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2. (U) UKMTO ADVISORY NOTICE 002/5 APR/ 2017: Category: Suspicious Approach. Description: On 3 April at
0530 UTC in position LAT 1310N LONG 04303E, an MV reported being approached by 6 light blue coloured skiffs
with 5 POB on each skiff. Ladders and hooks were sighted. Vessel raised the alarm and armed guards took up
position on bridge wings. After 2 - 3 minutes the suspicious skiffs left. MV IS SAFE. Source: Reported to UKMTO
by vessel via EMAIL at 0756UTC Any queries regarding this Advisory Notice ring 0044 2392 222060 only for further
information. THIS ADVISORY is not Classified as a Maritime Security Event and has not been verified by UKMTO.
This information is provided to inform maritime situational awareness for mariners operating in the region. UKMTO
is not responsible for the accuracy of this reporting. UKMTO Watchkeepers, Email: watchkeepers@ukmto.org,
Emergency Tel: +971 5055 23215 Tel: +442392222060 Fax: +971(0)43094254, www.ukmto.org
3 (U) MARAD Advisory 2017-002-Regional Conflict and Terrorism-Bab al Mandeb, Gulf of Aden, and Red
Sea: Reference: U.S. Maritime Alert Numbers 2017-001A, 2017-002A, and 2017-002B, available at
www.marad.dot.gov/msci/. Issue: Continued regional tensions in Yemen have increased the risks to U.S.-flagged
commercial vessels transiting the Southern Red Sea. The Houthi rebels have conducted attacks against a Saudi
warship and UAE logistics vessels, as well as an attempted but failed attack against U.S. Navy ships in the
southern Red Sea. There has been increased fighting along the Red Sea coast and there is a risk that U.S.-flagged
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commercial vessels operating in the area could be associated with anti-Houthi operations, or otherwise at risk. U.S.
flagged vessels operating in this vicinity should exercise extreme caution. Transit by yachts and privately owned
sailing vessels through the region is also extremely hazardous and may result in capture. The U.S. Coast Guard
advises against all operation of yacht and pleasure craft in these areas. Vessels that make this passage despite
this advisory should make contact in advance with NCAGS via phone: +011 973 1785 3879. American citizens
abroad should inform the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of their plans to transit the area and/or update their
information via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at: https://step.state.gov/step/. Yachting guidance
can be found at: http://www.mschoa.org/on-shore/home.
4. (U) UKMTO ADVISORY NOTICE 005/MAR/2017: UKMTO has received information on hijacked dhow: CASAYR
II - No.30. Vessel was earlier at 70 nm from Galansyia, Socotra Island. Exact position now unknown probably
Socotra gap. The dhow has been released by the pirates after taking one skiff, food and diesel. The whereabouts of
the pirates is unknown. Vessels are advised to maintain strict anti-piracy watch and measures. Adhere to the latest
bmp recommendations. All attacks and suspicious sightings should be reported. 24 hours anti-piracy helpline+603
2031 0014 fax: +603 2078 5769.
3. (U) Summary
A. (U) SOMALIA: On 4 April, Somali pirates hijacked SALAMA I off the coast of central Somalia.
B. (U) RED SEA: On 3 April, a merchant vessel reported it was approached by six skiffs, each with five persons on
board 15 nm southwest of Mokha.
C. (U) PANAMA: On 3 April, a boat ran aground close to Juan Hombron Beach at the Gulf of Panama and was
found to be carrying illegal drugs.
D. (U) SOMALIA: On 1 April, Somali pirates hijacked the Indian cargo dhow AL KAUSAR carrying 11 crewmen
while en route Bosasso.
E. (U) PAPUA NEW GUINEA: In late March, a group of 13 persons, including two foreign missionaries, were
robbed at knife point as they were travelling to Fergusson Island.
F. (U) NIGERIA: On 30 March, four persons in a small boat boarded a bulk carrier as it approached the pilot
boarding station, 32 nm southwest of Bonny.
G. (U) NIGERIA: On 29 March, armed pirates in a boat chased and fired upon a tanker underway 64 nm southwest
of the Bayelsa Coast.
H. (U) FLORIDA: On 29 March, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials inspected a boat 20
miles north of Key West and located 40 sets of illegal shark fins.
I. (U) COLOMBIA: On 28 March, four robbers boarded an anchored tanker in Cartagena Anchorage.
J. (U) PUERTO RICO: On 27 March, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents inspected a boat near Puerto
Rico, found to be carrying 3,545 pounds of cocaine.
