PIRACY AND ARMED ROBBERY AGAINST SHIPS

Transcription

1 ICC INTERNATIONAL MARITIME BUREAU PIRACY AND ARMED ROBBERY AGAINST SHIPS ANNUAL REPORT 1 January 31 December 2005 WARNING The information contained in this document is for the internal use of the recipient only. Unauthorised distribution of this document, and/or publication (including publication on a Web site) by any means whatsoever is an infringement of the Bureau s copyright. ICC International Maritime Bureau Maritime House 1 Linton Road Barking, Essex IG11 8HG United Kingdom Tel : Fax : imb@iccccs.org.uk Web : 31 January 2006

2 INTRODUCTION The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) is a specialised division of the International Chamber Of Commerce (ICC). The IMB is a nonprofit making organisation, established in 1981 to act as a focal point in the fight against all types of maritime crime and malpractice. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) in its resolution A 504 (XII) (5) and (9) adopted on 20 November 1981, has inter alia, urged governments, all interests and organizations to cooperate and exchange information with each other and the IMB with a view to maintaining and developing a coordinated action in combating maritime fraud. This report is an analysis of worldwide reported incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships from 1 January to 31 December Outrage in the shipping industry at the alarming growth in piracy prompted the creation of the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) in October 1992 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The key services of the PRC are: Issuing daily status reports on piracy and armed robbery to ships via broadcasts on the InmarsatC SafetyNET service Reporting piracy and armed robbery at sea incidents to law enforcement and the IMO Helping local law enforcement apprehend pirates and assist in bringing them to justice Assisting shipowners whose vessels have been attacked or hijacked Assisting crewmembers whose vessels have been attacked Providing weekly updates on pirate activity via the Internet Publishing comprehensive quarterly and annual reports detailing piracy statistics The services of the PRC are provided free of charge to all ships irrespective of their ownership or flag. The IMB also locates ships seized by pirates and recovers stolen cargos on a chargeable basis. The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre is located at: ICC International Maritime Bureau (Asia Regional Office) PO Box 12559, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel Fax Telex MA34199 IMBPCI imbkl@iccccs.org.uk 24 Hours Anti Piracy HELPLINE Tel : Weekly piracy report on the Internet: The IMB now posts the weekly updates of attacks on the Internet at The report is compiled from the Piracy Reporting Centre s daily status bulletins. By posting the information on the Internet, ship owners and authorities ashore as well as ships at sea can access the weekly updates. Sometimes, incidents occurring in the previous quarter(s) are reported to the Centre after a time lag. This late reporting of incidents results in changes to the figures in the tables. The Centre has, as at 31 December 2005, received reports of 276 incidents but may receive details of more in the coming months relating to the year Because of the recent debate concerning Malacca Straits, narrations of incidents in this area are shown as separate categories. Similarly because of the increasing serious incidents off Somalia, incidents in this area are also shown as separate categories. 2

3 COMMENTS OF DEFINITIONS AND FIGURES For statistical purposes, the IMB defines Piracy and Armed Robbery as; An act of boarding or attempting to board any ship with the apparent intent to commit theft or any other crime and with the apparent intent or capability to use force in the furtherance of that act. This definition thus covers actual or attempted attacks whether the ship is berthed, at anchor or at sea. Petty thefts are excluded unless the thieves are armed. The above definition has been adopted by the IMB as the majority of attacks against ships take place within the jurisdictions of States and piracy as defined under United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (1982) does not address this aspect. The IMB is pleased to record that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) at its 74 th meeting of MSC addressed this matter in the draft Code of practice for the Investigation of Crimes of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships (MSC/Circ.984) article (2.2) (The Code of Practice). The Code of Practice defines Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships as follows; Piracy means unlawful acts as defined in article 101 of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): ARTICLE 101 Definition of Piracy consists of any of the following acts: a) any illegal acts of violence or detention, or any act of depredation, committed for private ends by the crew or the passengers of a private ship or a private aircraft, and directed (i) on the high seas, against another ship or aircraft, or against persons or property on board such ship or aircraft; (ii) against a ship, aircraft, persons or property in a place outside the jurisdiction of any State; (b) any act of voluntary participation in the operation of a ship or of an aircraft with knowledge of facts making it a pirate ship or aircraft; (c) any act of inciting or of intentionally facilitating an act described in subparagraph (a) or (b). Armed Robbery against Ships means any unlawful act of violence or detention or any act of depredation, or threat thereof, other than an act of piracy, directed against a ship or against persons or property on board such ship, within a State s jurisdiction over such offences The above definitions now cover actual or attempted attacks whether the ship is berthed, at anchor or at sea. 3

4 FUNDING The Piracy Reporting Centre is currently financed by voluntary contributions from the following; Associazione Nazionale Fra Le Impresse Assicuratrici (ANIA), Italy Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association Limited Den Norske Krigsforsikring for Skib, Norway Dobson Fleet Management Ltd, Cyprus Fafalios Shipping S.A, Greece Fenwick Shippping Services, Hong Kong GARD P&I, Norway Government of Cyprus Holbud Limited, London International Transport Workers Federation Japan P&I Club, Japan Oman Insurance Company, UAE SCIO Shipping Inc, New York, U.S.A. Seaarland Shipping Management GmbH, Austria SKULD Standard Steamship Owners' Protection and Indemnity Association (Bermuda) Limited Steamship Mutual Underwriting Association (Bermuda) Limited The North of England P&I Association Ltd Tsakos Shipping & Trading S.A. Greece Union of Greek Shipowners, Greece United Arab Shipping Co SAG, Kuwait Wallenius Marine AB, Stockholm, Sweden 4

5 Table 1: Locations of ACTUAL and ATTEMPTED attacks, Jan. to December Locations S E ASIA Cambodia Malacca Straits Malaysia Myanmar(Burma) Philippines Singapore Straits Thailand FAR China/ HKong/Macau EAST East China Sea Hong Kong/Luzon/Hainan (HLH) Area Papua New Guinea Solomon islands South China Sea Taiwan Vietnam INDIAN Bangladesh India SUB CONTINENT Sri Lanka AMERICAS Brazil Caribbean 1 4 Colombia Costa Rica 1 Cuba 4 Dominican Republic Ecuador Guatemala 1 Guyana Haiti Honduras Jamaica Martinique 1 Mexico 1 1 Nicaragua Peru Salvador Trinidad & Tobago Uruguay 1 USA Venezuela AFRICA Algeria 1 1 Angola Benin 1 Cameroon Congo 1 1 Egypt Eritrea 1 Equatorial Guinea 1 Gabon Gambia 1 Ghana Guinea Guinea Bissau Ivory Coast Kenya Liberia 1 2 Mauritania Madagascar Morocco Mozambique Nigeria Oman 1 Red Sea / Gulf of Aden Senegal Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa Tanzania Togo Yemen Zaire 2 REST OF WORLD Albania 5 1 Arabian Sea Arabian Gulf 1 Australia 1 Bulgaria 1 1 Denmark 1 1 France 1 Georgia 1 Greece Indian Ocean Iran Iraq Italy Malta 1 Netherlands 1 Pacific Ocean 1 Portugal 1 Russia 1 1 Turkey UAE 1 2 United Kingdom 2 Location Not Available Total for the year

6 Chart A: The following nine locations shared more than two third of the total reported incidents, i.e. 208 from a total of 276 reported attacks in 2005 ICC International Maritime Bureau Nigeria 16 Gulf of Aden/Red Sea 10 Somalia Iraq 10 Malacca Straits 12 India 15 Bangladesh 21 Vietnam 10 Chart B: Monthly comparison of incidents during January to December JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 6

7 Table 2: ACTUAL and ATTEMPTED attacks by locations, January to December 2005 LOCATIONS ACTUAL ATTACKS ATTEMPTED ATTACKS Hijacked Fired upon boarding SOUTH EAST ASIA Malaysia 2 1 Malacca Straits Singapore Straits 3 4 Thailand 1 FAR EAST China 4 South China Sea 6 Vietnam 10 INDIAN Bangladesh 17 4 SUB CONTINENT India 13 2 AMERICAS Brazil 2 Colombia 2 Dominican Republic 1 Guyana 1 Haiti 2 Jamaica 6 2 Peru 6 Salvador 1 Venezuela 2 AFRICA Cameroon 2 Ghana 2 1 Guinea 1 Gulf of Aden / Red Sea 2 8 Ivory Coast 3 Madagascar 1 Mauritania 1 Morocco 1 Nigeria 15 1 Somalia Tanzania 5 2 REST OF WORLD Arabian Sea 2 Iraq 10 Indian Ocean 1 Sub total Total for the year 276 7

8 Table 3: Ports and anchorages with three or more reported incidents for Location Country Abidjan Ivory Coast Adang Bay 3 3 Balikpapan Barranquil Colombia 3 Basrah oil terminal Iraq 7 Belawan 4 4 Belem Brazil 3 Bontang 4 4 Buenaventura Colombia 3 5 Callao Peru Chennai India Chittagong Bangladesh Cochin India 7 Conakry Guinea 5 Dakar Senegal Dar Es Salaam Tanzania 4 7 Douala Cameroon 3 1 Dumai 3 9 Freetown Sierra Leone 3 Georgetown Guyana 9 6 Guanta Venezuela 3 3 Haiphong Vietnam 4 1 Haldia India 3 Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam Hoogly India 4 JakartaTg. Priok Kakinada India 3 Kandla India 3 4 Kingston Jamaica Kismayo Somalia 3 Kosichang Thailand 4 Lagos Nigeria Lawi Lawi 3 Luanda Angola 3 Manila Philippines 6 Owendo Gabon 4 Panjang 3 Port Au Prince Haiti 5 Puerto Cabello Venezuela 4 Pulau Laut Rio Grande Brazil 4 Rio Haina Dominican Republic 7 5 Samarinda 11 5 Sandakan Makaysia 4 Santan 3 Tarahan 3 Tema Ghana 4 5 Umm Qasr Iraq 3 Warri Nigeria 3 3 Sub Total

9 Table 4: Status of ships during ACTUAL attacks, January to December 2005 LOCATIONS BERTHED ANCHORED STEAMING NOT STATED S E ASIA Malaysia 2 1 Malacca Straits 7 Singapore Straits 1 2 Thailand 1 FAR EAST China / Hong Kong 1 3 Vietnam 1 9 INDIAN Bangladesh SUB CONT India AMERICAS Brazil 1 1 Colombia 2 Dominican Republic 1 Guyana 1 Haiti 2 Jamaica 5 1 Peru 6 Salvador 1 Venezuela 2 AFRICA Cameroon 2 Ghana 2 Guinea 1 Ivory Coast 3 Madagascar 1 Mauritania 1 Morocco 1 Nigeria 14 1 Somalia 4 12 Tanzania 4 1 REST OF WORLD Iraq 9 1 Sub total Total for the year 205 Table 5: Status of ships during ATTEMPTED attacks, January to December 2005 LOCATIONS BERTHED ANCHORED STEAMING S E ASIA Malacca straits 5 Singapore Straits 4 FAR EAST South China Sea 6 INDIAN SUB CONTINENT India 2 Bangladesh 2 2 AMERICAS / CARIBBEAN Jamaica 2 AFRICA Ghana 1 Nigeria 1 Red Sea / Gulf of Aden 10 Somalia 19 Tanzania 1 1 REST OF WORLD Arabian Sea 2 Indian Ocean 1 Sub total Total for the year 71 Table 6: Types of arms used during attacks, January to December Types Pirates with Guns Pirates with knives Other weapons Not stated Total for the year

10 Table 7: Comparison of the type of attacks, January to December Type Fired Upon Ship boarded Hijack Detained Missing Not Stated Total for the year Table 8: Types of violence to crew and passengers, January to December Types of Violence Taken hostage Kidnap / Ransom Threatened Assaulted Injured Killed Missing Total for the year Table 9: Type of violence to crew by location, January to December LOCATIONS TAKEN HOSTAGE CREW THREATE NED CREW ASSAULTED CREW INJURED CREW KILLED CREW MISSING KIDNAP S E ASIA Malacca Straits Malaysia 19 3 Singapore Straits 6 1 Thailand 1 FAR EAST Vietnam 1 INDIAN Bangladesh 2 SUBCONT AMERICAS India Brazil Guyana 1 Jamaica 1 1 Peru 1 Venezuela 1 1 AFRICA Cameroon 2 Guinea 1 Ivory Coast 1 Nigeria Somalia Tanzania 1 ROW Iraq Sub total Total for the year

11 Table 10: Types of arms used by geographical locations, January to December 2005 LOCATIONS Pirates Unarmed Armed with Guns Armed with Knives Other Weapons Not Stated S E ASIA Malacca straits 9 3 Malaysia 2 1 Singapore Straits Thailand 1 FAR EAST China 4 South China Sea 6 Vietnam 3 7 INDIAN Bangladesh SUB CONTINENT India AMERICAS Brazil 1 1 Colombia 2 Dominican Republic 1 Guyana 1 Haiti 2 Jamaica Peru El Salvador 1 Venezuela 2 AFRICA Cameroon 1 1 Ghana 1 2 Guinea 1 Gulf of Aden / Red Sea 5 5 Ivory Coast 3 Madagascar 1 Mauritania 1 Morocco 1 Nigeria Somalia 29 6 Tanzania 4 3 REST OF WORLD Arabian Sea 2 Iraq 10 Indian Ocean 1 Sub total Total for the year

12 Table 11: Types of ships attacked, January to December Type Barge/Barge carrier Bulk carrier Cable Layer Ship 1 1 Catamaran Cement Carrier 1 Coast guard ship 2 Combination carrier 1 Container Diving Supply Vessel 1 Dredger Ferry Fishing /Trawlers General cargo Heavy lift 1 1 Landing Craft 2 Lighterage Ship 1 Livestock carrier Log carrier/woodchip Multipurpose OBO Offshore Processing ship 1 Passenger Refrigerated Research Ship RORO Special Purpose Ship 2 1 Supply Ship Survey Ship 2 Tanker Chem / Product Tanker Crude Oil Tanker LNG Tanker LPG Tug Vehicle carrier Warship 3 Yacht/Speed Boat Not stated Total for the year

13 Table 12: Nationalities of ships attacked, January to December Flag States ALBANIA 1 ALGERIA ANTIGUA BARBUDA AUSTRALIA AUSTRIA 2 BAHAMAS BAHRAIN 1 BANGLADESH BARBADOS 1 1 BELGIUM 1 BELIZE BERMUDA BOLIVIA 1 1 BRAZIL BRITISH VIRGIN ISLAND 1 BULGARIA CAMBODIA CANADA CAYMAN ISLAND CHILE CHINA COLOMBIA 1 COMOROS 1 CROATIA CUBA 2 2 CYPRUS DENMARK / DENMARK INT L DJIBOUTI 1 DOMINICA 1 ECUADOR 1 1 EGYPT ESTONIA 1 1 ETHIOPIA 1 FINLAND 1 FRANCE GEORGIA GERMANY GIBRALTER GREECE HAITI 1 HOLLAND 1 1 HONDURAS HONG KONG HUNGARY 1 INDIA INDONESIA IRAN IRELAND 1 1 ISLE OF MAN ISRAEL 1 ITALY JAPAN JORDAN 1 KENYA 1 1 KUWAIT LATVIA 3 7 LEBANON 3 1 LIBERIA LITHUANIAN LUXEMBOURG 1 1 MADEIRA MALAYSIA MALDIVE MALTA MARSHAL ISLANDS MEXICO 1 MONGOLIA 1 1 MONROVIA 1 MOROCCO 1 MYANMAR N.KOREA NEW ZEALAND NETHERLANDS NETHERLANDS ANTILLES/ INT L NIGERIA NORWAY PAPUA NEW GUINEA 1 PAKISTAN PANAMA PHILIPPINES POLAND 1 PORTUGAL 1 1 QATAR RUMANIA RUSSIA S.AFRICA 1 S.ARABIA S.KOREA SIERRA LEONE 1 SINGAPORE SLOVANIA 1 SPAIN SRI LANKA ST KITTS 1 ST. VINCENT SWEDEN 1 SWITZERLAND SYRIA 1 TAIWAN TANZANIA 1 THAILAND TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 1 1 TURKEY TUVALU 1 UAE UKRAINE UNITED KINGDOM USA VANUATU VIETNAM VENEZUELA 1 YEMEN 1 NOT STATED Total for the year

14 Table 13: Countries where victim ships were controlled or managed or operated 2003 to 2005 Country ALGERIA AUSTRALIA 6 AUSTRIA 1 BAHAMAS 2 BANGLADESH 17 7 BELGIUM BERMUDA BRAZIL 1 2 BRITISH VIRGIN ISLAND 1 BRUNEI 1 BULGARIA 1 CAMBODIA 1 1 CANADA CANARY ISLAND 1 COLOMBIA 1 CHILE 3 CHINA CROTIA 1 2 CUBA 2 CYPRUS DENMARK EGYPT 2 1 ESTONIA 1 FRANCE 4 1 GERMANY GREECE HONG KONG (CHINA) HUNGARY 1 INDIA INDONESIA IRAN ISLE OF MAN 2 ITALY JAPAN KENYA 3 KUWAIT 1 LATVIA LEBANON 1 LITHUNIA 1 MALAYSIA MALDIVES 1 2 MONACO MONGOLIA 1 MOROCCO 1 MYANMAR 1 1 NETHERLANDS NETHERLANDS ANTILLES 1 NIGERIA 3 4 NORTH KOREA 1 NORWAY OMAN 1 PANAMA 2 PAKISTAN POLAND PORTUGAL 1 PHILIPPINES QATAR 1 RUSSIA 1 1 ST. VINCENT 1 SOUTH AFRICA 1 1 SAUDI ARABIA 2 SOUTH KOREA SINGAPORE SLOVENIA 1 SPAIN 1 1 SRI LANKA SWITZERLAND TAIWAN TANZANIA 1 THAILAND TRINIDAD AND TABAGO 1 TURKEY UAE 11 8 UKRAINE 1 3 UNITED KINGDOM USA URUGUAY 2 VENEZUELA 1 1 VIETNAM NOT KNOWN, FISHING VESSELS AND YACHTS Total for the year

