UNCLASSIFIED

OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE

(U) WORLDWIDE: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report

3 April - 3 May 2017
4 May 2017

(U) Table of Contents

1. (U) Scope Note
2. (U) Warnings and Advisories
3. (U) Summary
4. (U) Counter-Piracy and Maritime Crime Announcements and Advisories
5. (U) Details: Monthly Incidents by Region
6. (U) Appendix A: Further Contact Information and Resources
7. (U) Appendix B: Terminology and References

1. (U) Scope Note

1. (U) The Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) message provides info on piracy threats to, and criminal action
against, merchant vessels and the shipping industry worldwide in the last 30 days. This report is produced primarily
to inform merchant mariners and naval forces.

2. (U) Warnings and Advisories

1. (U) MARITIME DOMAIN AWARENESS for TRADE- GULF OF GUINEA (MDAT-GOG) Advisory
001/MAY/2017: Category: Attempted Theft. Description: On 30th of April 2017, at 23:45Hrs UTC in Abidjan
Anchorage. Crewman onboard a merchant vessel at anchorage noticed suspicious activity on the forecastle,
security patrol observed one thief on board. Thief dropped end of mooring line in water and jumped from forecastle.
Abidjan port control informed. Total of three thieves were on wooden boat and escaped with one stolen mooring
line. No crew injured. Vessel is SAFE. Any queries regarding this Advisory Notice ring 0033 298 22 8888 for further
information. THIS ADVISORY is not classified as a Maritime Security Event and has not been verified by MDAT-
GoG. His information is provided to inform maritime situational awareness for mariners operating in the region.

2. (U) UKMTO ADVISORY NOTICE 002/MAY/2017: Category: Sighting. Description: UKMTO has received
information that a group of 9 skiffs with black and white hulls and 3 POB were sighted in PSN 13:10N - 049:18E.
Skiffs surrounded the MV at 0.6NM, vessel fired 2 warning shots and the skiffs moved away. Mariners are advised
to exercise caution whilst transiting this area. Any queries regarding this Advisory Notice ring 0044 2392 222060
only for further information.

3. (U) UKMTO ADVISORY NOTICE 001/MAY/2017: Category: Sighting. Description: UKMTO has received
information that a group of 3 to 4 skiffs with green and white hulls and 4 to 5 persons onboard have been sighted
near 12:26N - 043:50E. Mariners are advised to exercise caution whilst transiting this area. Any queries regarding
this Advisory Notice ring 0044 2392 222060 only for further information.

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4. (U) U.S. MARITIME ADVISORY 2017-003 / Threat Type: Piracy / Geographic Area: Indian Ocean, Gulf of
Aden, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and Gulf of Oman: Guidance: Within a 30-day period spanning March-April 2017,
there have been four reported hijackings and one boarding off the Horn of Africa. Specific case details are available
at the Office of Naval Intelligences Worldwide Threat to Shipping and Piracy Analysis and Warnings website at
www.oni.navy.mil/intelligence-community/piracy. U.S. flag commercial vessels operating within the HRA are
required to comply with U.S. Coast Guard MARSEC Directive 104-6 due to high risk of piracy, kidnapping,
hijacking, and armed robbery while transiting this region. Vessels are further advised to remain at least 200 nautical
miles from the Somali coast to the extent practicable, follow the guidance in Best Management Practices 4
(www.mschoa.org/docs/public-documents/bmp4-low-res_sept_5_2011.pdf?sfvrsn=0), and comply with their Coast
Guard approved Vessel Security Plan annex on counter piracy actions. Vessels operating in this region are also
advised to establish contact with the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Office (UKMTO). UKMTO advisories,
warnings, and contact info are available at www.ukmto.org. U.S. flag vessels that observe suspicious activity in the
Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and Gulf of Oman are advised to report such suspicious
activity or any hostile or potentially hostile action to the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Battle Watch Captain,
phone: +11 973 1785 3879, email: cusnc.bwc@me.navy.mil. All suspicious activities and events must also be
reported to the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center at 800-424-8802 in accordance with 33 C.F.R.
101.305. A Ship Hostile Action Report (SHAR) should also be sent to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
(NGA) at:
http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal?_nfpb=true&_st=&_pageLabel=msi_portal_page_70&subCode=06 as soon
as possible following an incident or suspected activity (including apparent surveillance being conducted by small
vessels/boats). Reference NGA Pub 117 at
(http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=msi_portal_page_62&pubCode=0009) for
further guidance.

