7 - 13 December 2013 (Vol. 2; No.50/13)

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Feedback on the newsletter is welcomed too. Pirates slip down in Lloyd's List 100; US jury cannot reach a verdict; Dutch give 10-year sentences – At one stage, pirates reached the number seven position in the Lloyd's List top 100, but this year as piracy off Somalia drops to a seven-year low, a pirate kingpin sneaks in at number ninety. The Somali pirate negotiator acquitted of piracy still faces serious charges, however, the jury have been unable to reach a verdict on hostage-taking charges. Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, four pirates who had lured Dutch marines into an ambush were handed sentences between 6 and 10 years. India looks to expedite the trial of 120 Somali pirates languishing in their jails for over two years. Nigeria 's navy undergoes rapid development as calls for stiffer penalties for piracy and oil theft are made, including the House of Representative declaring no country could endure such “blatant rape of its resources”. Report claims the Cameroon soldiers thwarted an attack against a coastal cargo vessel with the result of several pirates reportedly killed. More West Africa states take delivery of patrol boats. Maybe not a shift of piracy but a definite change of focus to Gulf of Guinea piracy gains more ground. India warns about the dangers of unregistered floating armouries into its waters, raising further fears for the fate of 35 men held since last month. The coverage of the high risk area is questioned as the assessment of piracy threat off the Indian coast is flawed. PTSD rates are said to be much higher in PCASP than in [UK] military personnel. Somalia continues its move to return to the diplomatic fold and also appoints a new Prime Minister, and the Special Representative to UNSOM gives a 'told you so' briefing to the Security Council. The statement that aid agencies paid Al-Shabaab for permission to deliver aid to areas they controlled demonstrates the problems faced in providing humanitarian aid. A cargo vessel detained in Rhodes carrying illegal bullets sinks in harbour due to strong winds. In Yemen, a mortar attack raised further alarm, and the sever weather conditions in the Middle East sees possible disruptions in the Suez Canal, but snow for the first time in over 100 years astounds the region. The various military elements in the Horn of Africa/IOR see a flurry of handovers of Command. The combination of anti-piracy measures temporarily resolves the problem off Somalia, but "any one of a relatively small number of catalysts" could see the return of Somali pirates. MPHRP pleads for compassion in the case of the Captain held in Togo on aiding piracy charges so that he can return for the performance of the last rites for his child which died during his incarceration. A Greek shipping tycoon evades kidnap, not at sea, but in a suburb of Athens. Maersk has the biggest ship in the world, and in tribute to this, LEGO has designed a model which even includes the 'lucky coin' placed under the mast of each Maersk vessel; too late for a present for this Christmas. Contents: Regional Activity; Released by Pirates; Pirates in Court; Private Security; International Response; Piracy Cost; Seafarers' Plight; And Finally...; Piracy Incidents; Situational Map

East Africa/Indian Ocean

CASES OF piracy along the Indian Ocean coastline have reduced drastically, according to the Director of Public Prosecutions - Capital FM Kenya. DPP Keriako Tobiko attributed this to the establishment of a fully fledged anti-piracy unit within his office to deal with maritime piracy. He also said that navy forces from other countries operating within the Indian Ocean coastline together with the Kenya Defence Forces efforts to maintain security in Somalia have helped improve the situation. Tobiko applauded the continued efforts to fight the piracy threats saying, “Kenya has indeed achieved some milestones in the fight against piracy. These have included; the execution of MoUs and exchange of letters with other states involved in counter-piracy operations.” In a speech read by his deputy Kioko Kamula on Tuesday, the DPP noted that a total of 164 suspected pirates intercepted off the Coast of Somalia since the formation of Anti-Piracy Unit in 2006 have been prosecuted.

BRIEFING TO the Security Council by Ambassador Nicholas Kay, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) - RBC Radio: Mr. President, Thank you for giving me the opportunity to introduce the Secretary-General’s report on Somalia. At the outset, I would like to thank the Council for its continued support to peace and state building in Somalia. The last three months in Somalia have been eventful. When I briefed the Council on 12 September, I warned that the impact of Somalia remaining a stronghold for terrorists would be felt well beyond Somalia’s borders; “From Bamako to Bangui” was the phrase. Tragically, later in September in the Westgate Mall in Nairobi we saw a shocking demonstration of that truth. As the Council knows, tackling the scourge of terrorism in Somalia requires a comprehensive approach. Political, military and development efforts are all needed. Somalia will be a stable partner in the region and the world when it has strong state institutions, including accountable and professional security forces, and a firm consensus among Somalis about how they wish to manage their affairs and resources. Reaching this agreement is primarily a political challenge. After twenty two years of conflict, I believe Somalis are not just ready – they are desperate to rise to that challenge. In today’s briefing I would like to update the Council on the progress that is being made and highlight some of the problems that still confront Somalia and its international partners.

YEMEN LNG gas company has evacuated hundreds of workers from its Balhaf terminal on the Gulf of Aden, after a mortar round hit the site, an oil ministry official and employees said Sunday - The Daily Star Lebanon. Company staff, including foreigners, were evacuated to the capital on four planes as a precaution over fears of potential attacks on the terminal, employees said. The evacuation of non-essential staff, however, did not affect operations and liquefaction trains, which have a capacity of 6.7 million tonnes of LNG per year, the ministry official said. He said the plant employs some 1,200 staff and that the partial evacuation was decided after a mortar shell hit the port. Yemen LNG said a "minor explosion occurred" inside the plant on Friday, adding that the blast caused only slight damage to non-essential equipment and that a probe has been initiated.

JAPANESE FOREIGN Minister Fumio Kishida told Yemeni Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi in a meeting Wednesday that Tokyo will strengthen its support for Yemen's coast guard capacity- building aimed at the pirate-infested Gulf of Aden, Japanese officials said - Global Post. During the meeting in Tokyo, Kishida also told his Yemeni counterpart of Japan's readiness to support Yemen's nation-building efforts, which stem largely from the 2011 Arab Spring pro- democracy movements, and its efforts to combat al-Qaeda-linked militants in the country.

HIS EXCELLENCY President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud today appointed Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed as the new Prime Minister of Somalia - RBC Radio. The President said: “I have appointed Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed , whom I believe is the man best equipped to lead the Somali government through the next stage of our country’s recovery and reform programme. He has an extremely impressive background in development and economics and a proven track record in a number of leadership positions within international organisations.” “although there is no mistaking the enormous challenges we face as a country I am confident he has what it takes to make a really positive difference in a short time. I call on Parliament to confirm his appointment in a timely fashion in the interests of Somalia.”

THE PRESIDENT of the Federal Republic of Somalia H.E Hassan Sheikh Mohamud today accepted credentials from the newly appointed German Ambassador, Andreas Peschke (Photo 1), and the newly appointed Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Mahmoud M. Auf (Photo 2), in Villa Somalia - RBC Radio. While welcoming the German Ambassador H.E Hassan Sh. Mohamud briefed him on the good and long relationship between Somalia and Germany, the President, said: “Somalia has benefited and is thankful for the many successful projects delivered by the German Government. Germany supports the development of our security forces, providing training and mentoring through the EU Training Mission. “The benefits of the improved situation are already being witnessed as our economy grows, we hope to compete in the European market shortly through the export of products such as Bananas, as Somalia used to do in the early 1990s.” President Hassan’s meeting with the Egyptian Ambassador discussed the historic relationship between Somalia and Egypt. “Our two countries have enjoyed a relationship dating back centuries. My government welcomes you as the new Ambassador and we look forward to working together in the area of security and diplomatic relations.”

