MARLO WEEKLY

Piracy Analysis and Threat to Shipping (PATS)

MARLO 25 Years of Service
May 05, 2013
MARLO Office Phone:
+973 1785-3925

U.S. Maritime Liaison Office (MARLO) Bahrain

After Hours / Emergencies:
+973 3940-1395

www.cusnc.navy.mil/marlo
E-Mail:
marlo.bahrain@me.navy.mil

Keep a Watchful Eye for Surveillance: Embarked crew and security personnel are requested to immediately
inform MARLO of any apparent surveillance, or unusual formations, approaches, queries by air or sea-borne
assets, as well as changes to local/regional port operations and security measures.
For sea-borne activities, please indicate flag (if displayed), vessel type, vessel name/registration number,
number of persons onboard, weapons seen, and details of the encounter. Photographs and videos are especially
valuable. Such reports help MARLO (and all supporting naval forces operating in the region) better understand
maritime threats, which enhance awareness, protection and deterrence measures.
All reports should be immediately passed to MARLO via its 24/7/365 Duty Watch Officer at +973-3940-1395.
If less urgent or containing significant details, information can be sent via e-mail to:
MARLO.BAHRAIN@ME.NAVY.MIL after a call to the watch.
Contents:
1. Piracy Events This Past Week
2. Hijacked Vessels Under Pirate Control
3. Weather Forecast for 01 May - 07 May 2013
4. Weather Influences on Pirate Skiff Operations
5. Worldwide Threat Summary (over the past month)
6. Counter-Piracy and Maritime Crime Announcements and Advisories
7. Details: Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean & East Africa, West Africa, Arabian Gulf, and Southeast Asia
8. Terminology and Piracy Levels

1. Piracy Events This Past Week (off Somali Coast & Horn of Africa):
A. Somali pirate activity is at low levels. There were no reported vessel attacks during this one week period.
There were no vessels reported as hijacked during this one week period.
- Vessels Hijacked: No current incidents to report.
- Vessels Boarded: No current incidents to report.
- Vessels Fired Upon/Attempted Boardings: No current incidents to report.
- Other Activity: No current incidents to report.

MARLO facilitates the exchange of information between U.S. Navy, Combined Maritime Forces, and the maritime industry.
Information herein provided by various sources, including ONI and their respective data outlets in the public & private sector (cited
as appropriate).

Figure 1. HOA Pirate Activity, 25 April 01 May 2013

B. Tabulated Data

Vessels Hijacked
Boarding
Vessels Fired Upon /
Attempted Boarding

This
Week
0
0
0

Last
Week
0
0
0

May
2013
0
0
0

Apr
2013
0
0
1

2013

2012

2011

2010

0
0
4

7
1
24

27
17
122

51
16
119

2. Hijacked Vessels Under Pirate Control:

Name
ALBEDO
NAHAM 3

Flag
Malaysia
Oman

Type
Container Cargo
Fishing Vessel

Hijacked Date
25 November 2010
26 March 2012

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Information herein provided by various sources, including ONI and their respective data outlets in the public & private sector (cited
as appropriate).

3. Weather Forecast for 01 May 07 May 2013

A. GULF OF ADEN: East-northeast winds of 10 15 knots and seas of 1 3 feet in the western section of the
Gulf; with east-northeast winds of 10 15 knots with gusts to 20 knots and seas of 1 3 feet in the eastern
section of the Gulf.
EXTENDED FORECAST: East-northeast winds of 10 15 knots and seas of 1 3 feet in the western section
of the Gulf; with east-northeast winds of 10 15 knots and seas of 1 3 feet in the eastern section of the Gulf.
B. GULF OF OMAN: Northwest winds of 5 10 knots and seas of 1 3 feet in the western section of the
Gulf; with northwest winds of 5 10 knots and seas of 1 3 feet in the eastern section of the Gulf.
EXTENDED FORECAST: Northwest winds of 10 15 knots and seas of 1 3 feet in the western section of
the Gulf; with northwest winds of 10 15 knots and seas of 1 3 feet in the eastern section of the Gulf.
C. SOMALI COAST: South-southeast winds 5 10 knots and seas of 2 4 feet.
EXTENDED FORECAST: Southeast winds of 10 15 knots and seas of 2 4 feet.
D. ARABIAN SEA: Northwest winds of 5 10 knots and seas of 2 4 feet.
EXTENDED FORECAST: West-northwest winds of 10 15 knots and seas of 2 4 feet.
E. CENTRAL AFRICAN COAST/INDIAN OCEAN: Southerly winds of 15 20 knots and seas of 4 6
feet. EXTENDED FORECAST: Southerly winds of 10 15 knots and seas of 4 6 feet.
F. MOZAMBIQUE CHANNEL: Southeast winds of 15 20 knots and seas of 7 9 feet in the northern
Channel; with southeast winds of 15 20 knots and seas of 7 9 feet in the southern Channel.
EXTENDED FORECAST: Southerly winds of 10 15 knots and seas of 5 7 feet in the northern Channel;
with southerly winds of 10 15 knots and seas of 5 7 feet in the southern Channel.
G. SURFACE CURRENTS: The Northern Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden currents are northeasterly with
most areas having average speeds of 1 2 knots. The Mozambique Channel currents are variable, having
average speeds of 2 3 knots. Current speeds in the Somali Basin average between 1 2 knots.