5. (U) UKMTO ADVISORY 141445 UTC APR 2017: To: all ships transiting southern Red Sea / Gulf of Aden / off
Yemen / off Somalia. On 14.04.2017 at 0652 UTC in position 15:55.5N 052:20.7E, off Yemen. Vessel was
approached by a small boat with 6-7 armed persons onboard who attempted to board the vessel several times but
failed. Shots were fired towards the vessel. Later, small boat departed the area. Vessel and crew are safe. Vessels
are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to the latest bmp recommendations. All attacks and suspicious sightings
should be reported. 24 hour anti-piracy helpline +603 2031 0014 fax: +603 2078 5769.

6. (U) UKMTO ADVISORY NOTICE 004/APR/2017: Category: SUSPICIOUS APPROACH. Description: On 09

April at 0315 UTC in position 1420N 05311E, an MV reported a vessel closed to a distance of 1nm from their bow
with additional four skiffs seen on their starboard beam at a distance of 0.5 nm. Four POB sighted on each skiff with
weapons. AST showed presence and the vessels moved away. Vessel is SAFE. Any queries regarding this
Advisory Notice ring 0044 2392 222060 for further information.

7. (U) UKMTO ADVISORY NOTICE 003/APR/2017: Category: ATTACK BOARDING. On 08 April at 1310 UTC in
position 1402.09N 05140.00E, an MV was approached by a skiff with pirates which boarded the vessel, the Master
and crew stopped the engines and located to the citadel. The MV was left drifting. On 09 April at 0432 UTC in
position 1402.5N 05137.9E, the vessel was back under control of the Company and Master. The MV is
underway to next Port of Call and under Escort. Any queries regarding this Advisory Notice ring 0044 2392 222060
only for further information.

3. (U) Summary
A. (U) VENEZUELA: On 2 May, three robbers armed with knives boarded a cement carrier berthed in Berth No.5,
Portugalete.

B. (U) RED SEA: On 2 May, a merchant vessel reported a suspicious group of 9 skiffs, black and white hulls with 3
persons in each skiff near, in the southern Red Sea.

C. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 2 May, a merchant vessel reported a suspicious group of 3 to 4 skiffs, green and white
hulls with 4 to 5 persons in each skiff, 12 nm off Yemeni coast, near the entrance to Bab el Mandeb Strait.

D. (U) BANGLADESH: On 2 May, two robbers boarded a product tanker anchored in Chittagong Anchorage.

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E. (U) INDONESIA: On 2 May, three robbers boarded a bulk carrier anchored in Tanjung Priok Anchorage, Jakarta.

F. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 1 May, a merchant vessel reported being approached by five skiffs with 5 persons in
each skiff, 57 nm southwest of Aden, Yemen.

G. (U) NIGERIA: On 29 April, armed pirates in a speedboat boarded a general cargo vessel underway 47 nm
southwest of Bonny Island.

H. (U) GUYANA: On 28 April, duty officer on routine rounds onboard a seismic support vessel anchored in
Georgetown Anchorage.

I. (U) LIBYA: On 28 April, Libyan naval forces captured two vessels suspected of smuggling oil from Libya after
gun battles lasting several hours west of the capital Tripoli.

J. (U) SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES: On 27 April, a yacht was boarded in Luperon Bay.

K. (U) AUSTRALIA: On 27 April, eight suspected illegal Indonesian fishermen were arrested after being found with
an illegal cargo of sea snails in Australian waters.

L (U) SAUDI ARABIA: On 25 April, Saudi Arabia confirmed that Yemen based Houthi rebel forces tried to attack an
Armco fuel distribution terminal in Jazan province with a remotely controlled boat filled with explosives.
.
M. (U) WEST AFRICA: During a recent two month patrol made by an environmental NGO ship with law
enforcement authorities from several West African countries embarked, eight Chinese vessels were detained for
fishing illegally.