AID AGENCIES paid Somali militant group Al-Shabaab for permission to deliver aid in areas controlled by the Islamist group during a famine, a report by two think-tanks said on Monday - Trust.org. Harakat Al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen (Al-Shabaab) imposed registration and security fees ranging from $500 to $10,000 on humanitarian agencies delivering aid in the areas it controlled. NGOs that paid the fee were also placed under surveillance. Al-Shabaab would force them to hire individuals chosen by the militants who would then monitor their aid work. “We are the government of this area and responsible for your security; unfortunately, we do not have enough to pay our soldiers, so you should pay us for providing protection,” an aid worker was told by Al-Shabaab, said the report by the Overseas Development Institute and the Mogadishu-based Heritage Institute for Policy Studies. “Al-Shabaab prohibited agencies from employing Somali women in any capacity or even from making contact with them, with the exception of healthcare provision actions,” according to the study. In case of disobedience, agencies would be banned by the militants, often facing espionage accusations.

See BBC News The BBC's Mary Harper on how aid agencies work in Al Shabaab controlled parts of Somalia

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SIMATECH has launched a new service between Salalah, Berbera and Mogadishu. The first vessel, the 1150 TEUs MV Sima Pride, made the inaugural call in Salalah recently - Times of Oman. This fortnightly service will provide a reliable and safe connectivity for the growing Somali trade from Salalah. Salalah is already the main hub for Omani trade with Somalia and this new service will boost trade between the two countries, which is estimated to be about $116 million.

West Africa FOUR ALLEGED sea pirates suspected to be behind various breach of maritime security in the nation’s waterways have been arrested by the Nigerian Navy- Information Nigeria. In a statement issued by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS), Pathfinder, Base Information Officer, Lt.-Cdr. Abdulsalam Sani, on Sunday in Port Harcourt, it was stated that the suspects were arrested by troops of the Nigerian Navy Ship, Burutu, while on routine patrol. The suspects had since been handed over to the Bonny Island Divisional Police Officer, SP Sunday Okuguni for further investigation and prosecution. The statement quoted the Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base Bonny, Navy Capt. Matthew Daupreye as saying that it impounded three cutlasses, four knives, and pumping machines from the suspects. It added that three hammers, cell phones, eye glasses and an undisclosed amount of money were also recovered from the suspects. “The suspects were arrested while operating in two wooden boats at about 1, 200 at anchorage off Bonny Fairway buoy in Rivers.

THERE IS a tendency in discussions of the recent “crisis” of piracy in West Africa to address it alongside or in opposition to Somali piracy - War On The Rocks. Typically, an author will point out that maritime security off Somalia and the Gulf of Guinea are different, while nevertheless lumping the two together as a phenomenon that is moving west. The implication is that there is some sort of a connection between the two locations, with piracy being a disease that spreads of its own accord within Africa, rather than being a manifestation of local actors acting in response to distinct local incentives and conditions. A prime example of this pattern was in June when the New York Times reported the “marked shift in patterns of maritime piracy,” pointing out that in 2012, “the number of ships and sailors attacked off West Africa exceeded those assaulted by pirates based in Somalia, on Africa’s east coast.” At War is Boring Peter Dörrie offers the disclaimer that “there are important differences between East and West Africa,” while also saying that the “world’s attention is shifting to the Gulf of Guinea and especially the territorial waters of Nigeria.” According to Cardiff University’s Christian Bueger, “West African criminal actors watch the news” and “have learnt from Somalian pirates to some degree.” At Foreign Policy, Admiral James Stavridis, the retired NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe and current Dean of the Fletcher School at Tufts University (and guest contributor here at WOTR), states that “the game is shifting west,” recommending a solution modeled on what was employed off Somalia, as “NATO and the European Union should offer to work with the nations of western Africa to counter piracy operations there.” Despite being treated by the press or the blogosphere as being related or similar, what is going on in the Gulf of Guinea actually has little in common with Somali piracy other than that they both involve African states and happen on the water. A major problem with treating Somali piracy and the current rash of oil theft and kidnapping occurring off West Africa, as related phenomenon is that what is happening in the Gulf of Guinea is in many cases not technically “piracy.” According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea piracy is an act that can “only occur beyond the limits of the territorial sea, which in most cases extends 12 nautical miles from the coastline.” Attacks off West Africa described as piracy often occur in the territorial waters of Nigeria or its neighbors, not on the high seas.

WHILE PIRACY in Somalia's Gulf of Aden is currently on the decline, it has spread to West Africa. But for many people, the phrase maritime piracy evokes images of a one-eyed sailor drinking rum and singing obscene songs, or like Hollywood actor Johnny Depp, wearing a headband in a scene from the film Pirates of the Caribbean - The Africa Report. But maritime piracy is not just an action movie. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea defines piracy as "illegal acts of violence or detention" committed on the high seas against ships or aircrafts. Piracy is a serious problem and it poses a real threat not only to the safety of vessels and their crews, but also to the economies of affected countries. In Africa, while piracy in Somalia's Gulf of Aden is currently on the decline, it has spread to West Africa. Although most attacks in the region take place in Nigeria's Niger Delta region, there have also been attacks in Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea and Togo, among others, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Reuters news agency reported that one such attack took place in October 2013 off Nigeria's coast, where pirates attacked an oil supply vessel and kidnapped the captain and chief engineer, both American citizens. The report says that "pirate attacks off Nigeria's coast have jumped by a third this year as ships passing through West Africa's Gulf of Guinea, a major commodities route, have increasingly come under threat from gangs wanting to snatch cargoes and crews." Unlike pirates along Somalia's coast, who are often only after ransom, pirates in West Africa also steal goods, particularly oil. Many attacks end up with crew members injured or killed. But pirate attacks do not only result in killings and injuries, tragic as those are; they also damage the economy. Image RBD Anema E Core, hijacked by pirates off Benin in 2011

