19th october 2016 issue 47 - mast · belle on oct. 16th before fleeing on oct. 17th as somali...
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The Maritime Intelligence Report Series focuses on:
• Operational risks in areas of instability which could affect the safety of commercial and private vessels and personnel ashore and at sea.
• In country reporting on key countries where civil con-flict are directly impacting on maritime operations; and
• Reporting and analysis of incidents of terrorism, pi-racy and other related criminal activity. MAST has a global reach and presence, delivering firsthand, accurate and exclusive intelligence. MAST isentrenched and committed in continuing to supportand promote the awareness of the very real risks thatseafarers and other stakeholders face. This Intelligence Report Series is a brief snapshot ofMAST’s Intelligence capabilities. MAST Intelligencespecialises in providing clients with a suite of products and services, including; political and economic risk analysis, detailed port and vessel security briefs, vessel passage plans, threat and risk mitigation and travel risk management. Working closely in conjunction with a host of experts,MAST Intelligence offers a market leading service per-taining to all maritime affairs.
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Editor: David Riderwww.mast-security.com
19th October 2016
Issue 47 of the series reviews, analyses and threat assesses the fragile and conflict affected coastal states Libya, Somalia and Yemen. The Mediterranean migrant crisis, incidents affecting maritime security and influencing maritime news are also reported and analysed, focusing on the keys theatres of maritime instability.
“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”
Issue 47
Contents:Indian Ocean region
Somalia
Yemen
Yemen Ports
Mediterranean
Libya
Gulf of Guinea
South East Asia
Central & South America
Severe Weather Warnings
Mast Services
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“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”
Indian Ocean Region Iranian naval forces claim to have fought off pirate attacks on two merchant vessels in the Gulf of Aden. The 44th flotilla of the Iranian Navy saved two Iranian ships from three pirate attacks on Monday 17th. Pirates attacked an Iranian merchant ship in a bid to hijack it but were forced to flee after a “heavy exchange of fire” with the Iranian fleet. The Iranians claim pirates also conducted two attacks on another Iranian merchant ship. They initially attacked the vessel with eight speedboats 46 miles south of the Yemeni city of Aden and later with 13 well-equipped boats 55 miles south of the port city. As is usually the case, the incidents have not been confirmed by outside agencies and there are no “official” reports of the attacks.
Security of Indian Ocean linked to stability of global economy Observing that security of the Indian Ocean is “inextricably” linked to the stability of the global economy, a top US diplomat has underscored the need for maritime cooperation between India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in this regard.
21-year-old sailor found dead onboard INS ShivajiA 21-year-old Indian Navy sailor Sitaram Paraswa was found dead in a his room onboard INS Shivaji on Friday 14th in what is believed to be a case of suicide. Indian media report that this is the third crew death in a week. According to reports, the sailor was found hanging in his room onboard INS Shivaji in Lonavala.
Threat AssessmentReports of piracy and maritime crime remain at a low level. However, the recent presence of Saudi Naval forces in the Strait of Hormuz and strong words from Iran suggest the region is far from stable at present. The recent Focus operation and SANDF in the Mozambique Channel suggest that coalition forces are preparing for the possible launch of Pirate Action Groups now that the monsoon period has ended.
MAST continues to recommend heightened watches and secu-rity routines whilst transiting the Indian Ocean High Risk Area (HRA). Recent incidents of illegal fishing off the Somali coast are a concern. In light of the recent attack in the BAM, we direct readers to our Yemen section for further analysis.
Convoy Escort ProgrammeOctober’s military convoys are provided by Japan, Korea, China, India and Russia. To view speeds and timetables, please visit mschoa.orgFor further information, please contact:Japan MSDF: [email protected] Navy: [email protected] Navy: [email protected] Navy: [email protected] Navy: [email protected]
Hijack
Kidnap
Approach/Attack
Suspicious Activity Theft
1st December 2015 HRA limits
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SomaliaIndian city police have opposed an application by 119 Somalis arrested in 2011 and accused of piracy, Indian media reported on October 13th. Police said before the trial started, the accused had pleaded ‘not guilty’, and now they could not be allowed to change their stand when the trial was reaching its end. The court is expected to hear further arguments this week.