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Information herein provided by various sources, including ONI and their respective data outlets in the public & private sector (cited
as appropriate).

4. Weather Influence on Pirate Skiff Operations:

Green shading represents unfavorable conditions for pirate activity; red represents favorable conditions for
pirate activity.

5. Worldwide Threat Summary (Past Month):

1. INDONESIA: On 30 April, a berthed cargo ship was boarded at the Belawan Port.
2. INDONESIA: On 27 April, a berthed tanker was boarded at the Belawan Port.
3. NIGERIA: On 26 April, an underway container ship experienced an attempted boarding
approximately 83 nm west-southwest of Brass.
4. NIGERIA: On 25 April, an underway container ship was boarded approximately 45 nm
west-southwest of Brass.
5. INDONESIA: On 24 April, an underway tug was boarded approximately 53 nm northnortheast of Bintan Island.
6. NIGERIA: On 24 April, an underway offshore crew ship went missing 30 nm south of Brass.
MARLO facilitates the exchange of information between U.S. Navy, Combined Maritime Forces, and the maritime industry.
Information herein provided by various sources, including ONI and their respective data outlets in the public & private sector (cited
as appropriate).

6. Counter-Piracy and Maritime Crime Announcements and Advisories:

A. GULF OF ADEN: Government of Japan convoy schedule for April and May 2013.
Merchant vessels that wish to apply for JMSDF escort operation should visit
http://www.mlit.go.jp/en/maritime/maritime_fr2_000000.html, please contact directly the AntiPiracy 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. GULF OF ADEN: Korean Navy convoy schedule for April and May 2013. 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: 870-773-110-299), (Email: rokcheonghae@gmail.com) (MSCHOA).
C. GULF OF ADEN: Chinese Navy convoy schedule for April and May 2013. For further
information, please e-mail cnmrcc@msa.gov.cn, cnmrcc@mot.gov.cn, or call Tel:
86-10-652-92221 Fax: 86-10-652-92245 (MSCHOA).
D. GULF OF ADEN: Indian Navy convoy escort schedule for April and May 2013. To
register, email antipiracyescort@dgshipping.com or dgcommcentre@satyammail.net, or visit
www.dgshipping.com. Telephone numbers for contact are: 91-22-22614646 or fax at 9122- 22613636 (MSCHOA).
7. Monthly Incidents by Region
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.
Designation of a high-threat area is based on an assessment of all source information relating to
the existence of, or potential for, piracy and other crime, terrorism, civil unrest, or low-intensity
conflict. 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. MEDITERRANEAN BLACK SEA:
1. LIBYA: On 01 April, the underway bulk carrier CONDOR experienced a suspicious approach at 34:50 N
014:40 E, approximately 133nm North-northeast of Tripoli. A group of boats were discovered off the ships
port side. Security team took shooting position. Crew retreated to the citadel. Ship increased its speed to
maximum and took evasive maneuvers. There were no aggressive actions taken toward the vessel. (IMO)
B. INDIAN OCEAN & EAST AFRICA:
1. INDIA: On 05 April, the anchored tanker NEW CENTURY experienced an attempted boarding at 17:39 N
083:24 E, at the Visakhapatnam Anchorage. Seven robbers in three fishing boats approached an anchored tanker.
Two robbers managed to reach the ship rails using hooks attached to heaving lines but were noticed by the alert
duty crew who raised the alarm and prevented their gaining access to the ship decks. The robbers moved away from
the boat and waited a short distance away. Incident reported to port control and a patrol boat came and searched the
waters around the tanker. (IMB, IMO)
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Information herein provided by various sources, including ONI and their respective data outlets in the public & private sector (cited
as appropriate).

