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25 - 31 May 2013 (Vol 2 No2213)
The Main Topics - Bookmark our RSS Newsfeed
New Sponsors Wanted - Click
Ask us how you can be a sponsor of this newsletter in 2013 - click here
Feedback on the newsletter is welcomed too
Tanker attack ends in kidnap Oil amp Gas an African problem in the making ndash Nigerian
tanker crew kidnapped off Bayelsa where latest Nigerian pirate attacks have occurred on
the same day Hansa Marburg kidnapped crew released Pakistani families of kidnapped
crew threaten to kill Nigerians in Pakistan in revenge if any deaths occur Piracy blamed for loss
of oil revenue in Tanzania Somaliarsquos plan to auction off oil blocks likely to speed up territorial
conflict Force majeure declared on Nigerian crude oil oil theft threatens security UK and USA
express readiness to help curb Nigeria oil theft menace Despite some successes Nigerian
forces warn pirates to desist or face the consequences Ex-militants threaten to go back to
attacking oil installations due to unpaid allowances US and Caribbean nations to work
together in maritime security matters Gulf Cooperation Council meets to discuss anti-
piracy measures What do a handful of South African mercenaries do for an encore in
Somalia once all the pirates are gone Iranians said to be using islands in the Red Sea to
store illegal arms with a view to smuggling these to the Houthi rebels in Yemenrsquos Sarsquoada
Governorate Accountant claims that the person who is able to control the Kismayo port will
have considerable leverage to control the other areas Work here is well underway as
Somali business presses ahead with his new multi-million dollar project to build a luxury
beach resort in Mogadishu Kenyans are making efforts to forge business ties with
Somalia New pirate ant discovered in the Philippines
Contents
Regional Activity Released by Pirates Pirates in Court Private Security International Response Piracy Cost Seafarers Plight And Finally Piracy Incidents Situational Map
East AfricaIndian Ocean WHAT do a handful of South African mercenaries do for an encore in Somalia once all the
pirates are gone - Foreign Policy
Its not easy to be a mercenary these daysm writes Jay
Bahadur and James Bridger The once-booming markets in
Iraq and Afghanistan have shrunk while lingering
controversy surrounding the mercenary poster-boy
company Blackwater (or whatever theyre called these days)
has served to paint private security contractors as reckless
and unaccountable war junkies A good gig as a soldier of fortune is harder and harder to come
by
Yet theres one war-torn country where demand for guns-for-hire is still high A contingent of
mercenaries has managed to carve out a niche for itself in the failed state of Somalia Initially
brought on in an internationally controversial mission to combat pirates terrorizing Somalias
coastal waters the mostly South African corps have now turned to fighting Somalias al Qaeda-
linked terrorist menace al-Shabab In the anarchic world of failed states private contractors are
often able to accomplish what goverments are not But the consequences are hard to predict
Its hard to argue with the results Since PMPF went live in early 2010 piracy has been virtually
eliminated in Puntland over a year has passed since the last Somali pirate hijacking Yet exactly
where the credit lies is different matter Most attribute the drop off in piracy to the increased
deployment of armed guard detachments on board commercial vessels rather than enforcement
efforts on land
Image - Courtesy of FP
IRANIAN nationals are using islands in the Red Sea to store illegal arms with a view to
smuggling these to the Houthi rebels in Yemenrsquos Sarsquoada Governorate Asharq Al-Awsat has
learnt - Yahoo News
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat on the condition of anonymity a senior Yemeni official confirmed
that smugglers are utilizing Red Sea islands in their criminal activities including Iranians
smuggling arms to the Shirsquoite Houthi rebels in northern Yemen
ldquoMany of the small islands in the Red Sea are unpopulated and therefore it is easy for large ships
to unload their cargo there with this later being smuggled into Yemen on smaller fishing boatsrdquo
he added
The Yemeni official stressed that arms were being smuggled into the country for two main
reasons firstly for political and security reasons namely in order to destabilize the post-Arab
Spring state secondly for financial benefit
He also warned that ldquosome of the arms smuggled into Yemen are subsequently redirected into
neighboring countriesrdquo
Yemen has seized a number of ships which were smuggling arms into the country via its western
and southern coasts Yemeni authorities have confiscated large quantities of weapons
reportedly including sophisticated weapons headed to the Houthi rebels in Sarsquoada governorate
Yemen is suffering from significant maritime security issues particularly as the country has over
2000 km of coastline On April 24 UNHCR reported that more than 30000 African refugees had
illegally entered the country since the beginning of the year
TODAY al-Shabaab militants are nowhere to be seen in the Somali port city of Kismayo which
was once their financial hub and their last major stronghold in Somalia - VOA News But those