N. (U) PUERTO RICO: On 8 April, a robber boarded a yacht moored in Isabel Segunda and stole an outboard
motor.

4. (U) Counter-Piracy and Maritime Crime Announcements

A. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Government of Japan convoy schedule for May 2017. To apply for JMSDF escort, visit
http://www.mlit.go.jp/en/maritime/maritime_fr2_000000.html, please contact directly the Anti-Piracy Contact and
Coordination Office, Maritime Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MILT), Japan: Tel:
+81-3-5253-8932; Fax: +81-3-5253-1643. Email: INFO-PIRACY@mlit.go.jp. (MSCHOA)

B. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Korean Navy convoy schedule for May 2017. All merchant vessels wishing to join the
convoy group must submit their application forms directly to the ROK naval warship carrying out the mission. The
ROK MTG can be reached directly at 1-203-346-7637. Email: adenbay@navy.mil.kr. (MSCHOA)

C. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Chinese Navy convoy schedule for May 2017. For further information, please e-mail
planavy@navy.mil.cn, or call Tel: 00870 773 121 248; or 441 203 136. (MSCHOA)

D. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Indian Navy convoy escort schedule for May 2017. To register, email
dgcommcentre-dgs@nic.in; or visit www.dgshipping.com. Telephone numbers for contact are: 91-22-22614646 or
fax at 91-22-22613636. (MSCHOA)

5. (U) Details: Monthly Incidents by Region

(U) This section lists reports of active violence against shipping, credible threats to shipping, or the potential for a
situation to develop into a direct threat to shipping over the last 30 days. Every effort is made to ensure that
incidents are not double-counted. In the event double-counting is detected, or an incident is later learned to be
different than initially reported, an explanation of the cancellation of the inaccurate report will be made in at least
one message prior to dropping the erroneous report.

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A. (U) NORTH AMERICA: No current incidents to report.

B. (U) CENTRAL AMERICA - CARIBBEAN - SOUTH AMERICA:

Figure 1. Central America - Caribbean -

South America Piracy and Maritime Crime
1. (U) VENEZUELA: On 2 May, three robbers armed with knives boarded a cement carrier berthed near position
10:14N - 064:33W, Berth No.5, Portugalete. Alarm raised and crew mustered. Seeing the crews alertness, the
robbers escaped without stealing anything. (IMB)

2. (U) GUYANA: On 28 April, duty officer on routine rounds onboard a seismic support vessel anchored near
position 06:49N - 058:10W, Georgetown Anchorage, noticed a boat alongside the vessel and raised the alarm.
Seeing the alerted crew, five robbers were seen escaping with stolen ships properties. (IMB)

3. (U) SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES: On 27 April, a yacht was tied to a mooring in Luperon Bay while
the owner went ashore. Vandals released the yacht, removing all lines from it and the mooring. The yacht was seen
adrift, an emergency VHF call was made and the yacht was recovered undamaged.
(https://www.safetyandsecuritynet.com)

4. (U) PUERTO RICO: On 8 April, a robber boarded a yacht moored in Isabel Segunda and stole an outboard
motor. (https://www.safetyandsecuritynet.com)

5. (U) ECUADOR: On 23 April, six Peru-flagged fishing vessels were detained during an operation carried out
in the province of El Oro by the Southern Coast Guard Subcommand of the Ecuadorian Navy. The vessels were
fishing in Ecuadorian waters without any fishing permits. The ships were found to be carrying 6.4 tons of jumbo
flying squid that was confiscated by the fishing inspectors and donated to the Organization of Artisanal Fishermen
of El Oro. (www.fis.com)

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6. (U) COLOMBIA: On 18 April, Colombian authorities found 400 kilograms of cocaine in a shipping container
aboard Italy-flagged container ship CALA PALMA in the port of Turbo. (www.fleetmon.com)