THIS WEEK OBP would like to shift your attention to the west coast of Africa and discuss piracy in the Gulf of Guinea region. Recently receiving more international attention due to the high level of attacks, the waters off the coast of West Africa are some of the most dangerous in the world to transit, “it is estimated that one piracy attack a day has occurred in the Gulf of Guinea in 2013. That figure is set to rise to two a day in 2014.”- Oceans Beyond Piracy While often discussed in the same vain, Somali-piracy and West African piracy are very different in terms of their roots, the business model utilized and the capacity of the regional nations to address the threat. These differences have had a great impact on the approaches used to combat piracy; the Somali-piracy crisis has been mitigated by the international community while regional nations are currently leading efforts to combat piracy off the coast of West Africa, with support from the international community. As incidents of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea have risen regional nations have increased their commitment to combatting the threat in the region through the formation of regional agreements and the pledge to enhance capacities. One such regional agreement is the, “Code of Conduct concerning the prevention of piracy, armed robbery against ships and illicit maritime activity in west and central Africa,” which was signed at the Heads of State Summit in Yaounde, Cameroon in June 2013. The Code of Conduct incorporates many elements of its east coast counter-part, the Djibouti Code of Conduct, and focuses on topics such as information-sharing, deterring piracy and other illicit maritime activities, and issues of prosecution, including encouraging signatories to pass relevant national legislation. A key element of the recently signed Code of Conduct is the protection of national sovereignty of the signatory states, once again signaling that regional nations will lead efforts to combat piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. THE UNITED States Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, in the Department of State, Linda Thomas-Greenfield (pictured), has spoken about her first visit to Nigeria following her appointment during an interview on Channels Television’s breakfast programme, Sunrise -Channels TV Nigeria. Mrs Greenfield said that her visit was to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries and follow- up on the meeting President Goodluck Jonathan held with President Barak Obama in New York, in September. “Nigeria is one of our largest partners in Africa,” she said. “I came with my team to talk about issues that came up during those discussions.” The discussions centred on improving the bi-lateral relationship between the two nations, security concerns involving the Boko Haram sect, oil theft and other issues.

DIRECTOR OF Shipping Department,Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Captain Warredi Enisuoh and some senior lawyers in Lagos, weekend, called for stiffer penalties to check the menace of sea piracy and kidnapping on the country’s territorial waters - Vanguard Nigeria. Speaking at the end of year lecture of the Apapa lawyers’ forum of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, in Apapa Local Government Area, Lagos, Enisuoh said that the Federal Government would invest heavily in the coming years on security on the countries waterways, which will include both patrol ships and air defence. Dr. Joseph Nwabike, SAN on his part called for special courts to trial maritime crime. Meantime, some legal practitioners, yesterday, also called for the establishment of special courts to handle cases of human trafficking.

WITH THE growing threat of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, the Nigerian Navy has undergone a period of rapid development, becoming one of Africa’s leading naval powers - The Atlantic Council of Canada. Most of the vessels employed in the Nigerian Navy are corvettes and patrol cutters. With the possible exception of the NNS Thunder – a former US Coast Guard cutter provided to Nigeria through the Excess Defence Articles program – these vessels lack the range to participate in expeditionary operations far from West Africa’s waters. For example, Canada’s own Halifax-class frigates can travel much further and faster than the NNS Aradu, a frigate that packs what is arguably the strongest punch in the Nigerian Navy. This focus on short-ranged vessels indicates that Nigeria is principally interested for now in defending its own waters rather than acquiring any form of expeditionary capability. While the development of Nigerian counter-piracy capabilities has been impressive, there have been some unforeseen consequences for regional neighbours. Whereas once pirates thrived by preying on shipping through Nigerian waters, these same groups have since been displaced by the increased patrols. Further to the west, these pirates now ply their criminal trade on the waters off Benin and Togo, which do not enjoy the capabilities of Nigeria’s emerging naval force. This is having an enormously negative impact on the economies of these two small West African countries. For example, due to the increase in vessel insurance premiums for shipping companies using the docks at the Beninese port of Cotonou, vessel traffic there has dropped 70% since 2011. More than half of Benin’s government revenue is drawn from port fees and custom duties, 80% of which comes from Cotonou. Image NNS Aradu docked in Lagos, Nigeria.

NESTLED IN the crook of Africa’s long western coast, the Gulf of Guinea is emerging as the next frontier in the international effort against piracy. It is particularly important to understand what role China may play there, as Beijing is increasingly defending its overseas interests in new ways, including with military power, writes Andrew Erickson - National Interest Online. On December 26, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) will hail the fifth anniversary of its antipiracy mission in the Gulf of Aden. The volatile nature of China’s twenty- first-century international maritime nontraditional security record is fascinating. Between deploying sixteen antipiracy taskforces to fight Somali piracy over five years and recently contributing only limited disaster relief to the Philippines after typhoon Haiyan, the PLAN’s provision of security assets runs tightly parallel with the distribution of China’s “core interests”, as articulated by its leadership. The past decade has provided rare insights into how China will interact with other powers at sea. Both the Chinese navy’s experience in the Far Seas to date and its future role in maritime security are rightly attracting observers’ attention. Will China expand its antipiracy portfolio to West Africa? There are several likely prerequisites for such a development. First, GoG security would need to deteriorate beyond regional security forces’ control, to the extent that foreign stakeholders believed that intervention was necessary to protect their interests. This has already occurred. Outside powers such as the U.S. and Europe currently view regional cooperation as a preferable solution to a full-on Somali-style international effort, although such perceptions are heavily dependent on trends in the region. Second, outside calls for international intervention would need to be formalized and pass through the UNSC. A resolution similar to UNSC resolutions 1918 and 2020 for the GoA providing an international legal framework would certainly increase the likelihood of direct Chinese involvement. Image Chinese Sailors

CAMEROON'S NAVY has taken delivery of two new Spanish patrol boats and a landing craft, providing a major boost to the country in safeguarding its maritime domain -DefenceWeb. Cameroon’s Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Jean Mendoua, commissioned the 23 metre Aresa 2300 landing craft and two 24 metre Aresa 2400 CPV Defender patrol boats at the Cameroon Navy Base in Douala on November 21. The commissioning also included a presentation meeting as well as a tour of the boats while moored at the Naval Base, according to Grup Aresa Internacional. The Spanish shipbuilding group has worked extensively with Cameroon, supplying a sizeable number of vessels to its Navy, which has 12 Aresa boats in service. This figure includes six Aresa 750 Commandos RIBs – delivered last August -, five 1200 Stealth RIBs and one 1200 Defcon RIB – delivered in May 2013. Further deliveries will take place in February when two 32 metre patrol boats will be delivered. Grup Aresa said that for the Cameroon Navy, the Spanish shipbuilding group is providing two years of technical support, as well as spares and boat refitting services.

RIZZO MARCELLO, an Italian citizen who works for a construction company has been kidnapped in the Niger Delta region in southern Nigeria, as reported Saturday the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs - EuropaPress . "We have had contact (with the kidnappers) and hope to have a positive outcome," said ministry spokesman told Reuters. "We were informed of his disappearance several days ago," he added. Man, 55, comes from the Sicilian town of Randazzo and working for Italian construction Gitto Costruzioni. Had eight years working in Nigeria. Most kidnappings occur in southern Nigeria are usually resolved by paying a ransom, while in the north operate Islamist groups linked to al Qaeda for other purposes.

