Interesting Reading About Piracy at Sea and Maybe Terrorism, too

Interested in trends of worldwide maritime piracy? Here are some things to help:

Pirates during an assault

(1) You can begin with The “Radicalization” of Maritime Piracy: Implications for Maritime Energy Security by Dr. Donna Nincic of the California Maritime Academy:

At the same time, we are seeing a new and potentially more troubling trend occur: the increasing “radicalization” of maritime piracy in that pirate groups—especially in Somalia, but not limited to that country—are starting to cooperate at certain levels with terrorist entities in the region. Up until very recently, pirate gangs and terrorist organizations were thought to have mutually exclusive agendas. The fact that they seem to have arrived at some level of accommodation and mutually beneficial cooperation may presage more dangerous waters for the future.

See also a Lloyd's List warning about reports of Al Shabaab interest in learning "navigation":

At present, al-Shabaab taxes piracy groups that use areas under its control for holding vessels and crews until the ransoms are paid. However, intelligence experts say that there are strong indications that al-Shabaab is seeking to learn the basics of navigation with a view to entering the piracy game as a way of raising cash. Indeed, earlier this month the group’s members fought a gun battle with a piracy gang, demanding the pirates’ weapons and three South African hostages.

The piracy gangs are resisting the approaches for navigational tuition, knowing that the Islamic gangs have a habit of entering an area and then seeking to take complete control. So while the arrival of what are in effect Islamic terrorist gangs into the Gulf of Aden and beyond has yet to be seen, there will be a new and more extreme piracy operation in the future.

Bab al Mandab Strait

There was a report from back in September that Al Shabaab was calling for a "sea jihad." And another report that al Qaeda had called on Al Shabaab to "block the Red Sea":

THE Yemen-based wing of Al-Qaeda, in a recording posted on the Internet on Monday, called on Somali insurgents to help gain control over a narrow strait at the mouth of the Red Sea to block US shipments to Israel.

The wing's deputy leader, Saeed al-Shehri, urged Somalia's al Shabaab Islamist insurgents to help return the Bab al Mandab strait, which separates Yemen from the Horn of Africa, 'to the lands of Islam'.

'At such a time the Bab (al Mandab) will be closed and that will tighten the noose on the Jews (Israel), because through it America supports them by the Red Sea,' Shehri said in the audio recording posted on a website often used by Islamist groups.

(2) From Bergen Risk Solutions, "Somali Piracy and the Monsoon Season" (pdf), warning that though we may be entering a monsoon season that might slow Indian Ocean piracy, the Gulf of Aden and other less impacted areas might not see much of a decline in Somali pirate operations.

(3) A piece from The African about why the South African Navy has not joined in the anti-piracy force off Somalia (reprinted here). The main answer is money, of course, followed by fleet size and a lack of motivation:

South African Navy: SAS Amatola (F145) on sea trials.

According to diplomatic sources, several European countries have indicated their willingness to at least partly finance South Africa's participation in the international effort to combat piracy. This would include the integration of marines into the naval task force and training in Djibouti or Mombasa.

"It is in line with South African foreign policy ideals of 'Africa for the Africans', and yet there is absolutely no African presence here," said one source.

(4) Another pdf - this time from a marine insurance carrier, Allianz, on "Piracy: An ancient risk with modern faces":

Allianz piracy study highlights how ship-owners can respond to increased risk.

Ship security measures from the Allianz study

As the threat of piracy off the Horn of Africa continues to grow, this report provides an overview of recent developments in piracy, focusing on how ship-owners can address the risk through both active risk management and suitably tailored 'war' insurance policies for ships in risk risk areas.

In addition, the study points out that crews entering dangerous waters must be prepared to handle an attack, and it calls for a more coordinated solution to the recent wave of piracy.

AGCS also identifies a number of practical responses that crews can take when passing through piracy zones, and the study also points out that whilst piracy may be on the rise off Somalia and other parts of Africa, it is declining in other areas, but still poses a real threat to shipping and trade.

(5) An article from the U.S. Naval Institute's Proceedings magazine on how an over emphasis on fighting Somali pirates might cause us to miss the larger maritime security issue of which the Somali pirate situation is but a "symptom" in Steven Carmel's The Big Myth of Somali Pirates.

(6) And finally, my own post on the spread of Somali piracy at Assessing the Containment of Somali Pirates .

That ought keep you busy for a few minutes.

Good Gift for Recreational Boaters

The U.S. Coast Guard has a good idea for holiday giving: Deck the Hulls: Boating safety course:

Enrolling your loved one in a boating safety course is one of the best gifts to give, because, as the saying goes…knowledge is power.

A knowledgeable mariner will teach your favorite boater basic boat handling principles, required and recommended safety equipment, navigational rules and how to deal with boating emergencies. Statistics show that boaters who have taken a boating safety course are far less likely to be involved in a boating accident or fatality.

Boating safety courses are offered nationwide by qualified state and volunteer organizations, such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons. There are also private and commercial providers who offer training for all levels of boating proficiency.
***
You can go online to find courses from Coast Guard Auxiliary Salamander Voyages here, or the U.S. Power Squadrons here. Also, don’t forget to check with your state’s boating agency to see what courses are offered in you area.