who united to defeat their common enemy in the city are now fighting for control of liberated
areas and for who gets the big share of seaport revenue
Much of Somaliarsquos two decades of brutal war was characterized by the fight for control of
territories and strategic towns that produce clan pride and financial muscle
The fight is still going on today over the newly created Jubaland region in southern Somalia
where at least three different men have claimed to be president of a new Jubaland state
Kismayo is the gateway into Jubaland which consists of three regions Gedo Middle and Lower
Juba and the person who is able to control the cityrsquos port will have considerable leverage to
control the other areas
An accountant who works at the port but didnrsquot want to give his name for security reasons said
all the men claiming the presidency are jostling for money from the port
They do usually say they will take away what comes their wayrdquo and he adds ldquoThese people
have never worked for a government and they donrsquot know how to manage a port They are
rebels who are stealing the resources and taking what they can get he said
The accountant says boats dock at the port of Kismayo carrying much needed basic
commodities like milk powder and flour and later the boats leave loaded with charcoal the only
valuable export of Somalia at the present time
He says the monthly port revenue is currently divided between the port administration led by
Ahmed Madobe who heads the militia group Raskamboni and Kenyan forces
TANZANIAS Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority has launched a three-day
conference to build the capacity of senior marine officials to fight piracy in the Indian Ocean
Tanzanias Daily News reported Wednesday (May 29th) - AllAfrica
The effects of piracy have been felt by our country and it needs political intervention to face the
challenges so that safety and security will once again bring cruise ships which stopped operating
in our waters for fear of being hijacked by pirates Ministry of Transport Deputy Permanent
Secretary John Mngodo told participants from more than ten countries
International Maritime Organisation Regional Co-ordinator for Eastern and Southern Africa John
Muindi said experts were implementing strategies to combat piracy improving facilities and skills
with the co-operation of the United States and African countries
The region has lost more than $6 billion in the past ten years due to piracy the newspaper
reported
BASHIR Osman moves hurriedly along a white sandy beachfront giving instructions to a driver
operating a bulldozer - CNN Near them a large truck is
ferrying away piles of rocks clearing a sun-soaked beach
lapped by the azure blue waters of the Indian Ocean
Work here is well underway as Osman presses ahead with
his new multi-million dollar project to build a luxury beach
resort in Mogadishu the capital of war-torn Somalia
I knew one day that Mogadishu will become peace and well get stability says Osman who
already owns two hotels in the city That is why I started to buy that land
After more than 20 years of violence Somalia moved a step closer to stability last September
after picking its first president elected on home soil in decades
Image - via CNN
SOMALIA plans to sign 30 PSCs this year with foreign oil companies and auction off over 300
new oil blocks but oil rights here are not solidified and this will be another bloody mess - Hiiraan
Online
Analysis Late last year Somalia announced it would auction off 308 oil blocks newly delineated
This has caused a bit of rush on Somalia from the juniors to the supermajors like Royal Dutch
Shell and ConocoPhillips
This pending rush on Somalia is premature The countryrsquos new government is transitional and
dysfunctional at best and by no means does it control the countrymdashthe militant al-Shabaab has
been weakened but certainly not driven out and still controls some key areas Somaliarsquos coast is
also a major piracy venue It will be impossible to determine the power brokers here to land
contracts especially for the juniors A multitude of influential tribes and militias are trying to gain
control over oil prospects and dealing with the new government is only a small part of the
equation The power brokers are shifting and the dynamism is impossible to keep up with It is
difficult for a government to delineate new oil blocks on territory it does not fully control The
arrival of foreign oil companies will speed up territorial conflict over oil
MORE Kenyan companies are forging business ties with Somalia as rebuilding of the war-torn
country gathers momentum - Standard Digital
They want to take leading role in its reconstruction as world powers scramble for the resources
and opportunities in the country Somalia has faced civil strife for the last three decades with
State security agents and international forces battling armed militia across the vast nation
The Horn of Africa nation had also been held at ransom for several years by pirates just off its
coastline In a report dubbed ldquoPirates of Somalia Ending the Threat Rebuilding a Nationrdquo
released in April the World Bank estimated that piracy off the Somali coast cost the global
economy an estimated $18 billion (Sh1494 trillion) annually Such security lapses have made it
difficult for both local and international firms to do business degrading its infrastructure