15 PIRACY PRONE AREAS AND WARNINGS Mariners are warned to be extra cautious and to take necessary precautionary measures when transiting the following areas: SOUTH EAST ASIA AND INDIAN SUB CONTINENT Bangladesh Attacks have been reported at Chittagong at berth and anchorage. India Chennai, Kandla Adang Bay, Off Anambas/Natuna Island, Balikpapan, Belawan, Bontang, Gaspar/Bar/Leplia Str, Jakarta/Tg.Priok, Pulau Laut Malacca Straits After the tsunami there were no incidents reported for approximately two months. Thereafter attacks have resumed. Ships are advised to avoid anchoring along the n coast of the straits unless required for urgent operational reasons. Waters off North Sumatra / Aceh coast / off Belawan are particularly risky. Pirates heavily armed with guns are known to have shot at vessels to stop them. Recent attacks showed that pirates were attacking vessels further to open sea and closer to / in Malaysian waters. Further south in the straits, pirates armed with machetes / knives and small arms normally attack vessels that do not maintain any anti piracy watch. Though the number of attacks have reduced, vessels are advised to continue maintaining strict antipiracy watches. South China Sea attacks occur while ships were underway Singapore Straits Pirates in several boats attack ships underway. Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City AFRICA AND RED SEA. West Africa Abidjan (Ivory Coast), Bonny River/Lagos/Onne/Warri (Nigeria), Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania), Douala (Cameroon), Tema (Ghana). Gulf of Aden/Red Sea Numerous pirate attacks have been reported by ships and yachts in the Gulf of Aden. Some of the yachts were fired upon. Somalian waters Serious attacks have resumed off Somalia. Thirty Five incidents have been reported this year. Heavily armed pirates with guns and grenades have attacked ships and fired upon them. Some attacks took place far away from Somali coast extending to nearly 400 nautical miles. Pirates are believed to be using mother vessels to launch attacks further away from the coast. Ships/crew are attacked, robbed and hijacked/kidnapped for ransom. Eastern and Northeastern coasts are highrisk areas for attacks and hijackings. Ships not making scheduled calls to ports in these areas should keep at least 200 nautical miles from the north eastern and eastern Somali coast. SOUTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN WATERS. Haiti Port Au Prince Jamaica Kingston Peru Callao REST OF THE WORLD Iraq Basrah oil terminal anchorage, Umm Qasr Reporting of incidents Ships are advised to maintain strict antipiracy watches and report all piratical attacks and suspicious movements of crafts to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: Fax: , Telex: MA IMBPCI, imbkl@iccccs.org.uk The Centre s 24 Hours Anti Piracy HELPLINE is:

16 TRENDS The total number of worldwide reported attacks dropped to 276 compared to 329 in This welcome drop is believed to be attributed to the increased awareness and anti piracy watches by masters in risk prone areas, increase in law enforcement patrols and international pressure on some governments to act. Worldwide attention on piracy and armed robbery against ships has also contributed to the regional law enforcement agencies to be more serious in dealing with this menace. The number of hijackings increased to 23, the highest since This year s figures reveal that the number of crew taken hostages increased to 440, the highest since the records were compiled by the PRC, compared with 148 in Hostage taking involved incidents in Somalia, and Nigeria. However, the figures also showed a decline in crew being assaulted. Although, there were no crewmembers killed, 12 remain missing. Although the decline in the number of attacks had shown improvement in certain areas, situation in other high risk areas has deteriorated. There was a marked increase in attacks in Somalia, Iraq, Tanzania and Vietnam. Violence in attacks in Somalia and Iraq has escalated. Attacks in Chittagong accounted for the highest number reported in a single port and anchorage. More than half of the recorded attacks in 2005 occurred while vessels were at anchor. continued to record the highest number of attacks with 79 reported incidents. Though this is a drop from 94 attacks in 2004, still accounts for nearly 30% of the worldwide incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships. Somalia recorded 35 attacks this year and is ranked second highest in the world. It is also regarded as the most dangerous area in Africa followed by Nigeria for piracy and armed robbery. Serious attacks resumed off Somalia with many ships being attacked and fired upon and some hijacked by heavily armed pirates for high ransom demands. The Somali pirates armed with guns and grenades attacked ships as far as 400 nautical miles. It appears that pirates are using mother vessels to launch these attacks far off the coast. Once a ship is hijacked, the pirates would sail her to coastal waters where they would contact the owner to demand a ransom. With no central government and no national law enforcement infrastructure in Somalia, there is no local assistance available. The IMB has been transmitting daily warning to ships and advising them to keep at least 200 nm off the Somali coast. The IMB has also contacted various coalition naval forces to request for assistance and increase in patrols in the affected area. New areas of concern are in the vicinity of the Basrah oil terminal and Umm Qasr in Iraq. Pirates in these areas are heavily armed and violent. In a recent incident, Master and crew received serious injuries. The 2005 figures show a drop in the number of attacks in Malacca Straits, Malaysia, Thailand, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Haiti, Nigeria and Guinea. Malacca Strait has seen an improvement with 12 attacks compared with 38 in Though the attack numbers have dropped, the IMB would like to stress that many actual and attempted cases also go unreported. Nevertheless, the reduction in attacks in 2005 is seen as a positive sign and it appears that in some countries, the authorities are becoming more pro active in dealing with piracy and armed robbery against ships. However, as seen in the past, any letup would see the attacks quickly resume. 16

17 OBSERVATIONS Narrations of the 276 attacks for 2005 are listed on pages 33 to 72. The following serious incidents, in chronological sequence, are described in more detail. First Quarter of 2005 Malacca Straits : On 28 February 2005, a Malaysian tugboat Highline 26 and barge Highline 22 were attacked by armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 05:01.10 North and Longitude 099:32.38 East at approximately 2030 Hrs LT. Four pirates armed with guns in a fishing boat fired at a tug towing a barge. During the gunfire, the Chief Engineer was shot on his leg causing serious bleeding. The pirates then boarded the tug and kidnapped the Master and Chief Officer and escaped together with the ship s and crew documents. They also damaged the tug s communication equipment. A Royal Malaysian Navy ship arrived to assist and took the Chief Engineer ashore for treatment. On 8 March 2005, the twokidnapped crew were released by the pirates and reached Port Kelang by a fishing boat. It is not known if a ransom was paid for their release. Gulf of Aden : On 8 March 2005, two US flag yachts, Mahdi and Gandalf were attacked by armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 13:28 North and Longitude 048:07 East, 25 miles off the coast of Yemen in the Gulf of Aden at approximately 1700 Hrs LT. Two fast boats with four men in each boat approached the two yachts and opened fire aiming at the cockpits. The crew of one of the yacht returned fire and one pirate was wounded. One of the yachts then rammed one of the pirate boats and the pirates aborted the attempt and fled. Both yachts sustained bullet holes and damage to their hull. The pirate boats were approximately 30 ft in length, bluehulled rib cage with outboard motors. Malacca Straits : On 12 March 2005, an n product tanker MT Tri Samudra was attacked by heavily armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 03:37.25 North and Longitude 099:36.75 East, approximately 14 nm SE of Berhala Island at 1755 Hrs LT. The ship was sailing from Samarinda to Belawan, with a cargo of highly inflammable cargo. Pirates armed with machine guns and rocket propelled grenades (RPG) in fishing boats attacked and boarded the tanker. Gunshots were fired to stop the ship. The pirates then kidnapped the Master and Chief Engineer and ordered the ship to proceed to Dumai instead of Belawan,. They also took the ship s documents and escaped. Later, both kidnapped crew were released after a ransom was paid. Malacca Straits : On 14 March 2005, a Japanese tug Idaten towing a nian barge Kuroshio 1, was attacked by heavily armed pirates at position Latitude 04:25.6 North and Longitude 099:40.7 East at approximately 1735 Hrs (n time). Several pirates heavily armed with guns and rocket propelled grenades (RPG) in three fishing boats fired at the tug and boarded. They kidnapped the Master, Chief Engineer and Third Engineer and escaped. 17

18 The pirates also tried to board the barge but were unsuccessful. Crew from the barge reported to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre who then alerted the Royal Malaysian Marine Police. Two patrol boats were dispatched immediately to the location of the incident. The police then escorted the tug and barge to Penang, Malaysia. Later, all three crew were released unharmed. It is not known if a ransom was paid for their release. Somalia : On 16 March 2005, a Thai fishing vessel, OR.Sirichainava 12 was attacked and hijacked by armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 12:45.35 North and Longitude 051:33.18 East at approximately 0400 Hrs UTC. Three armed pirates in a boat hijacked the fishing vessel with 26 crew onboard. They directed the fishing vessel to sail towards to the Somali coast. They held the crewmembers hostage for ransom. Owners of the fishing vessels contacted the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre who alerted the Coalition warships in the area. Three Navy ships proceeded to the area, rescued the fishing vessel and the crew and apprehended the three pirates. Malaysia : On 30 March 2005, a Malaysian tugboat Bonggaya 91 and barge Bonggaya 90 were attacked by armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 04:35 North and Longitude 119:00 East, about 3 nm east of Mataking island, Sabah at approximately 1020 Hrs LT. The tug sailed from Tarakan, East Kalimantan bound for Kudat, Malaysia. Five pirates armed with M16, AK47 rifles and pistols in a speedboat came alongside the tug towing the barge. They fired several shots in the air and ordered the Master to stop. Four pirates dressed in dark blue clothes boarded the tug and ordered the crew to assemble at the main deck with their hands on their head. Pirates stole crew s personal belongings and tug s communication equipment. They kidnapped the Master and two crewmembers and left in their speedboat in an easterly direction. The whereabouts of the Master and the two crewmembers are unknown. Secoand quarter of 2005 : On 22 April 2005, an n ship MV Inabukwa was attacked and hijacked by armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 00:27.1 South and Longitude 105:09.0 East, off Lingga islands, at approximately 1945 Hrs LT. Pirates armed with guns, knives and swords attacked and fired at the ship and successfully boarded her from the stern. They proceeded to the bridge and took control of the ship. They then rounded all the crew and tied them up. The crewmembers were forced to obey their orders and to cooperate to discharge the ship s cargo at Pasir Gudang port, Malaysia. The pirates warned the crew that they would be killed if they did not cooperate. During the cargo discharge operation, the Master was held at the bridge and all crews were watched closely. On completion of discharge, the ship sailed out of port and the pirates left the ship near Tanjung Ubang, in their speedboats. Iraq : On 22 April 2005, a Malta flagged bulk carrier MV Star 2000 was attacked by armed robbers while anchored at position Latitude 29:37.4 North and Longitude 048:45.7 East, at Umm Qasr, Iraq at approximately 2350 Hrs LT. Three robbers armed with guns and a knife boarded the ship using hooks attached to ropes. They took hostage several crewmembers, assaulted them and demanded money. They took the crew one by one to their cabins and stole cash and personal belongings. They slapped and punched the Master and demanded more money. The Master opened the ship s safe for the 18

19 robbers. They continued to punch the Master for more money. Finally they brought the Master to the poop deck and disembarked into a 5 metre wooden boat waiting with an accomplice. On 31 May 2005, a Cyprus flag tanker MT Nordmillennium was attacked by armed robbers while anchored at the Deep Water Anchorage A, 10 n.m. south of Basrah Oil Terminal, Iraq. Robbers armed with AK47 rifles boarded the tanker that was awaiting berthing. They tried to enter the bridge claiming to be policemen. The Master denied them entry and they became violent and broke the glass panels on the bridge wing door and entered the bridge. They then assaulted the Master causing him injuries and demanded money. They entered the Master s cabin and located the ship s safe and stole cash and personal belongings. They dragged the Master and tried to take him to main deck and left at 0240 Hrs LT. Master sent a MAYDAY message and activated SSAS and moved to deep water anchorage B. Later, a coalition warship arrived to investigate. On 30 June 2005, a US tugboat TB Thunder and barge Lightning were attacked by armed pirates while underway at Umm Qasr, Iraq in the early morning hours. Pirates armed with guns boarded the tug and barge. They fired shots and held the crew at gunpoint. They stole cash and crew personal belongings. Fortunately there were no injuries to crew. Malacca Straits : On 1 June 2005, a Thai product tanker MT B.P.P.14 was attacked by heavily armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 04:15 North and Longitude 100:18 East, off Pangkor Island at approximately 2000 Hrs LT. Eight pirates in a high speed fishing boat intercepted the tanker which was loaded with a cargo of fuel oil. They started firing their machine guns to force the tanker to stop. Pirates managed to board and took over the ship. They brought all crews to the poop deck and stole ship and crew personal belongings. They took the ship s documents and kidnapped the Master and boatswain for ransom. Later, both kidnapped crew were released after a ransom was paid. On 14 June 2005, a Malaysian product tanker MT Nepline Delima was attacked and hijacked by armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 05:35.8 North and Longitude 099:57.8 East, approximately 30 nm south of Langkawi Island at 0400 Hrs LT. Ten pirates armed with weapons in a speedboat managed to board the tanker loaded with fuel oil. They proceeded to the bridge and managed to take control of the ship. They hit the Second Officer s head with the back of the sword and tied all crew and taped their eyes. The pirates proceeded to the Master s cabin and dragged him to the bridge to make an announcement to all crew to surrender to the pirates or they would be killed. The crew surrendered and were taken to a cabin and locked. They tied the crew and harassed them. The Master and Second Officer sustained head injuries while others were slapped and hit. One crew managed to escape and jump off the ship and took the pirate boat to seek help. He managed to contact the Malaysian Marine Police at Langkawi Island. The Police dispatched a patrol boat and located the hijacked tanker off Pulau Lebar. The Police ordered the tanker to stop and the pirates to surrender. Negotiations with the pirates commenced and subsequently they surrendered and were taken to the Police Station for investigations. Nigeria : On 24 May 2005, an Antigua and Barbuda general cargo ship MV Christian D was attacked by armed pirates while anchored at position Latitude 04:12.6 North and Longitude 006:55.6 East, off Bonny River fairway buoy, One, Nigeria at approximately 2110 Hrs LT. Several armed and aggressive robbers boarded the ship and stole ship s cash, bonded stores and crew personal belongings. The robbers were violent and several crewmembers were injured and one was shot. They escaped in a high powered speedboat. On the same day, a Danish general cargo ship MV Karin B was also attacked by armed pirates while anchored in the same vicinity at approximately 2359 Hrs LT. Robbers armed with guns boarded the ship and beat up the crewmembers. They fired gunshots and stole ship s cash, stores and crew personal belongings. They later escaped in a blue coloured 20ft high speed boat. 19

20 On 7 June 2005, a nian refrigerated cargo ship MV Frio Caribic was attacked by armed robbers at position 04:12.3 North and Longitude 006:57.3 East, Bonny River Anchorage at approximately 0120 Hrs LT. Five robbers armed with machine guns attempted to board the ship at anchor using hooks attached to ropes. The alert crew raised the alarm and the robbers fired several shots at the crew. The bullets hit the bulwark. Fortunately, there were no injuries to the crew. On 17 June 2005, a Malta flagged MV Tzini was attacked by armed robbers at position 6 n.m. from Fairway Buoy, Lagos Nigeria at approximately 0240 Hrs LT. Six robbers armed with guns and knives in a speed boat boarded the ship at anchor. Two of the robbers threatened to shoot the Duty AB while the rest stole ship s stores. The AB managed to run inside the accommodation and raise alarm. The robbers fled with ship s stores. Somalia : On 10 April 2005, a Cyprus flag MV Tim Buck while underway was attacked by heavily armed pirates at position Latitude 03:34.0 North and Longitude 048:24.0 East, 60 n.m. off eastern coast of Somalia at approximately 0950 UTC. Eight pirates armed with automatic guns and grenades (RPGs) in two speedboats fired at the ship to stop her. Master took evasive manoeuvres, increased speed, sounded whistle, sent distress alert and crew closed all doors and hid inside accommodation. Two grenades hit a lifeboat and it caught fire. Pirates continue shooting and at 1000 UTC, they managed to board using a portable ladder. Pirates could not enter the accommodation and they continued shooting at the bridge. Pirates left at approximately 1100 UTC. One lifeboat was completely burnt and there were bullet holes in superstructure and Master s cabin windows. There were no injuries to crew. A few hours later, another ship, a tanker while underway was attacked and hijacked in position Latitude 00:50 South and Longitude 047:36 East, off the eastern coast. The armed pirates managed to board the tanker and take hostage all 17 crewmembers. They forced the ship to anchor close to Somali coast and demanded a ransom from the owners. Subsequently, the ship and the crew were released after a ransom was paid. On the 22 May 2005, a St Kitts flagged general cargo ship MV Reef Malindi was similarly attacked and hijacked while underway at position Latitude 03:07 North and Longitude 048:2 East at approximately 1500 LT. The pirates demanded a ransom for the release of the crew and ship. Subsequent to negotiations, the ship and the crew were released on 2 July In the latest incident on 26 June 2005, a St Vincent and Grenadines general cargo ship MV Semlow while underway was attacked and hijacked by armed Somali pirates at position Latitude 04:47.6 and Longitude 048:12.0 East, off Hobyo, east coast of Somalia. The ship was loaded with bagged rice, relief aid cargo for UN World Food Programme for discharge at Bossaso. The pirates have demanded a ransom for the release of the ship and crew. Third quarter of 2005 Malacca Straits : On 28 February 2005, a Malaysian tugboat Highline 26 and barge Highline 22 were attacked by armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 05:01.10 North and Longitude 099:32.38 East at approximately 2030 Hrs LT. Four pirates armed with guns in a fishing boat fired at a tug towing a barge. During the gunfire, the Chief Engineer was shot on his leg causing serious bleeding. The pirates then boarded the tug and kidnapped the Master and Chief Officer and escaped together with the ship s and crew documents. They also damaged the tug s communication equipment. A Royal Malaysian Navy ship arrived to assist and took the Chief Engineer ashore for treatment. 20