THE Nigeria House of Representatives has inaugurated an ad-hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft. Speaking during the inauguration, Speaker of the House, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, threatened tough action on oil thieves and vandals - Sweet Crude Reports. He said no country could endure such “blatant rape of its resources” by a few criminals who seem to grow bolder by the day. No self-respecting Parliament can watch this kind of gross sabotage and not intervene, he warned. “We must therefore end the kind of impunity that makes people think that our nation is a lawless place where people can get away with anything. We are here to prove that this nation has the ability to make things right and to make people pay for their crimes,” he said. Image Nigeria House of Representatives

NIGERIA IS losing about 250 Billion Naira [monthly to maritime crime, an official of the Nigerian Navy has said - Channels TV. Smuggling, piracy and bunkering are top on the list of the crimes described by Air Vice Marshal Eko Osim as economic sabotage. At a seminar for the junior course 76 on how to Police the maritime environment held on Friday by the department of maritime warfare, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, in Jaji Kaduna, Osim, revealed that crime in the territorial waters of the Gulf of Guinea has become sophisticated as the criminals keep devising various means to beat the law. Osim was represented by his deputy, Rear Admiral Sanmi Alade. According to the Director, Department of Maritime Warfare, Commodore Kenneth Ati-John, the theme of the Seminar, “Multi Agency Cooperation: A Panacea for Enhanced Maritime Security,” was apt considering the lack of effective information gathering and sharing in the fight against maritime crime between the country’s security agencies. Nigeria and other countries blessed with water resources depend on the sea for commerce and international trade, but in recent years, the Gulf of Guinea maritime environment has been increasingly threatened by a myriad of security challenges such as piracy, poaching, smuggling, oil theft, trafficking and other transnational crimes.

Southeast Asia SUNDAY MORNING, South Korea announced that it was extending its air defense zone to include a tiny reef off its coast. Now China, Japan, and South Korea’s flight zones overlap for the first time, upping military tensions in a region already rife with them - Think Progress. Socotra Rock, known as Ieodo in Korea and Suyan Rock in China, is a submerged reef that houses a Korean research station. Both Korea and China claim it as part of their “exclusive economic zones,” (EEZ) a legal term for the maritime region in which the country has special development rights. South Korea’s expansion of its air defense identification zone (ADIZ) to include Socotra is a direct response to China doing the same. An ADIZ denotes the area in which another country can’t fly its planes safely without identifying themselves, and, in late November, China expanded its zone to include Socotra. At the time, China’s play for Socotra was overshadowed by its move for the Senkaku-Diayou island chain, which Japan also claims. But South Korea’s counter has brought the simmering Socotra dispute to the fore. After China’s move, South Korea military officials asked China to peacefully remove Socotra from its ADIZ, perhaps in exchange for taking China’s side in its dispute with Japan. But China refused, prompting Sunday’s escalation.

UNION MINISTER for Shipping, G. K. Vasan on Sunday said no politics was involved in protecting the Tamil Nadu fishermen and Indian Coast Guard is giving adequate protection to them - The Hindu. After commissioning of an in-shore patrol vessel of Indian Coast Guard at Chennai Port Trust, Mr. Vasan told media persons, “It is the duty of both Central and State governments to protect the fishermen. There should be a full stop to their problems when their livelihood is affected.” He also condemned the frequent attacks by Sri Lankan Navy on Tamil Nadu fishermen and their arrests. Expressing hope that a good situation would emerge soon, Mr. Vasan pointed out that the External Affairs Ministry has been taking steps for facilitating a talk between Sri Lankan and Indian fishermen. He said in this year, the Indian Coast Guard has apprehended 359 foreign sailors and 61 ships for entering into territorial water. Out of them, 275 were Sri Lankan nationals and 51 ships were seized from them.

South America/Caribbean THE 4,250-teu Bodo Schulte (built 2011) was searched at the Caucedo terminal, local media reported - Tradewinds News. The drugs were hidden in six black bags inside a 20-foot box containing “personal effects”. Six people are being investigated in connection with the raid. The vessel, chartered by Hamburg Sud, had come from Peru.

Other

NOUR M, a cargo boat detained at the port of Rhodes, sank on Wednesday due to strong winds blowing in the area - Ekathimerini. The Sierra-Leone flagged vessel had been detained on the Dodecanese island after coast guards and customs officials had detected thousands of bullets onboard last month. The vessel’s automatic identification system had shown Greek authorities that Nour M’s captain had entered Syria as his final destination but had changed it to Tripoli, Libya, when he was stopped by the Greek coast guard. Officers believe the cargo ship was linked to the so-called “Odessa Network”, which has been described as a loose collection of logistics contractors operating for Russian and Ukrainian governments in order to get weapons to foreign regimes, including that of Syria's Bashar Al Assad. Initial reports suggested that the vessel sank along with its cargo.

Έσπασαν οι κάβοι του NOUR M

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PROMINENT GREEK shipowner Andreas-Ioannis Martinos was almost kidnapped in the Athens suburb of Voula Thursday afternoon. - Shipping Herald A. Martinos, 33, was driving home when four unknown armed men driving a mini-van and one other car attempted to throw his vehicle off the road. Mr. Martinos had realized he was being followed when leaving the headquarters of Minerva Maritime. He managed to get away when he crashed his jeep into their car which caught fire. In his statement to the police, he said he was threatened by three of the attempted kidnappers brandishing kalashnikov rifles. One of the attackers nearly caught on fire before all four managed to get away. The mini-van was found by police later on in flames. Andreas-Ioannis Martinos is the son of prominent shipowner Andreas Martinos, one of three brothers involved in shipping who together control more than 100 ships including tankers, dry bulk carriers, containerships and liquefied natural gas carrier newbuilds on order.

A HAND grenade was hurled at a vehicle carrying two British tourists in Kenya as the country marked 50 years of independence from Britain on Thursday, but police said the device failed to explode - Reuters. Mombasa's police chief Robert Kitur said there was no obvious link between the national celebrations and the incident in the coastal city. Mombasa is dependent on tourism and has been plagued by attacks blamed on Islamist militants and their sympathisers.

A KENYAN official says all terrorists died in a recent attack on a Kenyan mall, contrary to suggestions in a New York Police Department report that some of the attackers could have escaped - Albany Democrat Herald. Somalia's al-Shabab militant group claimed responsibility for the Sept. 21 attack on Westgate Mall in Nairobi in which at least 67 people were killed. Maj. Emmanuel Chirchir, a military spokesman, said Thursday that the bodies of the four attackers were burned beyond recognition and dismissed suggestions, attributed to a New York Police Department report released this week that some of the attackers could have escaped. Chirchir says the NYPD report used secondary information. Western investigators, led by the FBI, have said it appears likely all four attackers died inside the mall.