K. (U) SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES: On 26 March, a dinghy and small outboard motor were stolen
from a yacht anchored in Saline Bay.
L. (U) INDONESIA: On 26 March, duty crewman on routine rounds onboard a bulk carrier anchored in Taboneo
Anchorage.
M. (U) INDONESIA: On 26 March, one robber attempted to board an anchored product tanker in Lubuk Gaung
Anchorage, Dumai.
N. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 21 March, one robber boarded an LPG tanker anchored in JG Summit Berth, Batangas.
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O. (U) SURINAME: On 16 February, four Guyanese citizens were arrested after 4.2 tons of cocaine worth $125
million were seized from a fishing boat sailing north of Suriname.
B. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Korean Navy convoy schedule for April 2017. 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 1-870-773-110-438. Email: adenbay@navy.mil.kr. (MSCHOA)
C. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Chinese Navy convoy schedule for April 2017. For further information, please e-mail
planavy@navy.mil.cn, or call Tel: 00870 773 120 120; or 441 203 380. (MSCHOA)
D. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Indian Navy convoy escort schedule for April 2017. To register, email
dgcommcentre-dgs@nic.in; or visit www.dgshipping.com. Telephone numbers for contact are: 91-22-22614646 or
fax at 91-22-22613636. (MSCHOA)
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in Florida waters despite being banned more than 16 years ago. The investigation is continuing and no charges
have been filed. (www.bradenton.com)
2. (U) UNITED STATES: On 12 March, Federal authorities in Florida arrested one man on charges of human
trafficking. The incident took place 2 nm south of Key Largo. Federal officials boarded and inspected a charter boat
and found 11 immigrants from three different countries. (www.naplesnews.com)
3. (U) MEXICO: On 8 March, Customs officials in the port of Lazaro Cardenas found four suitcases, containing 130
kilograms of cocaine, inside a shipping container carrying a consignment of baby diapers, aboard the container ship
LUNA MAERSK. The ship had recently arrived from Panama. The vessel departed as scheduled, bound for
Yokohama. (www.fleetmon.com)
2. (U) COLOMBIA: On 28 March, four robbers boarded an anchored tanker near position 10:19N - 075:32W,
Cartagena Anchorage. Alarm raised and crew was mustered. Seeing the crew alertness, the robbers escaped with
stolen ships properties. Port Control notified. (IMB)
3. (U) PUERTO RICO: On 27 March, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents inspected a boat near Puerto
Rico, found to be carrying 3,545 pounds of cocaine. The boat was intercepted 60 nautical miles southeast of
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4. (U) SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES: On 26 March, a dinghy and small outboard motor were stolen
from a yacht anchored in Saline Bay. Report made to local area authorities. (www.safetyandsecuritynet.com)
5. (U) SURINAME: On 16 February, four Guyanese citizens were arrested after 4.2 tons of cocaine worth $125
million were seized from a fishing boat sailing north of Suriname, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The operation
took place on February 16 after the U.S. Coast Guard detected the 70-foot-long fishing boat in the Atlantic Ocean.
The fishing vessel, the LADY MICHELLE, was towed to St. Vincent. The four men on the boat were taken to the
U.S. Virgin Islands to face criminal charges at the US District Court of the Virgin Islands. (www.crimeonline.com)
6. (U) MARTINIQUE: On 25 March, one robber boarded a catamaran anchored in the Le Marin Marina. The robber
went into the cockpit area of the yacht, saw the astonished and concerned crew looking at him, whereupon the
robber sat down and stared back at the crew for several minutes. He eventually left the yacht. Incident reported to
local police. (www.safetyand securitynet.com)
7. (U) GUATEMALA: On 18 March, an unknown number of robbers boarded a sailing yacht anchored in Shell Bay
Anchorage, Rio Dulce. They were able to steal electric tools, anchor line and electronics and escape. Incident
announced on local, VHF radio net but not reported to local police. (www.safetyand securitynet.com)
8. (U) COLOMBIA: Approximately 453 kilograms of cocaine were found in a container on board of container ship
HAMMONIA EMDEN during her stay at Santa Marta port, Colombia, between 12 and 18 March. The container was
destined for Netherlands and loaded in the port of Turbo, Colombia. Vessel left Santa Marta on 18 March, bound
for Portsmouth, UK. (www.fleetmon.com)
9. (U) SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES: On 18 March, a catamaran anchored at Canouan Charlestown
Bay was boarded at approximately 3 a.m. The Captain awoke and yelled at the individual, who jumped overboard
and swam away. Incident reported to local police. (www.safetyandsecuritynet.com)
10. (U) MARTINIQUE: On 17 March, a sailing yacht anchored in St Anne had a tiller extension handle stolen from
their dinghy at the main dinghy dock. Incident reported to local police. (www.safetyandsecuritynet.com)
11. (U) MARTINIQUE: On 17 March, a sailing yacht anchored at St Anne reported that the outboard motor on the
dinghy had been stolen from the main dinghy dock. Incident reported to local police.