Under control of Al Shabaab and allies
Under control of neutral forces
Under the control of Government and allies
Somaliland Government
Control of Somali territory (17th October 2016) Source: Wiki-media Commons
Renewed fighting between Somaliland, Puntland militiasLocal residents stated on Oct. 14th that fighting started Thurs-day afternoon and reported that both forces have used heavy weapons and anti-aircraft guns in the clashes. The confronta-tion erupted at the outskirts of the city at a site where Punt-land government is building a livestock market, according to an eyewitness.AU Police training begins ahead of electionAMISOM said in a statement issued on Oct. 15th in Moga-dishu that police officers from all regions of the country will be trained in the processes and ways of maintaining impartiality, independence, transparency, efficiency and professionalism during the electoral process.Al Shabaab• AS militants temporarily took the town of Muri in Lower Sha-belle on Oct. 16th before fleeing on Oct. 17th as Somali forces
moved in.• Three suspected Al Shabaab militants died when the impro-vised explosive device (IED) they were planting alongside a road in Mogadishu detonated on Oct. 12th.• AS executed two men in Jilib town in Middle Jubba region on Oct. 12th. The militants executed Abdullah Daleel Muse, a Ken-yan, and Mohamed Ibrahim, a Somali, for allegedly conspiring with Kenyan military and British intelligence forces. Al Shabaab also executed three men on Oct. 12th in El Ali town in Hiraan region.• AS militants detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) targeting a regional security force convoy near Baidoa city in Bay region on Oct. 13th. The blast killed five Southwest Admin-istration soldiers and wounded five others.
AnalysisThe ability of Al Shabaab militants to continue attacks us-ing vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIED) in and around Mogadishu illustrates the group’s resolve in its attempts to destabilise the Somali election process. However, Somalia’s clan-based system and autonomous regions (Somaliland and Puntland) are doing their own job of damaging the electoral process. The UN had already expressed concerns regarding the nature of the election and now Somaliland is boycott-ing them. They are engaged in a bush war with Puntland in Galkayo, which has ignited several times in recent months. The election process needs to be seen to be absolutely free of corruption; clan elders control much of the opin-ion locally and most clans have large militias which can be called upon should the need arise. A transparent elec-tion process is crucial to ensure the country can continue on its present democratic path. Threat AssessmentAMISOM and Somali National Army forces continue to attack Al Shabaab bases, often with the support of US ad-visors. The push back against AS has now seen the terror organisation stage attacks in Kenya, suggesting that they are looking for softer targets in the face of local resist-ance. As the election process draws nearer, AS is likely to attempt terror “spectaculars” against civilian targets both in Mogadishu and surrounding cities as well as in Kenya. Continued tension between the semi-autonomous states of Puntland and Somaliland continue, with Galkayo see-ing further fighting. It is hoped that clan elders and politi-cians can intervene at a local level.
“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”
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Control of Yemen territory (17th October 2016)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
YemenFollowing several missile attacks against their vessels, on Oct. 13th, the US Navy launched cruise missile attacks against three Houthi-controlled radar sites near Ras Isa, as Salif district, al Hudaydah governorate. Suspected al Houthi-Saleh militants launched two failed missile attacks targeting the USS Mason in the Red Sea on October 9 and 12. An al Houthi-Saleh media source denied responsibility for both attacks. Iran has deployed two ships from its 44th Fleet to the region. On Saturday 15th, the USS Mason deployed countermeasures after detecting what it believed were incoming missiles, suggesting Houthi forces have access to portable radar platforms. Unconfirmed reports suggest missiles were fired both from shore positions and spotter boats.