Prices range from free and up.

Oh, the photo at the top? The Coast Guard rescue swimmer involved in the rescue of the boater was awarded the Coast Guard Medal for her efforts.

The photo below?
 Alcohol and water don't mix. At least not for boat operators (follow-up here):

Learn more, be safer.

Updated 13 Oct 2016 to fix bad link

Somali Pirates: Another Ship Seizure 550 Miles Off India

Reported as MV RENUAR pirated in the Indian Ocean:

In the early hours of 11 December, the MV RENUAR was pirated in the Indian Ocean, approximately 1050 nautical miles east of the Somali coastal village of Eyl and a distance of 550 nautical miles from the coast of India.

The attack was launched from 2 attack skiffs, supported by a mother ship, with pirates firing small arms and rocket propelled grenades at the merchant vessel. Since the attack, the pirates have confirmed that they have control of the ship which is now heading West towards the Somali Coast.

The MV RENUAR is a Panama flagged, Liberian owned bulk cargo vessel, with a deadweight of 70,156 tonnes, and was en route to Fujairah (UAE) from Port Louis (Mauritius), when pirated. The 24 man Filipino crew attempted to evade the pirates for some time causing the pirates to make several determined attacks before finally boarding the vessel. There are presently no communications with the ship and the condition of the crew is not known.

Somali Pirates: Ship Taken South of Somalia

MSC Panama by Bruce Sutherland

Reported as MV PANAMA pirated in the far South of the Somali Basin:

On the afternoon of 10 December, the MV PANAMA was pirated by 2 armed skiffs with a total of 5 pirates on board. A Rocket Propelled Grenade was used during the attack which occurred approximately 80 nautical miles east of the Tanzanian/Mozambique border.

This extreme Southerly attack in the Somali Basin is a further example of the constantly expanding area of pirate activity.

The MV PANAMA is a Liberian flagged container ship, operated by a US based company, with a crew of 23 (all from Myanmar). She was en route from Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) to Beira (Mozambique) when the attack occurred. There is no news of the condition of the crew and EUNAVFOR are monitoring the situation.

Ship photo from Shipspotting.com and used in accord with the terms of that site.

Assessing the Containment of Somali Pirates

As the year 2010 draws to a close, it is a good time to review various efforts to see if focus needs to be shifted in the coming year. This is an effort to look at the success level of the various forces (NATO, EU, CTF-151, and independent but cooperating naval units) in containing the spread of Somali piracy.

A week or so ago, I posted the following video:

You might note a couple of things from the video:

1. Before 2009, the "Somali pirate problem" was generally limited to the proximate off-shore waters off Somalia, including the Gulf of Aden;
2. After 2009, the "Piracy Problem" has spread itself across the Indian Ocean, into the Red Sea and down the East African coast.

Since 2007, the number of warships assigned to perform convoy duties and escort shipping through the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean has increased to the point that there might be 25 or more warships in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean during peak piracy (non-monsoon) seasons.

While it is certain that the presence of these warships has prevented some pirate attacks, it is also clear that the pirates have responded to their presence by expanding their own pirate patrol areas through extensive use of long-range "mother ships" into areas less frequented by warships.  This includes moving into the much traveled sea lanes in and out of the Arabian Sea, including along India's western islands.

NATO's Shipping Center prepares warning area maps highlighting areas of known "pirate action group" (PAG) activity, with the red warning area correlating to incident reported on their warning messages (alert numbers are shown in related warning circles):

NATO SC 6 Dec 10 Warning Map (click to enlarge)

December 05 2010

WARNING Somali Basin

Latitude: 04°07'24"N Longitude: 049°23'04"E

Alert number 529/ 2010.

At 1507 UTC / 05Dec / a Pirate Action Group possible mother ship operations was reported in position 04°07'24"N 049°23'04"E.

---------------------------

December 05 2010

---ALERT UPDATE--- Indian Ocean

Latitude: 08°12N Longitude: 071°55E

Alert number 528 / 2010.

Reference previous Alert number 527 / 2010.

At 0942 UTC 05DEC a merchant vessel was reported under attack by pirates/1 skiffs in position 08°11N 071°43E.

***This vessel has been hijacked***

--------------------------

December 05 2010

WARNING Indian Ocean

Latitude: 08°10N Longitude: 071°43E

Alert number 527 / 2010.

At 0942 UTC / 05 NOV/ a merchant vessel was under attack by pirates/1 skiffs in position 08°10N 071°43E.

-------------------------

December 04 2010

WARNING Somali Basin

Latitude: 09°00 N Longitude: 067°10 E

Alert number 526 / 2010.

At 0230 UTC / 04 NOV 10 / a Pirate Action Group consisting of A Pirated Fishing Vessel was reported in position 09°00N 067°10E course 250° speed 10 knots.

---------------------------

December 01 2010

WARNING SOMALI BASIN

Latitude: 09°19N    Longitude: 069°30E

Alert number 525/ 2010.

Reference previous Alert number 524/ 2010.

