Professional Documents
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(U) A. Operation Centre in the Philippine Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao for monitoring and
immediate responses in any eventualities. (Sat phones: +63 929686 4129/+63 916626 0689, VHF:
Channel 16 with call-sign "ENVY", Email: hcgdswm@yahoo.com)
(U) B. Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) when transiting nearer to eastern Sabah. (Tel: +60
89863181/016, Fax: +60 89863182, VHF: Channel 16 with call-sign ESSCOM, Email:
bilikgerakanesscom@jpm.gov.my)
(U) For additional information see: http://www.recaap.org/mwginternal/gj4f982jd95g4/progress?id=CxTHpGB3il0OE-IUlD_h7qbueby54Ui94BNu9494Rbg,&dl
3. (U) IMB ADVISORY 11 Nov 2016: All ships transiting Celebes Sea / Sulu Sea / off Zamboanga and
Moro Gulf / off Mindanao Island. On 10 November 2016 at 2031 UTC in position 06:40.45N - 122:29.45E, 10 nm
north-northeast of Basilan Island, Philippines. A merchant vessel was attacked and boarded by pirates. Six crew
members were kidnapped and one crew injured. This is the second merchant vessel to be attacked and crew
kidnapped in this area. Vessels are advised to maintain strict anti-piracy watch and exercise extreme caution and
keep clear of the position given in this report and maintain maximum CPA with any vessel acting suspiciously. All
attacks and suspicious sightings should be reported. IMB Piracy Reporting Centre 24 hours anti-piracy helpline
+603 2031 0014, fax: +603 2078 5769, Email: imbkl@icc-ccs.org <mailto:imbkl@icc-ccs.org> // piracy@icc-ccs.org
4. (U) NGA Special Warning 134 3 Oct 2016: Commercial vessels in the region of the Red Sea, Bab el Mandeb
Strait, and the Gulf of Aden should operate under a heightened state of alert as increasing tensions in the region
escalate the potential for direct or collateral damage to vessels transiting the region. These threats may come from
a variety of different sources such as missiles, projectiles or waterborne improvised explosive devices. Huthi rebels
claimed responsibility for a 1 October attack on a UAE vessel. Vessels in the region should report hostile activities
immediately and contact coalition naval forces via VHF bridge to bridge radio. Email: catleader@me.navy.mil,
phone: 973 1785 3879.
3. (U) Summary
A. (U) BANGLADESH: On 20 December, ten robbers boarded a passenger vessel and robbed the passengers of
jewelry and other valuables in the Katakhal River near Elongjuri Union.
B. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 20 December, suspected Abu Sayyaf militants kidnapped four fishermen from the fishing
boat RAMONA 2 in the Celebes Sea.
C. (U) NIGERIA: On 15 December, eight robbers in a skiff approach and attempted to board an anchored tanker
using a long ladder in Qua Iboe Anchorage.
D. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 15 December, Philippines Customs authorities arrested the petroleum tankers MT
ALPINE MAGNOLIA and MT MALOLOS in the port of Bataan on suspicion of fuel smuggling.
E. (U) MALAYSIA: On 13 December, the Sarawak Customs Department seized 1,106 master cases of cigarettes
and 5,800 cartons of beer during an operation at the Senari Port.
F. (U) NIGERIA: On 12 December, three robbers in a small speed boat attempted to board an anchored product
tanker in Lagos Anchorage.
G. (U) INDONESIA: On 8 December, three robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier in Muara Berau Anchorage,
Samarinda.
H. (U) INDONESIA: On 30 November, four robbers armed with knives boarded an LPG Tanker, anchored in
Cilacap Anchorage.
I. (U) PUERTO RICO: On 15 November, US Customs and Border Protection personnel stopped and searched a
small wooden boat 8 miles west of Desecheo Island, off the western coast, finding 328 pounds of cocaine.