EGYPTIAN MEDIA reported Thursday that the government is preparing to deem the Muslim Brotherhood “a terrorist organization,” as pro-Morsi organizations sent out a call for protests to be held over the weekend - Jerusalem Post. The Egyptian El-Watan newspaper, which tends to support the military and oppose the Muslim Brotherhood, reported that interim Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi discussed in a closed meeting with a number of ministers a detailed directive that declares the Brotherhood a terrorist organization. The government blames the organization for violence and terrorism that has taken place since Mohamed Morsi was removed from power on July 3. SOUTHWEST BLAST wind, possibly exceeding 100 km/hour, is expected across Egypt, [according to reports]. Accordingly, international traffic rules roads driving is prohibited - Arabian Supply Chain. In view of the bad weather and high wind speed forecast in the Suez Canal area for the coming days, the Suez Canal Authority has advised that normal convoys system and times will be amended. Until December 14, northbound and southbound convoys entry times will be earlier than normal. There will be only one southbound convoy, instead of the usual two, with early entry time starting at about 2000 hours local time (subject to Suez Canal Authority final arrangements). For the northbound convoy, the starting time is amended to about 0100 hours local time (also subject to Suez Canal Authority final arrangements). Delays to canal transits and possible cancellation of convoy(s) may be expected, due to weather and wind speed. Limit times of arrival for southbound and northbound are unchanged. Late arrival facilities are subject to Suez Canal final confirmation in light of navigation arrangements and weather permitting.

NSTR

A JURY that acquitted a Somali man of piracy charges has been unable to reach a verdict on two hostage-taking charges, resulting in a mistrial Thursday - The Washington Post. The acquittal of Ali Mohamed Ali on the more serious piracy charges remains intact, meaning prosecutors can only attempt to retry him on hostage-taking and conspiracy to commit hostage- taking. A prosecutor said the government hasn’t yet made a decision on that. U.S. District Court Judge Ellen Huvelle scheduled a status conference for next week where the government is expected to reveal its decision. Ali will remain in jail until then. Ali, 51, has already been in jail for more than 2 ½ years. Defense lawyers are expected to oppose a new trial. Jurors began deliberating in the case Nov. 20, and acquitted Ali of piracy on Nov. 26. They said at the time they were deadlocked on the other charges — and have remained so more than two weeks later.

THE PUBLIC Prosecution demanded up to ten years in prison before the Rotterdam court, for four Somali pirates who lured the Dutch Marine into an ambush last year in October.The marines were fired upon at close range, when they tried to check a ship along the coast of Somalia, during a mission against piracy. ‘A group of marine literally became sitting ducks in three small, open boats,’ concluded the prosecutors of the National Prosecution Authority - NL Times. The marines were on their way to an Iranian fishing boat in three aid vessels (RHIB’s) of the Hr. Ms. Rotterdam, when suddenly they came under fire. The fishing boat had been captured by pirates. The marines returned fire, and the Rotterdam opened fire as well. The firefight caused the ceased [seized] fishing boat to catch on fire, resulting in the crew abandoning ship. The commander of the Rotterdam sent the RHIB’s back to the burning ship to rescue people from the water, when they came under fire again, that time from the ship and from the shore. The marines still managed to retrieve 25 people from the water. The four suspects who were tried on Wednesday were among those 25. They are being sued for piracy and attempted murder. ‘The defendants prepared a cowardly ambush and did not hesitate to use the ship’s crew as a living shield. The defendants proved with their actions to have no respect for someone else’s life,’ concluded the prosecutors during the session. The National Prosecution Authority demanded ten years against the suspect who fulfilled a leading role and who was extremely violent in his behavior toward the crew of the ceased [seized] ship. Two other suspects both heard eight years. The fourth one heard six years, because his file showed he had only been on the ceased [seized] ship for a short time, but he did partake in the shooting of the Dutch marines.

DESPERATE TO get eight Indians held hostage by Somali pirates free, the Ministry of Home Affairs has stepped up its pressure on the state government to expedite the trial of 120 Somalian pirates, said sources in Mumbai police and state government - Mumbai Mirror. The Indians were held hostage at different times over a period of two years. In the state government, former chief secretary Jayant Banthia and additional chief secretary (Home) Amitabh Rajan have been vehemently opposing this proposal. The pirates were arrested by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard in 2011. Since the Yellow Gate police station has jurisdiction on the western coast, they were handed over to the Mumbai police and four cases were registered against them. The pirates have been lodged in Taloja jail at state expense. India does not have proper laws regarding piracy. Admiral D K Joshi, while heading the western naval command, had taken a decision of not arresting the pirates but confiscating their arms and releasing them. When the trial began in Mumbai, the Yellow Gate police found it difficult to communicate with the pirates. Meanwhile, the Somali government also took up the issue while the pirates' families have been demanding an interview with them.

Italian Marines

NSTR

INDIAN NAVY chief Admiral D K Joshi has warned about the dangers of letting unregulated floating armouries into India’s maritime waters, as it could lead to situations like the Mumbai attack - New Indian Express. He issued the warning in the context of the recent seizure of a privately-owned US ship MV Seaman Guard Ohio, off the coast of Tuticorin. The vessel was carrying a large quantity of weapons to be distributed among the personnel on board the merchant ships before they went into high-risk waters. This may appear legitimate business but the danger of such arms reaching the hands of terrorists and posing a threat to India’s vital interests cannot be ruled out. The situation has become especially problematic for India as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) extended the “high-risk area” for commercial shipping from the “pirate alley” along the Somali coast in the Gulf of Aden to almost all of the Arabian Sea in 2011. The IMO’s decision was flawed, as it was not based on any evidence that there has been any threat of piracy off the Indian coast. It was the wrong perception that was at work when two Italian marines mistook Indian fishermen for pirates and shot them. India should, thus, insist upon the IMO to roll back its decision to extend the high-risk area, which legitimises to some extent floating armouries and equipping of shipping crew with arms.

SLEUTHS FROM the Tamil Nadu police ‘Q’ wing have been digging deeper into the reasons for the presence of the US mercenary ship MV Seaman Guard Ohio in Indian waters, having discovered a cache of arms it was carrying on board - Deccan Chronicle. The 10-member crew and 25 armed guards on the ship were arrested in October after the Tamil Nadu police found deadly arms in their possession while passing through Indian waters. The kind of guns and ammunition found on the ship had baffled senior officials of the Tamil Nadu police, who may not have used or seen a majority of the firearms seized from the vessel. This newspaper accessed details of the illegal firearms that the ship was carrying to know more about the weapons that could have been lethal for legal users of Indian waters. The list of guns includes at least two hi-tech SAIG M3 semi-automatic rifles, two Benneli MR semi-automatic rifles, 11 L1A1 self-loading rifles, five CZ 853 semi-automatic rifles, four Browning longtarc semi-automatic rifles, six G3 automatic rifles and Glock semi-automatic pistol, among other items, including a good stock of magazines and cartridges. These weapons, made in countries like Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Germany, Italy, Austria and Australia, are commonly used in hunting and long-range shooting in border warfare and also by snipers. Interestingly, the G3 automatic rifles come under ‘prohibited arms’ as defined in the Indian Arms Act. Experts feel that except the pistol, all other guns are usually used for long-range assault and are well known in the ammunition world. The crew and guards of the ship have not been able to satisfactorily explain why they had entered Indian waters with such a huge cache of weapons and the crew has failed to produce the necessary documents required to carry the weapons.