Today the worldrsquos commitment to rebuild Somalia presents vast business opportunities in
various sectors such as education infrastructure mining fishing energy and banking
PRIME Minister Shinzo Abe renewed Japans commitment to supporting Somalias nation-
building efforts Friday saying Tokyo will resume direct aid to the East African nation that is
seeking to revive its economy and government following two decades of civil strife and political
turmoil - Global Post
At a special meeting in Yokohama dedicated to discussing issues confronting Somalia Abe said
Japans new assistance to the country will focus on enhancing its socio-economic conditions
maintaining law and order and invigorating the countrys fragile industries
The stability of Somalia is important for the stability and prosperity of East Africa and
indispensible for solving Somalias piracy problem fundamentally and ensuring the safety of one
of the worlds major sea arteries which connects the Indian Ocean with the Red and
Mediterranean seas Abe told participants
West Africa
ON the day that the release of four kidnapped crew of the German container ship Hansa
Marburg is announced Nigerian pirates attack and board an oil products tanker off the southern
coast of Nigeria resulting in the kidnap of several
crewmembers -OCEANUSLive
Nigeria-flagged tanker Matrix I enroute from Cotonou
Benin to Idoho field off Nigerias South Akwa Ibom state
came under attack by an unknown number of pirates at
approximately 0220 Local Time about 42 nautical miles
WSW of Cap Formoso Nigeria
The pirates were able to board the Matrix I which has 17
crewmembers 12 Pakistani and 5 Nigerian reportedly is only capable of a speed of 6 knots It is
not yet known for certain whether any security personnel were embarked at the time of the
attack however in view of the acknowledged threat of piracy in the area - MT Bosun MV City of
Xiamen MV City of Guangzhou and Offshore crew boat Utai 8 were attacked in the same area at
the end of April this year - Nigerian authorities have recently changed the regulations on private
security in the region
On leaving the vessel after an undeterminte time the pirates kidnapped seven of the Pakistani
crew Their destination is not known
Image - Via MarineTrafficcom
FAMILIES of the five Pakistani nationals on board an oil vessel Mt Matrix 1 abducted last
Saturday at 40 nautical miles off the Bayelsa coast have told the management of the company
Matrix Energy in Warri Delta State not to pay any ransom to the abductors to get them
released promising to take revenge on Nigerians in their hundreds in Pakistan if any of the
victims was killed - Vanguard Nigeria
The abducted victims include the Captain Chief Officer cook and two others They were
conveying automated gasoline oil AGO from Lagos to Eket when they were abducted at 9pm
Sources said that relevant security agencies in Bayelsa State and Warri in Delta State had been
informed of the incident
The source added that the company had begun negotiation with the abductors but that details
of negotiations with the company on ransom were not disclosed
GUNMEN suspected to be sea bandits have killed a 30-year-old boat driver Godknows
Wuruke and injured over 10 persons in Delta State - Vanguard Nigeria
Vanguard was informed that the bandits ambushed two passenger boats moving from Warri to
Aghoro community in Bayelsa State at River Forcados tributary behind Burutu headquarters of
Burutu Local Government Area Delta State and robbed the passengers
Wuruke left Warri waterside at about 520 pm and was allegedly shot dead by the gunmen
because he tried to prevent them from robbing his passengers
Chairman of the Aghoro waterside boat drivers Mr Cletus Itari who confirmed the incident to
Vanguard on phoneMonday called on security agents to mount surveillance on the waterways
in Burutu area as it was obtainable in Warri axis to ensure the safety of the people
He also urged the chairmanof Burutu Local Government Mr Denne Bukuman ldquoto arrange for
community vigilance group to patrol the area and stop the excesses of the sea pirates who are
operating without restraint in the areardquo
A FORCE majeure has been declared on the Usan grade of Nigerian crude oil operator Total
confirmed on Thursday adding to the problems facing Africas largest oil exporter - Reuters
A spokesman for Total in Geneva confirmed production was completely halted but said there
was no further information on the outage or how long it was likely to last at this stage
A force majeure exempts parties to a contract from their obligations due to circumstances
beyond their control
Four cargoes of Usan representing around 127000 barrels per day of Usan were due to be
exported in June
The force majeure for Usan adds to those on Royal Dutch Shells Bonny Light and Enis Brass
river
Shell declared a force majeure on Bonny Light on March 5 because of unprecedented levels of
theft
THE Ambassador of Republic of Togo to Nigeria Colonel Addo Maman Tchalare has pledged
the commitment of his country to assist Nigeriarsquos crackdown on insurgents - Marinelink The
Ambassador made the assertion while on a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff Vice
Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba at the Naval Headquarters Abuja recently
Col Tchalare said over the years his country and Nigeria have strengthened their diplomatic ties