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1. (U) MEXICO: On 26 November, robbers boarded the offshore supply ships GLOBAL EXPLORER and VIKRANT
DOLPHIN while the vessels were anchored at Dos Bocas Anchorage, Tabasco State. Eleven armed men boarded
the ships about 0200 local time and stole equipment, cargo and crews belongings. Crews hid in the citadels until a
security team arrived. Pirates fled in their boats, and though authorities were informed in time, pirates werent
intercepted. No injuries reported. (www.fleetmon.com)
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B.
Figure 1. Central America - Caribbean South America Piracy and Maritime Crime
1. (U) PUERTO RICO: On 15 November, US Customs and Border Protection personnel stopped and searched a
small wooden boat 8 miles west of Desecheo Island, off the western coast. The search turned up 328 pounds of
cocaine, hidden in two secret compartments of the vessel. Two men on the vessel were arrested.
(www.businessinsider.com)
2. (U) BRAZIL: On 5 December, Brazilian authorities in the port of Santos, found 225 kilograms of cocaine in a
shipping container carrying a consignment of chocolates aboard CAP SAN LORENZO. The ships next port of call
was Rotterdam and the ship has been detained for an investigation. (www.fleetmon.com)
3. (U) HAITI: On 27 November, robbers attempted to board an anchored tanker near position 18:34N - 072:23W,
Port Au Prince Anchorage. Alert crewman on routine rounds noticed the robbers and raised the alarm resulting in
the robbers retreating. Crew mustered and a search was carried out. Nothing reported stolen. Port control informed.
(IMB)
4. (U) BRAZIL: On 26 November, 223 kilograms of cocaine was discovered in a shipping container aboard CAP
SAN ARTEMISSIO, among a consignment of bagged charcoal in the port of Santos. Reportedly, bags with drugs
were hoisted aboard from a small boat by people aboard the ship and then hidden in the container. No mention of
crew involvement. (www.fleetmon.com)
5. (U) VENEZUELA: On 23 November, robbers boarded a bulk carrier anchored near position 10:11N - 064:45W,
Puerto Jose Anchorage. Duty crewman on routine rounds noticed the bosun store room door open. Upon
approaching the store room, two robbers armed with knives were seen stealing ships stores. The crew tried to
confront the robbers but he was threatened by the robbers. The duty crewman was able to raise the alarm. Seeing
the alerted crew, the robbers escaped with the stolen ships stores. (IMB)
C. (U) ATLANTIC OCEAN AREA: No current incidents to report.
D. (U) NORTHERN EUROPE - BALTIC: No current incidents to report.
E.
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7. (U) NIGERIA: On 27 November, an unknown militant group in the Niger Delta region has reportedly blown up the
Abura oil pipeline, a major oil trunk line operated by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company near OtuJeremi in Ughelli South local government area of Delta State. (www.punchng.com)
8. (U) NIGERIA: On 23 November, pirates armed with automatic weapons approached and fired upon an underway
tanker near position 03:35N - 005:13E, 61 nm southwest of Bayelsa coast. Alarm raised, SSAS activated, crew
alerted, and the onboard security team returned fire. The pirates managed to board the tanker using a ladder and
all crew retreated to the citadel. After two hours, the pirates left the tanker. Vessel sustained some damages at the
superstructure due to the firing. All crew are safe and no injuries reported. One pirate was reportedly killed. (IMB)
G.
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1. (U) BANGLADESH: On 20 December, ten robbers boarded a passenger vessel and robbed the passengers of
jewelry and other valuables in the Katakhal River near Elongjuri Union. During the attack, one passenger was
injured by gunfire and another is missing and believed to have fallen into the river and drowned.
(www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com)
2. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 20 December, suspected Abu Sayyaf militants kidnapped four fishermen from the fishing
boat RAMONA 2 in the Celebes Sea, in the area where other Abu Sayyaf-related kidnappings have occurred.