At 1341 UTC / 30 NOV 10 / a merchant vessel was reported under attack by pirates in position 09 19 N 069 30 E.

ONE SKIFF, WEAPONS WERE USED, 5POB.

***This vessel managed to evade hijack***

The Pirate action group is still in the area.

-------------------------------

 

November 30 2010

WARNING SOMALI BASIN

Latitude: 09°19N    Longitude: 069°30E

Alert number 524/ 2010.

At 1341 UTC / 30 NOV 10/ a merchant vessel is currently under attack by pirates in position 09 19 N 069 30 E.

One skiff, weapons used.

-------------------------------

 

November 29 2010

WARNING RED SEA

Latitude: 13°35N    Longitude: 042°56E

Alert number 523/ 2010.

At 1749UTC / 29NOV / a merchant vessel was possibly under attack by pirates/3 skiffs in position 13°35N 042°56E.

-------------------------------

 

November 29 2010 

WARNING Somali Basin

Latitude: 16°57N Longitude: 067°15E

Alert number 522/ 2010

At 0254 UTC 29 NOV 10 a merchant vessel was reported under attack by pirates in position 16°57N  067°15E.

A Pirate Action Group consiting of one mother ship and one skiff 4-5 POB, weapons and ladders were used.

***This vessel managed to evade hijack***

The Pirate action group is still in the area.

-------------------------------

November 28 2010 

WARNING Somali Basin

Latitude: 14°51N Longitude: 068°13E

Alert number 521/ 2010.

At 0700 UTC / 28 NOV 10 / a merchant vessel was reported under attack by pirates in position 14°51N 068°13E.

A Pirate Action Group consiting of one mother ship and one skiff 4POB, weapons and ladders.

***This vessel managed to evade hijack***

The Pirate action group is still in the area.

 -------------------------------

November 28 2010 

WARNING Somali Basin
Latitude: 13°34N Longitude: 057°06E

Alert number 520/ 2010.

Reference previous Alert number 517 / 2010.

At 0901 UTC / 27 NOV 10 / a merchant vessel was reported under attack by pirates in position 13°34N 057°06E.

One Dhow acted as mother ship and two skiffs, weapons were used, approx 10POB.

***This vessel managed to evade hijack***

The Pirate action group is still in the area.

It should be clear that, as has been stated many times, there is too much ocean being "patrolled" by too few ships to prevent all piracy attacks. Merchant shipping that regularly transits the Gulf of Aden and the western Indian Ocean have been encouraged to adopt "best management practices" (available here) as "self-help" in thwarting pirate attacks.

However, it is also clear that, despite these measures, the range of Somali piracy has expanded.

There has been some discussion as to whether the level of actual interference with international shipping by this piracy is of great or little moment. See Steven M. Carmel's "The Big Myth of Somali Pirates" in the U.S. Naval Insitute's December issue of Proceedings Magazine (December 2010 Vol. 136/12/1,294):

But the overall system of international commerce has not been impaired. It is the overall stability and efficiency of the system that matters—not individual companies—and the system is what should be protected. The international military community cannot be in the business of protecting the financial health of individual businesses. That is the responsibility of the businesses. Nor does the international community need to be concerned with overall system stability; Somali pirates have not been able to upset that.

You can also listen to a discussion with Mr. Carmel on Midrats here- Episode 44.

Perhaps Mr. Carmel is right. The current level of "leakage" in the containment of Somali pirates may be low enough that is not worth expending more naval and other assets to tighten the noose, particularly in light of the conventional wisdom that the only real fix for Somali piracy is to fix the chaotic situation in Somalia.

On the other hand, just looking at the maps makes it clear that the current effort has not halted Somali piracy, just shifted to new, previously unguarded areas. Perhaps it is time for a new "business model" in the fight against Somali pirates. The old one seems to have reached its limits.

Not that there haven't been other efforts to contain the pirates - see Somali Pirates: The Netherlands Trying New Tactic Against Pirates, Somali Pirates: Hmmm . . . is a pirate port blockade coming?, Somali Pirates: The UN offers Seven Options, ;Somali Pirates: EU naval force blockades pirate group, Somali Pirates: EU Spanish LPD Takes Out Some Pirate Boats, Somali Pirates: Action by the Royal Navy and Marines

Pearl Harbor Attack: USS Allen (DD-66) Action Report

Pearl Harbor Attack: USS Allen (DD-66) Action Report:

DD66/A16/
( CF - 33 ) U.S.S. Allen (DD66)
Hawaiian Area,
December 14, 1941.