7. (U) GUATEMALA: On 10 April, one robber boarded an anchored yacht at Bahia de Graciosa, waking both
crewmembers. The captain went topside and discovered a man was removing the small outboard from the rail
mount. A scuffle ensued, and the captain ended up in the water next to the thief's boat. The thief had a handgun
tucked into the front waistband of his pants, but did not remove it. He attempted to hold the captain's head
underwater but was unsuccessful. The captain sustained minor injuries. After the thief departed, the yacht moved
about 5 miles to Tres Puntas where 5 other cruising boats were anchored. Report made to local authorities in the
morning. (www.safetyandsecuritynet.com)

8. (U) HONDURAS: On 6 April, a yacht with 2 persons onboard anchored off Graham's Place. They met a man who
identified himself by name and then asked several questions about their planned stay, and number of persons on
board. Later that evening, they were boarded by 4 armed men (3 - 9 mm handguns, 1 rifle), wearing military style
pants, and all wearing ranger type boots. One of the men was the man they had met earlier in the day. They
demanded all things of value and threatened to kill the crew if they made any noise or resisted. The captain and
crew complied, and the men departed with cash, electronics, iPads, cameras, cellphone, a gas tank, and a propane
cylinder after threatening to return if any report was made. A detailed report was made to local police and the port
captain. (www.safetyandsecuritynet.com)

9. (U) MARTINIQUE: On 5 April, robbers boarded a sailing yacht berthed at the long main dock in Port de France.
An outboard motor fuel tank was reported stolen. (www.safetyandsecuritynet.com)

10. (U) PANAMA: On 3 April, a boat ran aground close to Juan Hombron Beach at the Gulf of Panama and was
found to be carrying illegal drugs. In that recent operation by the National Aeronaval Service its agents captured
three crew members, transporting 661 kilograms of illegal substances hidden in the boat. (www.plenglish.com)

C. (U) ATLANTIC OCEAN AREA: No current incidents to report.

D. (U) NORTHERN EUROPE - BALTIC: No current incidents to report.

E. (U) MEDITERRANEAN - BLACK SEA:

Figure 2. Mediterranean - Black Sea

Piracy and Maritime Crime

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1. (U) LIBYA: On 28 April, Libyan naval forces captured two vessels suspected of smuggling oil from Libya after
gun battles lasting several hours west of the capital Tripoli. A spokesman for the Libyan Naval forces said Ukraine-
flagged tanker ROUTA and a vessel with an unspecified African nations flag named STARK were captured.
(Reuters; gCaptain)

2. (U) UKRAINE: On 25 April, the Security Service of Ukraine working jointly with border guards seized 180
kilograms of amphetamine in Odessa. The drugs arrived at the port in a container with shoes from the
Mediterranean. This is the largest batch of the drug ever seized in Ukraine, according to the authorities. Two
persons were detained while receiving the cargo. (INUKR-Interfax-Ukraine news agency)

3. (U) MEDITERRANEAN SEA: On 6 April, Italy's Coast Guard and humanitarian ships rescued 1,350 migrants in
12 separate operations in the Mediterranean and one person was found dead. The migrants were all found in an
area some 16 miles north of the Libyan coast. They were travelling on a larger boat, five dinghies and 6 smaller
vessels, according to a Coast Guard spokesperson. Search and rescue operations were carried out by the Coast
Guard and two boats operated by NGOs Sea Watch and Proactiva Open Arms, it added. The Coast Guard
spokesman said operations were still being carried out and there were still no details regarding where the migrants
would be sent. (www.marinelink.com)

F. (U) WEST AFRICA

Figure 3. West Africa Piracy and Maritime

Crime

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Figure 4. West Africa Piracy and Maritime

Crime
1. (U) NIGERIA: On 29 April, armed pirates in a speedboat boarded a general cargo vessel underway near position
03:41N - 006:46E, 47 nm southwest of Bonny Island. Alarm raised, SSAS activated and all crew retreated into the
citadel. Ship owner notified the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre, who in turn informed and liaised with the Nigerian
Navy. A naval vessel was dispatched to assist the vessel. The pirates damaged ships equipment, stole crew cash
and belongings and escaped before the naval team boarded the vessel to rescue the crew. All crew reported safe.
(IMB)

