Weekly Piracy Report: West African Hooligans

HOA Pirate Activity, 12– 18 July

Weekly Incident by Region: July 12-18

WEST AFRICA:

BENIN: Bulk carrier was boarded on 17 July at 06:17 N – 002:28 E, approximately 1 nm off fairway buoy, Cotonou Anchorage, Benin. Two robbers armed with guns boarded the anchored carrier. They entered the Master’s cabin and stole the ship’s cash. The robbers escaped in a fast small wooden boat. No injuries to the crew were reported and authorities who arrived onboard to investigate were notified. (IMB)

GUINEA: Germany-flagged container ship OLIVIA was boarded on 15 July at 09:13 N – 013:47 W, approximately 22 nm southwest of Conakry, Guinea. Seven pirates armed with guns and knives boarded the drifting ship while it awaited berthing instructions. The pirates entered the bridge and took the 2/O and C/O hostage and tied their hands behind their backs. Two of the pirates took the 2/O and knocked on the Master’s cabin. When the Master opened the door, the pirates slammed it into his face. They stole the ship’s cash and crewmembers’ belongings. The pirates reassembled on the bridge and took the crew hostage until they disembarked into their waiting boat. Port control and ships in the vicinity of the ship were informed. (IMB)

SOUTHEAST ASIA:

INDONESIA: Bulk carrier was boarded on 17 July at 01:43 N – 101:27 E, Dumai Anchorage, Indonesia. Seven robbers armed with knives boarded the anchored carrier. They threatened the ship’s crew with knives; broke the pad locks to three stores; and attempted to steal ship property. The crew mustered, raised the alarm, and informed the authorities. The robbers were not successful in stealing anything from the vessel. All crew was reported safe. (IMB)

Piracy Weather Forecast: July 19-26

GULF OF ADEN: West-southwesterly winds of 8 – 12 knots and seas of 3 – 5 feet. EXTENDED FORECAST: West-southwesterly winds of 10 – 15 knots and seas 3 – 5 feet, abating to between 2 and 4 feet.

SOMALI COAST: Southwesterly winds of 20 – 25 knots and seas of 7 – 9 feet, with occasional swells of 9 – 12 feet. EXTENDED FORECAST: Southwesterly winds of 24 – 28 knots and seas of 9 – 12 feet.

ARABIAN SEA: Southwesterly winds of 24 – 28 knots and seas of 7 – 9 feet. EXTENDED FORECAST: Southwesterly winds of 24 – 28 knots and seas of 9 – 12 feet.

CENTRAL AFRICAN COAST/INDIAN OCEAN: Southerly winds of 15 – 20 knots and seas of 5 – 7 feet. EXTENDED FORECAST: South-southeasterly winds of 15 – 20 knots and seas of 5 – 7 feet.

MOZAMBIQUE CHANNEL: South-southeasterly winds in the northern channel of 10 – 15 knots, with seas of 8 – 10 feet. In the southern channel, expect west-southwesterly winds of 15 – 20 knots and seas of 9 – 12 feet. EXTENDED FORECAST: Southwesterly winds of 10 – 15 knots in the northern channel, with seas of 6 – 8 feet, abating to between 3 – 5 feet. In the southern channel, expect south-southeasterly winds of 15 – 20 knots and seas of 5 – 7 feet.

SURFACE CURRENTS: Currents within the Gulf of Aden, the Northern Arabian Sea, and the Mozambique Channel are variable with most areas having average speeds of less than 1 knot. Currents speeds along the Somali basin, continuing south off the northern Kenya coastline until about 5 degrees South will average 2 – 3 knots.

This report is brought to you by the Office of Naval Intelligence’s Maritime OPINTEL Report