Piracy & Armed Robbery Prone Areas and Warnings

Bangladesh: Robbers usually target ships preparing to anchor. Most attacks reported at Chittagong anchorages and approaches. However, attacks in Bangladesh have fallen significantly over the past few years because of the efforts by the Bangladesh Authorities.

China: Tianjin/Caofeidian – Incidents mostly at anchorage area.

India: Sikka and Kandla: Incidents reported at port and anchorage areas.

Indonesia: Tanjung Priok – Jakarta, off Bintan Island, Dumai, off Karimun island, Nipah, Pulau Takong Kecil, Batu Ampar/Batam, Samarinda, Belawan anchorage and surrounding waters. Pirates / robbers normally armed with guns / knives and / or machetes. Generally, be vigilant in other areas. Many attacks may have gone unreported. Pirates / robbers normally attack vessels during the night. When spotted and alarm sounded, the pirates / robbers usually escape without confronting the crew.

Recent meetings and continued dialog between the Indonesian Marine Police (IMP) and the IMB PRC resulted in positive actions by the Indonesian Authorities which had so far brought incidents to come down. The Indonesian Marine Police have advised all ships intending to anchor to do so at / near the following areas where Indonesian Marine Police will conduct patrols for greater protection.

1. Belawan: 03:55.00N-098:45.30E
2. Dumai: 01:42.00N-101:28.00E
3. Nipah: 01:07.30N-103:37.00E
4. Tanjung Priok: 06:00.30S-106:54.00E
5. Gresik: 07:09.00S-112:40.00E
6. Taboneo: 04:41.30S-114:28.00E
7. Adang bay: 01:40.00S-116:40.00E
8. Muara Berau: 00:17.00S-117:36.00E
9. Muara Jawa: 01:09.00S-117:13.00E
10. Balikpapan: 01:22.00S-116:53.00E
11. Bintan Island: 01:21.00N-104:29.00E

Ships are advised to maintain strict anti-piracy watch and measures and report all attacks and suspicious sightings to the local authorities and the IMB PRC, who will also liaise with the local authorities to render necessary assistance.

Malacca Straits: Although the number of attacks have dropped substantially due to the increase and aggressive patrols by the littoral states authorities since July 2005, ships are advised to continue maintaining strict anti-piracy / robbery watches when transiting the Straits. Currently, there are no indications as to how long these patrols will continue or reduce.

Malaysia: Off Sabah – Militant activities resulting in a number of tugs / barges being attacked and crews kidnapped.

Singapore Straits: Vessels are advised to remain vigilant and to continue maintaining adequate anti-piracy / robbery watch and measures. Pirates / robbers attack ships while underway or while at anchor especially during the night.

South China Sea: Although attacks have dropped significantly in the vicinity off Tioman / off Pulau Aur / off Anambas / Natuna / Mangkai islands / Subi Besar / Merundung areas, vessels are advised to continue to remain vigilant. In the past, a number of hijackings of small product tankers occurred off the coast of Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and in the South China Sea area. This trend started in April 2014 but the hijackings stopped abruptly late last year. The IMB is monitoring the situation. It has been reported that some criminals have been arrested by local Authorities both in Malaysia and in Indonesia.

Vietnam: Vung Tau: Increased in attacks especially at anchorages.

Benin (Cotonou): Although the number of attacks has dropped significantly, the area remains risky. Past attacks showed that the pirates / robbers in this area are well armed and are violent and in some incidents have fired upon and hijacked ships. The pirates force Masters to sail to unknown location where ship’s properties and sometimes part cargo is stolen (gas oil). Crewmembers have been injured in the past. Recent patrols by Benin and Nigerian Authorities has resulted in a drop in the number of attacks. However, vessels are advised to continue to be vigilant and maintain strict anti-piracy / robbery watches and measures.

Guinea: Conakry

Ivory Coast: Abidjan: Attacks dropped but remains risky.

Nigeria (Lagos): Pirates / robbers are often well armed, violent and have attacked hijacked and robbed vessels / kidnapped crews along the coast, rivers, anchorages, ports and surrounding waters. In the past, attacks reported up to about 170nm from coast. In many past incidents, pirates have hijacked vessels for several days and ransacked the vessels and stole part cargo usually gas oil. A number of crewmembers were also injured and kidnapped in past attacks. Generally, all waters in / off Nigeria remain risky. Vessels are advised to be vigilant, as many attacks may have gone unreported.

Off Bayelsa / Brass / Bonny Island / Port Harcourt: Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in attacks / hijackings / kidnapping of crews off these areas. Vessels are advised to take additional measures in these high risk waters.

The Congo: Pointe Noire

Togo (Lome): Attacks have dropped but the area remains a concern and risky. Pirates / robbers in the area are well armed, violent and dangerous. Attacks can occur at anchorages and off the coast and usually at night. Some attacks resulted in vessels being hijacked for several days and ransacked and part cargo stolen (gas oil).

Red Sea / Gulf of Aden / Somalia / Arabian Sea / Indian Ocean: Attacks related to Somali pirates have reduced. However, the risk of being approached or attacked still exists. Vessels are advised and encouraged to remain vigilant and comply with all BMP4 procedures. The threat of these attacks still exist in the waters off southern Red Sea / Bab el Mandeb, Gulf of Aden including Yemen and the northern Somali coast, Arabian sea / off Oman, Gulf of Oman and off the eastern and southern Somali coast. In the past vessels have been attacked off Kenya, Tanzania, Seychelles, Madagascar, Mozambique as well as in the Indian ocean and off the west and south coasts of India and west Maldives. Incidents have also been reported close to the east African coastlines.

Somali pirates tend to be well armed with automatic weapons and RPG and sometimes use skiffs launched from mother vessels, which may be hijacked fishing vessels or dhows, to conduct attacks far from the Somali coast. Masters and ship owners are encouraged to follow the latest BMP procedures and ensure that the vessel is hardened prior to entering the High Risk Area. While transiting through these waters it is essential to maintain a 24-hour visual and radar watch. Early sightings / detection enable an accurate assessment, keeping in mind the warnings and alerts for the area, allowing the Masters and PCASP to make informed decisions to keep clear of small boats, dhows, fishing vessels and if necessary take evasive actions, increase speed and request assistance as needed.

Masters are reminded that fishermen in this region may try to protect their nets by attempting to aggressively approach merchant vessels. Some of the fishermen may be armed to protect their catch and they should not be confused with pirates.

Ecuador: Guayaquil. Attacks stopped but ships advised to be vigilant.

Peru: Callao