72 Hour Truce begins on ThursdayUN Special Envoy, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, said the measure would “re-enter into force at 23:59 Yemen time (20:59 GMT) on October 19th, for an initial period of 72 hours, subject to renewal”. Mr Ahmed said this “will spare the Yemeni people further bloodshed and will allow for the expanded delivery of humanitarian assistance”.Blast kills 6 at Yemeni military officer’s funeralThe blast struck a tent where mourners were gathered on Oct. 14th to pay condolences over the death of Brigadier Abdurab Al Shadadi, the commander of the third military region who was killed while fighting Houthi rebels in Marib’s Sirwah district on Oct. 7th.Militant activity• Al Houthi-Saleh forces killed a Saudi border guard in the Jazan region, southern Saudi Arabia, according to an Oct. 14th Saudi state media publication.AQAP• Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) militants attacked al Houthi-Saleh forces in al Bayda and Ibb governorates between Oct. 4th and 14th. AQAP-affiliated Ansar al Sharia militants clashed with al Houthi-Saleh forces in Rada’a district, western al Bayda.
Threat Assessment - USS Mason missile attackIt could have been a false alarm, but this is unlikely given the sophistication of the Mason’s ELINT systems. The position of the MASON is a critical piece of the jig saw. The attack is most
likely to have occurred in the Hodeidah to Mocha area which is controlled by the Houthis. If it occurred elsewhere it will have a significant impact on threat reduction. While attacks are con-ducted in the Hodeidah to Mocha area only vessels involved in the blockade are likely to be at risk. Once again, this looks like a deliberate targeting of a military vessel. We stand by our assessment that while follow on attacks to the Swift are likely, the Houthis and Iranians are unlikely to have the ability to maintain a stream of attacks. Missile stocks in Yemen will be limited given the logistical complexity of getting the mis-siles in country. Positioning the missiles for subsequent firings will become increasingly hazardous for them as the US and Sau-dis step up their ISTAR effort to locate them. There has been no declared aim by the rebels to strike at neutral shipping. We assess that vessels most at risk are military vessels operating off the Yemeni coast in the southern Red Sea. However, the pos-sibility that a targeting error results in a neutral vessel being attacked cannot be discounted.
To avoid the potential missile threat from the Yemeni coast MAST recommends that vessels passaging the southern Red Sea, so far as TSS allow, keep to the south western side of the approaches to the BAM. Given the presence of small boat activ-ity close to the Eritrean coast, a good look out and heightened awareness by bridge crews and embarked armed teams is criti-cally important.
Houthi
Pro Hadi Government Forces
Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”
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UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen (UNVIM)
The UN’s Secretary-General has decided to institute a UNVIM for the facilitation of commercial imports to Yemen, at the request of the Government of the Republic of Yemen and in line with Security Council resolution 2216 (2015).
UNVIM is operational with immediate effect. Shipping companies or vessel owners shipping commercial goods or services to any port not under the direct control of the Government of Yemen (Salif, Mokha, Hudaydah and associated oil terminals) need to ap-ply for permits upon departure of the port of origin of their cargo. For further details click here.
UN arms embargo imposed by UN Security Council Resolution 2216 of 2015 is in place.
Port Aden:
• The port of Aden is under the protection of the Republic of Yemen security forces.
• Curfew in effect for Aden, 2000-0600 daily.
• Merchant vessels wishing to enter Yemeni ports must first apply for a permit through the Yemeni Ministry of Transportation; contact: [email protected] for more information.
• Final clearance to enter Yemeni ports (with permits in place) is authenticated by the coalition guard ship.
• Aden is the only port in Yemen currently able to facilitate container vessels. The container terminal has recently increased it’s capacity. WFP note that eight vessels were discharging at berth with 5 waiting at anchorage.
Port Salif: Capacity 2 berths. Operating at capacity. Vessels experiencing severe delays due to minimal port equipment. 10 ves-sels awaiting at anchorage (WFP, June 29th).