From: The Commanding Officer
To: Commander Inshore Patrol, 14th Naval District
Via: Commander Destroyer Division Eighty

Subject: Air Raid Attack by Japanese – Report on

1. After interviewing the personnel aboard, the following report is submitted.
2. Twenty to twenty-five planes were observed by MILLIGAN, B.M.2c, at 0730 circling at an altitude of approximately 5000 feet. In view of frequent Air Attack Drills, no importance was attached to their presence.
3. At 0755, ROBERTS, S.M.3c, saw a plane dive from the east and drop a bomb in the Arizona which soon burst into flames. Sounded General Quarters and manned Guns No. 5 and No. 6 – 3"-50 caliber. Under the direction of Lt.(jg) TRITLE, Gunnery Officer and Officer-of-the-Deck, assisted by KRAMBUHL, C.T.M., ammunition was broken out from magazines for 3-inch guns and 50-caliber machine guns and first shot was fired at attacking planes between ten and fifteen minutes after alarm sounded.
4. Two planes were definitely shot down by this ship's fire – one by Gun No. 6 and the second by starboard waist 50-caliber. The latter plane exploded in mid-air and was seen by bridge personnel to fall between USS Detroit and Ford Island. The former fell in hills about one mile northwest of AIEA mill stack. Our fire persisted for approximately 45 minutes, expending 57 rounds of 3-inch and 600 rounds of 50-caliber. It is possible a third plane was shot down by Gun No. 6, although fire from other ships were also concentrated on it.
5. Bridge personnel observed dive bombing attacks on battleship row approaching from both east and west. Those from the east circled to the north after dropping bombs; those from the west, circled to the south. All hands recalled their low altitude and relative slow speed. A bomb, obviously intended for the USS Solace, dropped 100-200 yards to the west of it. Enemy planes were described as low wing chunky monoplanes – both single and two seaters – of silvery light blue, also a few, smoky green in color – and displaying a red disc on under wing surfaces as well as on fuselage tail surface. SLATON, S.M.3c, from bridge observed two planes with large United States Aircraft insignia on forward fuselage side surfaces and smaller red disc on fuselage surface near tail.
6. Planes attacking with torpedoes were observed to sweep down from direction of Merrys Point to within ten to fifteen feet above water and release torpedoes at Arizona, Nevada, and California. It is believed gunfire from the USS Chew, moored alongside to port, shot down a plane which dropped a torpedo on Arizona. Observers estimated there were approximately 45 enemy planes in the air. No casualties to personnel nor damage to materiel were sustained by this vessel.
7. The Commanding Officer wishes to call to the attention of his immediate superiors the coolness, initiative, and courage displayed by the crew, many of whom were unfamiliar with rapid fire, particularly while under attack. He desires to commend especially KRAMBUHL, C.T.M., MILLIGAN, B.M.2c, WHITE, E.M.1c, and KROON, S.C.1c, for their excellence in leadership and unusual attention to duty during the surprise emergency.

One ship, one report. So it began.

 How the U.S. Pacific Fleet came back - After Pearl Harbor: Down but not out.

Somali Pirates Capture Bangladeshi Ship Off India

Reported here:

Pirates have hijacked a Bangladesh-flagged ship in the Arabian Sea off the coast of India, Bangladeshi shipping officials said on Sunday.

"The pirates embarked on board after chasing M.V. Jahan Moni in the Arabian Sea on Sunday," a senior official at the Bangladesh Shipping Department (BSD) said.

"We have sought help from anti-piracy teams in Dubai and Singapore, and Indian coast guards," Rear Admiral Bazlur Rahman, head of the shipping department told Reuters, without giving further details.
***
The 16-crew ship owned by a Bangladeshi shipping firm was heading towards Europe with merchandise from Singapore, the BSD said. No other details about the ship were available immediately.

Ship photo by Les Blair from Shipspotting.com and used in accord with there terms set out therein.

I've been sick

Some may have noticed a diminished number of posts in the last two weeks.

I was pretty hard down with an infection. This getting older stuff is not all beer and skittles.

I'm now on the rebound and full of new ideas of issues that need addressing in the maritime security and sea/internal waters transportation world. Look for a return of "Sunday Ship History" in 2011. The research for those short posts on odd topics related to the Navy is great fun.

In the meantime, an old Monty Python clip.


Just as an aside, "Bring Out Your Dead" was how we used to call the VTU to muster at the old Houston Navy reserve center (now, NOSC, relocated to Ellington Field) . . . you might have to have been a senior reservist assigned to a VTU to appreciate that . . .

Somali Pirates: Not Much Preventing Them From Going Across the Indian Ocean

As you can see from the following video (compiled from IMB maps found here), despite an increasing number of naval vessels assigned to protect major sea lines of communication across the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea, the Somali pirates have expanded their area of operations since 2005:

Recent events point out that the impressive number of warships in the area do not have a handle on putting a halt to the pirate's expansion - or how to prevent the use of captured vessels as "mother ships" by the pirates.

In fact, it is not even clear whether or not the anti-piracy forces even have full awareness of where these larger mother ships are at any given time or that any resources are devoted to "tailing" such mother ships or preempting their use as attack platforms.

Updates to follow.

Thinking Logistics

Thanks to UPS for providing a little insight into this important industry.




As you buy you Christmas/Holiday gifts and are amazed at the selection and availability - think about what it took to get them to a store near you.

Somali Pirates: Pirates Take Container Ship 900 Miles Off Somalia

Reported by MSC(HOA) as Pirating of MV ALBEDO in the Somali Basin:

In the early hours of 26 November, the MV ALBEDO was pirated approximately 900 nautical miles East of Mogadishu (Somalia).

