMB)
18. (U) INDONESIA: On 4 May, robbers boarded a bulk carrier underway near position 01:20 S - 116:52 E,
Balikpapan. The robbers stole ship properties and escaped unnoticed. The theft was noticed by the duty crew on
routine rounds. (IMB)
19. (U) MALAYSIA: On 3 May, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) intercepted two fishing boats
conducting illegal fuel transfer operations, arresting 13 persons from Thailand. The MMEA seized 13,400 liters of
diesel fuel and a large amount of cash in the operation, which took place approximately 150 nautical miles off the
coast, near the Guntung oil platform. (www.bernama.com.my)
20. (U) VIETNAM: On 3 May, a Vietnam-flagged fishing ship was rammed and subsequently sunk while operating
in the Paracel Island group. The incident occurred late at night, though the crew of the fishing ship believed that the
ship that rammed them was from China. The ramming ship left the area after the incident, leaving the crew of the
fishing ship to fend for themselves. They were rescued soon after by a nearby Vietnamese fishing ship. (Vietnam
News Agency Online)
J.
UNCLASSIFIED
K.
(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) 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.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
(U) Sourcing
(U) ONI derives information in this report from direct reporting and analysis of reports from the following agencies
and commercial sources.
UNCLASSIFIED