2. (U) WEST AFRICA: During a recent two month patrol made by an environmental NGO ship with law enforcement
authorities from several West African countries embarked, eight Chinese vessels were detained for fishing
Illegally. The boat owners could be subject to millions of dollars in fines, NGO officials said. Inspectors
from Guinea, Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau boarded the ships off their respective coasts. They found the ships
to be violating regulations on catching protected fish and using nets with small holes to facilitate bigger hauls.
(Reuters; www.gcaptain.com)

3. (U) NIGERIA: On 26 April, the Nigerian Navy arrested 10 suspects after intercepting a vessel carrying stolen
crude oil off the coast of the Niger Delta. The suspects - a Nigerian, two Pakistanis, three Ghanaians, one
Indonesian, one Beninois and two Ukrainians - had siphoned about two thousand metric tons of crude oil from a
loading facility belonging to Shell Petroleum. "The suspects were caught while siphoning crude oil into the vessel
from Afremo A platform, a loading jacket belonging to the Shell Petroleum and Development Company in the
Forcados River," Navy Commodore Ibrahim Dewu, commander of the NNS DELTA, said in a statement.
(www.marinelink.com)

4. (U) NIGERIA: On 19 April, nine pirates in a skiff approached and fired upon a tanker underway near position
03:25N - 005:46E, 59 nm south-southwest of Brass. Alarm raised, fire pumps started and non-essential crew
retreated to the citadel. Vessel increased speed and conduct evasive maneuvers. While the Master communicated
with the escort vessel, the skiff was seen moving away. Crew and tanker reported safe. (IMB)

5. (U) NIGERIA: On 19 April, an offshore tug was boarded by armed criminals near position 04:06N - 006:15E,
10.8 nm south of Brass. They kidnapped eight crew members and escaped. The Nigerian Navy responded to the
incident. One crewman was reported injured and evacuated by helicopter. (IMB)

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6. (U) NIGERIA: On 12 April, armed criminals killed two soldiers responding to a distress call in the oil-rich Niger
Delta, a Nigerian military spokesman stated. The soldiers were killed in the creeks near Ijawkiri, an area in Bayelsa
state, said a military spokesman. (AFP)

7. (U) ANGOLA: On 7 April, duty crewman on routine rounds onboard a bulk carrier anchored near position 05:52S
- 013:02E, Congo River, noticed six robbers on the forecastle and informed the duty officer on the bridge. Alarm
was raised and ships whistle sounded. Seeing the alerted crew, the robbers escaped in their boat with stolen
ships properties. (IMB)

8. (U) GUINEA: In early April, Guinean fishery authorities and an environmental NGO conducted a joint surveillance
operation. During the operation, numerous shark fins were discovered on two Chinese fishing vessels. One of the
vessels also had illegally altered fishing nets on board, while a third Chinese vessel was caught using illegal nets
and fishing for species outside of its license. The two vessels with shark fins on board have been fined 250,000
Euro each, while the third vessel has been fined 350,000 Euro. The catch of all vessels have been seized
by Guinean authorities. Apart from the shark fins, Greenpeace also found numerous carcasses of sharks including
hammerhead sharks, an endangered species, and manta rays onboard several vessels. (www.marinelink.com;
www.fis.com)

G. (U) ARABIAN GULF: No current incidents to report.

H. (U) INDIAN OCEAN - EAST AFRICA:

Figure 5. Indian Ocean - East Africa

Piracy and Maritime Crime

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Figure 6. Indian Ocean - East Africa

Piracy and Maritime Crime
1. (U) RED SEA: On 2 May, a merchant vessel reported a suspicious group of 9 skiffs, black and white hulls with 3
persons in each skiff near, in position 13:10N - 049:18E, southern Red Sea. Embarked security team fired 2
warning shots and the skiffs moved away. (www.pviltd.com)

2. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 2 May, a merchant vessel reported a suspicious group of 3 to 4 skiffs, green and white
hulls with 4 to 5 persons in each skiff, in position 12:26N - 043:50E, 12 nm off Yemeni coast, near the
entrance to Bab el Mandeb Strait. (www.pviltd.com)

3. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 1 May, a merchant vessel reported being approached by five skiffs with 5 persons in
each skiff near position 12:08N - 044:16E, 57 nm southwest of Aden, Yemen. Four skiffs approached to port at 25
knots and other skiff approached to starboard; starboard side skiff closed to within 0.2 nm. Armed security team
fired warning shots at starboard skiff at which point all 5 skiffs turned away. Vessel and crew are safe.
(www.pviltd.com)

4. (U) AUSTRALIA: On 27 April, eight suspected illegal Indonesian fishermen were arrested and taken to an
immigration detention center in Darwin after being found with an illegal cargo of sea snails in Australian waters.
Maritime Border Command (MBC), a multi-agency task force with the Australian Border Force (ABF), worked in
conjunction with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority to locate and apprehend the vessel. An MBC
surveillance aircraft detected the vessel about 280 nautical miles north-northeast of Broome, Western Australia.
ABF Cutter CAPE ST GEORGE intercepted the vessel early on 27 April. The vessel was unseaworthy and could
not be towed safely to shore. As a result, HMAS BATHHURST assisted CAPE ST GEORGE with the apprehension
and destruction of the vessel at sea. (www.newsroom.border.gov.au)

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5. (U) SAUDI ARABIA: On 25 April, Saudi Arabia confirmed that Yemen based Houthi rebel forces tried to attack an
Armco fuel distribution terminal in Jazan province with a remotely controlled boat, filled with explosives. The state
news agency said that the boat was destroyed by Saudi naval forces before it hit its target. (www.pviltd.com)

6. (U) SOMALIA: On 22 April, six armed persons in a skiff chased and fired upon the underway tanker COSTINA
near position 05:42N - 048:53E, 30 nm northeast of Hobyo. Master raised the alarm and sent distress
message, to which a warship responded. The skiff had chased the tanker for nearly two hours and then moved
away due to the continuous evasive maneuvers. One crewman reportedly injured. (IMB; www.eunavfor.eu;
www.fleetmon.com)

7. (U) SOUTH AFRICA: On 20 April, a Tanzanian teenager was rescued after his hand was caught in the hawse
pipe of a ship as he was attempting to stow away onboard at Maydon Wharf 5 in Durban. The 19-year-old was
attempting to board Panama-flagged bulk carrier MI HARMONY destined for Maputo when his hand was crushed.
A police spokesman said that the stowaway had climbed up the rope in an attempt to get onto the ship that was
moored at the wharf and that "Due to the motion of the vessel moving the rope, the man's hand was crushed and
partly amputated." He was taken to a local hospital. (www.weekendpost.co.za)

8. (U) RED SEA: On 16 April, three suspicious, blue-hulled skiffs with five persons in each approached a container
ship underway near position 12:49N - 043:16E. Master raised the alarm, non-essential crew retreated into the
citadel, and the armed security team showed their weapons. Master informed a coalition warship about the
approaching skiffs. When the skiffs were around one nm from the ship, the armed team fired a rocket flare resulting
in the skiffs aborting the approach. At 1035 UTC, another white hull skiff with six persons onboard approached the
ship. The security team fired another rocket flare towards the skiff resulting in the skiff crossing the ships bow and
moving away. At 1050 UTC, another two skiffs were seen approaching the ship. At a distance of 0.7nm from the
ship the security guards showed their weapons resulting in the skiffs aborting and then heading towards Mayyun
(Perim Island). Crew is safe. (IMB)

9. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 15 April, six pirates armed with automatic weapons in a white skiff approached and
fired upon the product tanker ALHEERA underway near position 12:53N - 048:02E. Master raised the alarm,
contacted UKMTO and non-essential crew members took shelter in the citadel. A Chinese Navy warship
responded. The armed security team onboard returned fire resulting in the pirates aborting the attack and moving
away. Crew and tanker are safe. (IMB; www.globaltimes.cn; www.fleetmon.com)