(www.safetyandsecuritynet.com)
12. (U) COLOMBIA: On 15 March, a sailing yacht anchored at Isla Baru was boarded by 4 men armed with a gun
and a machete. They assaulted the Captain, hitting him with an oar, the machete and the gun. They ransacked the
yacht, stealing a computer, an unopened safe and a jar of peanut butter. Incident reported to local police and the
local Coast Guard. (www.safetyandsecuritynet.com)
13. (U) ST LUCIA: On 12 March, thieves boarded an unlocked yacht anchored in Soufriere while crew was ashore
for the evening. Cash, cellphones and computers were taken. A report was made to the police.
(www.safetyandsecuritynet.com)
1. (U) RUSSIA: On 12 March, Russian officials found two dead Nigerian men, believed to have been stowaways, in
a cargo hold of bulk carrier LADY SERRA in the port of Svetly, Kaliningrad. The ship had recently arrived from
Lagos with a cargo of beans. Reportedly, four other Nigerian stowaways were found by the crew soon after
departing Lagos and returned to Nigeria. (www.fleetmon.com)
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1. (U) GIBRALTER: On 27 March, Royal Gibraltar Police and Customs officer boarded the bulk carrier MOUNT
FABER, which was en route from Colombia to Turkey. The boarding was part of an international multi-agency anti-
drug operation. During a search of the vessel, 108 kilograms of cocaine were located in a tube that had been
attached to the vessels hull, below the waterline. The ship resumed its voyage on 29 March. (www.fleetmon.com)
2. (U) MALTA: On 15 March, Customs inspectors discovered over 300 kilograms of cocaine while inspecting a
container supposedly containing cans of pineapple at Malta Freeport. The haul was described as the biggest ever
by the Customs Department. The container ship, which stopped in Malta on its way from Ecuador to Spain, was
flagged as a potential high risk following risk analysis performed by the Customs Department.
(www.timesofmalta.com)
2. (U) NIGERIA: On 29 March, armed pirates in a boat chased and fired upon a tanker underway near position
04:05N - 004:42E, 64 nm southwest of the Bayelsa Coast. The onboard armed naval security team returned fire
resulting in the pirates aborting the attack and moving away. All crew are safe. The tanker continued her voyage to
the next port. (IMB)
3. (U) GUINEA BISSAU: Between 21 and 24 March, four fishing vessels were arrested in Guinea Bissau waters
after joint patrols by a Non-Government Organization (NGO) and the Fisheries Surveillance Department of Guinea
Bissau, FISCAP, found multiple fishing infringements. The findings of the joint surveillance were presented to
President Jose Mario Vaz on his visit to the NGO ship. The arrested vessels were brought to port, and the crew
onboard as well as the owners of the vessels are now being investigated by local authorities for illegal
transshipment at sea, failure to display readable names on the vessels, non-payment of fines and usage of illegal
fishing equipment. (M2 Communications)
4. (U) NIGERIA: On 10 March, a speed boat carrying armed men attacked and attempted to board LNG tanker LA
MANCHA KNUTSEN near position 03:03N - 006:57E, approximately 90 nm south of Port Harcourt. When the
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attack started, vessel activated its security alert system, increased speed and began evasive maneuvers. The
pirates stopped their attack and moved away. (www.fleetmon.com)
5. (U) NIGERIA: On 8 March, the bulk carrier SOFIA was near position 03:20N - 004:29E, 120 nm southwest of
Brass, Bayelsa State while en route from Lagos to Owendo Anchorage, Libreville, Gabon, when seven armed
persons in a skiff approached and fired upon the ship. Master and crew undertook following actions: alarm raised,
ship increased speed and commenced evasive maneuvering. All non-essential crew retreated to the citadel. After
40 minutes, the skiffs aborted the attack and moved away. Crew reported as safe. Ship sustained some damage
due to the gun firing. (IMB; www.fleetmon.com)
2. (U) RED SEA: On 3 April, a merchant vessel reported it was approached by six skiffs, each with five persons on
board 15 nm southwest of Mokha in the southern Red Sea. The vessel reported sighting ladders and hooks on
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board the skiff, and the approach prompted crew to raise the alarm and armed guards took up position, causing the
skiffs to move away. (www.pviltd.com)
3. (U) SOMALIA: On 1 April, Somli pirates hijacked the Indian cargo dhow AL KAUSAR carrying 11 crewmen while
