Breaking News: Merchant Vessel Hijacking confirmed in Arabian Sea

Just in from the Office of Naval Intelligence – UPDATE

Bulk Carrier M/V SININ has been confirmed hijacked at 1548Z on 12 February in position 201409N 0641917E, approximately 286NM east of Masirah Island, Oman.

This area will remain high risk for at least the next 24-48 hours. Mariners are warned to avoid transiting near the area if possible. If necessary to transit these waters, mariners are encouraged to use all counter-piracy measures and employ all best management practices.

EUNAVFOR UPDATE:

The vessel, which has a crew of 23 (13 Iranian and 10 Indian nationals), sent out a distress signal, saying she was under attack, late afternoon on Saturday to which an aircraft from the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) immediately responded. The aircraft photographed 2 suspected pirate skiffs on board the vessel. There has been no communication with the ship since the distress signal was sent and the MV SININ has now changed course towards the Somali coast. There is no information on the condition of the crew.

The MV SININ is a Maltese flagged and owned Bulk Carrier. She has a deadweight of 52,466 tonnes and was on route to Singapore from Fujairah (UAE) when she was attacked. The ship was not registered with MSC(HOA) and was not reporting to UKMTO. EUNAVFOR is monitoring the situation.