The MV ALBEDO is Malaysian flagged and owned, with a crew of 23 (Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan and Iranian). The vessel was carrying containers and was bound for Mombasa from Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Including the MV ALBEDO, pirates are currently holding 22 vessels with 521 hostages.

Somali Pirates: Updated Map of Attacks

From an industry friend:

Sort of spread across the Indian Ocean, isn't it? And this is just, roughly, the past month.

Click to enlarge.

Thanksgiving

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

It is good once a year to stop and take inventory of the life you have lead and thank whatever Higher Power you acknowledge for the good, the bad (that which doesn't kill us makes us stronger) and for another year of life with friends, loved ones and memories.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Old U.S. Navy menu from Naval History and Heritage Command.

Somali pirates convicted of attacking US Navy ship

There be pirates - and they are headed to jail!

BBC report: Somali pirates convicted of attacking US Navy ship:

Five young Somali men face life in prison after being convicted of piracy in the April attack on a US Navy ship.

Prosecutors said the men attacked the USS Nicholas after mistaking it for a merchant ship and were out for as much as $40,000 (£24,800) in ransom money.

But the men's lawyers maintained the five only fired their weapons to attract attention and get help.

The verdict is the first in a piracy case in the US in nearly 200 years. The men face a mandatory life sentence.

The five men were convicted of piracy, attacking to plunder a maritime vessel, and assault with a dangerous weapon.

They were arrested in April, along with six others who were captured a few days later in waters near Djibouti after allegedly shooting at the USS Ashland, an amphibious vessel.

Lawyers for the men said they were fishermen who had been forced by pirates to attack the ship.

Now, you know this going to get appealed because another U.S. District Judge in Norfolk has ruled that without a "robbery" component, the crime is not piracy. See discussion here and the links therein.

More on this decision later.

UPDATE: More from the AP here:

John S. Davis, an assistant U.S. attorney, had argued that three of the men were in a skiff that opened fire on the Nicholas with assault rifles, then fled when sailors returned fire with machine guns.

Davis said all the men later confessed to the attack in a confession to an interpreter aboard the Nicholas. He said they expected to make anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000 from the ransom.
***
Other countries have recently held piracy trials, but legal and maritime scholars say one of the last in the U.S. was in 1861 when 13 Southern privateers aboard the schooner Savannah were prosecuted in New York City. The jury deadlocked.

Somali Pirates: Warnings and Activities

First, the warnings from the NATO Shipping Center:

UPDATE: 24 November Warning:

November 24 2010
WARNING Somali Basin,
Latitude: 14°16N Longitude: 056°32E
Alert number 507/ 2010.
At 1509 UTC / 24 NOV 10 / a Pirate Action Group consisting of 2 Dhows armed with small arms and RPG was reported in position 14 16 N 056 32E 194/6 kts E.
------------------------
November 24 2010
WARNING INDIAN OCEAN
Latitude: 13°33N Longitude: 059°16E
Alert number 506 / 2010.
At 0350UTC 24 November 2010 a Pirate Action Group consisting of a mother ship and a number of skiffs was reported in position 13 33N 059 16E. It is assessed that she is conducting mother ship operations.

Updated 24 November

Weather conditions continue to be favourable for pirate operations throughout the Somali Basin and the Gulf of Oman. The Gulf of Aden has not seen many piracy incidents last week, but is still assessed to be an active area.

MV Polar

Reports of a mother ship have also indicated possible upcoming activity in the shipping lanes off the southeast coast of Oman.

Both whaler type and dhow/ FV mother ships are expected to be underway towards the deep Somali Basin as far as 65-70E (reported from 5N to 18N)

The central Somali Basin has several reports of pirate activity around 5N 56E and towards the Seychelles area.

The pirate activity is still high in the approach from Seychelles south towards Mombasa and Dar es Salam.

MV Hannibal II

The whalers are 10-12 m open boats with internal engine – capable of 6-8 knots. Mother ships are now believed to include various cargo- and fishing dhows, as well as pirated vessels (Prantalay 11/14).

All mariners transiting in the described areas are warned that pirates are active herein. Vigilant watches, early detection of vessels manoeuvring to close, early reporting and the adoption of the Best Management Practices are the keys for remaining safe in the Indian Ocean within 15°S and 78°E.

Tai Yuan 227 / Malaysia 618

Update 24 Nov. 10

MV Polar and MV Hannibal II are both likely being used by pirates as mother ships, the two ships have been reported in the Northern Somali basin or Arabian Sea, it is assessed that they are heading for the shipping lanes between Gulf of Aden and south of India. It is possible that one or both will continue to the north/south bound shipping lanes east of 65°E.

Prantalay

Pirated FV Tai Yuan 227, has been renamed by pirates to “MALAYSIA 618”, she has been reported in pos 13°33N 059°16E at 3050UTC 24 Nov. It is assessed she is used by pirates as a mother ship.

In addition to the NATO warning, a friend in the shipping business provides the following map of a month's worth of activity (not including action of Kenya and or off southern Somalia):

From the U.S. Navy's Office of Naval Intelligence, a list though the 18th of November of incidents in the Red Sea/IO:

I. (U) INDIAN OCEAN-EAST AFRICA:

.

1. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Cargo vessel (LE CONG) fired upon 18 Nov 10 at 1250 UTC while underway in position 12:25N ñ 066:33E, approximately 704NM east of Socotra Island, Yemen. Individuals in two skiffs chased and fired upon the vessel. (IMB)

.

2. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Fishing vessels fired upon 17 Nov 10 at 0516Z while underway in position 06:34S ñ 050:01E, approximately 639NM east of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. Pirates  operating out of two skiffs fired RPGs at the vessels. Armed security fired warning shots. No damage to ship and no casualties. (Mercury)

.

3. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: POL Tanker fired upon (SAMURAI) on 16 Nov 10 at 0645 local time while underway in position 05:09N ñ 066:42E, approximately 412NM west of Male, Maldives. Individuals in one skiff conducted the attack. A supporting mother ship was nearby. (IMB)

.

4. (U) KENYA: Bulk Cargo Carrier (AFRICAN EAGLE) fired upon on 16 Nov 10 at

0642 UTC while waiting for berthing instructions at position 04:35S ñ 039:57E, approximately 17NM east of Mombasa, Kenya. Individuals in one skiff conducted the attack. (IMB and Open Press)

.

5. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Chemical Tanker (VALERIE) fired upon on 15 Nov 10 at 0805 UTC while underway in position 14:03N ñ 049:08E, approximately 27NM south of Al Mukalla, Yemen. A blue skiff with approximately six people on board fired on the tanker. Security personnel on the tanker fired warning shots and the suspected pirates broke off the attack. (IMB)

.

6. (U) KENYA: Kenyan Naval Patrol Boat on 12 Nov 10 at 2300 local time illegal

boarded by Somali pirates near Kilifi, Kenya. Four pirates boarded the underway patrol boat. Kenyan navy officers shot dead three of the pirates, one pirate jumped into the water and likely died. (Open Press)

.

7. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Cargo vessel YUAN XIANG hijacked on 12 Nov 10 at 0701 UTC while underway in position 18:02N 066:03E, approximately 634NM east of Salalah, Oman.(IMB)

.

8. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: POL tanker fired upon on 11 Nov 10 at 0540 UTC while underway in position 17:12N ñ 065:33E, approximately 660NM east of Salalah, Oman. One skiff with 6 people on board fired on the vessel. (Mercury)

.

9. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Chemical tanker HANNIBAL II hijacked on 11 Nov 10 at 0433 UTC while underway in position 11:26N ñ 066:05E, approximately 680NM southeast of Socotra Island, Yemen. (IMB)

.

10. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Cargo vessel BBC ORINOCO illegally boarded on 11 Nov 10 at 0512 local time while underway in position 17:06N ñ 064:57E, approximately 625NM east of Salalah, Oman. Armed pirates operating from two skiffs fired on and boarded a bulk carrier underway. All crew retreated into the steering gear room and engine control room where they controlled the ship until pirates abandoned the ship. (IMB)

.

11. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship fired upon 9 Nov 10 at 0834 UTC while underway in

position 0603N ñ 065:00E, approximately 525NM northwest of Male, Maldives. Vessel  reported two white-hulled skiffs approached at 20kts with three people on board in each skiff.  Mother vessel was viewed but was not with skiffs. Master reported weapons were fired on merchant vessel and they observed pirate tripwires. (UKMTO)

.

12. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Chemical tanker (FLOYEN) fired upon 9 Nov 10 at 0500 local time while underway in position 01:01N ñ 052:58E, approximately 350NM north of the Seychelles. Two white skiffs with nine people in each chased a tanker for two hours and fired upon the tanker. (IMB)

.

13. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker fired upon 8 Nov 10 at 1345 UTC while underway in position 06:43S ñ 051:15E, approximately 750NM southeast of Mombasa, Kenya. One white-hulled, seven meter skiff with six people on board approached tanker from astern and fired RPG, hitting accommodation. Most of crew was in safe room, and four were on the bridge increasing speed and conducting evasive maneuvers. Pirates abandoned attack after 45 minutes. (UKMTO)

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14. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Spanish warship (ESPS INFANTA CRISTINA) fired upon 6 Nov 10 at 1725 UTC while underway in position 01:48S ñ 042:31E, approximately 80NM south of Kismaayo, Somalia. The warship was attacked with AK-47 from pirates aboard a previously hijacked general cargo ship (IZUMI) Vessel was escorting World Food Program shipment to Mombasa. Attack was likely defensive in nature because warship got too close. (Mercury Chat

(Operator))

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15. (U) TANZANIA: Tanker (TORM KANSAS) chased and fired upon 5 Nov 10 at 1457 UTC while underway in position 05:25S ñ 040:42E, approximately 50NM east of Pemba Island, Tanzania. Heavily armed pirates in a skiff chased and fired upon a product tanker underway. The tanker made evasive maneuvers, contacted the coalition forces, and escaped attempt. The skiff was deployed by pirates from a previously hijacked general cargo ship (IZUMI), which was being used as a mother ship. (IMB, UKTMO)