Port Hudaydah:
• Capacity 8 berths. As of World Food Programme reports at the end of June, eight vessels were discharging at berth, 25 awaiting at anchor.
• Only 1 of 5 shore based cranes in partial operation, container vessels highly recommended to have their own internal cranes.
• RSNF is utilizing a holding area 60 NM west of the port of Hudaydah for all vessels attempting entry into Salif or Hudaydah. Inbound vessels should plan on holding within this area prior to receiving clearance from port control warships.
Port Mokha: Status - Open and fully operational (North of England P&I, July 18th).
Port Al Mukalla: Capacity 2 berths. Al Mukalla port was liberated on the 23/24 April by the Saudi-led coalition and southern resistance. Port officials have advised that port operations resumed on the 26th April.
Port of Ash Shihr: Status - Open and full operational (North of England P&I, July 22nd).
Port of Balhaf: Status - Closed: LNG terminal remains closed.
Port of Ras Isa: Status - Closed. Safer oil terminal remains closed, Safer Company (SEPOC) does not allow vessels to berth at Safer Marine Terminal if they do not have an agreement signed by them according to the protocol between buyer and Yemeni government.
MCCC Notice: Following open source reporting of increased military activity in and around the Yemeni port city of Mukalla and the maritime security incident on the 24th April, where an MV was fired upon, please be advised that the security situ-ation in the vicinity of the port has changed. Vessels using the port or operating nearby are advised to take additional security measures and proceed with caution. Coalition warships are patrolling in the area and should be hailed on VHF Channel 16 by any vessel witnessing or subject to threatening behaviour.
Yemen PortsNothing significant to report.
“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”
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Mediterranean With 3,632 migrants and refugees having drowned crossing the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe since January 2016, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has warned that figures were sure to surpass last year’s death toll of 3,702. “The 3,632 total does not include an additional 17 missing migrants reported by IOM Rome on Oct. 13th, based on reports this week from rescue ships still at sea,” the organization said in a statement.“If those are confirmed when survivors arrive in port today, the total Mediterranean death toll would rise to almost 3,650 in 2016, with approximately 11 weeks remaining until year’s end,” it added.
Egypt passes law to curb trafficking of migrants bound for EuropeEgypt passed legislation on Monday 17th to crack down on people traffickers linked to a major surge in the numbers of migrants departing from the country’s Mediterranean coast on often disastrous sea journeys to Europe.
Germany proposes north Africa centres for rescued migrantsMigrants rescued at sea should be taken to centres in north Africa where their claims for asylum in European Union coun-tries can be studied, German interior minister Thomas de Mai-ziere proposed Thursday Oct. 13th.
Migrants missing after late-night Mediterranean rescueAt least 17 migrants are missing after a night-time rescue of more than 100 others from a partially submerged rubber boat off the coast of Libya, the Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS) said on Oct. 13th.
Cyprus new “favourite destination” for Syrian migrantsCyprus is now becoming a favourite destination for Syrian mi-grants in pursuit of a better life in Europe, reported Turkey’s Daily Sabah on Oct. 12th. The Turkish Coast Guard intercepted 114 illegal Syrian migrants off the coast of Mersin, Turkey’s closest region to Cyprus, late on Monday. Their final destina-tion was Cyprus, according to Daily Sabah.
EU seeks migration deal with African statesInterior ministers are gathering in Luxembourg on Oct. 12th to discuss migration amid wider concerns over the high flow of people from Africa to Italy. Ministers will debate how to slow the flows, step up returns, and hash out migration agreements with African states.
The current migrant smuggling situationMigrant Report states that the majority of people smugglers con-tinue to use Sabratha as a departure point, although accurately recording the number of migrants waiting to cross from Libya is extremely difficult due to the various routes being used to cross into the country itself. The ongoing fighting between fuel smug-glers and human traffickers continues, with migrant groups regu-larly “hijacked” by rival gangs.