21 On 8 March 2005, the twokidnapped crew were released by the pirates and reached Port Kelang by a fishing boat. It is not known if a ransom was paid for their release. Gulf of Aden : On 8 March 2005, two US flag yachts, Mahdi and Gandalf were attacked by armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 13:28 North and Longitude 048:07 East, 25 miles off the coast of Yemen in the Gulf of Aden at approximately 1700 Hrs LT. Two fast boats with four men in each boat approached the two yachts and opened fire aiming at the cockpits. The crew of one of the yacht returned fire and one pirate was wounded. One of the yachts then rammed one of the pirate boats and the pirates aborted the attempt and fled. Both yachts sustained bullet holes and damage to their hull. The pirate boats were approximately 30 ft in length, bluehulled rib cage with outboard motors. Malacca Straits : On 12 March 2005, an n product tanker MT Tri Samudra was attacked by heavily armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 03:37.25 North and Longitude 099:36.75 East, approximately 14 nm SE of Berhala Island at 1755 Hrs LT. The ship was sailing from Samarinda to Belawan, with a cargo of highly inflammable cargo. Pirates armed with machine guns and rocket propelled grenades (RPG) in fishing boats attacked and boarded the tanker. Gunshots were fired to stop the ship. The pirates then kidnapped the Master and Chief Engineer and ordered the ship to proceed to Dumai instead of Belawan,. They also took the ship s documents and escaped. Later, both kidnapped crew were released after a ransom was paid. Malacca Straits : On 14 March 2005, a Japanese tug Idaten towing a nian barge Kuroshio 1, was attacked by heavily armed pirates at position Latitude 04:25.6 North and Longitude 099:40.7 East at approximately 1735 Hrs (n time). Several pirates heavily armed with guns and rocket propelled grenades (RPG) in three fishing boats fired at the tug and boarded. They kidnapped the Master, Chief Engineer and Third Engineer and escaped. The pirates also tried to board the barge but were unsuccessful. Crew from the barge reported to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre who then alerted the Royal Malaysian Marine Police. Two patrol boats were dispatched immediately to the location of the incident. The police then escorted the tug and barge to Penang, Malaysia. Later, all three crew were released unharmed. It is not known if a ransom was paid for their release. Somalia : On 16 March 2005, a Thai fishing vessel, OR.Sirichainava 12 was attacked and hijacked by armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 12:45.35 North and Longitude 051:33.18 East at approximately 0400 Hrs UTC. Three armed pirates in a boat hijacked the fishing vessel with 26 crew onboard. They directed the fishing vessel to sail towards to the Somali coast. They held the crewmembers hostage for ransom. Owners of the fishing vessels contacted the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre who alerted the Coalition warships in the area. Three Navy ships proceeded to the area, rescued the fishing vessel and the crew and apprehended the three pirates. 21

22 Malaysia : On 30 March 2005, a Malaysian tugboat Bonggaya 91 and barge Bonggaya 90 were attacked by armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 04:35 North and Longitude 119:00 East, about 3 nm east of Mataking island, Sabah at approximately 1020 Hrs LT. The tug sailed from Tarakan, East Kalimantan bound for Kudat, Malaysia. Five pirates armed with M16, AK47 rifles and pistols in a speedboat came alongside the tug towing the barge. They fired several shots in the air and ordered the Master to stop. Four pirates dressed in dark blue clothes boarded the tug and ordered the crew to assemble at the main deck with their hands on their head. Pirates stole crew s personal belongings and tug s communication equipment. They kidnapped the Master and two crewmembers and left in their speedboat in an easterly direction. The whereabouts of the Master and the two crewmembers are unknown. : On 22 April 2005, an n ship MV Inabukwa was attacked and hijacked by armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 00:27.1 South and Longitude 105:09.0 East, off Lingga islands, at approximately 1945 Hrs LT. Pirates armed with guns, knives and swords attacked and fired at the ship and successfully boarded her from the stern. They proceeded to the bridge and took control of the ship. They then rounded all the crew and tied them up. The crew were forced to obey their orders and to cooperate to discharge the ship s cargo at Pasir Gudang port, Malaysia. The pirates warned the crew that they would be killed if they did not cooperate. During the cargo discharge operation, the Master was held at the bridge and all crews were watched closely. On completion of discharge, the ship sailed out of port and the pirates left the ship near Tanjung Ubang, in their speedboats. Iraq : On 22 April 2005, a Malta flagged bulk carrier MV Star 2000 was attacked by armed robbers while anchored at position Latitude 29:37.4 North and Longitude 048:45.7 East, at Umm Qasr, Iraq at approximately 2350 Hrs LT. Three robbers armed with guns and a knife boarded the ship using hooks attached to ropes. They took hostage several crewmembers, assaulted them and demanded money. They took the crew one by one to their cabins and stole cash and personal belongings. They slapped and punched the Master and demanded more money. The Master opened the ship s safe for the robbers. They continued to punch the Master for more money. Finally they brought the Master to the poop deck and disembarked into a 5 metre wooden boat waiting with an accomplice. On 31 May 2005, a Cyprus flag tanker MT Nordmillennium was attacked by armed robbers while anchored at the Deep Water Anchorage A, 10 n.m. south of Basrah Oil Terminal, Iraq. Robbers armed with AK47 rifles boarded the tanker that was awaiting berthing. They tried to enter the bridge claiming to be policemen. The Master denied them entry and they became violent and broke the glass panels on the bridge wing door and entered the bridge. They then assaulted the Master causing him injuries and demanded money. They entered the Master s cabin and located the ship s safe and stole cash and personal belongings. They dragged the Master and tried to take him to main deck and left at 0240 Hrs LT. Master sent a MAYDAY message and activated SSAS and moved to deepwater anchorage B. Later, a coalition warship arrived to investigate. On 30 June 2005, a US tugboat TB Thunder and barge Lightning were attacked by armed pirates while underway at Umm Qasr, Iraq in the early morning hours. Pirates armed with guns boarded the tug and barge. They fired shots and held the crew at gunpoint. They stole cash and crew personal belongings. Fortunately there were no injuries to crew. 22

23 Malacca Straits : On 1 June 2005, a Thai product tanker MT B.P.P.14 was attacked by heavily armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 04:15 North and Longitude 100:18 East, off Pangkor Island at approximately 2000 Hrs LT. Eight pirates in a high speed fishing boat intercepted the tanker which was loaded with a cargo of fuel oil. They started firing their machine guns to force the tanker to stop. Pirates managed to board and took over the ship. They brought all crews to the poop deck and stole ship and crew personal belongings. They took the ship s documents and kidnapped the Master and boatswain for ransom. Later, both kidnapped crew were released after a ransom was paid. On 14 June 2005, a Malaysian product tanker MT Nepline Delima was attacked and hijacked by armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 05:35.8 North and Longitude 099:57.8 East, approximately 30 nm south of Langkawi Island at 0400 Hrs LT. Ten pirates armed with weapons in a speedboat managed to board the tanker loaded with fuel oil. They proceeded to the bridge and managed to take control of the ship. They hit the Second Officer s head with the back of the sword and tied all crew and taped their eyes. The pirates proceeded to the Master s cabin and dragged him to the bridge to make an announcement to all crew to surrender to the pirates or they would be killed. The crew surrendered and were taken to a cabin and locked. They tied the crew and harassed them. The Master and Second Officer sustained head injuries while others were slapped and hit. One crew managed to escape and jump off the ship and took the pirate boat to seek help. He managed to contact the Malaysian Marine Police at Langkawi Island. The Police dispatched a patrol boat and located the hijacked tanker off Pulau Lebar. The Police ordered the tanker to stop and the pirates to surrender. Negotiations with the pirates commenced and subsequently they surrendered and were taken to the Police Station for investigations. Nigeria : On 24 May 2005, an Antigua and Barbuda general cargo ship MV Christian D was attacked by armed pirates while anchored at position Latitude 04:12.6 North and Longitude 006:55.6 East, off Bonny River fairway buoy, One, Nigeria at approximately 2110 Hrs LT. Several armed and aggressive robbers boarded the ship and stole ship s cash, bonded stores and crew personal belongings. The robbers were violent and several crewmembers were injured and one was shot. They escaped in a highpowered speedboat. On the same day, a Danish general cargo ship MV Karin B was also attacked by armed pirates while anchored in the same vicinity at approximately 2359 Hrs LT. Robbers armed with guns boarded the ship and beat up the crewmembers. They fired gunshots and stole ship s cash, stores and crew personal belongings. They later escaped in a blue coloured 20ft high speedboat. On 7 June 2005, a nian refrigerated cargo ship MV Frio Caribic was attacked by armed robbers at position 04:12.3 North and Longitude 006:57.3 East, Bonny River Anchorage at approximately 0120 Hrs LT. Five robbers armed with machine guns attempted to board the ship at anchor using hooks attached to ropes. The alert crew raised the alarm and the robbers fired several shots at the crew. The bullets hit the bulwark. Fortunately, there were no injuries to the crew. On 17 June 2005, a Malta flagged MV Tzini was attacked by armed robbers at position 6 n.m. from Fairway Buoy, Lagos Nigeria at approximately 0240 Hrs LT. Six robbers armed with guns and knives in a speedboat boarded the ship at anchor. Two of the robbers threatened to shoot the Duty AB while the rest stole ship s stores. The AB managed to run inside the accommodation and raise alarm. The robbers fled with ship s stores. Somalia : On 10 April 2005, a Cyprus flag MV Tim Buck while underway was attacked by heavily armed pirates at position Latitude 03:34.0 North and Longitude 048:24.0 East, 60 n.m. off eastern coast of Somalia at approximately 0950 UTC. Eight pirates armed with automatic guns and grenades (RPGs) in two speedboats fired at the ship to stop her. Master took evasive manoeuvres, increased speed, sounded whistle, sent distress alert and crew closed all doors and hid inside accommodation. Two grenades hit a lifeboat and it caught fire. Pirates continue shooting and at 1000 UTC, they 23

24 managed to board using a portable ladder. Pirates could not enter the accommodation and they continued shooting at the bridge. Pirates left at approximately 1100 UTC. One lifeboat was completely burnt and there were bullet holes in superstructure and Master s cabin windows. There were no injuries to crew. A few hours later, another ship, a tanker while underway was attacked and hijacked in position Latitude 00:50 South and Longitude 047:36 East, off the eastern coast. The armed pirates managed to board the tanker and take hostage all 17 crewmembers. They forced the ship to anchor close to Somali coast and demanded a ransom from the owners. Subsequently, the ship and the crew were released after a ransom was paid. On the 22 May 2005, a St Kitts flagged general cargo ship MV Reef Malindi was similarly attacked and hijacked while underway at position Latitude 03:07 North and Longitude 048:2 East at approximately 1500 LT. The pirates demanded a ransom for the release of the crew and ship. Subsequent to negotiations, the ship and the crew were released on 2 July In the latest incident on 26 June 2005, a St Vincent and Grenadines general cargo ship MV Semlow while underway was attacked and hijacked by armed Somali pirates at position Latitude 04:47.6 and Longitude 048:12.0 East, off Hobyo, east coast of Somalia. The ship was loaded with bagged rice, relief aid cargo for UN World Food Programme for discharge at Bossaso. The pirates have demanded a ransom for the release of the ship and crew. Malaysia: On 3 July 2005, an n tug Samudra Sindo VIII and barge Anggada VII were attacked by eight armed pirates off Tanjung Pengelih, Malaysia at approximately 0001 Hrs LT. The tug and barge were awaiting berthing at the Tanjung Pengelih port. Pirates were wearing face masks and were armed with guns and long knives. They boarded the tug and held the 19 crew including the Master as hostages below deck. The barge was laded with approximately 5,300 MT of palm oil. The tug and barge were moved to another area where the pirates thereafter transferred about 3,500 MT of the cargo of palm oil to another tanker. They then left the tug and barge on 4 July 2005 at approximately 1800 Lt in position Latitude 01:30 North and Longitude 104:30 East. Malacca Straits: On 21 July 2005, a Malaysian fishing vessel was attacked by armed pirates while underway at approximately 12 NM off Muar, in the Straits of Malacca at about 2030 Hrs LT. Pirates armed with guns fired at the fishing vessel. Two crewmembers were wounded as a result of the gunfire. One was shot in the stomach and the other on both legs. Both crewmembers were taken to hospital and are recovering. Another crewmember who was on the boat but escaped unhurt said that their boat s radar detected another vessel approaching them and later they were greeted with a hail of bullets. Venezuela: On 5 August 2005, a yacht was attacked by armed robbers while anchored at Laguna Grande, Venezuela at approximately 0020 Hrs LT. Three robbers armed with machetes boarded the yacht and started to lower the yacht dingy. The skipper of the yacht confronted one of the robbers who had slashed him with a machete. The three robbers then jumped into the water and the skipper pursued them but the robbers repeatedly slashed him with their machetes causing severe injuries. 24

25 The skipper s colleague onboard contacted the Authorities and armed guards arrived and took the skipper ashore for hospital treatment. The robbers stole the dingy, which was subsequently recovered later. : On 16 August 2005, a Malaysian flagged tug Zara and barge Zara 3 while underway were attacked and hijacked by armed pirates at approximate position Latitude 01:00 North and Longitude 104:00 East at approximately 0200 Hrs LT. The pirates threw one crew overboard who was rescued by a nearby craft. When taken ashore, the crew reported the incident to the Authorities in Tg Pinang,. The fate of the remaining 8 crewmembers including the Captain is unknown. The tug and barge sailed from Johor on 15 August 2005 bound for Sarawak, Malaysia. The barge was carrying 65 MT of piping materials. Both Malaysia and n Authorities are searching for the tug and barge. Somalia: On 16 August 2005, three Taiwanese deep sea fishing vessels, Zhong I No. 218, Cheng Qing Feng, Shin Lian Fa No. 36 were attacked and hijacked by Somali pirates while anchored off Kismayo port, Somalia. The pirates are holding the crewmembers as hostages and had demanded payment for their release. They had threatened to execute the crewmembers. From 10 July to 30 September 2005, another 10 ships were attacked by Somali pirates off the eastern coast of Somalia. Pirates armed with machine guns and RPG attacked the ships and opened fire and attempted to board them. Iraq: On 27 August 2005, a nian LPG tanker MT Gaz Channel was attacked by armed robbers while anchored at position Latitude 29:43.7 North and Longitude 048:39.3 East at Khawr Abd Allah, Iraq at approximately 0255 Hrs LT. Three robbers armed with machine guns and steel bars boarded the tanker. They smashed the bridge window and held the Second Officer and Master at gunpoint. They fired a shot at the Master missing his shoulder by about 20 cm and forced him to open the safe and stole the cash. The robbers also threatened the Chief Engineer and escaped at approximately 0315 Hrs LT. Earlier, on 21 August 2005, a Sri Lankan Ship MV Cey Pioneer was also attacked while at anchor by armed robbers at almost the same position Latitude 29:43.6 North and Longitude 048:39.3 East at Um QasrKhawr Abd Allah, Iraq at approximately 1945 Hrs UTC. Six robbers in two boats armed with machine guns and knives boarded the ship and overpowered the duty A/B. They proceeded to the bridge and took hostage the Duty Officer and two other crewmembers. The robbers held further seven crewmembers at gunpoint and took them to the Master s cabin. By this time, the Master had escaped and hid inside the engine room. The robbers assaulted the hostages and threatened them with their guns and knives and ordered them to open the safe. As none of the crew knew the combination of the safe, the robbers lowered the safe into their boat and escaped in a 2 metre dark green speedboat at 2020 Hrs UTC. 25

26 : On 10 September 2005, an n tug Marco Polo 43 and barge Marco Polo 48 went missing while enroute from Surabaya to Jakarta,. The tug and barge are believed to have been hijacked by pirates. The last contact the owners had with the tug was on the 10 September Thereafter, they lost contact with the tug. The barge was laden with a cargo of approximately 3,600 MT of Copper Slag. The tug and barge are still missing and the fate of all the 11 crewmembers including the Captain is unknown. : On 30 September 2005, an n general cargo ship MV Prima Indah was attacked and hijacked by armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 01:28.6 South and Longitude 106:41.1 East, off Bangka Island, at approximately 1300 UTC. The pirates armed with guns boarded the ship and later transferred all 14 crewmembers including the Captain into a fishing boat. The fishing boat was then set adrift and the crew later landed safely on an island. The ship was carrying a cargo of valuable tin ingots loaded at Pangkal Balam, bound for Singapore. Fourth quarter of 2005 Somalia: On 03 October 2005, a St Vincent and Grenadines flagged general cargo ship MV Torgelow while underway was attacked by armed pirates in the vicinity of Kismayu, east coast of Somalia. The ship was hijacked 50 nm off the coast and was carrying fuel and provisions for MV Semlow, which was hijacked earlier on 16 June 2005 and recently released by her hijackers. The hijackers demanded a ransom for the release of the ship and crew. The ship and crew were released on 29 November 2005 after the ransom was paid. In another incident on 12 October 2005, a St Vincent and Grenadines general cargo ship MV Miltzow was attacked and hijacked while at anchor at Merca 50 nm south of Mogadishu, Somalia at approximately 1600 Hrs LT. Six pirates armed with guns hijacked the ship that was loaded with UN food aid cargo. The pirates sailed the ship to an unknown location and discharged the cargo. The ship and her crew were released on 16 October Later on 18 October 2005, a Liberian bulk carrier MV Panagia while underway was attacked and hijacked at position Latitude 06:59.18 North and Longitude 051:08.39 East, approximately 90 nm off the east coast of Somalia. The pirates heavily armed with guns in speedboats fired at the ship. They managed to board the ship and sail her close to Somali coast and later demanded a ransom. The Owners negotiated and paid the ransom. The ship and crew were released on 18 November On 20 October 2005, a Malta flagged Product Tanker MT San Carlo while underway was attacked and hijacked at position Latitude 02:13 North and Longitude 049:44 East at approximately 0747 UTC. Pirates armed with guns hijacked the tanker and proceeded to an unknown destination. The owners finally paid a ransom and the ship and crew were released on 18 November Somalia : On 5 November 2005, a Bahamas cruise ship Seabourn Spirit was attacked by armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 02:59 North and Longitude 048:01 East at approximately 0325 UTC. Six heavily armed pirates in two boats chased the cruise ship. They fired at the ship with their machine guns and rocket launchers causing damage to the ship s side. Master took evasive 26