2. SOMALIA: On 02 April, the cargo ship ALPHA KIRAWIRA was fired upon at 00:52 N 044:01 E,
approximately 13nm South of Baraawe. Around seven to eight armed pirates in a skiff approached and fired upon
a general cargo ship underway. The on board armed security team fired warning shots resulting in the pirates
moving away. (IMB, IMO, NSC)

C. WEST AFRICA:
1. NIGERIA: On 26 April, the underway container ship experienced an attempted boarding at 03:48 N
004:57 E, approximately 83 nm west-southwest of Brass. Pirates in a boat attempted to attack a container ship
underway. Master raised alarm, switched off all ships lights, altered course and increased speed. The boat
chased the ship for one hour and aborted the attempted attack. (IMB, IMO)
2. NIGERIA: On 25 April, the underway container ship CITY OF XIAMEN was boarded at 04:10 N 005:30
E, approximately 45 nm west-southwest of Brass. Heavily armed pirates boarded underway ship. The ship
raised the alarm and the crew took shelter in the citadel. The pirates were able to breach the citadel and
kidnapped five crewmembers before departing the vessel. The remaining crews were reported safe. (IMB, IMO,
Reuters)
3. NIGERIA: On 24 April, the underway offshore crew ship UTAI 8 went missing 30 nm south of Brass. The
19 meter Nigerian-flagged vessel was heading for Port Harcourt with three crew onboard when contact was
lost 30 miles south of Brass on Wednesday morning. (TW)
4. NIGERIA: On 24 April, the underway cargo ship was fired upon at 03:51 N 005:40 E, approximately 32
nm off the Niger Delta. The 3rd Officer observed one skiff approaching the vessel. The pirate's skiff
approached from the starboard abeam, increased speed (26 knots), and was very close to the vessel when the
pirates started shooting. The crew raised the alarm, SSAS was activated, announced by VHF CH-16 that the
vessel was under attack, and initiated evasive maneuvers. Pirate's skiff came upon the starboard quarter and
attempted to board the vessel. After approximately 30 minutes, the skiff aborted the attack. No crew injuries,
but the vessel sustained damage from where the bullets struck the vessel. (IMB)
5. NIGERIA: On 22 April, the container ship HANSA MARBURG was boarded at 02:31 N 006:50 E,
approximately 133nm South of Port Harcourt. Armed pirates boarded a container ship underway. They
kidnapped four crew members and escaped. No injuries were reported to the remaining crew members who
sailed the ship to Senegal. (IMB, IMO, LL)
6. GULF OF GUINEA: On 22 April, the crude oil tanker CAP THEODORA was attacked near position
03:10 N 007:14 E, approximately 77 nm south of Bonny, Nigeria. During this attack, the vessel was
approached by a speedboat with five or six men on board while underway. The men attempted to board the
tanker several times. The attack was reportedly thwarted by protective measures enacted by the crew and by
defensive maneuvering. A fishing trawler with a red hull and white superstructure was spotted nearby, possibly
acting as a mothership. Of note, this ship was previously attacked on the same voyage, on 16 April. In that
event, which took place near Principe Island, in the Gulf of Guinea, armed pirates in a skiff approached and
fired upon the ship. According to a report from the International Maritime Bureau, the alarm was raised and
distress signals were activated; the fire pump was started; the crew went to their emergency stations and to the
citadel; the ship's speed was increased and evasive maneuvers were made. After about 20 minutes the skiff
aborted the attack and moved away, leaving the crew and vessel unharmed. (LL)

MARLO facilitates the exchange of information between U.S. Navy, Combined Maritime Forces, and the maritime industry.
Information herein provided by various sources, including ONI and their respective data outlets in the public & private sector (cited
as appropriate).