which enabled them contribute immensely to sub-regional regional and global security as
founding members of ECOWAS The Ambassador reiterated that his country will do everything to
assist a brotherly nation like Nigeria to overcome her current security challenges stating that
without the atmosphere of peace and stability the region cannot attract investors
He also thanked the Nigerian armed forces for their support to the Togolese military through
scholarship which enhanced the capability of Togolese military officers who are trained at the
Nigerian Defense Academy Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji and the prestigious
National Defense College Abuja
NIGERIAN Navy NN Beecroft Apapa Lagos has warned pirates to stay clear of the
commandrsquos jurisdiction in their own interest or face unpalatable consequences - Vanguard
Nigeria
The command said it had foiled several attempts by sea robbers to perpetrate their criminal acts
within its jurisdiction arresting some suspects in the process
The Commander Commodore Chris Ezekobe who gave the warning during an interview with
Vanguard at the end of the parade to mark his inaugural rounds noted that the actions were in
line with the Chief of Naval Staff strategic guidance 01 with zero tolerance to illegalities
According to him the arrests were made between February and May 2013
He said ldquoThe first arrest was that of a vessel called MT Ebba We also arrested four Benin
Republicrsquos citizens who were accosted around the Single Buoy Mooring SBM
THREE young men allegedly working as oil pipeline surveillance workers and two women
dealing in illegally refined diesel have been arrested by officers and men of the 3 Battalion Army
Warri Delta State while over 15 mammy boats used for conveying illegally refined petroleum
products were destroyed during an operation to wipe out
illegal refining in the state - Sweet Crude
Commanding officer of the 3 Battalion Lt Col Ifeayin Out
made these disclosures while parading the suspects before
newsmen describing the early hours operation around the
Opumami Bennet Island and Macaraba areas of Warri
South and South-West as very successful
The names of the surveillance workers are Olotoye Rufus
Emotoghan Akpos while the third alleged to be a worker in
one of the illegal refineries is Victor Tene The suspected female oil thieves caught along with
them at a camp include Tokere Lucky 22 and Ebibare Ayas 36 years
Commander Out said they would be thoroughly investigated and then handed over to the
appropriate prosecuting authorities for further action
The surveillance workers were allegedly caught at the entrance of a creek where illegal
bunkering is conducted while the women were caught transferring refined products from jerry-
cans
Image - Via Sweet Crude
THE Nigerian Navy will receive two more ex-United States vessels next year the US Navy
Survey Ship John McDonnell and the US Coast Guard
Cutter Gallatin - DefenceWeb
Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba on Friday
said that the two vessels would be inspected between May
and August next year reports Nigeriarsquos National Mirror
Ezeoba was represented by Rear Admiral Emmanuel
Ogbor Chief of Policy and Plans who said that the United
States has transferred several ships to Nigeria over the last
decade These include the NNS Thunder Obula Nwamba Kyanwa and Ologbo
ldquoThese ships have contributed immensely to the security of the nationrsquos maritime environment
and the Gulf of Guineardquo he said The vessels are donated as part of the US militaryrsquos Excess
Defence Articles system
Image - Courtesy of DefencWeb
TWELVE crew members are missing after a Chevron contracted tug boat sank on Sunday due
to rough seas off the coast of Nigeria the ships owner said on Tuesday - Reuters
The Jascon-4 capsized early on Sunday due to heavy ocean swells while the vessel was
performing towing operations at a mooring point around 30 kilometres off oil-producing Delta
state Chevrons Nigeria unit said on Sunday
Unfortunately all twelve crew members are still missing a spokeswoman for the ships owner
West African Ventures said
Rescue operations involving sea divers are still ongoing and a full investigation into the incident
is taking place she said West African Ventures is owned by Sea Trucks Group
AS reported earlier this week tragedy struck offshore Escravos Nigeria on Sunday 26 May
when th eanchor handling tug Jacson 4 sankin heavy weather - gCaptain Divers recovered 10
bodies from the sunken ship and 1 is still missing
Miraculously however the shiprsquos cook Mr Okene Harrison was found alive after spending
roughly two days inside the sunken vessel at a depth of 30 meters
ldquoThe fact this person survived is incrediblersquo commented former US Navy Salvage Officer Patrick
Keenan rdquoAfter spending two days at 30 meters of depth he had become saturated meaning his
body had absorbed all the pressurized gases and equalized with the surrounding water pressure
Bringing him to surface from that depth and after having been saturated at 3 or 4 atmospheres
could easily have killed him
AS the afternoon sun glinted off the waters in Ivory Coasts port of Abidjan a team of
gendarmes set out in a leaky wooden pirogue with no weapons and nothing more than mobile
phones for communication - Yahoo News