27 manoeuvres and sailed away from the coast. Pirates later aborted the attempt and fled. One crew was injured. The following day on 6 November 2005, a nian RoRo ship MV MSC Selin was attacked while underway at position Latitude 02:29.3 North and Longitude 048:28.2 East at approximately 0648 UTC. Pirates armed with rocket launchers and machine guns fired at the ship. Master took evasive manoevres and increased speed to maximum. Pirate boats fell behind and ceased firing. The ship s bridge windows were damaged due to gun fire. Again on the following day on 7 November 2005, a Thai general cargo ship MV Laemthong Glory while underway was attacked and hijacked by armed pirates at position Latitude 04:28 North and Longitude 048:01 East at approximately 0600 UTC. Pirates hijacked the ship and demanded a ransom. The owners paid a ransom and the ship and crew were released on 4 December On 30 November 2005, a Taiwanese fishing vessel Feng Jung 16 while underway was attacked and hijacked by armed pirates at position Latitude 04:30 North and Longitude 048:00 East in the morning hours. The pirates hijacked the fishing vessel together with her 15 crew. They have demanded a ransom for their release. Negotiations are currently underway. On 7 December 2005, a Georgia flagged general cargo ship MV Julia 54 was attacked and hijacked while underway off Hobyo, east coast of Somalia. Pirates have demanded a ransom for the release of the ship and her 11 crew members. Negotiations are still in progress. : On 27 October 2005, a nian Chemical Tanker MT Chemroad Wing was attacked by pirates at position Latitude 08: South and Longitude 115: East in Lombok Strait at approximately 0836 LT. Pirates armed with guns in a speedboat fired at the tanker underway. The ship s bridge window was destroyed by gun shots. Fortunately, there were no injuries to crew. Several fishing boats were seen in the vicinity. Iraq: On 19 November 2005, a nian bulk carrier MV Alexandra I was attacked by armed pirates while at anchor at position Latitude 29:43.4 North and Longitude 048:37.5 East at Umm Qasr anchorage at approximately 2200 UTC. Three pirates armed with machine guns and pistols boarded the ship at bridge deck and took the Second Officer as hostage. They forced him to take them to the Master s cabin. Pirates threatened the Master with machine guns and stole ship s cash and the Master s personal property. They also stole the Second Officer s cash and property. The Master and Second Officer sustained injuries. Pirates damaged all radio equipment and took the Second Officer to forecastle and escaped in a waiting speedboat. Master activated SSAS and notified RCC Australia. Later a naval ship in the area arrived to provide assistance. Later on 20 November 2005, a Turkish bulk carrier was also attacked by armed pirates while at anchor at Umm Qasr at approximately 0345 LT. Five heavily armed pirates boarded the ship from starboard quarter and took hostage two duty crew members on deck. They proceeded to the bridge where they held the Master, Second Officer and two seamen at gunpoint. They went to Master s cabin and stole his personal effects and cash from ship s safe. Along the way, they assaulted the crew. They were kicked and punched. At the Master s cabin, the Second Officer was hit on the head with the butt of the gun. They then proceeded to the Chief Officer s cabin and stole his cash. The pirates then escaped in their speedboat. The Master and crew received serious injuries. The crew contacted the coalition forces who provided medical assistance. 27

28 : On 18 December 2005, a Dominica chemical tanker MT Steadfast was hijacked by pirates after the cargo was loaded and the voyage commenced. The ship loaded a cargo of 16,585 MT of vegetable oil at Palembang, bound for China with bunkering stopover at Singapore. The last message received by the owners from the vessel was on 19 December The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) immediately sent out alerts to all ships and authorities in the region. The IMB PRC worked closely with various authorities particularly from, Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore and provided them with timely information to seize the vessel if it entered territorial waters. The pirates eventually turned the vessel back towards n waters and left the vessel on 24 December The Master brought the vessel and its 25 crew safely back to Singapore the same day. The ship and cargo are reportedly intact. The Singapore Authorities are investigating. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The IMB would like to thank the n Navy, Vietnamese Authorities, Cambodian Authorities and Singapore Authorities for their valuable cooperation and assistance in the recovery of the hijacked tanker MT Steadfast on 24 December The IMB wishes to thank the Royal Malaysian Marine Police and the n Navy for their prompt and positive action in detaining hijacked vessels. The Malaysian Marine Police successfully intercepted and detained the hijacked ship MV Paulijing (Natris) on 23 August 2005 in the Malacca Straits and the n Navy (TNI) successfully detained the hijacked tug Bintan 1200 and barge Bintan Golden 2301 and tug Bina Ocean 2 and barge Bina 82 in n waters in August The IMB wishes also to thank the Malaysian and n authorities for the actions they have taken in the second half of 2005, which have brought about a marked reduction in the attacks in the Malacca Straits. 28

29 PIRACY NEWS ShipLoc There are a number of reliable ship tracking devices available on the market today based upon Inmarsat and other satellite systems. The IMB endorses ShipLoc, an inexpensive satellite tracking system, which allows shipping companies, armed only with a personal computer with Internet access, to monitor the exact location of their vessels. In addition to its antihijacking role, ShipLoc facilitates independent and precise location of ships at regular intervals. ShipLoc is fully compliant with the IMO Regulation SOLAS XI2/6 adopted during the diplomatic conference in December 2002, concerning a Ship Security Alert System. The ship security alert system regulation that will be put into place as of July 2004 requires ships of over 500 GT to be equipped with an alarm system in order to reinforce ship security. The system allows the crew, in case of danger, to activate an alarm button that automatically sends a message to the ship owner and to competent authorities. The message is sent without being able to be detected by someone onboard or by other ships in the vicinity. ShipLoc is contained in a small, discrete waterproof unit, which includes: an Argos transmitter, a GPS receiver, a battery pack in case of main power failure, and a flat antenna. ShipLoc is one of the most reliable systems available today. For more information, please visit SecureShip SecureShip is an effective innovation in the fight against piracy. It is a nonlethal, electrifying fence surrounding the whole ship, which has been specially adapted for maritime use. The fence uses 9,000volt pulse to deter boarding attempts. An intruder coming in contact with the fence will receive an unpleasant nonlethal shock that will result in the intruder abandoning the attempted boarding. At the same time an alarm will go off, activating floodlights and a very loud siren. The IMB strongly recommends ship owners to install this device on board their ships. For safety reasons it cannot be deployed on vessels carrying inflammable cargoes. Further details can be obtained at Inventus UAV The Inventus UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) is a stateoftheart reconnaissance system packaged in a highly efficient, highly stable flying wing form. Outfitted with cameras, the Inventus flies and covers a large ocean area and relays a realtime data link back to the ground station. This link provides realtime aerial surveillance and early warning of suspect or unauthorised craft movements to the coastal or law enforcement authority. Developed by Lew Aerospace, the Inventus is fully autonomous and can be launched and recovered even from a seagoing or patrol vessel. There are gas and electric formats and both fly in all weather conditions. Endorsed by the IMB the Inventus is yet another tool to aid in the maritime effort in its fight against piracy. For more information please visit IMB views New initiatives raise hopes for resolution of Somalia s piracy problem. The world attention now firmly fixed on the problems of piracy and armed robbery off the coast of Somalia. There has never been a better time to act, and a number of recent moves to address the current situation appear to be having a positive affect. The IMB, which has been monitoring the developing crisis since March 2005 notes a temporary lull in attacks since foreign warships took up station off the Somali coast recently. The organization has been at the forefront of calls for naval assistance to shipping in the area which has seen a total of 35 vessels attacked up to this point, among them the very high media profile of the hijacking of the UN World Food Programme ship MV Semlow and more recently, the rocket attack on the cruise liner Seabourn Spirit. But behind the headlines is a much grimmer story. IMB figures confirm that a total of 16 vessels were hijacked with five still held captive together with their crews. One of the hijacked vessels, a tanker 29

30 was released after being held captive for just under a month. The fate of the crews is unknown. More than 50 seafarers are currently being held. The IMB is also alarmed by the very high ransoms being demanded for these cases. There is also concern as to where this money eventually ends up after being paid to militia groups in Somalia. The IMB was among the first to welcome the news that the UN Security Council had discussed Somalia s problems on November 10 th and delighted when it publicly reprimanded the Somali government and told it to take action to stop the pirate attacks. However, it was less happy that the Council stopped short of calling on other naval vessels to intervene, especially in the light of a recent attack (at the time) on a ship that was 390 nautical miles off the coast. There have been several attacks on vessels a long way off coast that suggest the use of mother ships, possibly large fishing boats that launch speedboats using rocket propelled grenades to attempt to get the ships to stop. This has the potential to disrupt shipping on routes from the Madagascar Channel to the Indian Sub Continent or bound for Arabian Gulf ports. A decisive action is required to stop this new wave of audacious attacks. Signs of this assistance arrived in midnovember at an extraordinary session held at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, which put together a resolution for the IMO General Assembly to put before the Secretary General of the United Nations. In its proposed response to the Somalia pirate problem, the IMO is seeking to raise the level of awareness of the situation; encourage flag states to provide specific instructions to their ships; and to foster cooperative arrangements in an effort to reduce the likelihood of occurrence of further incidents in the waters off the coast of Somalia. The resolution also foresees the provision of technical assistance to Somalia and to nearby coastal states in an effort to aid them in assisting the maritime community when it uses the waters off the coast of Somalia. It is not clear when this proposal might land on the UN Secretary General s desk, but many in the maritime community would agree that there is great urgency. It is vital that the UN steps in and takes action before Somalia s problems spill over into the waters of other countries in the region and the situation runs out of control. In the whole of 2004, there were only two attacks on vessels in Somalia. In 2005, there have been 35 attacks and possibly many others that have gone unreported. It is vital that the UN and the international community take action and these latest moves are a step in the right direction. There is always more that can be done however, and it is reassuring to hear that the coalition navies acknowledge they are monitoring the situation and will try to assist when they can and when they have vessels in the area. The IMB would continue to monitor the situation closely and report on the success or otherwise of the recent initiatives. New Malaysian Coast Guard formed Malaysia s new coast guard, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) was formed recently. The new agency will deploy its vessels along the Straits of Malacca and the East Coast. They would be armed and conduct law enforcement which includes investigation and prosecution. The MMEA has powers to enforce all federal laws in the whole maritime zone up to 200 nautical miles from the coastline. They would also be responsible for maritime search and rescue (SAR). It is reported that MMEA would eventually be equipped with 72 vessels and have more than 4,000 personnel. However, the number of personnel in the new service would start at about 600. More personnel, vessels and aircrafts and helicopters would be added to the coastguard inventory over the years. Vice Admiral Datuk Mohammad Nik has been appointed as the Director General of the MMEA. He was formally the Royal Malaysian Navy Fleet Commander. 30

31 Pirates of tanker Nepline Delima to go on trial in February It was reported that the 10 n men currently charged with robbery involving the tanker Nepline Delima will go on trial on 21 st and 22 nd February On June 14, ten pirates armed with weapons in a speedboat hijacked the tanker underway. One of the tanker crew managed to escape in a boat used by the pirates. He landed ashore and contacted the marine police at Langkawi Island. The Police dispatched a patrol boat and located the hijacked tanker off Pulau Lebar. The ten pirates subsequently surrendered and were detained. The Sessions Court Judge Maznah Abdul Aziz fixed the above dates after the defence told the court that its application for a lesser charge had been refused by the AttorneyGeneral s Chambers. US Navy to donate vessels to for maritime security It was reported recently that the US Navy plans to donate transport ships and inflatable boats to to help it patrol the Malacca Straits. The n Defence Minister was quoted as saying that the straits, a strategic waterway is seen at risk of terrorist attack. The US is in the process of renewing its equipment and military weapons especially its Navy. So, some of their ships are 40 years old, but are still operational will be donated to Juwono Sudarsono said. The minister also said that the US would donate an unspecified number of dinghies to. What is clear is that this will help the n Navy safeguard the Malacca Straits he said. US Embassy spokesman declined immediate comment. Private security boats plying the Straits During the recent Lima International Maritime Conference 2005, it was revealed that some private security companies based in Singapore have engaged exmilitary personnel to provide security for vessels transiting the straits. Malaysia s Armed Forces Chief Admiral Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor said he was not aware that private armed forces are plying the Straits. He said As far as I know, the Malaysian Authorities have not given any licence to any Private Security Company (PSC) to protect this route. Those who defy the country s maritime law would be dealt with. It was reported that Singapore is issuing licences for the PSCs to operate in the Straits. The other littoral states, Malaysia and that own most parts of the Straits have been left out of the decision making process. Maritime policy analyst Mark Valencia said that Malaysia and could request Singapore to withdraw the permits issue to PSCs on grounds that the PSCs operations were undermining their sovereignty and safety of navigation in the Straits. He said that the two littoral states could request Singapore to stipulate that the PSCs permits were valid only in Singapore waters. Patrols in Malacca Straits discouraging piracy and Malaysia efforts to increase patrols have helped suppress piracy and armed robbery in the Straits of Malacca. In July 2005, commenced a full scale maritime operation code named Gurita 2005 which had increased naval and air patrols in the straits. As a result, there was a dramatic reduction in attacks on vessels in this strategic waterway in The reduction is believed to be attributed to the increase in patrols on the n side of the straits. 31

32 Twelve attacks were recorded for 2005 compared with 38 in 2004.The IMB compliments for its effort to police the waterway which is used by over 50,000 ships a year carrying one third of world trade. However, the IMB stresses that any letup will see the attacks quickly resume. It is evident that there was a direct link between law enforcement and the rate of attacks. The IMB hopes that the level of patrols will remain so that the number of attacks will remain low. The IMB also warns that other parts of waters still have a very large number of attacks. and continues to be a problem. n waters remain the most dangerous and account for nearly one third of the total attacks worldwide. 32

33 NARRATIONS OF ATTACKS 1 January 31 December 2005 ACTUAL ATTACKS SOUTH EAST ASIA (MALACCA STRAITS) Ref Date Time Status Type LT LT LT UTC Name of Ship Type/Flag/Grt/ IMO Number Highline 26 Tug Malaysia 271 Highline 22 Barge Malaysia 2983 Tri Samudra Product Tanker Idaten Tug Japan Kuroshio 1 Barge Ocean Bridge Position 05:01.10N 099:32.38E, Malacca Straits 03:37.25N 099:36.75E, 14NM SE of Berhala Island, Malacca Straits 04:25.6N 099:40.7E, Malacca Straits 03:06.9N 100:44.6E, Vicinity of One Fathom Bank, Malacca Straits Narration Four armed pirates in a fishing boat fired upon the tug towing a barge. They boarded the tug and damaged all communication equipment and shot at C/E s legs causing serious bleeding. They took master and C/O as hostages and escaped with all ship s and crew documents. A Royal Malaysian naval ship arrived to assist and took C/E ashore for hospital treatment. Both hostages were subsequently released by pirates and reached Port Klang by a fishing boat on It is not known if a ransom was paid. Several pirates armed with machine guns and rocket propelled grenades (RPG) boarded. They kidnapped Master and Chief Engineer and left. Pirates ordered the crew not to proceed to Belawan. Later, both kidnapped crew were released after a ransom was paid. Several pirates armed with guns in three fishing boats boarded the tug towing a barge. They kidnapped master, C/E and 3/E and escaped. IMB Piracy Reporting Centre alerted Royal Malaysian marine police who sent out patrol boats to escort the tug and barge to port. Whereabouts of the three hostages are unknown. Later, the three crewmembers were released unharmed. It is not known if a ransom was paid for the release. Pirates armed with guns and knives boarded the ship underway. They took master as hostage and stole ship s cash and escaped. No injuries to crew. 33

34 LT LT Hijacked LT Hijacked B.P.P.14 Product Tanker Thailand Nepline Delima Product Tanker Malaysia Serba Guna I Fishing Boat 04:15N 100:18E, Off Pangkor Island, Malacca Straits 05:35.8N 099:57.8E, Off Langkawi Island, Malacca Straits 04:14.00N 098:23.00E, Near Sembilan Island, Ujung Tamiang, Off Eastern Coast of Ache, Eight pirates armed with automatic guns and long knives fired warning shots at the tanker underway. They boarded and kidnapped master and boatswain and left in a fishing boat with ship's documents. 2/O navigated the tanker safely to a port. Pirates demanded ransom for releasing the crew. Both crewmembers were released on the after a ransom was paid. Ten pirates armed with weapons in a speedboat hijacked the tanker underway. One crew managed to escape in the boat used by pirates. He landed ashore and contacted marine police at Langkawi Island. Police despatched a patrol boat and located the hijacked tanker off Pulau Lebar. Subsequently, pirates surrendered and they were taken to Langkawi for investigations. The crew and ship are safe. Five pirates armed with machine guns, hand grenades and knives hijacked the fishing boat underway. They released five crewmembers and held two crew as hostages and demanded a ransom from the owners. SOUTH EAST ASIA (EXCLUDING MALACCA STRAITS) Ref Date Time Status Type LT LT UTC Name of Ship Type/Flag/Grt/ IMO Number Star Leikanger Singapore Ha Dong Vietnam Joyous Age Hong Kong Position 3 Miles off Breakwater, Tanjung Priok Cargo Tanjung Priok Pulau Laut Narration Four armed robbers boarded the ship and stole engine spares. Duty watchman raised alarm and crew mustered. Robbers jumped overboard and escaped in a high speedboat. Port authority informed. Five robbers armed with knives boarded the ship and entered engine room. Alert crew mustered and fought with robbers. Robbers jumped into a boat and left empty handed. Four robbers armed with guns and long knives boarded the ship at forecastle. Alert duty A/B raised alarm and crew mustered. Robbers stole a life raft and escaped in a speedboat. Master tried to contact port authorities and PFSO but received no response. 34