RATES OF post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are much higher in private security contractors than in UK military personnel according to a new report – which also identified that private security workers are offered little psychological support - Shiptalk. The RAND Corporation has undertaken a survey-based study on the health and wellbeing of private military and security contractors (PMSCs) – the largest study to date to examine the physical and mental health status and health care use among PMSCs. It is also the first of its kind to examine the issue among all PMSCs. It showed that, in fact, PTSD rates are more than double for PMSCs, compared to UK military personnel. Other key findings are that few private security organisations have psychological support mechanisms in place but those that do fare better in terms of their contractors’ mental health. The report also pointed to the measures an organisation can take to mitigate these mental health risks, including the introduction of a peer support programme.

FRANCE TOOK command of the European maritime force anti-piracy (EUNAVFOR) , also known as Task Force 465, last Friday (December 6) - Bruxelles2. The change of command took place in Djibouti, with Admiral Hervé Bléjean succeeding the Dutch Commodore Peter Lenselink. He will command the force from the transport landing craft (TCD) Sirocco, for a period of 4 months. The beginning of the French command coincides with a period of so-called dry monsoon, which is characterized by improved weather conditions, a context that can promote the actions of piracy remarked the State Defence Staff calling for the greatest caution. 4 vessels available  The EU force is composed, at different times, 3 to 4 ships and 3 to 5 maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft. Today, there are four vessels available:  the ship and landing TCD Sirocco (L-9012) ( flagship);  the German frigate FGS Hessen (F-221), which has just taken over from Niedersachsen;  Italian frigate ITS Libeccio (F-572);  ocean patrol Spanish ESPS Tornado (P-44) which has taken over the ocean vessel Meteoro and soon the Ukrainian frigate Hetman Sahaydachnyi (U130)

THE COMBINED Maritime Forces (CMF) Force Generation Conference, attended by all CMF contributing nations, has been hailed a success by the organisation’s Commander - CMF. The conference, held on 4 December 2013 at the US Naval Support Activity base in Bahrain, was hosted by Vice Admiral John W. Miller, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, US 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces and Commodore Keith Blount Royal Navy, United Kingdom Maritime Component Commander and Deputy Commander, Combined Maritime Forces. The conference aim was to provide an opportunity for CMF and Commanders of the CMF Combined Task Forces to reflect on their achievements over the past six months. Vice Admiral Miller said: “This was the most successful CMF conference ever held, where we demonstrated our effectiveness to provide security and stability to all those who wish to use the seas for lawful trade. CMF is a recognised and growing organisation and we will continue to support regional nations and our member’s interests for the foreseeable future.” Talks focused on how CMF can continue its success in countering the piracy threat by working closely with the merchant shipping community and through having a strong regional maritime presence. The importance of continued close cooperation with Middle Eastern naval partners whilst they enhance their own maritime security capabilities was also underscored.

INDIA'S FOREIGN minister said the country had no interest in filling the breach if Washington decided to reduce its military footprint in the Gulf, and cautioned that the region would not be well-served by turning to other Asian powers, like China - Gulf Times. “We have never played the classical role of intervening with military assistance in the same way that the US has been doing,” External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said. “Because of the philosophical constraints that we impose on ourselves, we don’t see ourselves as a replacement for any other power,” he said. “We certainly don’t believe that the presence of any other power, such as China or Japan, or what have you, would necessarily contribute to the security of the region. Khurshid was speaking on the sidelines of a security conference in Bahrain, where a main point of debate is whether the US might reduce its commitment to safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz, through which 40% of the world’s sea-borne oil exports pass, as it becomes more self-reliant in oil. US Secretary of Defence Chuck Hagel assured the meeting that the US had an enduring commitment to Middle East security, backed by diplomatic engagement as well as warplanes, ships, tanks, artillery and 35,000 troops.

IRAN'S NAVY Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari has left Tehran for Jakarta to participate in the International Maritime Security Symposium in Indonesia - PressTv. Heading a high-ranking delegation, Sayyari left Tehran on Saturday to attend the conference as a special guest and deliver a speech about Iran’s viewpoints on providing maritime security for naval routes in the Indian Ocean. He will also discuss the expansion of naval ties with Indian Ocean littoral states including India, Pakistan, South Africa, Indonesia and Malaysia as well countries like Japan and China. The International Maritime Security Symposium is scheduled for December 9 to 11. Nearly 350 participants from countries grouped in the Indian Oceans Naval Symposium (IONS) and Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) as well as extra regional countries will attend the three-day symposium.

GUIDELINES ON the preservation of evidence and care for victims following the allegation of a serious crime aboard a ship or the report of a missing person were adopted by the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization - Seatrade Insider. During its 28th sesson in London, the Assembly adopted key resolutions including the proposal for international standards for crime reporting, cooperation between governments, evidence preservation and pastoral and medical care for victims. As earlier reported, Cruise Lines International Association had co-sponsored these international standards along with the United Kingdom, the International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations and the International Association of Airport and Seaport Police. The proposal was also supported by the United States. CLIA first offered the proposal to IMO in 2011. The standards include many elements of the US Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010, which the cruise industry also supported.

GUIDED MISSILE frigates "Yancheng" and "Luoyang" of the 16th escort taskforce under the Navy of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLAN) conducted an anti-piracy training on its way to the Gulf of Aden to reinforce the awareness of vigilance and preparation for battles - English People China. It is already the sixteenth time for the Chinese Navy to implement escort missions in the Gulf of Aden, and the taskforce command and the special force teams implemented many specialized trainings after having taken the escort missions. "We have made great efforts to strengthen the special skills such as ship climbing, special shooting, and helicopter abseiling of our soldiers in order to complete the escort tasks such as anti-pirate actions and armed rescuing," said Huang Yongxiang, staff officer of the special troop regiment. Image Chinese Sailors

THE COMMANDER of the Danish Task Group has taken command of Combined Maritime Forces counter-piracy operations in the Middle East after conducting a handover ceremony with the UK led Navy personnel - CMF Bahrain. Commodore Aage Buur Jensen, Royal Danish Navy, Commander Danish Task Group assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 from Commodore Jeremy Blunden of the UK Royal Navy on 12 December 2013 at a ceremony in the CMF Headquarters in Bahrain. Commodore Blunden highlighted the successes of his team and the units under his command. These included the successful apprehension of a pirate group off the coast of Somalia, 122 boarding operations and around 850 hours flown by force aircraft in the course of its mission to promote maritime security. Commodore Blunden said: “It has been a great honour for me to command Combined Task Force 151 and to work in this unique multinational forum. I want to express my very sincere thanks to my team for their help and support and for doing the hard work. My thanks also go to the staff in CMF and the various task forces who have provided us with such strong support. He added: “I offer my very best wishes to Commodore Jensen and his team as he assumes the mantle once again. I am very much a fan of the CMF construct, of this unique maritime partnership, this collective contribution of ready, capable maritime forces and this commitment of helping to provide security and stability in the maritime environment.” Image (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mike Wright/Released)

THE GLOBAL shipping industry has declared a victory of sorts over Somali pirates. Upgrades— from crew safe rooms to armed guards—as well as improved international military coordination and maritime standards, have taken their toll on those gangs. The number of incidents peaked in 2011, when 40 attacks were recorded in November alone. By 2012, that figure had dropped to 15 successful attacks off the East African coast in 2012, according to U.N. data - CNBC. But the victory has come at a high cost. In fact, one analysis from Quartz suggested the shipping companies would be better off simply handing over suitcases full of cash: Annual revenue for the Somali pirates has been estimated at $120 million, versus a price tag for security and upgrades estimated at between $1 billion and $3 billion. As a result, some piracy experts worry about complacency setting in given the recent gains, especially for an industry constantly under margin pressure looking to cut costs. There is more to protect than ever before. It's no coincidence that a new crew of pirates has beefed up its operations in the Gulf of Guinea on Africa's Western coast at the same time that Somali piracy has weakened. The gulf's pirates are operating in waters off of many of Africa's oil and gas-rich nations, including Nigeria, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon and Angola.