(www.abcnews.go.com)
3. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 15 December, Philippines Customs authorities arrested the petroleum tankers MT ALPINE
MAGNOLIA and MT MALOLOS in the port of Bataan on suspicion of fuel smuggling. The ships were carrying a
combined total of 45,000 tons of fuel and were conducting an unlawful fuel transfer. (www.thestandard.com.ph)
4. (U) MALAYSIA: On 13 December, the Sarawak Customs Department seized 1,106 master cases of cigarettes
and 5,800 cartons of beer during an operation at the Senari Port. The State Customs director said the commodities
were found in three containers in the Customs and Examination area at the port. An initial investigation showed that
all the three containers arrived from Singapore and was imported by a company that does not exist. The manifest
says that the containers were supposed to be carrying jewelry, clothing, bags, pencils and shoes. (www.the
borneopost.com)
5. (U) INDONESIA: On 8 December, three robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier near position 00:17S 117:39E, Muara Berau Anchorage, Samarinda. Alarm was raised and crew was mustered. Seeing the crews
alertness, the robbers escaped with stolen ships stores. Port control informed. Authorities boarded the ship for
investigation. (IMB)
6. (U) INDONESIA: On 30 November, four robbers armed with knives boarded an LPG Tanker, anchored near
position 07:46S - 109:04E, Cilacap Anchorage. They took hostage a duty crewman and forced him to guide them
into the engine room. The robbers then took the duty oiler hostage and threatened them with a knife. The robbers
stole engine spares and escaped. The hostage crew later raised the alarm. Incident reported to the local agents
and authorities. (IMB)
7. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 8 December, three persons in a blue and white speed boat approached an underway bulk
carrier near position 05:29N - 119:38E, 17 nm south of Pearl Bank. Master sounded the ship's whistle continuously,
made an announcement on the PA system, increased speed, commenced evasive maneuvers, and activated the
fire hoses. Seeing the alerted crew and the hardening measures taken by the ship, the speed boat moved away.
(IMB)
8. (U) MALAYSIA: On 8 December, security forces shot and killed three gunmen in a firefight during a kidnapping
attempt in Darvel Bay. A police spokesman confirmed that there was a shootout between security forces and the
armed group, and that one policeman was injured. It is believed that the criminals were trying to abduct a fisherman
when police intervened. (www.thestar.com.my)
9. (U) INDONESIA: On 7 December, a duty crewman on routine rounds onboard a bulk carrier, anchored near
position 00:14.39S - 117:35.09E, Muara Berau Anchorage, Samarinda, noticed the skylight of forecastle store
room open and the cover of the anchor chain removed. He also saw two robbers in a small boat leaving the vessel.
The duty crewman immediately informed the duty officer who raised the alarm and mustered the crew. Upon
inspection, it was found that ships stores were stolen. Incident reported to the local authorities through the local
agents. (IMB)
10. (U) VIETNAM: On 6 December, the tanker SWIFT was arrested by Vietnam Coast Guard personnel on
suspicion of fuel smuggling. The vessel was reportedly carrying 4,348 tons of gasoline and did not have the proper
documentation for the cargo. The ship and crew were taken to the port of Xuan Dai Bay for further investigation.
(www.fleetmon.com)
11. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 5 December, three Indonesian fishermen were kidnapped near the Philippine island of
Labuan. All three fishermen were reportedly released unhurt the following day, and it is believed that the owner of
the Sandakan-based trawler or agents of the trawler's owner crossed the border to negotiate the immediate release
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of the three crewmen and the boat. Local authorities indicated that the three Indonesian crewmen were held by
unidentified gunmen because they were reportedly poaching within Philippine waters. (www.thestar.com.my)
12. (U) INDONESIA: On 2 December, crewmen onboard a heavy lift vessel anchored near position 01:05N 104:10E, Kabil Anchorage, Palau Batam, discovered robbers boarding the ship. Duty officer raised the alarm, made
the PA announcement and crew was mustered. Seeing the crews alertness, the robbers escaped without stealing
anything. Incident reported to local authorities and port control. Authorities boarded the ship for investigation. (IMB)
13. (U) INDONESIA: On 1 December, duty crewman on routine rounds onboard an anchored general cargo ship
noticed three robbers on the forecastle deck, near position 03:40S - 114:27E, Banjaramasin Anchorage. Duty
officer raised the alarm and crew was mustered. Seeing the alerted crew, the robbers escaped via the hawse
pipe. Port authority informed. (IMB)
14. (U) SINGAPORE STRAITS: On 26 November, duty crewmen onboard a tug anchored near position 01:11N 103:39E, 4.1 nm southwest of Pulau Jurong, discovered a store room had been broken into and ships stores
stolen. (IMB)
15. (U) VIETNAM: On 26 November, Vietnam Coast Guard officials intercepted and arrested the tanker DANAI 8
near Quang Ngai province. The ship was taken to the port of Dung Quat on suspicion of fuel smuggling.