35 Berthed Name Withheld Iran 9888 Belawan Port, Two robbers boarded the ship by climbing forward mooring ropes. Alert crew raised alarm and robbers escaped empty handed LT LT Berthed UTC LT LT UTC Bunga Mas 11 Container Malaysia Bahagia Product Tanker Singapore Bow Sailor Chemical Tanker Singapore Sun Jupiter Chemical Tanker Helen B Four Schooner Tanker Cayman Islands :49.63N 118:07.26E, Sandakan Malaysia Panjang Port, 09:15.2N 103:10.0E, Gulf of Thailand 01:16N 104:10E, Singapore Straits 03:12S 116:21E, Kota Baru 01:21.6S 116:58.3E, Balikpapan Two robbers boarded the ship. They broke in to a container on deck and stole cargo. Crew raised alarm and robbers jumped overboard and escaped in a boat waiting with two accomplices. Master lodged a report and police boarded for investigation. Three robbers armed with long knives boarded the ship at berth. D/O raised alarm and crew mustered. Robbers jumped overboard and escaped empty handed in a high speedboat. Three pirates armed with guns and long knives boarded the tanker underway. They raided master s cabin, stole cash from ship s safe and master s personal belongings. They then tried to take the master to their boat but he resisted and received injuries. Pirates escaped in their boat. Ten masked pirates armed with guns and long knives boarded the tanker underway. They tried to break bridge window glass but did not succeed and escaped empty handed. Master raised alarm, sounded ship s whistle and reported to VTIS Singapore. Marine police came and searched the area. Six robbers armed with knives boarded the ship. They hit a duty A/B on his head and tied him up. D/O sent a cadet to look for A/B but robbers held a knife at his throat and tied him up. Robbers opened forward locker and tried to steal ship's stores. D/O raised alarm and crew mustered. Robbers stole ships equipment and escaped in an unlit boat. Master called port control but received no response. Robbers boarded the tanker during STS operations. Police on board opened fire at robbers but they managed to cut ropes of two liferafts and throw them overboard. They jumped overboard and escaped in their boat taking liferafts. Police searched the area but could not apprehend robbers. 35

36 LT Pearl Of Jebel Ali Cyprus Adang Bay Three robbers armed with iron rods boarded the ship from hawse pipe. They broke open forepeak locker, stole ship s stores and a liferaft. Duty A/B raised alarm and crew mustered. Robbers escaped in their boat LT LT LT LT Berthed UTC LT LT Grace T Agate Tanker Singapore Isadora Cyprus Bahagia Product Tanker Singapore Red Orchid Jacqueline Container Antigua and Barbuda Darya Rani Hong Kong Sebuku Pulau Laut, 04:47S 114:14E, Balikpapan Inner 05:58.3S 105:59.4E, Pertamina Jetty 1, Tg. Gerem, 01:53.6S 116:58.0E, Makassar Straits, 05:28.29S 105:17.93E, Panjang Outer Roads, Sebuku East Kalimantan, Eight robbers armed with long knives and metal bars boarded the ship via hawse pipe. They hit one crewmember with metal bars causing injuries to his head and legs. They then tied him up and gagged his mouth with rags. Robbers stole ship's stores and escaped in their boat. Pirates boarded the tanker underway and stole ship s equipment. Fishing boats were in the area at the time. Several robbers boarded the ship and tried to break open bosun store. Alert crew raised alarm and robbers escaped empty handed. A crewmember was injured whilst resisting robbers. Authorities informed. Two robbers armed with long knives boarded the ship. Alert duty A/B raised alarm and crew mustered. Robbers jumped overboard and escaped empty handed in a high speedboat. Two pirates armed with knives boarded the ship underway. They stole a liferaft and escaped. Six robbers armed with long knives boarded. They held two crewmembers hostage and tied them up. They broke into forward locker and stole ship s stores. Alarm was raised, crew mustered and robbers escaped. Master tried to contact port authorities on VHF but received no response. Boarding took place although two shore watchmen were on board Several robbers armed with long knives boarded and broke open forepeak locker. Alert crew and armed security guard rushed forward. Robbers stole ship s stores and escaped in a speedboat. 36

37 LT LT LT LT LT Berthed LT LT Bonggaya 91 Tug Malaysia Bonggaya 90 Barge Malaysia 1368 Arran Trader Philippines Kyosei Maru Product Tanker Singapore Haramachi Maru Japan Bahagia Product Tanker Singapore Hephaestus Liberia SE Mariam 2 Tug Malaysia :35N 119:00E, About 3NM East of Mataking Island, Malaysia 03:08N 105:24E, 12NM West of P. Mangkai, Anambas Islands, 01:15.30N 103:33.72E, Off Tg. Pelepas Singapore Straits 03:12.5S 116:22E, Pulau Laut 03:47.46N 098:42.64E, Pertamina Jetty, Belawan Port, 06:02.24S 106:55.68E, Tg. Priok Jakarta, 01:13.6S 117:00.7E, Balikpapan Five pirates armed with M16 and AK47 rifles in a speedboat came alongside the tug towing a barge. They fired several shots into air and ordered master to stop. Four pirates dressed in dark blue clothes boarded the tug and ordered crew to assemble at main deck. Pirates stole crew s personal belongings and tug s communication equipment. They kidnapped master and two crewmembers and left in their speedboat in an easterly direction. After 74 days in captivity, two of three crew were rescued when the Philippines military launched an assault on a militant stronghold in Jolo. The rescued crew were in good health. The Master was released in late September 2005 after the n government mediated with the kidnappers. Four pirates armed with long bolo knives boarded at poop deck. They assaulted two duty crewmembers who received knife wounds. Pirates stole ship s equipment and escaped. Ten robbers armed with knives boarded. They tied hands of master and other crewmembers with plastic strings and robbed ship's property and crew personal belongings. One crewmember was injured. Robbers escaped in a speedboat. Eight robbers armed with knives boarded the ship. They stole liferaft, communication equipment, stores and escaped. Three robbers armed with long knives boarded the tanker at forecastle during cargo operations. D/O raised alarm, sounded whistle and crew mustered. Robbers jumped into sea and escaped in a high speedboat with ship s stores. Armed robbers boarded the ship and attempted to enter engine room. Alert crew raised alarm and robbers escaped in a speedboat. Masked robbers armed with long knives boarded the tug. They stole one liferaft and escaped. 37

38 LT Berthed LT Berthed LT LT Hijacked UTC LT LT LT Hiya Builder Maldives Hiya Builder Maldives Vana Inabukwa Bunga Kerayong Product Tanker Malaysia Prabhu Yuvika India Pac Bintan Container Liberia Jacqueline Container Antigua and Barbuda Wharf 114, Tg. Priok Port, Wharf 114, Tg. Priok Port, 01:20S 116:57E, Balikpapan 00:27.1S 105:09.0E, Off Lingga Islands, Belawan Taboneo Banjarmasin, 02:49.70S 106:54.90E, Bangka Straits, Tg. Priok Outer Roads, A robber mingled with stevedores and stole equipment from the ship. Duty crew recovered the equipment and robber escaped empty handed. A robber mingled with stevedores and tried to steal equipment from the ship. Duty crew prevented theft. Two robbers in two unlit fishing boats boarded the ship at forecastle. They stole two liferafts and lifeboat equipment. Master contacted port authorities but received no response. Ship picked up anchor and left outer roads. Pirates armed with guns, knives and swords boarded from stern. They tied up all crew and held the ship for two days. All cargo on board was unloaded. On pirates left the ship in speedboats. The crew and ship are safe. One robber armed with a long knife boarded the tanker at forecastle whilst another robber was climbing anchor chain. Duty A/B challenged the robbers and raised alarm. Robbers jumped overboard and escaped in a speedboat waiting with two other accomplices. Port authorities informed. Two robbers armed with knives boarded. They broke into forepeak locker, stole ship s stores and were about to lower them into a boat waiting with two accomplices. Alert crew challenged robbers. D/O raised alarm and crew mustered. Robbers escaped. Six robbers armed with long knives and guns boarded the ship underway. Master raised alarm, switched on deck lights and crew mustered and robbers fled. Six boats approached the ship and six robbers armed with steel bars from two boats boarded. A further two boats remained nearby whilst remaining two boats approached another ship in vicinity. Alert crew mustered and robbers left empty handed. Attempts to contact port authorities and patrol boats by VHF received no response. 38

39 UTC LT LT LT UTC UTC LT LT Noshiro Maru Ten Large Yacht United Kingdom Chembulk Singapore Chemical Tanker Liberia Arendal Tanker Norway Atsuta Hoang Long Vietnam Sunny Success Antigoni B Cyprus :46.3S 117:07.2E, Makassar Straits, 02:46.064N 106:12.285E, NW Bay of Ayerabu Island, Tanker Jakarta, Dumai 03:12N 105:24E, 14 NM Off Anambas Island, Belawan Kota Baru 03:12S 116:20E, Tanjung Pemancingan One pirate in a speedboat boarded the ship underway using hooks attached to a rope. D/O raised alarm, sounded ship's whistle; crew mustered and activated fire hoses. Pirate jumped overboard and escaped in speedboat with two outboard motors waiting with four accomplices. Eight robbers armed with AK47 machine guns boarded the yacht at anchor. They ordered crew to remain below deck. They held skipper at gunpoint and took cash, stores, crew personal belongings and escaped. Six robbers boarded from two fishing boats. They broke open aft locker and stole ship s equipment. Robbers escaped in an easterly direction. Port authorities informed. Three robbers armed with knives boarded the tanker at poop deck and entered E/R. Duty crew raised alarm and robbers escaped with ship's stores. Five pirates armed with highpowered guns and long knives boarded. Duty A/B at poop deck spotted them and locked himself inside accommodation and raised alarm. Pirates fired warning shots and broke open accommodation doors and entered bridge where they tied up 2/O, two A/Bs and an oiler. Two pirates remained on bridge with hostages. Other three pirates went to cabins of C/E and master and stole personal belongings, cash and equipment. Finally, pirates took master; C/E and an A/B to poop deck and escaped in a boat. Six robbers armed with long knives boarded the ship. Alert crew raised alarm and mustered. Robbers escaped in their speedboat. Five robbers armed with long knives boarded the ship at anchor. They tied up duty A/B. Other crew raised alarm. Robbers stole one life raft and escaped. Ten robbers armed with long knives boarded the ship at forecastle. They tied up duty watchman and threatened another watchman. Robbers broke open locker and stole ship s stores. 39

40 LT LT LT Hijacked LT LT Berthed LT LT Berthed Genmar Kestrel Tanker Marshall Islands Montreal Senator Container Bahamas Samudra Sindo VIII Tug Anggada VII Barge Greta R Myanmar Atlas Sky Norway Suhaila Chemical Tanker Malaysia Agate Tanker Singapore Name Withheld Cyprus :27.2S 116:42.0E, LawiLawi Oil Terminal Roads, Balikpapan, Jakarta Tanjung Pengelih, Malaysia 01:42.3N 101:26.7E, Dumai Inner Berth GD 107, Surabaya Port, 01:13.18N 103:34.12E, Singapore Straits 01:27.39S 116:45.76E, at SPM Terminal, Lawilawi, Balikpapan, Jakarta Two robbers boarded the tanker at forecastle. Alarm was raised and crew mustered. Robbers stole ship's stores and escaped in a boat waiting with four accomplices. Robbers boarded the ship. They stole a liferaft and escaped in a speedboat. Eight pirates wearing face masks armed with guns and long knives boarded the tug with a barge in tow awaiting berthing at Tanjung Pengelih port. They held master and crew as hostages below deck. Barge was laden with 5,300MT of palm oil. Pirates transferred about 3,500MT of cargo into another tanker. They left on at 1800 LT in position 01:30N 104:30E. Three armed robbers boarded the ship. Alert duty A/B raised alarm and crew mustered and robbers escaped in their boat. Master informed authorities but received no response. Robbers boarded the ship and stole a liferaft and ship s property. Six pirates armed with long knives and wearing black facemasks boarded via a speedboat. They took hostage two duty crewmembers and tied them up. They entered accommodation and took captain, oiler and 2/E as hostages and tied them up. They kicked 3/O in his groin and destroyed communication equipment. They stole ship s cash, crew personal belongings and ship s property and escaped at 0045 LT. Robbers boarded the tanker during cargo operations. They broke into three storerooms and stole safety equipment and property and escaped. Four robbers boarded the ship. Alert crew raised alarm and robbers escaped empty handed. 40

41 LT UTC Berthed LT Hijacked Hijacked LT LT LT LT Azul Glory Aifanourios Bahamas Zara Tug Malaysia Zara 3 Barge Malaysia 957 Marco Polo 43 Tug 148 Marco Polo 48 Barge 1704 Intrepid Malta Tai Progress Port Arthur Product Tanker Liberia Freedom Lily Hong Kong :33.1N 117:43.7E, Tanjung Bara Balikpapan Coal Terminal, Approximate position 01.00N E, Enroute from Surabaya to Jakarta, Tg. Mangkok Sebuku Island, 03:17S 116:23E, Pulau Laut Tanjung Priok Tanker Jakarta, Jakarta Breakwater Entrance, Robbers boarded the ship. They broke padlock of fore peak locker and stole ship s items. Four robbers armed with crowbars boarded. They broke forward store lock and stole ship s stores and equipment. Duty A/B raised alarm and robbers fled in a white speedboat. Pirates hijacked a tug towing a barge. They threw a crewmember overboard who was rescued by a nearby craft. He reached shore and reported the incident to naval authorities in Tg. Pinang. The tug and barge are still missing. While underway, the tug and barge went missing. The last contact the owners had with the tug was on the Thereafter, they lost contact with the tug. The fate of the 11 crewmembers is unknown. The tug and barge are still missing. To date, there are no information on the missing tug/barge and crew. Four robbers armed with long knives boarded using hook. They held duty A/B as hostage, threatened him with long knives and stole ship s stores. Crew raised alarm and robbers jumped overboard and escaped in a motorboat. Four robbers boarded the ship. They broke open bosun store and stole ship s stores and escaped. Four armed robbers boarded the tanker. They broke into engine room and threatened crewmembers with a pistol. They stole engine spares and escaped. Port control informed. Seven armed robbers boarded the ship entering port. Alert crew raised alarm and robbers escaped empty handed. 41

42 LT UTC Hijacked LT LT LT LT LT UTC Berthed Tantramar VLCC Liberia Prima Indah Parna Berlian LPG Azure Delfa Marshall Islands Laconia Malta Berlian Ekuator LPG Acx Magnolia Container Off Balikpapan, 01:28.6S 106:41.1E, Off Bangka Island, 00:08.7N 117:35.6E, Bontang Jakarta 06:02.87S 106:53.57E, Jakarta 01:59.6N 118:08.7E, Off Muara Pantai, East Kalimantan, Bontang J.I.C.T. Berth No.1, Tg. Priok, Two robbers armed with machetes boarded via anchor chain and stole forward liferaft. They tried to steal ship's stores but were spotted by duty watchman. Robbers left a machete on board and escaped in boat waiting with an accomplice. Pertamina PFSO informed. Pirates armed with guns boarded the ship underway carrying tin ingots. They hijacked the ship and transferred master and crew to a fishing boat. The crew safely landed on an island and lodged a report with the police. Hijackers scuttled the ship with cargo intact onboard. The ship is waiting to be salvaged. Five robbers armed with knives boarded the tanker. They tied up duty A/B to anchor cable and stole ship s stores. Six robbers boarded the ship at stern. D/O raised alarm. Crew mustered and robbers fled. Master contacted a customs patrol boat near by and the boat chased robbers for few minutes and gave up the chase. Jakarta port informed. Robbers armed with long knives boarded the ship from an unlit boat. They threatened crew with knives and stole a life raft. They were in the process of stealing ship s stores but alert crew thwarted the attempt. Robbers escaped in their boat. Master called port authorities on VHF but received no response. Robbers boarded the ship at anchor during cargo operations. They stole forward liferaft and ship's stores and escaped in their speedboat. Robbers boarded the ship and stole two liferafts and escaped. There were numerous small fishing crafts in the vicinity. Four robbers armed with guns and knives boarded the ship at berth. They entered engine room and stole engine spares and escaped. 42

43 LT LT LT LT LT LT Hijacked LT LT Kota Rancak Container Singapore Tenshu Maru Bergen Trader Philippines Bonzita Michalakis Malta Permina Supply No.26 Supply Ship Steadfast Chemical Tanker Dominica Attar Malta Unity T :00.6S 106:54E, Tanjung Priok 01:42.4S 116:38.5E, Adang Bay Bontang 03:17S 116:24E, Off Tg. Mangkok, North Sebuku Island, 05:54S 105:59E, Merak 05:58.4S 105:58.6E, Port of Tanjung Gerem Merak, Palembang Bontang Tg. Bara Inner E. Kalimantan, Robbers boarded the ship and entered accommodation. They stole safety equipment and escaped. Master's tried to contact port control but received no response. Five robbers armed with guns and knives boarded the ship at poop deck and stole a liferaft. D/O raised alarm and crew mustered but robbers threatened them with guns and escaped in their boat. Port control informed. One robber boarded the ship during heavy rain while his accomplices waited in a boat below. He stole ship s stores and escaped. Two robbers armed with long knives boarded the ship at anchor during heavy rain. They stole fwd liferaft and were in the process of stealing stores. When confronted by ship's crew, they jumped overboard and escaped in a speedboat. One robber armed with a long knife boarded. Alert duty A/B raised alarm and crew mustered. Robber escaped empty handed in a speedboat waiting with accomplices. Port control informed. Eight robbers armed with long knives boarded the tug at anchor and entered engine room. They tied up duty motorman and stole engine spares and escaped. Pirates hijacked the ship at anchor. The IMB PRC coordinated the search and the ship was subsequently located on the All 25 crew are safe and cargo intact onboard. Eight robbers armed with long knives boarded the ship at forecastle. They stole ship s stores and escaped. Robbers boarded at forecastle. They tried to steal ship s stores but alert crew raised alarm and they escaped empty handed in a boat waiting with accomplices. Master suspects that stevedores may have collaborated with the robbers. 43

44 FAR EAST Ref Date Time LT LT LT Berthed LT LT Berthed LT LT Name of Ship Type/Flag/Grt/ IMO Number NA Chemical Tanker Liberia 4995 Mekong Straits Bahamas Cynthia Fagan U.S.A Trinity Chemical Tanker Marshall Islands Name Withheld Iran Name Withheld Cyprus Name Withheld Iran Name Withheld Iran Name Withheld Iran Position Nanjing China 20:39N 106:51E, Haiphong Vietnam Tan Thuan Port, Off Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Hon Gai Inner Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Xingang Port, China Buoy No. 39, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Buoy No. FC 02, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Narration Three robbers boarded and broke padlock on a locker and stole safety equipment. Alert crew raised alarm and robbers escaped in a speedboat. Master attempted to contact local authorities but no response was received. Several robbers boarded the ship at forecastle. Duty A/B raised alarm and crew mustered. Robbers stole ship s stores and fled in an unlit boat. Port authorities informed. Two robbers boarded the ship at berth during discharging operations. They broke into storeroom and tried to steal ship s stores. Alert crew raised alarm and robbers escaped empty handed. Robbers boarded the tanker preparing to berth. They stole ship's stores and escaped. Two robbers boarded the ship moored to buoy during cargo operations with barges alongside. They broke open forepeak store and stole ship s stores. Duty Officer raised alarm and robbers escaped. Robbers boarded the ship during cargo operations. They stole ship s equipment. Four robbers armed with long knives boarded the ship moored to buoy. Duty Officer and crew shouted and chased the robbers. They escaped with ship s stores in small boat. Port control informed. Robbers boarded the ship moored to buoy. They broke store locks and stole ship s stores. Two robbers armed with knives and swords boarded the ship moored to buoy. One robber tried to attack duty A/B who ran away and raised alarm and crew mustered. Robbers jumped overboard and escaped with ship s stores. Police came for investigation at morning hours. 44