EVEN WITH a couple of months remaining before the final analysis of the patterns of piracy for 2013 can be finally clarified, some emerging trends are very clear. Dave Sloggett reports - IHS Maritime The problem of piracy off the coast of Somalia has been temporarily solved by a combination of measures. However, that does not mean that Somali piracy can be consigned to history, as too many factors that encouraged its initial development remain in place. Any one of a relatively small number of catalysts could see the Somali pirates return to their attacks. One of these might be a steady erosion of the numbers of maritime security teams deployed on vessels operating in the area. It is believed that just below 40% of the vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden carry armed security teams. These teams have been called into action four times in 2013, according to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB). That still means that more than 1,000 vessels are transiting the area relying on taking other measures to avoid being boarded and hijacked. If Somali pirates were to succeed in capturing a vessel it is possible that with such lucrative returns on offer others who have given up the business of piracy may be tempted to return. Another catalyst could be the gradual withdrawal of naval forces operating in the region. With defence budgets across the world under pressure the decision about whether to continue the current deployment, which is due towards the end of 2014, is important. In many ports along the Somali coastline there will be people watching on with more than a passing interest as to the outcome. Away from Somalia, it is the coastline of Indonesia that has experienced the largest number of piracy attacks and robberies. One third of the total reports received by the IMB originate from various anchorages in Indonesia. Five of the eight locations where the majority of the attacks occur are also home to naval assets. Indonesia’s coastguard is yet to be established, so it is the naval forces that bear the responsibility for protecting the anchorages which are distributed across the country.

THE FOLLOWING interview was originally published by The SAIS Review of International Affairs - Brookings Institute SAIS Review: You spent last spring chasing and interviewing pirates in Djibouti, Somalia and Kenya. Did these conversations surprise you? Vanda Felbab-Brown: Just to clarify, I wasn’t able to interview pirates in all three places. I only managed to track down pirates in Somalia – and even that was very hard! I noticed there was a big difference in mood among the pirates. In 2007 and 2008, the pirates had been very willing to be interviewed and quite easy to access. But in my recent visit, many would not discuss their operations or even admit that they were pirates. Interviews would be set up and then no one would show up. One of the things that was most surprising to me was just how effective the naval patrolling has become. I had been skeptical for a long time that naval patrolling could achieve sufficient density of operations to really create a deterrent effect, but it has been successful. The key aspect of its success has been the employment of citadels and other best practices lessons that allow far greater response times for the naval patrols. That has made a huge difference. Other defensive measures, such as convoys and regional deployment of AI, have also helped. SR: Could you tell me more about citadels? What are they and who operates them? Felbab-Brown: What we call a citadel is essentially a safe room on a ship. It’s a space on the ship that is barricaded and has a large supply of water and food, where the crews can retreat for days at a time while they wait for naval patrols to rescue the ship. So, pirates can take over the ship, but they might not get the crew. As a result, when a naval patrol arrives, it can engage in armed action against the pirates because they won’t risk killing the crew. That has really made a significant difference in the ability to deter and counter pirate attacks.

Smuggling/Pirate Fishing INTERPOL has issued a Purple Notice to assist in identifying an illegal fishing vessel as a result of a joint effort by New Zealand, Australia and - World Fishing. The notice has been circulated to all 190 INTERPOL member countries to seek information about the individuals and networks which own, operate and profit from the vessel Thunder. “Thunder has been operating under a number of names and flags over several years and we believe this is being done to avoid being caught violating international laws and conventions,” said Gary Orr, manager, operational coordination with New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries. In July 2012, Mongolian registration papers for a vessel called Wuhan 4 were issued, but in August 2012 the vessel was sighted in the North Indian Ocean under the name of Kuko. In April 2013, the same vessel requested access to a port in Malaysia under the name Wuhan 4 but when inspected a few days later in Indonesia, it was using the name Thunder and flying the Nigerian flag. This is the third INTERPOL Purple Notice issued in connection with illegal fishing activities. The notices are used to seek or provide information on modi operandi, objects, devices and concealment methods used by criminals.

THE MARITIME Piracy Humanitarian Response Programme (MPHRP) has today on behalf of the unfortunate family of Captain Sunil James written to the President of Togo to kindly request hid support to allow Captain James, without any further delay, to return India and perform the last rites of his son, Vivaan, who died on 2 December 2013 - OCEANUSLive. Capt Sunil James, Master of MT Centurion had been in detention by Togo police on charges of aiding piracy on his vessel since July 2013. MPHRP understand fuly the seriousness of these charges and that they must be faced but sadly, his 11 month old son lost the battle of his life and the little body of his son has been in morgue now for 8 days as the family awaits the return of the father to perform the last rites. Image James, wife and baby

Aid Workers' Plight NSTR

LLOYD’S List has included a named pirate in the top 100 since 2010, when Garaad Mohammed, a pirate who gave an exclusive interview to Lloyd’s List, ranked seventh in the Top 100 - Lloyd's List. Mr Mohammed fell in the rankings over the next two years and this year he is replaced by Mohamed Abdi Hasan, better known by his nom de guerre, Afweyne. However, the position of pirate figurehead has dropped significantly in the Top 100 rankings, Afweyne edging in at the end of this year’s list. This is because piracy levels have dropped to a seven-year low: the last successful attack in the Indian Ocean took place April 2012.The reason for this is certainly not because pirates have lost interest in hijacking vessels and crew for ever-increasing ransom payments. Success boils down to the so-called three pillars of anti-piracy: international naval efforts, best management practices and use of armed guards on commercial vessels. We have chosen Afweyne to represent Somali piracy this year as he has certainly been the most prominent pirate personality of the last 12 months. THE Lloyd’s List Top 100 influential people in shipping list has once again been released…and there is a real surprise inclusion at Number 1. You might expect the most influential person to be some Greek magnate, some Asian powerhouse CEO or oil major chair…but you would be wrong - Shiptalk. According to Lloyd’s List, the most influential people in shipping are [drum roll please]…seafarers! Yes, the people that make the whole business happen are finally recognised as the most pivotal, influential and important piece of the shipping jigsaw. With seafarers taking their collective place at the head of the shipping family table it does rather beg a few awkward questions though. Such as why are seafarers routinely overlooked, mistreated, disrespected, criminalised and even abused. They are subject to abandonment, poor living conditions, an increasingly disconnected lifestyle and are the target of pirates and prosecutors alike. It is great that Lloyd’s List has chosen to recognise the fact that “seafarers deserve our applause for their service to society” – but some would say they deserve more than high placing on lists. Perhaps the most telling commentary and reason for their award is that “They will then know — in a way no banker or a lawyer ever can — the pleasure of simple, selfless merit and the fact the world moves by their sweat and under their watch.” Alas they forgot to mention the many, many tears.

