Weekly Piracy and Maritime Crime Update: 3 – 9 Feb

Summary of maritime crime developments and incidents, week of 3 February 2011:

CAMEROON:

• 11 Cameroonian officials were kidnapped by armed militants while sailing offshore Bakassi in the afternoon on 6 February 2011.

INDIAN OCEAN:

• Oil tanker (IRENE SL) was hijacked 9 Feb approximately 255NM east of Masirah Island, Oman.
• Vehicle carrier (DELPHINUS LEADER) was attacked 8 Feb approximately 560NM east of Socotra Island, Yemen.
• Crude oil tanker (SAVINA CAYLYN) was hijacked 8 Feb approximately 680NM east of Socotra Island, Yemen
• VLCC (CHIOS) was fired upon 5 Feb approximately 155NM NW of Minicoy Island, India.
• Container ship (CMA CGM CHOPIN) was attacked 5 Feb approximately 630NM ESE of Socotra Island, Yemen.
• Container ship (PUELCHE) was attacked 5 Feb approximately 675NM ESE of Socotra Island, Yemen.

Piracy Threat Forecast (source: USN Maritime OPINTEL report)

Weather conditions are expected to remain relatively calm despite the current monsoon season, creating conditions conducive to small boat activity throughout the piracy operating area.  Mariners are advised that the Gulf of Aden, Somali basin, Arabian Sea, Mozambique Channel, and the area around Comoros are currently high risk.  When transiting the region, mariners are encouraged to contact UKMTO and all appropriate authorities.

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