45 During early morning LT UTC UTC During Early Morning Syms Huanghe Container Cyprus Bunga Mas 12 Container Malaysia Iran Kermanshah Cyprus Savvy Product Tanker Singapore Amstel Trader Container Netherlands Miles SSW of Vung Tau Island, Vietnam Vung Tau Vietnam 21:25N 108:24E, Fangcheng OPL China Zhanjiang No.2 Inner China 20:38.1N 106:52.6E, Haiphong Vietnam Robbers boarded the ship. They broke forward locker padlock and stole ship s stores. Robbers boarded the ship and stole ship s stores. Master informed authorities Robbers boarded a bulk carrier via anchor chain. They broke padlocks of forward store and stole ship's property and stores. Robbers boarded a tanker via hawse pipe. They broke open forward locker and stole ship's stores. Several small fishing boats were in vicinity. Authorities informed. Robbers boarded the ship and stole ship's stores. Port authorities informed. INDIAN SUBCONTINENT Ref Date Time Status Type UTC LT LT Name of Ship Type/Flag/Grt/ IMO Number Afra Antigua & Barbuda Victoria 1 Product Tanker Shang Yuan Men St Vincent and Grenadines Position Kandla Outer India Chittagong Outer Bangladesh Kandla Outer India Narration Six armed robbers boarded the ship, broke into forward locker and stole ship s stores. D/O raised alarm and robbers escaped in their boat. Ten robbers armed with long knives boarded the tanker underway at poop deck. Alert crew raised alarm; crew mustered and activated fire hoses. Robbers stole ship s stores and fled in their speedboat. Eight robbers armed with iron bars boarded the ship at forecastle from a fishing boat. Alert duty A/B raised alarm and robbers escaped empty handed by climbing down a rope. 45

46 LT LT LT LT LT LT LT LT Celtic Malta Dragonaria Chemical Tanker Singapore MMM Houston Chemical Tanker Malaysia Smit Luzon Tug Bahamas Smit Cyclone Barge Singapore Olympias St. Vincent and Grenadines Marissa Green Netherlands Gulf Nomad Chemical Tanker Bahamas Mahaweli Tug Sri Lanka Pryamee Amma Barge Kandla India Chittagong Bangladesh Chittagong B Bangladesh 07:49N 076:50E, Off Trivandrum, SW Coast of India Chittagong B Bangladesh Chittagong B Bangladesh Chittagong Alfa Bangladesh 08:07.24N 076:43.33E, Off Trivandrum, SW Coast India Two robbers armed with long knives boarded the ship at forecastle. D/O raised alarm and crew mustered. Robbers jumped overboard and escaped in an unlit boat with ship s equipment. Authorities informed. Seven robbers armed with long knives boarded the tanker. They stole ship s stores and escaped in an unlit boat. Ten robbers armed with long knives boarded the tanker from two boats. They seized duty A/B and held him at knifepoint. D/O raised alarm and crew mustered. Robbers jumped overboard and escaped with ship s stores. Chittagong port control informed. Two fishing boats approached the tug towing an ocean crane barge. One boat came alongside the barge and four pirates boarded and started lowering ship s stores from deck. Alert crew mustered and pirates escaped empty handed. Robbers armed with guns boarded the ship. They stole ship s stores and escaped. Port control and coast guard informed but no response was received. Robbers armed with long knives boarded the ship at stern whilst anchoring. They stole ship s stores and escaped. Crew raised alarm, sounded whistle and fired a flare. Port control informed but no response was received Two boats with 10 robbers in each approached the ship preparing to anchor. Two robbers boarded at stern and stole ship s stores. Alert crew raised alarm and robbers escaped. After 45 minutes, 10 robbers in one boat approached and boarded again at stern. They stole ship s stores and escaped. Two robbers boarded a barge under tow and stole stores. Earlier four robbers in a boat had made two attempts to board at 0630 and 0930 LT. 46

47 UTC Kripa Container India :05.7N 080:21.0E, Chennai India Five robbers boarded the ship from stern and attempted to steal ship s stores. Alert crew raised alarm and robbers escaped empty handed in their boat. Port control and police informed LT LT Berthed LT LT LT LT Berthed LT Rickbank Brazil Onozo Tanker Liberia Tu King Hong Kong Gem Of Ennore India Darya Taal Hong Kong Darya Taal Hong Kong Pearl Chittagong Anchorage A, Bangladesh Berth No.4, Jawahar Deep Terminal, Mumbai, India Chittagong Anchorage A, Bangladesh 13:13.7N 080:23.4E, 1.2 Miles NE of Fairway Buoy, Ennore India Chittagong Bangladesh Chittagong Port, Bangladesh Chittagong Anchorage A, Bangladesh Three robbers in a boat boarded the ship. They broke aft locker and stole ship s stores and escaped. Coast guard informed. Two robbers boarded the tanker discharging cargo. They tried to steal ship s stores from poop deck but duty A/B noticed them and raised alarm. Robbers escaped empty handed in an orange coloured boat. Port authorities informed and they came on board for investigation. Robbers boarded the ship and stole ship s stores. Coast guard informed. Three robbers boarded the ship. Alert crew raised alarm and robbers escaped empty handed. Four robbers boarded the ship preparing to anchor. One robber held watchman at knifepoint while others broke into aft locker and stole ship s stores. Alert crew raised alarm and robbers escaped. Robbers in a small boat approached the ship at berth. They stole zinc anodes welded to the hull using crowbars. Crew raised alarm but robbers threw stones at them and escaped. Master called authorities and a security boat arrived 10 minutes later to investigate. Three robbers boarded the ship and broke aft locker and stole ship s stores. Master informed port control, who alerted coast guard. Coast guard came in a patrol boat and arrested the robbers. 47

48 LT LT LT Berthed Care Play14 Tug Radwan Product Tanker Cyprus GPS Pioneer Tug Cambodia Maersk Arizona Container USA Off Kutubdia Island, Bangladesh Chittagong Bangladesh Cochin Port, India A group of pirates in five trawlers armed with guns boarded the tug towing a tanker for scrap. Pirates stole stores and property from the tug and tanker. Tug sent out message for help and a coast guard ship arrived on scene. They detained the pirates and five trawlers and recovered stolen items. Seven robbers armed with long knives and jungle bolos approached the tug underway. Three robbers boarded, stole stores and escaped. Later coast guard arrived for investigation. Several robbers boarded the ship at berth. They stole ship's stores and escaped. Local authorities informed UTC LT LT Berthed LT LT UTC Jag Palak Product Tanker India Caraka Jaya Niaga III 32 General cargo Angelica Schulte Tanker Liberia Siam Bhavas Chemical Tanker Thailand Thomas C Cayman Islands Supreme Mongolia Chennai Outer India Chittagong Anchorage A, Bangladesh Cochin Oil Terminal, India Chittagong Outer Bangladesh Chittagong Bangladesh Chittagong Anchorage B, Bangladesh Four robbers boarded the ship via poop deck. Crew spotted them and raised alarm. Robbers escaped in speedboat empty handed. Authorities informed and marine police arrived for investigation. Four robbers in a boat boarded the ship and stole ship s stores. Coast guard informed. Eight robbers boarded the tanker at berth during cargo operations and escaped with ship s stores. Six robbers boarded the tanker and broke open forward store and tried to steal ship s property. Alert crew raised alarm. Robbers fled empty handed. Robbers using grappling hooks boarded the ship via anchor chain. Alert crew challenged robbers who escaped in two boats waiting with four accomplices. Four robbers armed with long knives boarded the ship at stern. Crew raised alarm and robbers escaped with ship s stores. Coast Guard informed. 48

49 LT LT Joint Grace Malta Kota Naga Container Singapore Kandla India 21:40.3N 088:00.9E, Sagar India Seven robbers boarded the ship and broke into storeroom. Alert crew raised alarm and robbers escaped empty handed. Two robbers boarded the ship awaiting berthing with pilot onboard. Duty A/B raised alarm and robbers escaped with ship's stores. Pilot station and port authority informed. AMERICAS Ref Date Time Status Type LT UTC LT Berthed LT LT Name of Ship Type/Flag/Grt/ IMO Number Cape Bird Chemical Tanker Marshall Islands Finch Arrow Bahamas Asphalt Victory Tanker Cayman Islands Gulf Progress Chemical Tanker Bahamas DD Fidelity St Vincent and Grenadines Position Kingston, Jamaica 00:06N 051:06W, Macapa Amazon, Brazil Berth No.2, Rio Haina Port, Dominican Republic Callao Peru 03:51.5N 077:06.2W, Buenaventura Inner Anchorage 3, Colombia Narration Three robbers armed with long knives boarded the tanker underway at forecastle. They broke in to forward locker and stole ship s stores. Crew mustered and at 0415 robbers jumped overboard and escaped in a boat waiting with two accomplices. Kingston coast guard informed. Robbers boarded via anchor chain and stole ship s stores from forecastle locker. Alert crew raised alarm and robbers escaped in a speedboat. Master reported incident to local authorities but there was no response. Two robbers armed with long knives boarded the tanker during cargo operations. Duty A/B raised alarm and robbers jumped overboard and escaped. Two robbers armed with knives boarded the tanker and tried to steal ship s stores. Alert crew mustered and robbers jumped overboard and escaped in a boat waiting with other accomplices. Incident was reported to authorities and they boarded for investigation. Coast guard sent a boat to patrol area. Two robbers boarded the ship at forecastle and broke padlocks on storerooms. Alert crew raised alarm and robbers jumped overboard and escaped empty handed. Master informed coast guard and a coast guard boat arrived promptly within nine minutes for investigation. 49

50 LT Not Stated Evening hrs LT Chimera Yacht United Kingdom June B Refrigerated Cargo St Vincent and Grenadines NA Buzios, Brazil Port Au Prince Haiti Port Au Prince Haiti Pirates armed with guns, pistols and knives boarded the yacht. They stole cash, documents, properties and escaped. Robbers armed with knives boarded the ship. They stole ship s stores and escaped. Earlier on robbers had boarded another ship and stole ship s stores. Robbers armed with knives boarded the ship. D/O raised alarm and robbers escaped empty handed LT LT UTC UTC LT LT Madam Catamaran British Virgin Island Sunshine Tanker Singapore Stadt Kiel Container Antigua and Barbuda Mizar Container Singapore Elqui Container Marshall Islands UBC Savannah Cyprus Carenero, Venezuela Callao Anchorage No.8, Peru 17:52.7N 076:47.1W, Kingston Outer Jamaica 17:52.19N 076:46.61W, Kingston Jamaica Kingston Jamaica Callao Anchorage No.1, Peru Two robbers armed with knives and battens boarded the catamaran at anchor. They threatened the skipper who tried to resist. Robbers stole equipment and escaped in a boat waiting with an accomplice. Skipper made MAYDAY calls on VHF but no help arrived. Robbers boarded the tanker at forecastle. They stole ship's stores and escaped. Five robbers boarded and threatened duty A/B with a knife and tied him up. A/B managed to raise alarm. Robbers broke seal of a container and tried to break into store room. Finally they stole crew belongings and escaped. Five robbers armed with long knives boarded the ship. They threatened duty A/B with knives. They broke locks of store rooms and opened a container on deck. Alert crew raised alarm and robbers escaped empty handed in their boat. Master informed authorities and two hours later coast guard came for investigation. A robber armed with a crowbar boarded the ship. Alert crew raised alarm and robber jumped overboard and escaped in boat waiting with four accomplices. Six robbers in a boat approached the ship. One robber boarded via anchor chain. Alert crew raised alarm and robber escaped empty handed. Master informed authorities and coast guard arrived for investigation. 50

51 LT Berthed LT LT LT UTC LT LT P&O Nedlloyd Trinidad Antigua and Barbuda Ugo De Carlini Chemical Tanker Italy BBC Ecuador Antigua and Barbuda NA Yacht Saturn Chemical Tanker RDreamz Yacht USA New Century Tanker Marshall Islands Georgetown Port, Guyana Callao Anchorage Area No.8, Peru No.2 Ilo, Peru Laguna Grande, Venezuela 17:52.8N 077:06.2W, Port Old Harbour, Jamaica Bahia Del Sol, El Salvador 10:19N 075:32W, Cartagena Bay, Colombia Five robbers armed with guns boarded the ship departing with pilot on board. They held a crew at gunpoint and broke padlock of forward storeroom. The crewmember managed to escape and raise alarm. Robbers left empty handed. Three robbers boarded the tanker by climbing the anchor chain. They broke padlocks of forward locker, stole ship s stores and escaped. Master reported to port authorities and police. Two robbers armed with long knives boarded the ship at forecastle. They stole ship s stores and escaped in a fishing boat. Master called port authorities on VHF but received no response. Three robbers armed with machetes boarded the yacht at anchor and started lowering the dingy. Skipper confronted one robber who slashed him with machete. Robber jumped into water and with his accomplices and started taking the dingy. Skipper pursued them but he was repeatedly slashed by robbers with the machetes causing severe injuries. Skipper s colleague onboard contacted authorities and armed guards arrived and took skipper ashore for hospital treatment. Subsequently stolen dingy was recovered. Four robbers armed with knives and hooks boarded the tanker moored to buoy. Alert crew raised alarm and robbers escaped empty handed in an unlit speedboat. Harbour authorities informed. Four armed robbers boarded and broke in to skipper s cabin. Alarm was raised and robbers jumped into water leaving behind two machetes. An accomplice waiting in a fishing boat picked them up. Robbers then fired gunshots at the yacht before leaving the scene. No injuries to crew. Incident reported to authorities, who began patrolling the anchorage. Four robbers boarded the tanker from forecastle. Duty watchmen raised alarm. Robbers broke padlocks of forward locker and stole ship s stores together with safety equipment and escaped. Coast guard and port authorities were notified and both came onboard within 30 minutes to investigate. 51

52 LT UTC Swan Lake Chemical Tanker Liberia Monkey s Business Yacht Callao Anchorage Area No. 12, Peru Kingston Harbour, Jamaica An armed robber boarded the tanker. He threatened duty A/B with a gun and stole ship s stores. Five robbers armed with assault rifles in a 25 ft canoe with an outboard motor boarded the yacht at anchor. They took substantial equipment at gunpoint and escaped. Jamaican authorities informed. No injuries to crew. AFRICA (SOMALIA) Ref Date Time Status Type UTC Hijacked UTC Hijacked UTC Name of Ship Type/Flag/Grt/ IMO Number OR. Sirichainava 12 Fishing Vessel Thailand 225 Name Withheld LPG Tim Buck Cyprus Position 12:45.35N 051:33.18E, Somalia 00:50S 047:36E, Off Eastern Coast of Somalia 03:34.0N 048:24.0E, 60 Miles from Eastern Coast of Somalia Narration Three armed pirates in a boat hijacked the fishing vessel underway. They directed her to come closer to Somali coast. Pirates held the 26 crewmembers as hostage for a ransom. IMB Piracy Reporting Centre alerted the Coalition warships in the area that rescued ship and crew and apprehended three pirates on Armed pirates boarded. They took hostage all 17 crewmembers, hijacked the ship and forced her to anchor close to Somali coast. IMB Piracy Reporting alerted relevant authorities. Subsequently, the ship and the crew were released on after a ransom was paid. Eight pirates armed with automatic guns and grenades in two speedboats fired upon the ship underway. Master took evasive manoeuvres, increased speed, sounded whistle, sent distress alert and crew closed doors and hid in superstructure. Two grenades hit a lifeboat, which caught fire. Pirates continued shooting and at 1000 UTC they boarded using a portable ladder. Pirates could not enter superstructure and they continued shooting at the bridge. Pirates left at 1100 UTC. One lifeboat was completely burnt and there were bullet holes in superstructure and master s cabin window. No injuries to crew. 52

53 LT Hijacked Hijacked Hijacked Hijacked Hijacked Hijacked Hijacked LT Hijacked UTC Hijacked Reef Malindi St Kitts Semlow St Vincent and Grenadines Zhong I No. 218 Fishing Trawler Taiwan Cheng Qing Feng Fishing Trawler Taiwan Shin Lian Fa No.36 Fishing Trawler Taiwan IBN Batouta Algeria Torgelow St Vincent and Grenadines Miltzow St Vincent and Grenadines Panagia Liberia :07N 048:2E, Somalia 04:47.6N 048:12.0E, Off Hobyo, East Coast of Somalia Off Kismayo Port, Somalia Off Kismayo Port, Somalia Off Kismayo Port, Somalia Vicinity of Mogadishu, Somalia Vicinity of Kismayu / Barawa, East Coast Somalia Merca 50 NM South Of Mogadishu, Somalia 06:59.18N 051:08.39E, About 90 Miles East of Somali Coast, Somalia Pirates boarded and hijacked the ship underway. They demanded ransom for releasing the ship and the crew. The ship and crew were released on Pirates hijacked the ship underway loaded with cargo. Ten crew are held hostage and pirates are demanding a ransom for release of the ship and crew. The ship and crew were released on after a ransom was paid. The ship safely arrived Mombasa, Kenya. Pirates hijacked the deep sea vessel. They are holding crewmembers as hostages. To date, the negotiations are still going on. Pirates hijacked the deep sea vessel. They are holding crewmembers as hostages. To date, the negotiations are still going on. Pirates hijacked the deep sea vessel. They are holding crewmembers as hostages. To date, the negotiations are still going on. Pirates hijacked the ship underway and demanded ransom for the release of crew and ship. The ship and the crew were released on Somali gunmen hijacked the ship, 50 NM off the coast. She was carrying fuel and food supply for M V Semlow, which was hijacked on 16 June 2005 and recently released by her hijackers. Gunmen demanded ransom for the release of ship / crew. A ransom was paid and the ship and crew were released on Six pirates armed with guns hijacked the ship loaded with UN food aid cargo. They sailed the ship to an unknown location and discharged the cargo. The crew and ship were released on the Pirates armed with guns in speedboats fired upon the ship underway. They boarded the ship, hijacked her and took her close to Somali coast. The owners negotiated and paid a ransom. The ship and crew were released on