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Hijacks:

 NSTR.

Unsuccessful Attacks/Robberies (All regions):

 SE Asia - Three to four robbers boarded an anchored tanker via the stern at 0600 LT in position 01:06.04N – 103:37.15E, Nipah anchorage, Indonesia. The robbers were immediately spotted by the duty officer who raised the alarm. Seeing crew alertness the robbers escaped in their boat. A thorough search of the vessel showed that no stores were stolen as all access to accommodation, engine room and stores were locked and secured. Reported (via IMB) 12 Dec.  SE Asia - Five robbers boarded an anchored tanker at 0120 LT in position 01:25.2N – 104:41.5E, off Pulau Bintan, Indonesia. Robbers boarded while crew were busy performing tank cleaning procedures. 2/E on duty in the engine room noticed the robbers and informed bridge who raised the alarm. The robbers escaped immediately upon hearing the alarm with stolen engine spares. Reported (via IMB) 10 Dec  Gulf of Aden - -flagged bulk carrier, Golden Ice, reported attacked by a skiff at 0420 UTC in position 12:52.5N - 047:52.4E in the IRTC, GoA. Master ordered evasive manoeuvres, activated fire hoses and sounded ships' horn. AST stood to, displayed weapons, fired flare but skiff, w/ 1 POB visible continued approach. AST fired warning shots but 4 POBs in hiding in skiff fired at the MV. AST returned fire, resulting in white and blue-coloured hull skiff moving away. Skiff loitered approx 2nm from the vessel for 15 mins before departing. Naval assets tasked to investigate. No crew injuries and vessel is safe. Reported (via UKMTO) 9 Dec.  Gulf of Aden - Five pirates wearing dark clothes and carrying assault rifles in a skiff approached to 20 meters and fired upon a Bahamas-flagged crude tanker, Gulf Pearl, underway at 0330 UTC in position 12:50N – 047:49E, Gulf of Aden. The Master raised alarm, activated fire hoses, increased speed, took evasive manoeuvres and contacted UKMTO for assistance. The on-board armed security team took their position and showed their weapons resulting in the pirates aborting the attempted attack. A military helicopter came to the location for assistance and patrolled the area. Reported (via IMB) 9 Dec.  Gulf of Aden - Tanker reported approached by 4-7 skiffs each with 6-8 POB at 0930 UTC in position 12:04N - 045:13E, Gulf of Aden. Skiffs came within 0.8nm, shots were fired from the group of skiffs into the water away from the vessel. No further action observed. Vessel had AST embarked, and is safe. Reported (via UKMTO) 7 Dec  SE Asia - Four robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored -flagged tanker, Trident Star, during STS operations at 0530 LT in position 01:07N – 103:35E, Nipah Anchorage, Indonesia. Duty Engineer spotted the robbers near the ECR and quickly raised the alarm. Seeing the crew alertness, the robbers escaped empty handed. Reported (via IMB) 7 Dec.  SE Asia - LATE Report | A robber tried to boarded an anchored Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, Eilhard Schulte, via the hawse pipe at 2100 LT in position 03:43.7S – 114:25E, Taboneo Anchorage, Indonesia. Duty crew on routine round saw the robber and immediately informed the OOW who raised the alarm resulting in the robber escaping without stealing anything. Reported (via IMB) 5 Dec.  SE Asia - LATE Report | Three robbers boarded an anchored Switzerland-flagged bulk carrier, Thurgau, at 1955 LT in position 22:47.9N – 070:05E, Kandla Anchorage, India. OOW spotted the robbers and raised the alarm. Seeing alerted crew the robbers escaped with stolen ship property. Reported (via IMB) 4 Dec.  W Africa - LATE Report | Cameroon-flagged coastal cargo vessel, LD Challenger, was attacked at 0130 LT in position 04:20N - 008:45E in Cameroon waters, Gulf of Guinea. Two speedboats with 7-8 pirates in each attacked the vessel, pirates managed to board LD Challenger. Security team of Cameroon soldiers were on board, in ensuing firefight several pirates were reportedly killed, remaining pirates fled. Reported 3 Dec.  SE Asia - LATE Report | Robbers boarded Singapore-flagged container ship, Sanuki, at 0130 LT in position 20:35N - 107:05E, off Norway island, Haiphong, Vietnam. Robbers stole ship's property and escaped unnoticed from the drifting ship. The theft was noticed by the duty crew during making routine rounds. Reported 2 Dec.  SE Asia - LATE Report | Robbers boarded a barge under tow enroute to Penang, Malaysia at 0730 LT in position 01:12N – 103:36E, Singapore Straits. Crew noticed three wooden boats alongside the barge. Six robbers were seen stealing the cargo, transferring it to their boats and then escaping. Master reported the incident to VTIS Singapore. After sometime, two more boats were seen following the barge, coming alongside, stealing cargo and then leaving. Reported 22 Sep.

Other Incidents:

 NSTR

Suspicious Activity  Red Sea - Container ship reported suspicious approach by 2 skiffs to 800m w/ 5 POB each at 1330 UTC in position 13:44N - 042:27E, Red Sea. Embarked AST fired two flares resulting in the skiffs passing astern at 1nm. Vessel is safe. Reported (via UKMTO) 8 Dec.

IMB - Vessels: 0 Hostages: 57. (as at 25 November - http://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting- centre/piracynewsafigures). Worldwide Incidents 2013: 100 reported incidents including four hijackings. Worldwide Incidents 2013: 234 reported incidents including 12 hijackings. Somali related incidents 2013: Thirteen reported incidents including two hijackings. Current crew / vessels held by Somali pirates: hostages – 57 Nigeria related incidents 2013: 30 reported incidents including two hijackings. NATO & EUNAVFOR state Vessels: Nil and Hostages: 50; UKMTO - 2 vessels, 64 hostages.

VESSELS are reminded that the coalition forces' warships may not be in the vicinity of a pirate attack, subsequently, it is emphasised that seafarers can greatly reduce their chances of being pirated if they follow precautions as recommended in the Best Management Practices, increasing speed and carrying out evasive manoeuvres is a proven deterrent to piracy attacks. BMP version 4 is available at the link above; a high resolution version can be downloaded here. VESSELS are advised to exercise extreme caution when navigating in the vicinity of any reported positions of attacks and maintain maximum CPA with any ship acting suspiciously. Additionally, registration of vessel movement with MSC(HOA) prior to transiting the region is recommended.

A change of regional map in light of the increase in pirate activity off West Africa over Horn of Africa. An interactive version of this situational map is available through registration of verified access to OCEANUSLive

Reported incidents in the HoA/IORHRA. OCEANUSLive.org permits the reproduction of this image providing source and link are published (Map ToU)

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