The push seen at the beginning of October, with over 10,000 mi-grants rescued in a 48-hour period, has not been repeated in the last couple of weeks and we are monitoring weather and reports from NGOs in the region to establish the current traffic situation.
Map depicting major migrant routes in the Mediterranean (18th October 2016). Source: UNHRC
“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”
Migrant crossings 2014-2016. Source: UNHRC
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LibyaOn Oct. 15th, the United Nations condemned an attempted coup in Libya that has seen a rival adminis-tration capture key government buildings, as both rebels and officials scrambled to win the support of Tripoli’s powerful militias. Armed units backed by trucks mounted with anti-aircraft guns seized buildings of the UN-backed government of national accord around Tripoli’s Rixos hotel complex, with local forces fleeing without a battle. Fayez al-Sarraj, the GNA’s prime minister, and his seven-strong presidency coun-cil have spent the past week ensconced in a hotel in neighbouring Tunisia debating a new cabinet, after deciding the Libyan capital was unsafe.
“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”
EU to start training of Libya Coastguard this month – SourcesThe EU is set to start training of Libyan Coastguard personnel on Oct. 24th, Libya’s official news agency LANA quoted EU sources as saying. The news agency reported that the first stage will be launched offshore where 80 coastguard trainees will receive special training for up to three months to enhance their skills.
U.S. air strikes pound Libya’s Sirte to oust Islamic State mili-tantsU.S. aircraft hit Islamic State targets with more 30 strikes over the last three days on the Libyan city of Sirte as pro-government forces push into its last militant-held districts, the U.S. military said on Monday 17th.
Libyan Oil Production Exceeds 550,000 BpdLibya’s oil production has reached 551,000 barrels per day, ac-cording to National Oil Corporation chairman Mustafa Suna’a-Allah—a figure that brings Libya closer to its target of 900,000 barrels per day by the end of 2016.
AnalysisWith General Haftar’s forces now in control of the ‘oil crescent’ of terminals, the GNA and NOC have had to do some swift ne-gotiating in order to ensure supplies still flow. Despite taking control of the terminals, Haftar has left the NOC management in place.
With oil now flowing and tankers leaving the terminals, OPEC has raised concerns that Libya’s exports will force global oil pric-es down. However, rightly, the Libyans are more concerned with
boosting their own economy after several years of virtually no oil production. The successful exports place Haftar in an even stronger position and there is talk of a role for him in govern-ment. The West will not enjoy the idea of him acquiring Soviet weapons and may apply pressure on the GNA to press the LNA into blocking it. Ports currently operational in Libya are: Melit-tah, Zawia, Tripoli, Misurata, Marsa El Brega, Tobruk, Al Khoms, Marsa El Hariga. Farwah, Bouri, Es Sider, Ras Lanuf and Zuetina.
Threat AssessmentThe National Oil Company (NOC) is responsible for securing oil port facilities with their own armed force, the Petroleum Facil-ity Guards (PFG). The oil industry is integral to Libya’s economy and is appropriately safeguarded. Divisions between the east and west NOC branches and the control of ports has not yet impacted on the security of a vessel. Many Libyan ports are op-erational, but not without risk. MAST is able to provide risk as-sessments and crew training to improve situational awareness and risk appreciation. The additional threat to shipping should not be taken lightly. The map below details the most common points of departure in Libya for migrants and the migrant ves-sels’ planned destinations. A large number of the vessels are rescued before reaching their destination and military sources are confirming that there is evidence that setting out to be res-cued is a deliberate tactic. Note that this map has yet to be up-dated to reflect recent shifts in migrant departure points which have not been verified by the military and other agencies.