10. (U) SOMALIA: On 12 April, Somali security forces clashed with pirates and freed eight seamen kidnapped on
an Indian cargo dhow, officials said. The pirates seized the cargo dhow AL KAUSAR off Somalias coast, part of an
increase of attacks after years without a reported incident. UPDATE: The kidnappers took the crew onshore in
central Galmudug state and clashed with troops two days later, the territorys minister for ports and sea transport,
Burhan Warsame, said. We rescued the eight crew and they are healthy and safe, he added. (www.gcaptain.com;
www.marinelink.com)

11. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 8 April, armed pirates in a skiff boarded the tanker bulk carrier OS 35 near position
14:02N - 051:40E: 147nm southeast of Al Mukalla. The Master and crew stopped the engine and retreated into
the citadel and requested help via radio. The vessel was later boarded by Chinas PLA Navy personnel and all crew
was rescued. The crew resumed control of the vessel and sailed to a safe port. (IMB; www.eunavfor.eu;
www.gcaptain.com)

12. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 8 April, a suspicious skiff with three persons on board approached an underway
tanker near position 14:09N - 051:37E, approximately 140 nm northwest of Socotra Island. Alarm was raised, crew
alerted and onboard security guard showed weapons. Seeing the vessel hardening and alerted crew, the skiff
aborted the approach and moved away from the tanker. All crew safe. The tanker continued her passage. (IMB)

13. (U) RED SEA: On 3 April, a merchant vessel reported it was approached by six skiffs, each with five persons on
board 15 nm southwest of Mokha in the southern Red Sea. The vessel reported sighting ladders and hooks on
board the skiff, and the approach prompted crew to raise the alarm and armed guards took up position, causing the
skiffs to move away. (www.pviltd.com)

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I. (U) EAST ASIA - SOUTHEAST ASIA - INDIAN SUBCONTINENT:

Figure 7. East Asia - Southeast Asia -

Indian Subcontinent Piracy and Maritime
Crime

Figure 8. East Asia - Southeast Asia -

Indian Subcontinent Piracy and Maritime
Crime

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1. (U) BANGLADESH: On 2 May, two robbers boarded a product tanker anchored near position 22:13N - 091:44E,
Chittagong Anchorage. Duty crewman spotted the robbers on the poop deck and informed the duty officer, who
raised the alarm. PA announcement made and crew was mustered. Hearing the alarm and seeing the crews
alertness, the robbers escaped without stealing anything. (IMB)

2. (U) INDONESIA: On 2 May, three robbers boarded a bulk carrier anchored near position 05:57S - 106:55E,
Tanjung Priok Anchorage, Jakarta. The robbers entered into the engine room, stole ships engine spares and
escaped. Duty crewman noticed the robbers escaping in an unlit boat and raised the alarm. Port Control informed.
(IMB)

3. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 23 April, suspected illegal fishermen managed to elude arrest by ramming their fishing
vessel into the small boat being used by policemen inside a fish sanctuary in Barangay Sulangan, Bantayan Island.
The policemen were responding to information about the operation of illegal fishers in the protected area. The
suspects, onboard three small boats and a larger vessel were reportedly using dynamite to catch fish. Upon seeing
the policemen, those riding one of the small boats rammed the police boat, causing it to sink. The situation then
gave them the opportunity to escape. No injuries were reported. (www.news.mb.com.ph)

4. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 22 April, an unknown number of robbers boarded an LPG tanker at berth, near position
13:40N - 121:03E, Batangas. They stole ships properties and escaped. The theft was discovered by the crew
during routine rounds. (IMB)

5. (U) INDONESIA: On 19 April, Three robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier near position 00:15S - 117:34E,
Samarinda Anchorage. Alarm raised and crew mustered. Seeing the crews alertness, the robbers escaped without
stealing anything. (IMB)

6. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 18 April, armed men tried to commandeer a cargo vessel off the waters of Zamboanga del
Norte, police said. A police spokesman said armed men on two motorized boats fired at M/V DOA ANABELLE
while it was sailing near Santa Maria village in Siocon town. The spokesman added that the four men tried to board
the vessel but later departed after seeing an approaching Philippine Navy boat and stated no one was hurt.
(www.newsinfo.inquirer.net)

J. (U) NORTHEAST ASIA: No current incidents to report.

K. (U) PACIFIC OCEAN - SOUTHERN OCEAN: No current incidents to report.

6. (U) Appendix A: Further Contact Information and Resources

(U) This appendix provides contact information for the author of the WTS as well as other entities that can be
contacted with maritime crime reports. It also lists other resources where the WTS is posted and where piracy and
maritime crime incident information can be found.