7. CONGO: On 18 April, the anchored cargo ship CORINTH experienced an attempted boarding at 04:44 S
011:48 E, at the Pointe Noire Anchorage. Three robbers in a small boat approached and attempted to board an
anchored ship. Alert duty crew spotted the robbers climbing the anchor chain and raised the alarm. On hearing
the alarm, the robbers jumped into the water and escaped empty handed. Incident reported to port control.
(IMB, IMO)
8. GULF OF GUINEA: On 16 April, the underway tanker CAP THEODORA was fired upon at 01:48 N
006:46 E approximately 36 nm west- northwest of Principe Island. The crew raised the alarm, activated the
SSAS, initiated distress signals, and started the fire pump. Crew then proceeded to their emergency stations
and citadel, while the master increased the vessels speed and initiated evasive maneuvers. After approximately
20 minutes, the skiff aborted the attack and moved away. (IMB, IMO)
9. NIGERIA: On 13 April, the tanker LEON DIAS was boarded at 03:48 N 006:25 E, approximately 30nm
Southeast of Brass. Vessel issued a distress signal, reported being under attack, and boarded by pirates.
Although no further details are available; it is presumed the crew and vessel were robbed. Pirates departed the
tanker and with the crew safe, the vessel proceeded to Douala. (OCL)
10. NIGERIA: On 13 April, the offshore supply vessel GYRE and escort boat BLUE JAY were fired upon at
04:43 N 008:20 E, approximately 5nm South of Parrot Island. A fast boat was spotted moving on intercept
course towards the OSV. Escort boat, Blue Jay, intercepted the suspicious boat and fired warning shots, shots
returned from the attacking boat. Fire exchange followed, pirates boat turned away and headed towards shore.
No casualties reported. Both vessels in convoy safely reached Calabar. (OCL)
11. SIERRA LEONE: On 11 April, the anchored cargo ship RMS BAERL was boarded at 08:30 N 013:11
W at Freetown Inner Roads. Master on board the anchored general cargo ship noticed a boat approaching and
sent the able bodied seaman (AB) to investigate. Master then noticed, eight robbers already on board had
detained the AB and laid him on the deck at knife point. Master then raised the alarm and went forward to
assist the AB with the help of another crewmember. While attempting to assist the AB, the robbers threatened
them, forcing their retreat into the accommodation area, where the Master called the security vessel. By the
time the security vessel arrived on the scene, the robbers had already escaped with stolen ship stores. (IMB,
IMO)
D. ARABIAN GULF: No current incidents to report.

MARLO facilitates the exchange of information between U.S. Navy, Combined Maritime Forces, and the maritime industry.
Information herein provided by various sources, including ONI and their respective data outlets in the public & private sector (cited
as appropriate).

E. SOUTHEAST ASIA:
1. INDONESIA: On 30 April, a berthed cargo ship was boarded at 03:47 N 098:42 E, at the Belawan Port.
Robbers boarded a berthed general cargo ship while crews were involved with customs and immigration and
getting the ship ready to discharge. Duty AB noticed the robbers at the poop deck and immediately report to
the DO who raised alarm. On seeing alerted crew the robbers escaped with stolen ship stores. (IMB, IMO)
2. INDONESIA: On 27 April, the berthed tanker was boarded in the vicinity of 03:47 N 098:42 E, at the
Belawan Port. Two robbers in a boat approached and boarded the berthed tanker and broke into the tank
cleaning gear locker and stole the ships property. Duty crew noticed the robbers, raised the alarm and ran
towards the robbers. On hearing the alarm, the robbers jumped overboard and escaped with the stolen items in
their boat. Incident reported to the local agents. (IMB, IMO)
3. INDONESIA: On 24 April, the underway tug was boarded at 04:10 N 005:30 E, approximately 53 nm
north-northeast of Bintan Island. Fifteen pirates armed with guns and long knives in three high speed boats
boarded a tug underway. They took hostage nine crew members, assaulted some of the crew and tied them up.
They ransacked all cabins, stole vessels properties, crew members cash and personal belongings and escaped.
(IMB, IMO)
4. INDONESIA: On 24 April, the underway tanker NADIYA MELISENDE was boarded at 01:17 N - 104:50
E, approximately 16 nm north-northeast of Bintan Island. Pirates armed with a gun and knives boarded a
product tanker and robbed the crew of cash money, personal belongings, and escaped. (IMB)
5. INDONESIA: On 23 April, the underway tanker AD PHOENIX was boarded at 01:19 N - 104:47 E,
approximately 15 nm north-northeast of Bintan Island. Five pirates armed with a pistol and long knives, in a
high speed wooden craft, approached and boarded the asphalt tanker underway. They stole cash and crew
personal effects and escaped. Master raised the alarm and attempted to contact the coastal authority, but
received no response. The crew suffered no injuries. (IMB)
6. MALAYSIA: On 22 April, a crew from a neighboring barge ENG TOU 266 at 01:19 N 104:10 E, off
Tanjung Ayajm, noticed an unknown tug boat pulling the cargo barge. (IMO)
7. INDONESIA: On 19 April, the anchored tanker SINGAPORE RIVER was boarded at 01:41 N 101:30 E,
at the Dumai Inner Anchorage. Four robbers armed with knives boarded the anchored tanker from the poop
deck and caught and tied up the duty A/B at knife-point. They tried but failed to enter the engine room. They
also failed to open the hatch on the poop deck.They eventually escaped with stolen personal items and the
ship's property. (IMO)
8. VIETNAM: On 17 April, the anchored bulk carrier IVS MAGPIE was boarded in the vicinity of 20:58 N
107:19 E, at the Cam Pha Outer Anchorage. Three robbers boarded a bulk carrier via the forward bow and
hawse pipe, unnoticed. Duty AB noticed them in the process of lowering ropes into a waiting boat and
informed the Master who raised the alarm and alerted the crew. The crew tried to recover the ropes by using
the winch but the robbers cut off the ropes and escaped. (IMB, IMO)
9. INDONESIA: On 13 April, the berthed bulk carrier DENSA JAGUAR was boarded at 07:05 S 112:39 E,
at the Surabaya Port. Three robbers in a small boat armed with long knives approached the berthed ship. Duty
A/B noticed the robbers, informed the D/O and retreated into the accommodation. Alarm raised and crew
mustered. Seeing the crew alertness, the robbers escaped without stealing anything. Incident reported to port
control. Deck patrols increased. (IMB, IMO)
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Information herein provided by various sources, including ONI and their respective data outlets in the public & private sector (cited
as appropriate).