en route Bosasso. The dhow is reportedly in Somali coastal waters in the Galmudug region. (IMB;
www.hellenicshippingnews.com; gCaptain; www,eunavfor.eu)
4. (U) SOMALIA: On 23 March, pirates hijacked a dhow in the vicinity of Eyl, and took hostage its 20 crew
members. The dhow had three skiffs onboard. The pirates released 13 crew members in one skiff. The dhow with
the remaining crew and an unknown number of pirates then sailed to an unknown location. The pirates involved in
the attack were reportedly not seeking to hold the ship and its crew for ransom, but rather to use the vessel as a
mothership, or launch pad for attacks on bigger ships. On 26 March, the pirates released the dhow after stealing
one of its skiffs along with food and diesel fuel. (IMB; gCaptain)
5. (U) MOZAMBIQUE: On 22 March, duty crew on routine rounds onboard a bulk carrier anchored near position
19:48S - 034:50E, Berth No 6, Port of Beira, noticed two robbers armed with knives on the poop deck. Chief
Officer informed via radio. Crew mustered and then proceeded to the poop deck. Seeing the crews alertness, the
robber jumped overboard and escaped without stealing anything. The incident was reported to local authorities who
boarded the ship to investigate. (IMB)
6. (U) ARABIAN SEA: On 17 March, a joint US Navy, UK Royal Navy, and Royal Canadian Navy operation
intercepted a small stateless dhow in the international waters of the Arabian Sea, seizing 500 kilograms of hashish.
The forces were conducting maritime security operations in the region as a part of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150
of the Combined Maritime Forces, was conducting an inspection of the vessel as part of a flag verification boarding
when the illicit cargo was found. (www.marinelink.com)
7. (U) YEMEN: On 16 March, at least 42 Somali refugees were killed when a helicopter reportedly attacked the
boat in which they were travelling. The incident occurred approximately 30 nm from Hudaydah. (BBC;
www.theguardian.com)
8. (U) ARABIAN SEA: On 13 March, a joint US Navy, Royal Navy, and Royal Canadian Navy operation
intercepted a small stateless dhow in the international waters of the Arabian Sea March 13, seizing 270 kilograms
of heroin. The forces were conducting maritime security operations in the region as a part of Combined Task Force
(CTF) 150 of the Combined Maritime Forces, was conducting an inspection of the vessel as part of a flag
verification boarding when the illicit cargo was found. (www.marinelink.com)
9. (U) YEMEN: On 10 March, a Yemen Coast Guard vessel struck a mine in waters of the southern Red Sea,
killing eight sailors and wounding eight others, including the vessels captain. (AP)
10. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 9 March 2017 at 0845 UTC in position 13:52N - 050:20E, an MV reported two
motherships had deployed four skiffs that approached the MV to within 1 cable. Onboard armed security team
showed weapons and skiffs retreated. Vessel is safe. (UKMTO)
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2. (U) INDONESIA: On 26 March, one robber attempted to board an anchored product tanker near position 01:43N
- 101:26E, Lubuk Gaung Anchorage, Dumai. Alert crewman noticed the robber and raised the alarm. Seeing the
crews alertness, the robber escaped in a boat with three accomplices. The robbers were apprehended by
Indonesian Marine Police patrolling in the vicinity. (IMB)
3. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 21 March, one robber boarded an LPG tanker anchored near position 13:40N - 121:03E,
JG Summit Berth, Batangas, during loading operations. An alert duty crewman saw a robber hiding near the
starboard winches. When confronted, the robber threatened the crew with a long knife. Alarm was raised and crew
was alerted. Seeing the alerted crew, the robber escaped in a waiting boat with his accomplice. On searching the
tanker after the incident, the crew reported ships properties were stolen. Local authorities and local agents
informed. (IMB)
4. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 26 March, duty crew onboard a tanker anchored near position 13:43N - 121:02E,
Batangas Anchorage, noticed a robber on the forecastle as he approached during routine rounds. The robber
threatened the crewman with a knife, resulting in the duty crew raising the alarm and retreating. Seeing the crews
alertness, the robber escaped in a boat. On conducting a thorough security check, ship properties found missing.
