PIRACY IN THE SEYCHELLES 7 th IUU CONFERENCE CHATAM HOUSE LONDON 2 3 FEBRUARY 2012 LT COL MICHAEL ROSETTE DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF SEYCHELLES PEOPLE S DEFENCE FORCES
PIRACY IN THE SEYCHELLES Content 1. Introduction 2. Modus operandi of Somali pirates 3. Intensification of piracy in Seychelles EEZ 4. Impact of piracy on Seychelles fishing industry 5. Seychelles response to piracy 6. Seychelles Coast Guard 7. Conclusion
Introduction Republic of Seychelles is situated 05 degrees South of Equator. Comprises of 115 islands, 43 granitic 72 coralline, scattered over an Exclusive Economic Zone of 1.374 million Km². Tropical Climate, hot and humid throughout the year with very little seasonal change. The population is currently 87,000
Introduction
Introduction The waters off Somalia have been hazardous over the last two decades. During the 1990 s the intensity of piracy off Somalia was only a dozen reported incidents per year. In 2003 a new phenomenon occurred whereby ships were not only attacked but hijacked and ransom requested for their release.
Introduction With increase international naval presence in 2008, the different band of pirates adapted their tactics and employed larger vessels including those hijacked enabling them to expand their reach further into the Indian Ocean.
Modus operandi of Somali Pirates The pirates have used different sets of tactics or way to operate. They have been active in the Gulf of Aden and the Somali Basin in the Indian Ocean. The tactic employed is to set out from the Somali Coast into the Somali Basin. Before 2008 attacks were only along the coast but since then there is a trend for pirates to venture over 200 nautical miles using bigger vessels.
THE PIRATES: MODUS OPERANDI ARMED WITH LIGHT WEAPONS (AK47 & RPGS) USE OF NAVIGATION AND COMMUNICATION DEVICES (GPS, SAT PHONES, MOBILE PHONES)
Pirate Action Groups
PIRATE TACTICS VESSELS ATTACKED OFF SOMALIA ARE RANDOMLY SELECTED NOT SPECIFICALLY TARGETED FOR ANY REASON OTHER THAN HOW EASILY THE VESSEL CAN BE BOARDED HIGHER RISK VESSEL AS ONE THAT TRAVELS AT A SPEED OF LESS THAN 15 KNOTS WITH LOW HOOK POINTS PIRATES SIMPLY PATROL AN AREA, WAIT FOR A TARGET OF OPPORTUNITY, AND ATTEMPT TO BOARD
Intensification of Piracy in Seychelles EEZ February 2009 first Seychelles flagged vessel a catamaran was hijacked followed by another vessel in April, both incident occurred within Seychelles EEZ. Ten Seychellois were taken hostages. Within weeks following the two incidents there was a sudden escalation of piracy attacks within Seychelles EEZ. In 2009 ten vessels were hijacked within Seychelles EEZ
: SEYCHELLES STRATEGIC LOCATION/VULNERABILTY Seychelles EEZ 1.3 Million Square Kilometres Seychelles is situated at a strategic location, within the Indian n Ocean (not very far from the East African mainland and Somalia) a) The areas around our islands serves different shipping activities s (merchant, fishing & leisure )
Piracy Expansion 2005 165 nm Off Coast 2006 200 nm Off Coast 2007 200 nm Off Coast Northernmost Attack 22 20 18 Gulf of Aden Incidents by Month 2008 445 nm Off Coast 16 2009 1,100 nm Off Coast 14 12 10 8 Westernmost Attack 1,100 nm 6 4 2 0 Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Unsuccessful Attack Hijacking Haradheere 22 Indian Ocean Incidents by Month 1,000 nm 20 18 16 Southernmost Attack 900 nm 14 12 10 8 6 4 Easternmost Attack 24 Nov 09 2 0 Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Unsuccessful Attack Hijacking
Socio economic impact of piracy on Seychelles Tourism and fisheries are highly sensitive to the threat of piracy. The 2 sectors represent 65% GDP, 36% of labour force and generate most of the foreign exchange earnings of the country Tourism: Direct revenue loss attributed to piracy (2008/2009): 8 millions EU Fisheries: Direct revenue loss attributed to piracy (2008/2009): 4.1 million EU
Impact of piracy on Seychelles Fishing industry Piracy has mainly disrupted the tuna industry, leading to loss of employment, earnings and shortage of tuna to the canning factory (tuna exportation has declined by 30%). All industrial tuna purse seiners have armed vessel protection guard (French have commandos and Spanish private security firms) on board and maritime insurance has also increased considerably.
Impact of piracy on Seychelles Fishing industry Approximately 6500 people in Seychelles depend directly or indirectly on the fisheries sector for their livelihood. In total four local fishing vessels have been hijacked since 2010, three were rescued by military intervention of the Coast Guard. Artisanal and semi industrial fishing catches are down. Local fishermen are going out less often, for shorter distances and for less time because of fear of pirate attacks.
Impact of piracy on Seychelles Fishing industry A piracy alert, or equally a false alarm, will bring most of the fishermen back to shore Hijacking of two local fishermen in November 2011 has worsened the situation, leading to shortage of fish both for the local market and export during the month December 2011 and January 2012. The unavailability of the most famous fishes have fallen by 75% to 80%, thus not meeting the demand of hotels, restaurants, local market and export.
Seychelles Response to Piracy Following first piracy attack in Seychelles, the president established a High Level Committee on Piracy to make policy and plan and organise response to piracy. A Comprehensive Maritime Security Plan to combat maritime threats has been drafted and adopted. New prison built with support of UNODC to cater for pirates.
Seychelles Response to Piracy The Penal Code was amended in 2010 and has incorporated article 101 t0 107 of UNCLOS. Maximum sentence for the crime of piracy is now 30years and a fine of SR 1million. Seychelles have also signed various military agreement with a number of foreign partners such as the US, EU NAVFOR, UAE, India, France, UK, Spain, Denmark to get assistance in the fight against piracy.
SEYCHELLES COAST GUARD DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES ENFORCE NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LAWS IN MARITIME ZONES AS APPLICABLE SEARCH & RESCUE ASSIST GOVERNMENT AGENCIES IN MEETING TASKS OF NATIONAL INTEREST, AS SPECIFIED FROM TIME TO TIME, INCLUDING MARINE POLLUTION CONTROL & MONITORING PROTECT OFFSHORE ASSETS & RESOURCES
Seychelles Coast Guard Seychelles Coast Guard with its limited assets to cover an extensive EEZ of approximately 1.3 million square kilometers has intercepted and arrested over hundreds of suspected pirates. It work closely with other international partners having warships and aircraft operating in the region for a common cause, to stop piracy.
SURFACE ASSETS 02 Patrol Ships (46M/42M) 02 Patrol Boats (30M) 01 Patrol Boat (15M) 03 Rapid Reaction vessels
Conclusion The international effort being done to tackle the source of piracy aims to reduced piracy to a manageable level if not eliminated completely also restore order and law in Somalia. Seychelles looks forward for its waters to be safe again so that exploitation of the maritime resources be done for the economic benefit and well being of its people. Thanks You for your attention.