10. VIETNAM: On 09 April, the berthed bulk carrier WESTGATE was boarded at 10:34 N 107:01 E, at the
Ho Chi Minh Port. Robbers stole ships properties from the vessel and escaped undetected. (IMB, IMO)
11. INDONESIA: On 06 April, the anchored tanker MAERSK BERING was boarded at 03:56 N 098:41 E,
at the Belawan Anchorage. Robbers boarded the vessel and stole ships properties. The robbery was reported to
the authorities and local agent. The local agent subsequently informed the Master that he had been contacted
by the robbers representative and he was willing to sell back the stolen items to the Master. (IMB, IMO)
12. INDONESIA: On 04 April, the anchored tanker GARDEN CITY RIVER was boarded at 01:42 N
101:29 E, at the Dumai Anchorage. The robbers stole engine spares and escaped unnoticed. The theft was not
detected until the following day when bare foot prints were noticed near the store. Incident reported to the local
authorities through the agents. (IMB, IMO)
13. INDONESIA: On 03 April, the anchored tanker IVER EXACT experienced an attempted boarding at
01:42 N 101:25 E, at the Dumai Anchorage. Four robbers in a boat came close to board the anchored tanker.
The duty officer detected the boat, shouted using loudhailer and flashed light. The watchman blew ship's horn.
The robbers noticed the crew alertness and moved away. All crew safe. (IMB, IMO, OCL)
14. INDONESIA: On 03 April, the anchored bulk carrier SHER E PUNJAB was boarded at 01:43 S 116:38
E, at the Adang Bay Anchorage. Two robbers armed with a gun and knives boarded a bulk carrier from the
forecastle and made the duty crew hostages at knife point. D/O called him on walkie-talkie but did not receive
any response. Another crewman was sent immediately to check the forward. When he arrived the duty crew
was found tied-up. The D/O was alerted and he raised the alarm. Two speed boats were seen departing from
the vessel. All crew mustered and went forward to investigate. It was found ships stores had been stolen from
the forward store. (IMB, IMO)
15. VIETNAM: On 02 April, the cargo ship WEHR BLANKENESE was boarded in the vicinity of 10:45 N
106:42 E, at the Ho Chi Minh City Port. Robbers boarded the vessel, broke the padlock to the paint store, and
stole 14 drums of paint. (IMO)
16. BANGLADESH: On 01 April, the bulk carrier CRANE was boarded at 22:15 N 091:44 E, at the
Chittagong Anchorage A. The vessel was attacked while discharging. During a routine patrol of vessel by
ship staff, approx. 6 robbers armed with long knives were found on forecastle. They were gone by the time
crew arrived. (IMO)
F. ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC NON-STATE ACTIVIST GROUPS: No current incidents to
report.
8. Terminology and Piracy Levels:
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:
A. Terminology:

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

MARLO facilitates the exchange of information between U.S. Navy, Combined Maritime Forces, and the maritime industry.
Information herein provided by various sources, including ONI and their respective data outlets in the public & private sector (cited
as appropriate).

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

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

Firing Upon Weapons discharged at or toward a vessel.

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

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

Robbery Theft from a vessel or from persons aboard the vessel.

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

B. Piracy Levels:

High: More than 7 piracy incidents in this one-week period.

Moderate: 36 piracy incidents in this one-week period.

Low: 12 piracy incidents in this one-week period.

MARLO facilitates the exchange of information between U.S. Navy, Combined Maritime Forces, and the maritime industry.
Information herein provided by various sources, including ONI and their respective data outlets in the public & private sector (cited
as appropriate).