54 UTC Hijacked UTC Hijacked Morning Hrs Hijacked Hijacked San Carlo Product Tanker Malta Laemthong Glory Thailand Feng Jung 16 Fishing Vessel Taiwan Julia 54 Georgia :13N 049:44E, Somalia 04:28N 048:01E, East Coast of Somalia 04:30N 048:00E, East Coast of Somalia Off Hobyo, East Coast of Somalia Pirates armed with guns attacked the tanker underway. They hijacked the tanker and proceeded to an unknown destination. The owners paid a ransom and the ship and crew were released on Pirates hijacked the ship underway. They demanded ransom for the release of the ship. The owners paid a ransom and the ship and crew were released on Armed pirates hijacked the fishing vessel with 15 crew. Hijackers are demanding ransom for the release of the vessel and crew. Negotiations are still going on. Pirates hijacked the ship underway. Hijackers have demanded ransom for release of 11 crew and ship. Negotiations are still going on. AFRICA (EXCLUDING SOMALIA) Ref Date Time Status Type LT LT Berthed LT LT Name of Ship Type/Flag/Grt/ IMO Number Skawhegan Product Tanker Liberia Mersa Alam Egypt Sanmar Symphony Chemical Tanker India Astor Container Antilles Netherlands Position Lagos Port 06:18.23N 003:25.2E, Nigeria Casablanca Port, Morocco Lagos Nigeria Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania Narration Four robbers armed with knives boarded. They broke padlocks of two lockers and stole ship s stores and escaped. Master informed local authorities. Twenty robbers armed with long knives boarded the ship at berth. D/O raised alarm and master called the police by VHF. Police arrived promptly and robbers fled after seeing the police car. Two robbers armed with knives boarded the tanker during STS cargo operations. They threatened duty A/B with knives, tied his hands, legs and gagged his mouth. Robbers tried to break into storerooms but could not succeed and left empty handed. Two robbers boarded the ship at anchor. Duty crew raised alarm and robbers jumped overboard and escaped in their boat. Port control informed. 54

55 LT LT LT LT Hyderabad Pakistan Christian D. Antigua and Barbuda Karin B Denmark Safmarine Cotonou Container United Kingdom Abidjan Ivory Coast 04:12.6N 006:55.6E, Off Bonny River Fairway Buoy, Onne, Nigeria Vicinity of Bonny River Fairway Buoy, Onne, Nigeria 06:45S 039:20E, No.2 Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania Robbers armed with long knives boarded the ship via anchor chain. They overpowered and tied up duty A/B and robbed his personal belongings and a walkie talkie. A/B managed to free himself and raised alarm. Upon hearing the alarm, robbers jumped overboard and escaped. Armed and aggressive robbers boarded the ship at anchor. They injured several crewmembers and wounded one crewmember with gunshot. Robbers escaped in high powered speedboat with ship s cash, bonded stores and crew personal belongings. Robbers armed with guns boarded the ship at anchor. They beat up crewmembers and fired gunshots. Robbers stole ship s cash, stores and crew personal belongings. They escaped in a blue coloured 20ft high speed motorboat. Three robbers armed with machetes boarded the ship via hawse pipe. They stole ship s stores and escaped. Master heaved up anchor and proceeded to open sea to drift. Port control informed UTC LT LT Berthed Happy Rover Netherlands FPSO Jamestown Offshore Processing Ship Vanuatu Gold Carrier Singapore Takoradi Ghana Warri Region, Nigeria Douala Port, Cameroon. Three armed robbers boarded the ship at forecastle. They stole ship s stores and escaped in a boat. Master informed port control, which sent officials to investigate. A group of armed persons boarded the ship. They took hostage all 45 crewmembers. After negotiations boarders departed on at 0945 LT. No injuries to crew. Four armed robbers boarded the ship at berth. They assaulted duty A/B and forced him to open bosun store. A cadet on rounds came to forecastle and he along with the A/B were held as hostages. Robbers stole ship s stores and escaped leaving the two hostages in bosun store. Master reported incident to port control. 55

56 LT LT LT LT LT LT UTC UTC Tzini Malta Kota Anggun Container Singapore Global Union Chemical Tanker Singapore Octavia Tanker Philippines Nana Product Tanker Kota Mesra Container Singapore ECO Dani Container Sri Lanka Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal PVC Product Tanker India NM from Fairway Buoy, Lagos Nigeria Tema Ghana 06:19.5N 003:22.0E, 4NM from Break Water, Lagos Nigeria 06:18.2N 003:23.4E, Lagos Nigeria 06:19.7N 003:22.5E, Lagos Nigeria 06:45S 039:29E, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania 06:20.7N 003:20.3E, Lagos Nigeria 06:18N 003:22E, Off Lagos, Nigeria Six robbers armed with guns and knives in a speedboat came alongside the ship. Four robbers boarded, held duty A/B at gunpoint and stole ship s stores. A/B managed to raise alarm and crew mustered. Robbers escaped with ship s stores into a waiting speedboat. No injuries to crew. Master reported to port authorities and heaved up anchor proceeded to sea for drifting. Three robbers boarded the ship via hawse pipe. They cut forward store lock but were unable to open door. Duty A/B raised alarm and crew mustered. Robbers escaped empty handed in their boat waiting with one accomplice. Port control informed. Five robbers boarded the tanker. They tied up and assaulted duty A/B. They stole ship's equipment and stores and escaped at 0340 LT. Master reported incident to authorities. Three robbers armed with knives boarded at poop deck. They held two crew as hostages and took their walkietalkies. They stole ship s stores and escaped. Master tried to contact marine police but received no response. Master then picked up anchor and sailed to high seas for drifting 25 miles off coast. Three robbers armed with knives boarded the tanker during STS operations. Two robbers overpowered a duty A/B and held him at knifepoint. They took away his walkietalkie and assaulted him causing serious injuries. Robbers stole ship s stores and escaped. Eight robbers in a motorboat boarded the ship drifting off port. They broke in to a container but crew mustered and robbers escaped empty handed. Two robbers boarded the ship and tried to assault duty A/B. He managed to raise alarm and crew mustered. Robbers stole ship s stores and broke seals of two containers before escaping. Three robbers armed with long knives boarded the tanker undergoing STS operations. They threatened duty crew, stole ship s stores and escaped in a speedboat. 56

57 UTC LT Berthed LT Berthed LT LT LT UTC Tower Bridge Tanker Liberia London Tower Container Liberia Seabulk Treasure Island Tug Liberia Orbit Belize Overseas Limar Chemical Tanker Marshall Islands Oragreen Product Tanker Bahamas Odin Pacific Malta Hulder Tanker Norway Salvinia Liberia Lagos Nigeria 06:05N 003:24E, Off Lagos, Nigeria Total Jetty, Douala, Cameroon Mahajanga Port, Madagascar 05:10N 004:03W, Off Abidjan, Ivory Coast Escravos Nigeria Abidjan Ivory Coast Dar Es Salaam Tanzania 09:17.6N 013:45.2W, Conakry Guinea Four robbers in two boats approached the ship. Two robbers boarded and attacked duty A/B. Alert crew raised alarm and directed searchlights. Robbers escaped with ship s stores. Four robbers in a wooden boat armed with long knives boarded the ship drifting 19 NM off Lagos. Alarm was raised, crew mustered and robbers escaped. Three robbers armed with knives and spears boarded an offshore tug. They confronted duty A/B and bosun and stole ship's property and escaped. About eight robbers boarded the tanker at berth. They broke open bosun store and stole ship s stores and escaped in a boat. Three robbers armed with knives and a steel bar boarded via anchor chain. D/O raised alarm; crew mustered and secured access doors. Robbers escaped empty handed in small boats at 1245 LT. Port control informed. Master heaved up anchor and proceeded south to drift. Robbers armed with guns boarded the tanker and shot two crewmembers. Robbers armed with big knives boarded and stole ship's stores. Crew mustered and robbers jumped into water and escaped. Port authority advised master to drift 15 NM away from anchorage area. Three robbers armed with long knives boarded the tanker via hawse pipe. They threatened duty A/B and stole ship s stores. Port control was informed and a patrol boat arrived for investigation. Three robbers in a speedboat armed with billhook boarded the ship. Two robbers assaulted duty watchman and stole ship's stores. D/O raised alarm, sounded ship's whistle and crew mustered. Robbers jumped overboard and escaped. D/O called port control but received no response. 57

58 LT LT LT Medea K Navios Magellan MOL Asante Container Monrovia Lagos Anchorage 15 NM from Port, Nigeria 20:47.8N 017:01.8W, Off Nouadhibou Inner Mauritania Dar Es Salaam Outer Tanzania Ten robbers armed with knives boarded the ship at stern from a speedboat during heavy rain. They threatened duty A/B and escaped with ship s stores. Port control responded after three hours and asked master to contact agents. Eight robbers in a wooden boat fitted with an outboard motor approached the ship. Two robbers boarded via anchor chain. Duty A/B noticed them and raised alarm. Robbers escaped in their boat. Port control informed. One robber boarded the ship using grapnel hook and removed hawse pipe cover and three of his accomplices boarded via anchor chain. Duty A/B raised alarm and crew mustered. Robbers jumped overboard and escaped empty handed in a boat waiting with four accomplices. REST OF WORLD Ref Date Time Status Type LT Name of Ship Type/Flag/Grt/ IMO Number Star 2000 Malta Position 29:37.4N 048:45.7E, Umm Qasr, Iraq Narration Three robbers armed with guns and a knife boarded the ship using hooks attached to ropes. They took hostage several crewmembers, assaulted them and demanded money. They took crew one by one to their cabins and stole cash and personal belongings. They also stole money from ship s safe and master s personal belongings. They took master to poop deck and disembarked into a 5 metre wooden boat waiting with an accomplice. Master reported incident to coalition warships in the area. 58

59 LT LT During Early Morning Hrs UTC Nordmillennium Tanker Cyprus Prem Putli Tanker India Thunder Tug USA Lightning Barge CEY Pioneer Sri Lanka Deep Water Anchorage A, 10NM South of Basrah Oil Terminal, Iraq Basra Oil Terminal Anchorage B, Iraq Umm Qasr, Iraq 29:43.6N 048:39.3E, Um Qasr Khawr Abd Allah Channel, Iraq Pirates armed with AK47 rifles boarded the tanker awaiting berthing. They tried to enter bridge claiming to be policemen. Master denied them entry and pirates became violent and broke glass panels on bridge wing door and entered bridge. They assaulted the master causing him injuries and demanded money. They entered master s cabin and located the safe and stole cash and personal belongings. They dragged the master and tried to take him to main deck and left at Master sent a MAYDAY message and activated SSAS and moved to deepwater anchorage B. Later a coalition warship arrived to investigate. Three robbers armed with machine guns and long knives boarded the tanker via forecastle. Alert A/B raised alarm. Robbers stole ship s property and fled in their speedboat. No casualties. Pirates armed with guns boarded an integrated tug and barge underway. They fired shots and held crew at gunpoint and stole cash and crew personal belongings. No injuries to crew. Six robbers in two boats armed with machine guns and knives approached the ship at anchor awaiting berthing. Four robbers boarded, overpowered duty A/B and went to the bridge, where they took hostage D/O and two crewmembers. Robbers held further seven crewmembers at gunpoint and took them to Master s cabin. By this time Master escaped and hid inside engine room. Robbers assaulted the hostages and threatened them with guns and knives and ordered them to open the safe. As none of hostages knew the safe combination they lowered the safe in their boat and escaped in a two metre dark green speedboat at 2020 UTC. 59

60 LT LT LT UTC LT Gaz Channel LPG Tanker Ocean Atlas USA Genmar Honour Tanker Liberia Alexandra I Name Withheld Turkey :43.7N 048:39.1E, Buoy No. 3 and 5, Khawr Abd Allah, Iraq Umm Qasr Iraq Basrah Oil Terminal Alfa Iraq 29:43.4N 048:37.5E, Umm Qasr Anchorage Off No. 5 Buoy, Iraq Umm Qasr Anchorage Off No.2 Buoy, Iraq Three robbers armed with machine guns and steel bar boarded the tanker. They smashed bridge window and held 2/O and master at gunpoint. They fired a shot at the master missing his shoulder by 20 cm and forced him to open safe and stole cash. Robbers then threatened C/E and escaped at 0315 LT stealing ship's stores. Master reported to coalition forces who asked him for details of attack. Master advised ships not to anchor in this area during night hours. Three robbers armed with AK47 in a bluehulled boat boarded the ship. They took hostage C/O, bosun and an A/B. They went to the bridge demanded money form the master. They fired a gunshot and stole ship s cash and escaped in their boat. Master heaved up anchor and remained adrift. Three robbers armed with machine guns and knives boarded the tanker. They tied up two crewmembers at forecastle and entered accommodation. Then they took three crewmembers as hostage and went to master's cabin and fired shots at stairs. Robbers ransacked master's cabin and escaped with ship's safe. Three pirates armed with machine guns and pistols boarded and took 2/O hostage. They forced him to take them to master's cabin. They threatened the master with machine guns and stole ship's cash and master s personal property. They then assaulted 2/O and stole his cash and property. Master and 2/O suffered injuries. Pirates damaged radio equipment and took the 2/O to forecastle and escaped in a waiting speedboat. Master activated SSAS and notified RCC Australia. Later a naval ship came to provide assistance. Five heavily armed robbers boarded the ship from starboard quarter. They took hostage two duty crew on deck and went to bridge where they held 2/O and two seamen at gunpoint. They went to master's cabin and stole master's property and cash from ship's safe. They then proceeded to C/O cabin and stole cash. Robbers escaped in their speedboat. Master and crew received serious injuries. Crew contacted coalition forces who provided medical assistance. 60

61 ATTEMPTED ATTACKS 1 January 31 December 2005 SOUTH EAST ASIA (MALACCA STRAITS) Ref Date Time Status Type LT LT LT Fired upon LT LT Name of Ship Type/Flag/Grt/ IMO Number Aso Singapore Nagato NA Fishing Vessel Malaysia Stefania L Hal Supporter Supply Ship India Position 05:13N 098:06E, Malacca Straits 05:02.5N 098:58.4E, Malacca Straits 12 NM Off Muar, Johor, Malacca Straits 02:19.5N 101:50E, 5NM Off Tanjung Tuan, Malacca Straits 06:11.4N 097:06.3E, Northern Tip Of Sumatra, Malacca Straits Narration Armed persons in an unlit 7m craft approached the ship underway. D/O took evasive manoeuvres but craft came into contact at port side causing damage to ship s hull. D/O sounded whistle and called craft on VHF but received no response. No boarding took place. Three small crafts from a big mother fishing vessel came close to the ship underway. Persons in boats attempted to board the ship at stern. Master raised alarm, took evasive manoeuvres, sounded ship s whistle and fired rocket flares. After 30 minutes attempted boarding was aborted. At 2300 LT, persons in two small crafts attempted to board at port quarter. Crew directed searchlights, sounded ship s whistle and fired rocket flares. After 10 minutes attempted boarding was aborted. Pirates armed with guns fired upon a fishing vessel wounding two crewmembers. Later they were taken ashore for hospital treatment. Several persons in an unlit speedboat, length 6M, approached the ship underway. They came within one cable intending to board. Crew mustered, activated fire hoses and directed searchlights. Speedboat slowed down and fled. Ten persons in a fishing boat chased the ship underway. Crew activated fire hoses and master took evasive manoeuvres. boarding was aborted. 61

62 SOUTH EAST ASIA (EXCLUDING MALACCA STRAITS) Ref Date Time Status Type LT UTC UTC Berthed LT LT LT LT LT Name of Ship Type/Flag/Grt/ IMO Number Ju Fu Men Great Luck Hong Kong Happy Clipper Hong Kong Yohteisan Tanker NA China Dong Du Vietnam Agate Tanker Singapore Spring Peacock Position Banjarmasin Roads,. 01:15N 104:05.2E, Singapore Straits 01:12.1S 116:47.2E, Balikpapan Coal Terminal, 01:08.8N 103:29.0E, Singapore Straits 01:16.0N 104:10.0E, Singapore Straits 00:24S 118:12E, Makassar Straits, 01:23.07S 117:06.57E, Makassar Straits, 02:03N 119:20.6E, North of Makassar Straits, Narration Twelve robbers armed with knives attempted to board the ship along with stevedores. C/O and bosun spotted them and stopped them boarding. Robbers threatened C/O and bosun with knives. Master raised alarm and crew mustered. Robbers aborted boarding and escaped in their speedboats. Persons in three boats attempted to board the ship underway. Alert crew raised alarm, activated fire hoses and switched on deck lights. After 15 minutes attempted boarding was aborted. Four persons in a fast craft approached the ship at berth. Two persons tried to board by climbing a mooring rope. Alert crew raised alarm and boarding was averted. Authorities informed. Seven small boats surrounded a tanker underway. Persons in one boat attempted to board at stern during heavy rain and poor visibility. Crew activated fire hoses and ship increased speed. Boarding was averted. Several small boats surrounded the ship underway and persons inside attempted to board. Master took evasive manoeuvres, sounded whistle, directed searchlights and crew activated fire hoses. Attempt continued for about 50 minutes and then boats moved away. Three unlit wooden fishing boats approached the ship underway. Master raised alarm, crew mustered and directed searchlights. After 35 minutes boats moved away. Pirates in a sixmeter blue and black hull coloured speedboat attempted to board at stern of the tanker underway. Master raised alarm and took evasive manoeuvres. Pirates followed the ship for 15 minutes and moved away. Pirates in a speedboat attempted to board the ship underway from poop deck. Ship took evasive manoeuvres, raised alarm and directed searchlights at boat. Pirates aborted the attempt. All ships in vicinity informed via VHF

