Piracy Report ICC Commercial Crime Services (to July18 2005)

Latest piracy report fromICC CCShere. HIghlights:

ALERT

Somalian waters
Serious attacks have resumed off eastern and north-eastern coast of Somalia. Since 31.03.2005, nine incidents were reported where pirates armed with guns and grenades have attacked ships and fired upon them. In three incidents crew were held hostage and ransom demanded. Some of these attacks took place far away from Somali coast. Eastern and north-eastern coasts of Somalia continue to be high-risk areas for hijackings. Ships not making scheduled calls to ports in these areas should stay at least 50 miles or as far away as practical from the coast of Somalia.

18.07.2005 at 0300 LT in position 12:11N - 050:27E, off Caluula, NE coast of Somalia.
Six pirates in two boats armed with guns opened fire on a container ship underway. Ship increased speed and boats moved away. No damage to ship or injuries to crew.

18.07.2005 at 0300 LT at Kingston anchorage, Jamaica.
A robber armed with a crowbar boarded a container ship. Alert crew raised alarm and robber jumped overboard and escaped in boat waiting with four accomplices.

18.07.2005 at 0200 LT at Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
Eight robbers in a motorboat boarded a container ship drifting off port. They broke in to a container but crew mustered and robbers escaped empty handed.

17.07.2005 at 1830 LT in position 12:09N - 050:52.0E, off Caluula, NE coast of Somalia.
Seven pirates in two white boats, 4m long armed with guns opened fire on a RORO ship underway and attempted to board from stern. Ship increased speed and crew activated fire hoses. After 10 mins boats moved away. No damage to ship or injuries to crew.

16.07.2005 at 1600 LT in position 04:37.4N - 048 25.9E, east coast of Somalia.
Four pirates armed with bazooka missiles and machineguns in military fatigue fired upon a RORO ship underway. Ship suffered damages with bullets holes. Pirate craft was white hull and black bulwark with high-powered engine. No injuries to crew.

16.07.2005 at 1325 LT in position 03:05N - 048:05E, east coast of Somalia.
Four pirates armed with guns in a speedboat fired upon a container ship underway and tried to board at stud quarter. Ship increased speed and took evasive manoeuvres. Crew activated fire hoses and fired rocket flares. After 15 mines pirates aborted boarding.

15.07.2005 at 0315 LT in position 06:19.7N - 003:22.5E, Lagos anchorage, Nigeria.
Three robbers armed with knives boarded a product tanker during STS operations. Two robbers overpowered a duty A/B and held him at knifepoint. They took away his walkie-talkie and assaulted him causing serious injuries. Robbers stole ship's stores and escaped.

15.07.2005 at 0215 LT in position 06:18.2N - 003:23.4E, Lagos anchorage, Nigeria.
Three robbers armed with knives boarded a tanker at poop deck. They held two duty crew as hostages and took their walkie-talkies. They stole ship's stores and escaped. Master tried to contact marine police but received no response. Master then picked up anchor and sailed to high seas for drifting 25 miles off coast.

13.07.2005 at 0030 LT in position 01:13.18N - 103:34.12E, Singapore straits.
Six pirates armed and with long knives and wearing black facemasks boarded a tanker underway via a speedboat. They took hostage two duty crewmembers and tied them up. They entered accommodation and took captain, oiler and 2/E as hostages and tied them up with plastic strings. They kicked 3/O in his groin and destroyed communication equipment. They stole ship's cash, crew personal belongings and ship's property and escaped at 0045 LT. Master informed authorities.