(www.fleetmon.com)
16. (U) VIETNAM: On 26 November, an alert duty crew onboard a container ship anchored near position 10:23N 107:03E, Vung Tau Anchorage spotted robbers boarding the ship via a small wooden boat. Master raised the alarm
and crew managed to catch one robber. The incident was reported to the port authorities and the robber was
handed over to the local police. (IMB)
17. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 24 November, seven armed persons wearing black clothes and black masks in a speed
boat approached an underway bulk carrier near position 05:55N - 119:50E: 8 nm west of Laparan Island. The alert
crew noticed the approaching boat and raised the alarm, commenced evasive maneuvers, and activated fire hoses.
Seeing the alerted crew and the vessel hardening, the boat moved away. Master warned other vessels via VHF
channel 16. All crew safe. (IMB)
18. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 24 November, a bulk carrier underway near position 05:47N - 119:51E, 6 nm southwest
of Laparan Island, noticed a blue speed boat with ten armed persons wearing black clothes and black masks
approaching the vessel at high speed. Ships master raised the alarm, alerted the crew and contacted the
Philippine Navy. The speed boat closed onto the vessel and then moved away. After short while, the duty officer
once again noticed the speed boat approaching the vessel from astern. The master once again made contact with
the Philippine Navy and provided the requested information. Seeing the alerted crew and the visible vessel
hardening, the boat moved away and approached another vessel in the vicinity. (IMB)
19. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 23 November, eight persons wearing masks, and armed with automatic weapons, in a
speed boat attempted to board an underway bulk carrier, near position 06:21N - 119:53E, 25 nm northwest of Cap
Island, using a long pole attached with hook. Master raised the alarm and activated the SSAS. Vessel speed
increased and evasive maneuvers undertaken. The persons in the boat opened fire and tried to board the vessel
but failed due to the hardening measures taken by the vessel and moved away. Master warned other vessels via
VHF channel 16 and reported the incident to the Philippine authorities. All crew reported safe. (IMB)
20. (U) VIETNAM: On 23 November, two duty crewmen on board a bulk carrier noticed a fishing boat slowly
approaching their vessel, anchored near position 10:15N - 107:00E, Vung Tau Anchorage. The boat circled the
vessel and then stopped near the bow. One crewman stayed near the forecastle to keep watch on the boat.
Unknown to the crewman another boat had come alongside the vessel near the accommodation area. Two robbers
armed with knives boarded the vessel and started stealing ships stores. As the second crewman made his routine
rounds the robbers confronted and threatened him with the knife. The duty crew retreated into the accommodation
and raised the alarm, resulting in the robbers escaping. Incident reported to port control via VHF. (IMB)
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J. (U) NORTHEAST ASIA:
1. (U) TAIWAN: On 5 December, Taiwan investigators in Koahsiung seized more than 200 kilograms of cocaine
and over 50 kilograms of amphetamine that were packed inside car batteries imported from Brazil. It is alleged to
be the biggest bust in Taiwanese history. (Focus Taiwan)
K. (U) PACIFIC OCEAN - SOUTHERN OCEAN: No current incidents to report.
(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.
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(U) Robbery Theft from a vessel or from persons aboard the vessel.
(U) Suspicious Approach All other unexplained activity in 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.
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