(U) Contact

(U) Originator of this WTS report requests consumer feedback. Originator will incorporate all anti-shipping events
and violence against the maritime industry into this weekly message where appropriate. To aid in our reporting,
please add the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) to your normal corporate and organizational reporting
requirements. The 24-hour watch can be reached at +1 (301) 669-4053.

(U) Other Resources

(U) This Worldwide Threat to Shipping Report is posted at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agencys Maritime
Safety site: http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) also publishes a live
piracy report based on reporting from the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, listing all piracy
and armed robbery incidents in the last ten days: http://www.icc-ccs.org/. The PAWW and WTS Reports are posted
weekly on the ONI Intel Portal: http://www.oni.navy.mil/Intelligence_Community/piracy.htm.

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7. (U) Appendix B: Terminology and References

(U) This appendix is provided to promote consistent use of accurate terms of reference in reporting and also
identifies those references that were used to gather the information contained in this report. ONI welcomes
comment and suggestions for addition or amendment.

(U) Terminology

(U) In order to promote consistent use of accurate terms of reference, the following have been adopted to describe
the range of criminal anti-shipping activity and impediments to safe navigation in our worldwide reporting and
analysis. Please note that these terms relate to observable activity and are independent of target vessel status and
exclude actions by governmental powers in lawful pursuit of their authorities:

(U) Attempted Boarding Close approach or hull-to-hull contact with report that boarding paraphernalia were
employed or visible in the approaching boat.

(U) Blocking Hampering safe navigation, docking, or undocking of a vessel as a means of protest.

(U) Boarding Unauthorized boarding of a vessel by persons not part of its complement without successfully
taking control of the vessel.

(U) Fired Upon Weapons discharged at or toward a vessel.

(U) Hijacking Unauthorized seizure and retention of a vessel by persons not part of its complement.

(U) Kidnapping Unauthorized forcible removal of persons belonging to the vessel from it.

(U) Robbery Theft from a vessel or from persons aboard the vessel.

(U) Suspicious Approach All other unexplained activity in close proximity of an unknown vessel.

(U) Sourcing

(U) ONI derives information in this report from direct reporting and analysis of reports from the following agencies
and commercial sources.

Agence France Presse (AFP)

Associated Press (AP)
Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), Denmark
BBC News
EU Naval Forces (EU)
Fairplay (FP), London
Informa Group (INFO), formerly LLP, Llp Limited, London
International Maritime Bureau (IMB), London and Kuala Lumpur
International Maritime Organization (IMO), London
gCaptain
Latitude38.com (LAT) website
Local Media (LM)
LSS-SAPU.com (LSS)
Maritime Administration (MARAD), U.S.
The Maritime Executive (website)
Maritime Security Centre - Horn of Africa (MSCHOA)
Maritime Security Council (MSC), U.S.
Marine Domain Awareness for Trade Gulf of Guinea (MDAT-GoG)
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), Navigation Safety System

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North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Brussels

Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) (analysis and comment)
Operator (owner or operator of affected vessel)
Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)
Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia,
Information Sharing Center (ReCAAP ISC)
Reuters
Royal Australian Navy (RAN)
Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN)
Seafarers Assistance Program (SAP), Kenya
Tradewinds (TW)
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization (UKMTO)
United Press International (UPI)
U.S. Maritime Liaison Office (MARLO) Bahrain
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

(U) ICOD: 3 May 2017

(U) The PAWW and WTS reports are posted each week on the ONI Intel Portal and can be found at:
http://www.oni.navy.mil/Intelligence-Community/Piracy

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