Incident reported to the Philippines Coast Guard and Port Authority. (IMB)
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5. (U) INDONESIA: On 26 March, two suspicious speed boats with 2-3 persons in each boat approached an
underway tanker near position 01:07N - 103:32E, 7.1 nm west-northwest of Pulau Nipah. Master took evasive
actions, sounded the ships horn and directed the signaling lamp towards the boats. At a distance of 15 meters from
the tanker, the boats aborted and moved away. The tanker continued her passage. (IMB)
6. (U) INDONESIA: On 19 March, duty crewman on routine rounds onboard a tanker anchored near position
01:42N - 101:28E, 0.8 nm off Pulat Rupat, Dumai, noticed one person attempting to climb onboard by using a hook
attached to a bamboo stick. The duty crewman informed the duty officer who raised alarm. Seeing the alerted crew,
the intruders aborted and moved away. (IMB)
7. (U) BANGLADESH: On 19 March, four armed men boarded the container ship SANTA FIORENZA, anchored
near position 22:05N - 091:48E, Chittagong Anchorage, and stole several gas cylinders. The master reported the
incident to the Bangladesh Coast Guard via VHF Channel 12. They are investigating the incident. (ReCAAP)
8. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 19 February, pirates believed to be affiliated with Abu Sayyaf, boarded the Vietnam-
flagged cargo ship GIANG HAI, near position 06:09N - 119:39E, approximately 35 nm northwest of Doc Can Island.
The pirates abducted six crew members and killed another. (AFP; ReCAAP; IMB; www.hellenicshippingnews.com)
UPDATE: On 15 March, the Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed that the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf killed
one of the six Vietnamese seafarers abducted from the bulker GIANG HAI. (www.maritime-executive.com)
9. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 15 March, robbers boarded a chemical tanker anchored near position 13:45N - 121:03E,
Batangas Anchorage. Duty crewman on routine rounds noticed that the forepeak store room lock was broken and
immediately informed the duty officer on the bridge. A search was made throughout the tanker. It was reported that
ships properties were stolen. (IMB)
10. (U) INDONESIA: On 11 March, an unknown number of robbers boarded a chemical tanker anchored near
position 01:42N - 101:26E, Lubuk Gaung Inner Anchorage, Dumai. The robbers stole ships properties and
escaped unnoticed. The theft was noticed by the duty crew during routine rounds. Incident reported to the local
agents. (IMB)
11. (U) INDONESIA: On 9 March, duty crewman onboard a product tanker anchored near position 05:52 S -
105:59 E, Merak Anchorage OPL, noticed a boat close to the stern and informed the duty officer. Alarm was raised
and crew was mustered. Hearing the alarm, one robber was seen jumping overboard and escaping in the boat.
Nothing reported stolen. (IMB)
12. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 5 March, a skiff with six persons onboard approached and followed general cargo ship
PHU AN 268 for approximately 1.5 hours. The skiff initially started following the ship near position 06:20N -
118:08E, 4.43 nm northeast of Lihiman Island. Master raised the alarm, increased speed and activated fire hoses.
Incident reported to Malaysian authorities. A patrol vessel rendezvoused with the vessel and escorted her to
Sandakan port. All crew safe. (IMB; www.maritimeherald.com)
13. (U) MALAYSIA: On 1 March, state marine police foiled an attempt to smuggle 21,000 liters of diesel in an
operation near Seberang Takir River. A marine police spokesman said that two locals and two Indonesian crew
members were detained to assist investigation. Further adding that they found out that the boat had a modified fuel
tank and the boat was heading towards a neighboring country from the Kemaman Port, and the tug boat was not
authorized to carry the fuel. (www.nst.com.my/news)
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(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) 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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(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) 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 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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(U) The PAWW and WTS reports are posted each week on the ONI Intel Portal and can be found at:
http://www.oni.navy.mil/Intelligence-Community/Piracy
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