Control of Northern Libyan territory (17th Octo-ber 2016)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Controlled by the Tobruk led government
Controlled by the Government of National Accord
Controlled by ISIS
Controlled by local forces
Controlled by Tuareg forces
MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 [email protected] www.mast-security.com
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“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”
Gulf of GuineaOn October 16th the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate (NDGJM) claimed it carried out another attack that destroyed the Iwhremaro Quality Control Center delivery line. The militants said the attack signaled the beginning of Operation Hummurabi Code, which they threatened to commence if the oil firms and the troops did not withdraw from their area, few weeks ago.
Incidents: 1. Malta-flagged crude oil tanker reported approached by a small boat at 0340 LT in position 03:56N - 006:21E approx 23nm SxW of Brass, Nigeria. Master ordered an increase in speed and conducted evasive manoeuvres and called Nigerian Navy and Agbami Security on VHF. Boat followed for 15-20 mins. No weapons or other paraphernalia sighted. Reported Oct. 11th.2. A fishing boat was boarded by six armed men in a blue-coloured speedboat at around 1330 LT in position 04:30N - 007:34E, SW of Opobo, Imo River, Nigeria. The perpetrators stole three 40HP engines, valuables from fishermen and other mariners operating in the area. No casualties reported. Report-ed Oct. 11th.3. MV boarded by three persons at 2350 UTC in position 06:25.9N - 003:22.8E, Badagry Creek, Lagos, Nigeria. Ship’s lookouts sighted a small boat with three POB. The attackers boarded the lower side ramp on the stbd quarter. Master or-dered the general alarm and activated the anti-piracy hoses. The crew proceeded to the stern ramp with flashlights and shone these towards the attackers. The three attackers jumped into the water, boarded their boat and made another attempt to board. Noticing that the crew were stationed at the stern, they broke off their attempt and retreated. Master reported to
the Pilot who called Lagos Port Control to report the incident. Reported (MDAT) 14 Oct.Threat AssessmentAll vessels operating in the GoG should conduct a thorough risk assessment and practice emergency drills. Locally procured pa-trol boats can, in the right circumstances, enhance a vessel’s security. MAST recommends that vessels transiting the region register with MDAT-GoG to ensure domain awareness. Contact [email protected] or call +33(0)2 98 22 88 88.MAST advises against the use of embarked armed Nigerian Navy personnel. Under contact from pirates, embarked armed Nige-rian guards will draw increased fire towards the bridge of the vessel which can result in the death or injury of crew members and damage to the vessel. The Secure Anchorage Area (SAA) off Lagos provides effective protection for drifting and waiting ves-sels and the area has been piracy free for several months. It has also been reported that there is an unofficial, but operational SAA off the Bonny River. MAST can advise on risk assessments, the most effective countermeasures and on the most effective locally procured Nigerian patrol vessels to escort vessels to and from operation in Nigeria to 150nm offshore.
Kidnap
Approach/Attack
Suspicious Activity
Theft
4°30’
5°00’
4°00’
3°30’
7°00’6°30’ 7°30’5°00’ 5°30’ 6°00’ 8°00’4°30’
6°00’
5°30’
3°30’ 4°00’
Hijack
1
1
2
3
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South East AsiaPresident Duterte of the Philippines has ordered the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to crush sea pirates and other lawless elements who will fight arrest during operations within the country’s territorial wa-ters. He said the PCG could subdue the sea pirates or even sink their ships to make navigation and marine resources safe. Earlier, Duterte said sea pirates engaged in kidnapping and other illegal activities must be destroyed.
Hijack
Kidnap
Approach/Attack
Suspicious Activity
Incidents: 1. Four robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored bulk carrier at 0255 LT in position 01:42.5N – 101:29.3E, Dumai An-chorage, Indonesia. They took one crew as hostage, threatened him with a knife and tied him up. They then stole ships proper-ties from the engine room and escaped. Alarm raised and crew mustered. Incident reported to Dumai Port Control. Reported (IMB) Oct. 12th.2. Three robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier at 0300 LT in position 10:16.02N – 107:03.49E, Vung Tau Anchorage, Vi-etnam. Seeing the robbers, the crew raised the alarm and con-fronted them. Noticing the alerted crew the robbers escaped empty handed. Incident reported to Vung Tau Port Control. The Authorities boarded the vessel to investigate. Reported (IMB) Oct. 12th.