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16. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Fishing vessel hijacked 2 Nov 10 at 1237 UTC while underway in position 13:31N ñ 048:19E, approximately 85NM southwest of Al Mukallah, Yemen. A fishing vessel was reported hijacked by pirates. (IMB)

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17. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Merchant ship reported suspicious approach 2 Nov 10 at 1430 local time while underway in position 07:18N ñ 064:10E, approximately 1000NM east of Garacad, Somalia. Merchant vessel observed a mother vessel lowering two skiffs which then approached a tanker at 20kts. Five to six armed persons in each skiff were sighted when the skiffs reached about 500 meters. Security team onboard fired hand flares and warning shots, resulting in the

skiffs backing off. (IMB)

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18. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier fired on 2 Nov 10 at 0300 UTC while underway in position 03:58S ñ 043:49E, approximately 285NM east of Mombasa, Kenya. Seven pirates armed with RPG and automatic guns in two skiffs chased and fired upon a bulk carrier underway with intent to hijack. Ship raised alarm. Armed security team onboard took preventive measures and fired rocket flares resulting in the pirates aborting the attempted boarding. No damages to

the ship or injuries to crew. (IMB)

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19. (U) TANZANIA: Tanker illegally boarded 31 Oct 10 at 0632 UTC while underway in position 09:57S ñ 042:19E, approximately 300NM southeast of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Armed pirates boarded a chemical tanker. All crew retreated into the citadel where they could control the ship. Unable to take control of the vessel, the pirates left. At 1059 UTC, the master and the crew regained control of the ship. No damage to ship and no casualties. (IMB)

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20. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (GO TRADER) illegally boarded 30 Oct 10 at 0512 UTC while underway in position 15:06N ñ 055:58E, approximately 190NM southeast of Salalah, Oman. Armed pirates boarded a bulk carrier underway. All crew retreated into the citadel where they could control the ship, and pirates abandoned ship. (IMB, EU)

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21. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Product tanker (POLAR) hijacked 30 Oct 10 at 0140 UTC while underway in position 12:12N ñ 064:53E, approximately 700NM east of Socotra Island. Armed pirates in two skiffs boarded and hijacked a product tanker. (IMB, TW)

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22. (U) KENYA: Tanker fired upon 29 Oct 10 at 1245 UTC while underway in position 04:22S 039:58E, approximately 28NM southeast of Mombasa. Pirates armed with RPG and AK-47 in two skiffs fired upon a tanker with intent to board. Security team onboard took preventive measures, resulting in the pirates aborting attack and regrouping with their mother vessel. (IMB)

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23. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship (MSC AYALA) fired upon 28 Oct 10 at 2057 UTC while drifting in position 04:10S ñ 039:56E, approximately 20NM east of Mombasa, Kenya. One skiff with approximately 10 men fired upon a container ship. Crew evaded attack and reported it to authorities, but there was no initial response. (IMB, Open Press)

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24. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Tanker (HELLESPONT PROTECTOR) fired upon 28 Oct 10 at 0539 UTC while underway in position 13:08N ñ 049:14E, approximately 95NM south of Al Mukallah, Yemen. Pirates in two skiffs chased a tanker in a convoy and opened fire on it. Warship and other military assets in the vicinity assisted tanker. (IMB)

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25. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (STARLIGHT VENTURE) chased and fired upon 27 Oct 10 at 1930 UTC while underway in position 13:18N ñ 068:56E, approximately 350NM west of Mangalore, India. Two skiffs with an unknown number of people onboard approached tanker from starboard quarter The robbers fired at the vessel, which resulted in 50 bullet holes found on the accommodation doors and broken foremast light fixtures. The ship took evasive action and

increased speed to 16 knots. Pirates aborted attack. An unlit suspected mother vessel was detected on the radar at a distance of 14NM. (IMB, ReCAAP)

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26. (U) TANZANIA: Liquified Petroleum Gas Carrier (LPGC) (MAIDO) illegally boarded 26 Oct 10 at 1805 local time while underway in position 08:20.2S ñ 040:42.4E, approximately 175NM southeast of Dar es Salaam. Five pirates heavily armed with automatic weapons and RPG in a skiff chased and fired upon an LPGC underway. The crew contacted the authorities and went into the citadel. Pirates boarded the tanker but could not sail it. Before leaving the vessel, the pirates caused some damage. Later, the crew took command of the tanker and sailed toward a safe port. There were no injuries to the crew. (IMB, Open Press)

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27. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: General cargo ship (BELUGA FORTUNE) reported an illegal boarding 24 Oct 10 at 0524 UTC while underway in position 03:29N ñ 059:35E, approximately 850NM east of Mogadishu, Somalia. Pirates armed with automatic weapons and RPG attacked a general cargo ship and boarded it. The crew members entered into the citadel and locked it from inside. They contacted the authorities for assistance. When pirates could not sail the ship, they

damaged the ship and abandoned it. The next day, the master informed a British warship HMS MONTROSE that all crew were safe in the citadel, and MONTROSE verified that all pirates had left. (IMB, LL)

