NATO Weekly Piracy Assessment
During the reporting period of 29 March to 04 April 12 the vessel that was hijacked on 26 March - Eglantine - was freed from pirate control and is no longer a threat to merchant shipping.
As it is now the monsoon transition period and the sea states continue to be favourable for small boats, it is expected that (PAG) activity will continue to increase.
Southern Red Sea (SRS)/Bab Al Mandeb (BAM) / Gulf of Aden (GOA)/Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) There have been no incidents in these areas over the past wee
Arabian Sea (AS)/Greater Somali Basin (SB) Although piracy related activity has decreased over the past week, there are still known Pirate Attack Groups (PAGs) off the coasts of Oman, Yemen, and Somalia.
Specific areas of known PAG locations can be found on our PAG map here:
www.shipping.nato.int/operations/OS/Pages/PAGmap.aspx
Details of all alerts can be found on NSC Alert details webpage: www.shipping.nato.int/Pages/AllAlerts.aspx
Counter Piracy Guidance Update
As demonstrated with Alert 027/12, Somali pirates have shown the ability to act far off the coast of Somalia, as far east as position 07 00 N 069 49 E. Early registration with MSCHOA before entering the HRA and regular reporting to UKMTO are highly recommended, as per Section 5 of BMP4. Prudent and timely implementation of all recommended actions and ship hardening measures in BMP4 can make the important difference of being approached, attacked, or pirated.
Successful disruptions by naval forces over the past few months, complemented by masters' adherence and implementation of BMP4, have significantly reduced the pirates' ability to capture vessels. However, pirates continue their attempts to hijack any vessel of opportunity; a reminder that piracy can occur at any time. In the northern SB and AS the preferred motherships are local dhows, whereas in the southern SB, 8 metre whalers are preferred as motherships.
Masters are reminded that a large number of fishing vessels operate in the Southern Red Sea (SRS), Bab al-Mandeb (BAM) and up to 50 nm off the west coast of India. Fishing vessels may approach a merchant ship in order to maximise fishing opportunities or to safeguard fishing nets. Fishing off India is generally carried out by mechanized boats and single hull boats with outboard motor carrying 4-5 crew using long lines. Masters are requested to ensure they distinguish between fishing vessels and potential pirates; fishermen may carry small arms.
If any incident occurs, Masters are requested to report immediately to UKMTO via telephone and provide the details of the incident. This will ensure the information is provided to other ships in the area for their awareness and vigilance.
Source: NATO Shipping Centre