Threat AssessmentOpportunistic theft of ships stores and equipment continues to be sporadically spread across the archipelagos of SE Asia. Thieves tend to be nonviolent and will escape when spotted. We encourage vessels to conduct thorough risk assessments when operating within SE Asian archipelagos and to adopt ap-propriate measures to protect vessel and crew.
Abu Sayyaf has traditionally targeted small slower vessels such as fishing vessels, passenger vessels, yachts, tugs and vessels under tow with the intent of kidnapping crew for ransom. Ves-sels operating in the Sulu Sea should adopt security measures. MAST anticipates a fall in incident reports once joint patrols and armed guards are implemented.
While we have not seen a major resurgence in attempted hi-jackings of coastal tankers in the region, despite favourable con-ditions for small boat traffic, the Singapore Navy’s International Fusion Centre (IFC) still believes the threat of attack is present.
MAST recommends robust security checks and watch rounds when transiting these waters. The long-discussed joint mari-time patrols between the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia have yet to be deployed, suggesting that while the navies are in accord, the political will to see the project through remains lack-ing. Reports that the nations are to begin maritime air surveil-lance of heavily transited routes have yet to come to fruition.
“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”
Theft
1
2
MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 [email protected] www.mast-security.com
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“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”
Central and South America Nicaragua must scrap a deal to build a massive inter-oceanic canal as it tramples on the environment and human rights, a leading rights body says. Up to 120,000 peasants had no way of relocating and there was insufficient compensation, the International Federation for Human Rights said. The $50bn (£32bn) scheme, started in December 2014, is being built by a Chinese firm. Nicaragua’s government says the canal will bring vital investment.
Incidents: 1. Robbers in a wooden skiff approach and boarded an anchored general cargo ship at 0412 LT in position 12:01.1S - 077:11.2W, Callao Anchorage, Peru. They stole ship’s properties and es-caped unnoticed. The theft was discovered by the duty AB dur-ing routine rounds. Incident reported to Port Control. (IMB) Re-ported Oct. 6th.2. Four robbers wearing face masks in a small boat approached and came alongside an anchored general cargo ship at 0245 LT in position 12:0.26S - 077:10.24W. Alert crew noticed the rob-bers, raised the alarm and activated the pressurized fire hoses resulting in the robbers aborting the attempted attack and mov-ing away. (IMB) Reported Oct. 14th.
Standing advice: The repercussions of a vessel being caught acting as a mule with drugs stowed will depend on the type, amount and national laws, but may be disruptive and costly. When and if operating in these areas, especially Columbia and Peru, it is advised that:
• Potential stowage areas such as rudder shafts are denied as
far as possible, and/or routinely searched. • Access points are closely monitored by a vigilant watch for the duration of the vessel’s call at port.
Hijack
Kidnap
Approach/Attack
Suspicious Activity
Theft
1 2
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“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”
Severe Weather Warnings Warnings detailed on this page are from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and are issued by respective Regional Specialised Metrological Centres, Tropical Cyclone Centres or National Meteoro-logical Services. For further information on severe weather warnings please click here.
North Atlantic: Hurricane Nicole. Weakening to a tropical storm over the Atlantic. History and forecast position. To read the latest advisory and forecast click here.
East Asia: Typhoon Sarika. History and forecast position. To read the latest advisory click here.
East Asia: Typhoon Haima. Current position and forecast.
To read the latest advisory and fore-cast click here.
The Philippines government has re-leased a tropical cyclone warning for shipping. To read the report click here.
Note: The forecasts are correct as of the day before publication. For latest updates please follow the provided links.
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“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”
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