Somali Piracy: Updates

From the NATO Shipping Centre (NSC):

Pirates continue to utilize dhows or fishing vessels as mother ships in the Somali Basin. Recent incidents in this area include the pirating MV YORK (04°10S 041°15E) and the dhow SEA QUEEN. It is likely that the pirated fishing vessel GOLDEN WAVE was used in the pirating of MV YORK. The FV TAI YUAN 227 probably was involved in several unsuccessful attacks east of 67 degrees east over the last few weeks has likely returned to an anchorage and is no longer considered an active piracy threat. Another dhow is likely responsible for the 24 Oct attack on the MV BELUGA FORTUNE (03°30N 059°30E) highlighting the continued threat to shipping is this area.

Improved weather conditions should allow for improved visual and radar detection ranges of vessels of this size. Small vessels particularly skiffs, dhows and fishing vessels observed in the open ocean more than 300Nm from the Somali coast should be regarded with suspicion.

And, as warned yesterday (here), the pirates are alleged to be using a new "mother ship" in support of their operations.

UPDATE: And, an update to the update (a little redundancy, but I'm pressed for time):

Updated 3 November.

The south-west monsoon has now passed and conditions are now conducive for piracy operations off the Somali Coast and into the Somali Basin.The anticipated surge of activity is focused along the coast predominately in southern areas targeting local and international shipping in the vicinity of Kismayo, Dar es Salaam and Mombasa.

Pirates continue to utilize dhows or fishing vessels as mother ships in the Somali Basin. Recent incidents in this area include the pirating MV YORK (04°10S 041°15E) and the dhow SEA QUEEN. It is likely that the pirated fishing vessel GOLDEN WAVE was used in the pirating of MV YORK.  The FV TAI YUAN 227 probably was involved in several unsuccessful attacks east of 67 degrees east over the last few weeks has likely returned to an anchorage and is no longer considered an active piracy threat. Another dhow is likely responsible for the 24 Oct attack on the MV BELUGA FORTUNE (03°30N 059°30E) highlighting the continued threat to shipping is this area.

Improved weather conditions should allow for improved visual and radar detection ranges of vessels of this size. Small vessels particularly skiffs, dhows and fishing vessels observed in the open ocean more than 300Nm from the Somali coast should be regarded with suspicion.

Activity in the GOA temporarily spiked over the past weekend with two attacks: the first attacks in a week. These attacks occurred between 48 degrees 30 minutes and 50 degrees east in or very near to IRTC and were disrupted by counter piracy forces. Vigilant watches and early reporting remain are the keys for the rapid intervention by helicopters and warships.

Updated 3 November.    

Somali Pirates have sailed the MV AL NISR AL SAUDI to act as a mother ship east of Socotra Island threatening ships in the approached to the GOA. She is assessed as being involved in the attack on the MV GO TRADER in position 15°06N 055°58E.

        Ships shout be vigilant of a possible pirate action group using a mother ship, with two small skiffs in position 07°21N 064°03E. Small vessels particularly skiffs, dhows and fishing vessels observed in the open ocean more than 300Nm from the Somali coast should be regarded with suspicion.

         Mariners are advised that the MV Izumi has left her anchorage of Somalia and is heading south, last known position 03°45 S 046°45 E at 0410UTC 3 November 2010. MV Izumi might be used by pirates as a mother ship, any merchant vessel observing MV Izumi visual or by AIS is advised that the pirates onboard pose an active threat.

An unknown vessel possible a dhow has been observed in Pos 05°15 S 043°39 E at 0659 UTC 3 November 2010, this is a possible mother ship and should be considered an active threat.