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28. (U) KENYA: Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanker (YORK) hijacked 23 Oct 10 at 1235 UTC while underway in position 04:14S ñ 041:19E, approximately 98NM east of Mombasa, Kenya. Armed pirates hijacked an LPG tanker underway. Vessel transited to anchorage outside Harardhere, Somalia. (IMB, Reuters)

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29. (U) GULF OF ADEN: General cargo ship (MERLIN ARROW) fired upon 23 Oct 10 at 0252 UTC while underway in position 13:09.1N ñ 049:12.6E, approximately 90 NM south of Al Mukallah, Yemen. Five pirates armed with AK-47s in a skiff chased and fired upon a general cargo ship underway. Master raised alarm and increased speed, and crew mustered in safe room. Onboard security personnel fired rocket flares at the skiff and the pirates aborted the attempted boarding. No injuries to crew or damages to ship. (IMB)

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30. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Container ship fired upon and chased 22 Oct 10 at 2300 UTC while underway in position 13:08N ñ 048:44E, approximately 115NM southwest of Al Mukallah, Yemen. Five pirates armed with guns in a high speed skiff chased and fired upon a container ship underway. Master took evasive maneuvers, contacted warship and crew activated fire hoses. After 10 minutes of chasing, the pirates aborted the attack. There were no injuries to the crew. (IMB)

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31. (U) KENYA: Product tanker (ENDEAVOR I) reported attempted boarding 21 Oct 10 at 1600 UTC while underway in position 04:20S ñ 040:25E, approximately 42NM east of Mombasa, Kenya. Four pirates in a skiff chased and came alongside a product tanker underway. Alert duty officer heard the sound of the boat engine and upon investigation noticed the pirates attempting to board the vessel. Alarm sounded and speed increased. The skiff aborted the attack

and attempted once again after 20 minutes. A fishing vessel suspected to be the mother ship was noticed around 6NM away. (IMB)

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32. (U) TANZANIA: Container ship fired upon 21 Oct 10 at 0825 local time while underway in position 09:45S ñ 039:56.9E, approximately 10NM east of Lindi. Eleven armed men in two skiffs chased and opened fire on a container ship underway. Two skiffs, one with five people onboard and another with six people onboard, approached the ship, which was transiting at 19kts. Pirates fired AK-47s and four RPG, three of which hit the ship. The master enforced all counter-piracy measures and contacted the Dar es Salaam port authorities for assistance. The

skiff aborted attempt after 31 minutes. There was damage to two cabins on board but no injuries to the crew. (IMB)

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33. (U) TANZANIA: Container ship fired upon 21 Oct 10 at 0825 local time while underway in position 09:45S ñ 039:56.9E, approximately 10NM east of Lindi. Two skiffs, one with five people onboard and another with six people onboard, approached the ship, which was transiting at 19kts. Pirates fired AK-47s and four RPG, three of which hit the ship. The incident lasted 31 minutes. There was damage to two cabins on board but no injuries to the crew. (IMB)

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34. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: Product tanker (DAPHNE) fired upon 19 Oct 10 at 1830 UTC while underway in position 02:02.0N ñ 050:13.7E, approximately 290NM east of Mogadishu, Somalia. Six pirates armed with guns in a skiff chased a product tanker underway. Master raised alarm, increased speed, and conducted evasive maneuvers. At a distance of 100 meters, the pirates began firing at the tanker. Master continued with the evasive maneuvers and crew started firing with pyrotechnics and hand-held rocket flares. The pirates aborted the attempted

attack and moved away. No injuries to crew or damage to tanker. (IMB)

Which leaves this picture of attacks in the area so far in 2010:

(click on images to enlarge them)

North Korea Shells South Korean Island

U.S. Government Confirms that Al Qaeda Linked Group Attacked Tanker in July

 A group linked to al Qaeda has been determined to have been responsible for that tanker attack that took place near the Strait of Hormuz back in July, Reuters reports, based on a U.S. Maritme Administration advisory issued November 19. Earlier posts on this attack here, here, here, here and here and here.

The key portion of the MARAD advisory:

ADVISORY # 2010 -10

DATE ISSUED NOV 19 2010

TO: MARINERS

SUBJECT: VESSELS TRANSITING IN THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ, SOUTHERN ARABIAN GULF, AND WESTERN GULF OF OMAN.

1. THIS MARAD ADVISORY PROVIDES GUIDANCE TO VESSELS TRANSITING SUBJECT WATERS.
2. GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY SOURCES CAN CONFIRM THAT THE CLAIM BY THE Abdullah Azzam Brigades (AAB) THAT THE GROUP HAD ATTACKED THE TANKER M.STAR IS VALID. THE GROUP REMAINS ACTIVE AND CAN CONDUCT FURTHER ATTACKS ON VESSELS IN AREAS IN THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ, SOUTHERN ARABIAN GULF, AND WESTERN GULF OF OMAN.
3. RECOMMEND ALL SHIPS TRANSITING THE SUBJECT WATERS EXERCISE INCREASED VIGILANCE AND CAUTION, PARTICULARY DURING NIGHT TRANSITS WITH INCREASED MONITORING OF SMALL VESSEL/BOAT ACTIVITY.

More information on AAB at this site