PIRACY

[MMNETSEA]

12.06.2009:1334 UTC: Posn: 21:55N – 059:51E, Off Oman.

Armed pirates attacked, boarded and hijacked a general cargo ship underway.

This Hijacking took place only 30nm south of the Entrance to the Persian Gulf

Is this a new development - is a copy cat incident - or are we going to see another theatre opening up with pirates with different motives ?

[MMNETSEA]

SERIOUS NEW DEVELOPMENTS AT THE ENTRANCE FROM THE RED SEA INTO THE GULF OF ADEN OR the East To West Passage.

15.06.2009: 1305 LT: Posn: 12:58N – 048:27E, Gulf of Aden.

One skiff approached an oil tanker underway at a speed of around 20 knots. At around ten meters distance from the tanker, the pirates fired several shots with guns and two RPG rounds. Master mustered all crew, increased speed, carried out evasive manoeuvres, fired parachute flares and informed Iranian warship in the vicinity. After about 20minutes the pirates gave up the attempt and move away. The Iranian warship was in attendance. Later a coalition helicopter arrived at scene. Ship moved away without any casualties and damage.

14.06.2009: 1700 LT: Posn: 12:33.5N - 043:29.5E: Bab el Mandab, Red Sea.



Several speed boats were spotted in the vicinity of a LPG tanker. The speed boats picked up speed and started to cross the tanker’s bow. The boats came very close to the tanker and opened fire with automatic weapons. The tanker continued to make evasive manoeuvres and prevented the pirates from boarding.

14.06.2009: 1435 UTC: Posn: 12:35N - 043:28E: Bab el Mandab, Red Sea.

Several skiffs chased a LNG tanker with intent to board. Tanker enforced anti piracy measures and prevented the boarding.

14.06.2009: 1740 LT: Posn: 12:57.9N - 043:09.3E: Bab el Mandab, Red Sea.

Four speed boats with 5-6 persons in each boat, armed with automatic weapons approached a tanker underway. Tanker made evasive manoeuvres, activated fire hoses. Later, the speed boats aborted the attempt.

14.06.2009: 1453 UTC: Posn: 12:59N - 043:09E: Bab el Mandab, Red Sea



Speed boats approached a bulk carrier underway. Ship took evasive manoeuvres and prevented the boarding.

13.06.2009: 0110 LT: Posn: 12:36N - 043:25E: Bab el Mandab, Red Sea.



Two skiffs were detected on radar by a chemical tanker underway. Tanker made evasive manoeuvres; increased speed warned other ships on VHF Ch.16 and contacted coalition warships. Later, skiffs aborted the attempt.

[MMNETSEA]

At what point do we declare "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH"

22.06.2009: 0610 UTC: Posn: 13:29.10N - 050:20.50E: Gulf of Aden.

Pirates in white hull skiffs armed with guns and RPG approached a crude oil tanker from the stbd side and fired RPG rounds towards the tanker. Tanker raised alarm, activated fire pumps and contacted warships. A warship advised tanker that it was proceeding to assist. On seeing the warships the pirates aborted the attack.

22.06.2009: 0550 UTC: Posn: 13:33N - 050:19E: Gulf of Aden.

Four skiffs with pirates armed with guns and RPG chased a general cargo ship and opened fire at it. Ship increased speed, made evasive manoeuvres, contacted coalition warships in the vicinity and released dunnage bundles along with sharply cut empty drums. Vessel also threw sawdust over side which resulted in the pirates’ visibility being hampered. In the meanwhile coalition warships were in attendance and the pirates aborted the attack. The coalition warships stopped the skiffs and confiscated the weapons.

Marksmen on each ship traversing the Gulf of Aden would be a thousand times less expensive that some 20 coalition warships who cannot respond effciently to attacks

[mygoggie]

These pirates are from Africa and grew up making war. All they understand is the view of a hanging corpse. Bring back the yardarm and some rope ...

[truda]

It does boggle my mind to think that modern warlords of the West can direct a drone thousands of Km away into some nondescript Afghan village (and wipe out their citizens both terrorists and innocents alike) but are unable to efficiently patrol this region against piracy. Is something missing here, like the lack of actual commitment of ships or adequate patrol planning?

It just doesn´t add up, even knowing the sea is a big place... look at the geographical clusters of attacks!

[Istioploos]

Originally Posted by truda

It does boggle my mind to think that modern warlords of the West can direct a drone thousands of Km away into some nondescript Afghan village (and wipe out their citizens both terrorists and innocents alike) but are unable to efficiently patrol this region against piracy. Is something missing here, like the lack of actual commitment of ships or adequate patrol planning?

It just doesn´t add up, even knowing the sea is a big place... look at the geographical clusters of attacks!

I too, have been wondering along these lines. With satellite surveillance it seems incredible that it is so hard to spot the the pirates.

[mygoggie]

The actual guy in the long boat is the last small fish in the chain. The big shots are the ones in fancy offices in Europe. Below them are the international lawyers negotiating the prize (ransom) and below them the local lawyers, then the warlords, then the gang leaders and then the small fry. IMHO it is yet another money driven business run on the same principles as the drug network.