63 LT LT LT LT LT Fired upon LT LT Fired upon LT Garibaldo Tug United Kingdom Big Wave Cyprus Count Product Tanker Singapore Santa Victoria Liberia Bonia Star 21 Tug Malaysia Singa Besar 5 Barge Malaysia 1692 Azure Chemroad Wing Chemical Tanker Century River Tanker :17N 104:12E, Singapore Straits 01:17.50S 117:09.50E, Balikpapan, Balikpapan Inner 01:41.7S 116:38.4E, Adang Bay 02:37.1N 108:57.0E, Off Natuna Islands, Sunda Straits, 08:41.565S 115:43.911E, Lombok Strait, 01:05S 117:14E, Senipah Persons wearing dark clothes in four speedboats with open tops about 68 metres long, approached the tug underway. Bosun raised alarm and crew mustered. One boat came very close to stern and persons inside attempted to board. Crew activated fire hoses and boats moved back and later moved away. Pirates armed with long knives attempted to board the ship underway from a 4 metre long speedboat. Alert crew repelled boarders. Three robbers were in the process of boarding the ship. Alert crew raised alarm and robbers jumped back in the water and escaped in a motorboat waiting with three accomplices. Boat was about seven metres with blue hull. Four robbers were in the process of boarding the ship using hooks attached to ropes. Alert crew raised alarm and robbers aborted boarding. Pirates armed with guns in a fishing boat fired upon a tug towing a barge causing damage to navigational equipment and accommodation. Master cast off the barge, took evasive manoeuvres and proceeded to Singapore. No injuries to crew. An unlit boat chased the ship underway. Alert crew raised alarm, directed searchlights and activated fire hoses. Boat aborted the chase. Pirates armed with guns in a speedboat fired upon the tanker underway. Bridge window destroyed by gunshots. No injuries to crew. Several fishing boats were in the vicinity. An unlit boat approached the tanker and came close to stern. Alert crew raised alarm and directed searchlights and informed terminal via VHF. A patrol boat arrived and the boat fled. 63

64 FAR EAST Date Ref Time Status UTC UTC UTC UTC LT LT Name of Ship Type/Flag/Grt/ IMO Number Ida Selmer Marshall Islands Advance Product Tanker Singapore Elizaveta Georgia Winning Run Tamil Nadu India Gas Orchis LPG Position 19:43N 119:20E, Off Luzon Strait, South China Sea 03:30N 104:24E, South China Sea 07:15.4N 108:20.4E, South China Sea 01:59N 104:45E, South China Sea 05:01N 111:27E, South China Sea 10:19N 108:50E, Off Vietnam, South China Sea Narration A craft doing 20 kts approached the ship underway at starboard side. D/O raised alarm and took evasive manoeuvres. Crew switched on deck lights, directed searchlights and activated fire hoses. Attempt was aborted and craft moved away. Two boats, one unlit, followed the tanker. When boats came within four cables, crew mustered, sounded whistle and switched on lights and boats moved away. Persons in two fishing boats attempted to board the ship underway by tying ropes to ship s side. Attempt foiled. Three unlit crafts approached the ship underway and came within 1 cable at port bow. D/O raised alarm; crew mustered, directed searchlights, switched on deck lights and activated fire hoses. Crafts then changed course and attempted to board at stern. Finally they moved away. Three speedboats doing over 23 kts approached the ship underway. Ship took preventive measures and boats moved away. Persons inside a fishing boat attempted to board the tanker underway using a hook attached to a rope. Master zigzgged course to prevent boarding. After a few attempts fishing boat gave up and fled. 64

65 INDIAN SUBCONTINENT Ref Date Time Status Type LT LT LT LT LT LT Name of Ship Type/Flag/Grt/ IMO Number Tyco Durable CableLayer Marshall Islands Thistle Tanker Liberia Dawei Container Myanmar Eugenia Honduras Name Withheld Iran C.V. Raman Tanker India Position 13:05.4N 080:22.4E, Chennai Outer India 21:16N 091:31E, 60 NM SSW Off Chittagong, Bangladesh Chittagong Anchorage C, Bangladesh 21:36N 091:19E, Chittagong, Bangladesh Chittagong Bangladesh Chennai India Narration A robber climbed up anchor chain of the ship. Alert crew raised alarm and the robber jumped in to sea and escaped in a boat waiting with five accomplices. Port control informed. One fishing boat approached the tanker underway. Boat came close to starboard quarter and persons inside attempted to board. Master took evasive action and boarding was averted. Robbers in a boat attempted to board the ship by using a hook attached to ropes. Antipiracy watch spotted them and raised alarm and crew mustered. Robbers aborted boarding and escaped in their boat. Several persons in two fishing boats attempted to board the ship underway. Crew raised alarm, activated fire hoses and fired one rocket flare. Master took evasive manoeuvres and after 35 minutes boats moved away. Ten robbers armed with long knives in a boat approached the ship. D/O raised alarm and crew mustered at poop deck. Robbers using long bamboo pole attached to a hook attempted to board. Alert crew used tonnage to prevent boarding and robbers fled after 15 minutes. About ten robbers in a fishing boat / country craft attempted to board the tanker at starboard quarter. Duty seaman raised alarm and crew mustered. Robbers fled in their boat. Port control informed and a police launch arrived 30 minutes later to investigate. 65

66 AMERICAS Ref Date Time Status Type UTC UTC Name of Ship Type/Flag/Grt/ IMO Number Name Withheld Container CB Paradise Position 17:52.4N 076:47.1W, Kingston Outer Jamaica 17:48.5N 077:06.5W, Rocky Point Jamaica Narration Four robbers in an unlit boat tried to board the ship. D/O raised alarm, sounded whistle and crew mustered and robbers aborted boarding. Ship heaved up anchor and moved out of anchorage area. Three persons in an unlit speedboat attempted to board the ship via anchor chain. Alert duty crew raised alarm and boarding was averted. 66

67 AFRICA (SOMALIA) Ref Date Time Status Type UTC Fired upon UTC UTC Fired upon LT Fired upon LT Fired upon LT Fired upon Name of Ship Type/Flag/Grt/ IMO Number Honor Pescadores Trust Dubai Vehicles Carrier Tigris Hanseduo Container Antigua and Barbuda MMM Parana RoRo Malaysia Car Star 1 Vehicles Carrier Cyprus Position 11:59.1N 051:16.6E, Somalia 00:40.5N 048:49.1E, Somalia 02:23N 046:07E, Off Mogadishu, Somalia 03:05N 048:05E, East Coast of Somalia 04:37.4N 048:25.9E, East Coast of Somalia 12:09.2N 050:52.0E, Off Caluula, NE Coast Of Somalia Narration Three pirates armed with guns in white hull speedboat chased the ship underway and fired upon her. Crew raised alarm, activated fire hoses, increased speed and took evasive manoeuvres. After 30 minutes pirates aborted attempt and fled. Six pirates armed with guns and grenades in two speedboats attempted to board the ship underway. Ship sent distress message, increased speed and took evasive manoeuvres. Pirates aborted attempted boarding at 1520 UTC. Three pirates armed with automatic guns in a white speedboat opened fire on the ship underway. USS Gonzalez, a US naval ship in the area responded to a distress call from the master and came close to assist. USS Gonzalez fired parachute flares and directed searchlights to illuminate the area and escorted the ship to a safer location away from Somali Coast. No injuries to crew but gunfire by pirates caused 10 bullet holes on starboard side near bridge. Four pirates armed with guns in a speedboat fired upon the ship underway and tried to board at starboard quarter. Ship increased speed and took evasive manoeuvres. Crew activated fire hoses and fired rocket flares. After 15 minutes pirates aborted boarding. Four pirates armed with bazooka missiles and machineguns in military fatigue fired upon the ship underway. Ship suffered damages with bullets holes. Pirate craft was white hull and black bulwark with highpowered engine. No injuries to crew. Seven pirates in two white boats, 4M long armed with guns opened fire on the ship underway and attempted to board from stern. Ship increased speed and crew activated fire hoses. After 10 minutes boats moved away. No damage to ship or injuries to crew. 67

68 LT Fired upon MSC Namibia Container Greece :11N 050:27E, Off Caluula, NE Coast Of Somalia Six pirates in two boats armed with guns opened fire on the ship underway. Ship increased speed and boats moved away. No damage to ship or injuries to crew LT LT Fired upon UTC Fired upon UTC Fired upon LT Fired upon UTC Jolly Marrone RoRo Italy San Felice Malta Cielo Di Milano Product Tanker Italy Alexis Gibraltar Captain George I Pleione Bahamas :30N 049:20E, Off East Coast Somalia 03:38N 049:30E, Somalia 03:09N 048:47E, 90 NM Off East Coast of Somalia 04:08.5N 049:49.3E, Off East Coast Somalia 12:24N 050:30E, Off Caluula, North Eastern Coast of Somalia 05:05N 051:05E, 150 Miles Off Eastern Coast of Somalia Six pirates armed with guns in two boats attempted to board the ship underway. Crew mustered and ship increased speed. Pirates aborted boarding. Pirates armed with guns in a speedboat about 8 to 10 metres long, blue and white hull, attempted to board the ship underway. Master raised alarm; crew mustered, activated fire hoses and fired one rocket flare. Pirates opened fire with automatic guns. Master increased speed, took evasive manoeuvres and moved away from Somali Coast. Pirates abandoned boarding due to rough weather. Eight pirates armed with machine guns and RPG in two speedboats approached the tanker underway. One boat came within 30 metres and fired shots at the ship. Crew mustered and activated fire hoses. Master increased speed, took evasive manoeuvres and proceeded away from the coast. Boats aborted attempted boarding. Boats were white hulled with blue stripes and four persons manned each boat. No injuries to crew and no damage to ship. Six pirates armed with guns in a white hull speedboat fired upon the ship underway. Alert crew mustered and boarding was averted. Five pirates armed with guns in a white speedboat fired upon the ship. Crew mustered, activated fire hoses and fired rocket flares. Master increased speed, took evasive manoeuvres and moved away from the coast. boarding was averted. Pirates in a fishing boat attempted attack the ship underway. They came within 1.7 NM and master took evasive manoeuvres. Pirates chased the ship for two hours and finally aborted attempt. 68

69 LT Around 0325 UTC Fired upon UTC UTC Fired upon LT LT Fired upon Orion Princess Product Tanker Seabourn Spirit Cruise / Passenger Ship Bahamas Great Morning Hong Kong MSC Selin RoRo Makran Pakistan Sirichai Petroleum 2 Product Tanker Thailand :09N 053:45E, 250 NM Off East Coast of Somalia 02:59N 048:01E, 70 NM from East Coast Somalia 04:26.3N 054:14.6E, East Coast of Somalia 02:29.3N 048:28.2E, East Coast of Somalia 01:38.6N 053:58.7E, 390 NM Off Eastern Somali Coast, Somalia 12:01N 050:35E, NE Coast of Somalia Five speedboats flashed lights at the tanker and chased her. One boat increased speed and came close on port beam. Crew switched on deck lights and ship moved further away from the Somali coast and boat gave up chase. Six heavily armed pirates in two boats chased the ship. They fired rocket launchers and machine guns causing damage to ship s side. Master took evasive manoeuvres and sailed away from the coast. Pirates aborted the attempt and fled. One crew sustained injuries to his hand. A ship underway spotted a craft drifting 16 nm away. When ship came close, the craft suddenly increased speed and chased the ship. Master took evasive manoeuvres, increased speed and moved away from the coast. Craft continued the chase until 1400 UTC before moving away. Craft had one derrick and master suspects this may be a mother ship to launch speedboats to attack ships. Pirates armed with rocket launchers and machineguns fired upon the ship underway. Master took evasive manoeuvres and increased speed to maximum. Pirates boats fell behind and ceased firing. Bridge windows were damaged due to gunfire. The ship underway spotted a craft drifting 15 NM away. Master altered course and increased speed. Craft followed and launched a boat to chase. Craft continued pursuit until 1030 LT before giving up and ship resumed her course. Armed pirates in speedboats chased the tanker underway and fired upon her. Master increased speed and took evasive manoeuvres. Pirates abandoned chase and moved away. 69

70 AFRICA (EXCLUDING SOMALIA) Ref Date Time Status Type LT LT Fired upon LT Fired upon UTC UTC LT Fired upon Name of Ship Type/Flag/Grt/ IMO Number Polestar Refrigerated Cargo Mahdi Yacht USA Gandalf Yacht USA NMT Silvia RoRo Cargo NMT Elise RoRo Frio Caribic Refrigerated Cargo Position Tema Roads, Ghana 13:28N 048:07E, 30 Miles Off The Coast of Yemen, Gulf Of Aden 13:28N 048:07E, 30 Miles Off The Coast of Yemen, Gulf Of Aden 14:20N 050:50E, Gulf of Aden 15:19.5N 041:32.5E, Southern Red Sea 04:12.3N 006:57.3E, Bonny River Nigeria Narration Ten robbers in a motorboat attempted to board the ship. Alert crew activated fire hoses and directed searchlights. Robbers aborted attempt and fled. Port control informed who advised master to heave up anchor and move further offshore. Two fast boats with four men in each boat approached two yachts underway and opened fire aiming at cockpits. Crew of one yacht returned fire and wounded one pirate. One yacht rammed one of the pirate boats and pirates aborted attempt and fled. Both yachts sustained bullet holes and damage to hull. Description of pirate boats 30 ft length, blue hulled rib cage with outboard motors. Two fast boats with four men in each boat approached two yachts underway and opened fire aiming at cockpits. Crew of one yacht returned fire and wounded one pirate. One yacht rammed one of the pirate boats and pirates aborted attempt and fled. Both yachts sustained bullet holes and damage to hull. Description of pirate boats 30 ft length, blue hulled rib cage with outboard motors. Three speedboats with four persons in each boat approached the ship underway and persons attempted to board. Crew activated fire hoses, sounded whistle and warned ships in vicinity. One boat was yellow and two were brown. Persons in two boats attempted to come alongside the ship underway. Master raised alarm and increased speed. Attempt was aborted. Five robbers armed with machine guns attempted to board the ship using hooks attached to ropes. Alert crew raised alarm and crew mustered. Robbers fired several shots and escaped. Bullets hit bulwark but caused no injuries to crew. 70

71 LT LT UTC LT LT LT LT LT NA NA Takis Chemical Tanker Astor Container Antilles Netherlands Name Withheld Hong Kong Laemthong Glory Thailand Fortune Spirit Hong Kong Alexandros Th. Cyprus :41.53N 042:29.16E, Southern Red Sea 12:32.3N 043:26.6E, SE Lane of Bab El Mandeb TSS, Southern Tip of Red Sea 13:24.0N 049:25.0E, Gulf of Aden Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania 15:01N 041:53E, About 150 Miles NW of Bab El Mandeb TSS, Southern Red Sea 13:07N 049:13E, Gulf of Aden 12:12.8N 046:10.8E, Gulf of Aden 06:44.7S 039:20.2E, Dar Es Salaam OPL Tanzania 12armed persons in two low profile, white hull speedboats approached the ship underway at high speed. Persons in both boats attempted to board the ship. Crew raised alarm, sounded whistle and activated fire hoses. boarding was aborted. Six pirates armed with guns in a low profile wooden boat with an outboard motor at speed 20 knots approached the ship underway intending to board. Master raised alarm and crew mustered on deck. Persons aborted attempt, increased speed and went towards a fully loaded tanker in the vicinity. Persons armed with guns in two speedboats trailed the tanker underway at range of 10nm. Ten minutes later, they increased speed and came within two cables astern. Alert crew prevented boarding. Later, three speedboats made similar attempts to board but ship took evasive manoeuvres and boarding was averted. Ten persons in a white boat attempted to board the ship underway. Crew mustered and robbers aborted boarding. Pirates in a boat attempted to board the ship underway from starboard side. Master took evasive manoeuvres; crew mustered, directed searchlights and activated fire hoses. Pirates then tried to board from stern but aborted attempt at 0215 LT. Persons in a small speedboat chased the ship underway and attempted to board her. Master increased speed and took evasive manoeuvres. Boarding was averted. An unlit white coloured speedboat doing over 25kts came close to the ship underway. Persons inside speedboat asked master to stop. Master took evasive manoeuvres and crew mustered. After 20 minutes speedboat fled. Seven persons in an unlit boat approached the ship. Two persons attempted to board via anchor chain. Alert crew prevented boarding. 71

72 REST OF WORLD Ref Date Time Status Type LT LT UTC Name of Ship Type/Flag/Grt/ IMO Number Maersk Merlion Container Singapore MSC Lugano Container Zuljalal Hong Kong Position 26:13.2N 056:52.2E, Straits of Hormuz, Persian Gulf / Arabian Sea 20:47N 059:14E, Off Oman, Arabian Sea 04:50.5S 048:00.0E, Indian Ocean Narration Several persons armed with guns in six blue speedboats, about 68 meters long crossed the ship underway from starboard to port. They were dressed in black clothes with facemasks. D/O raised alarm and crew mustered and activated fire hoses. Boats followed the ship but later moved away. Four masked pirates in four white hull speedboats attempted to board the ship underway. Alert D/O raised alarm, crew mustered and activated fire hoses and master took evasive manoeuvres. Pirates aborted attempted boarding and moved away. At 1115 LT, master observed another six speedboats in the vicinity. A fishing trawler chased the ship underway. Ship took evasive manoeuvres but trawler kept following. When trawler came within 1.4 NM, ship increased speed and the chase was abandoned. Trawler did not respond when ship tried to call on VHF. Description, 50/60 metres length, white hull with boom. 72

73 ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy and Armed Robbery 1 Jan to 31 December 2005 Attacks in S E Asia, Indian Sub Cont and Far East Produced by the Cartographic Research Lab, University of Alabama 73

74 ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy and Armed Robbery 1 Jan to 31 December 2005 Attacks in Africa 1 Arabian Sea = 2 Indian ocean = Produced by the Cartographic Research Lab, University of Alabama 74

75 ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy and Armed Robbery 1 Jan to 31 December 2005 Attacks in Caribbean, South and Central America 2 1 Dominian Republic = 1 Haiti = 2 Jamaica = Produced by the Cartographic Research Lab, University of Alabama 75

76 ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy and Armed Robbery 1 Jan to 31 December 2005 Attacks off Somalia 76

77 ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy and Armed Robbery 1 Jan to 31 December 2005 Attacks in the Malacca Straits 77

78 ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy and Armed Robbery 1 Jan to 31 December 2005 Attacks in Iraqi waters Umm Qasr Basrah Oil Terminal 78