Their mission to hold the front line against piracy in the worlds new hotspot for maritime crime
the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of West Africa
This is how we work every day grumbled one man as their outboard motor sputtered out
setting them adrift amid bobbing plastic bottles We dont even have life vests
Until recently Ivory Coasts maritime surveillance brigade - the equivalent of a coastguard -
managed barely to keep a lid on crime in the waters around one of Africas busiest ports
But ruthless Nigerian gangs which have expanded hundreds of miles beyond their home waters
in the last three years reached francophone West Africas largest economy in October
Born of an uprising in Nigerias oil-rich Niger Delta which spawned a web of criminal networks
the gangs now threaten to derail the development of one of the worlds poorest regions as the
Gulf of Guinea seeks to become a major oil and gas hub
The start-up of large oil fields in Ghana and promising discoveries to the west in neighbouring
Ivory Coast have helped to stoke interest in the region from international oil firms
The spike in attacks is alarming Western powers not least the United States as regional
governments struggle to cope
IN the wake of the recent piracy attacks in Nigerias maritime domain the Nigerian Navy (NN)
Wednesday warned pirates to desist from their nefarious activities or face the consequences -
Nigerian Navy The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral
Ibok-Ete Ibas made this disclosure during the ongoing 57th anniversary of the NN held at
Beecroft Apapa Lagos
Also as part of the activities earmarked to celebrate the anniversary which coincided with the
Democracy Day celebrations the navy took over 350 civilians on a sea trip The event which
was held at the grounds of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft one of the units under the WNC
and commanded by Commodore Chris Ezekobe saw a large number of civilians gracing the
occasion The civilians were taken on the sea trip on NNS Makurdi NNS Obula two Shaldag
and Andoni ships The ships were escorted by the Special Boat Services (SBS) of the navy led
by its commander Lieutenant Commander Kola Omopariola who also led his team to perform
special demonstration for the civilians when the ships berthed
According to Ibas in pursuance of the mandate of President Goodluck Jonathan to the Chief of
Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba the command had already made several arrests of oil
thieves
Image - httpwwwcotnavymilngimagesthumbnailsPirates_600x0jpg
GOVERNMENTS of the United Kingdom and the United States of America have expressed their
readiness to help Nigeria curb the menace of oil theft according to a report credited to the
Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs Diezani Allison-
Madueke while in England recently - National Mirror Online
Protracted oil theft has indeed become one of the major
problems that appear to have overwhelmed the Federal
Government Recent official figures indicate that the country
loses $6 billion (over a trillion naira) annually to oil thieves
and additional hundreds of billions of naira to the theft of
refined petroleum products Just last month Nigeriarsquos oil behemoth the Nigerian National
Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said the country lost roughly N191 billion ($123 billion) to oil theft
and pipeline vandalism in the first quarter of this year The NNPC said daily crude oil production
during the period fluctuated between 21 million and 23 million barrels per day compared with
the projected estimate of 248mbpd One report revealed that an estimated 60000 barrels per
day of crude oil is stolen at the Nembe Creek in Rivers State alone for example
Consequently we think the gesture of the UK and the US to assist the country in tackling the
age-long menace is a welcome development The collaboration might be rewarding in terms of
the acquisition of technology that can make the tracking of oil thieves in Nigeria easier since the
country probably cannot seek out the required gadgets on its own Ordinarily it would have been
more rewarding for the country to acquire such a technology without having to depend on the
assistance of the UK and the US for obvious reasons
Image - Via National Mirror Online
THE quantity of Nigeriarsquos oil output per day or annually has been shrouded in mystery over the
years - Guardian News Nigeria At the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) held in Houston
Texas USA the other day the matter came up and all Nigerian delegates could do was to
lament the situation and attendant woes According to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy
and Minister of Finance Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala the problem of measurement could be blamed
on the increasing sophistication of oil theft in the Niger Delta Oil theft according to her
accounted for an estimated total losses of over 300000 barrels per day or about $1 billion
(N160 billion) a month in revenue
Oil theft has reached an alarming dimension in the Niger Delta The recent disclosure by Shell
Producing Development Company (SPDC) which manages the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal
that the nationrsquos economy lost a whopping $43 billion to oil thieves in the last two years at an
average rate of $23 billion annually underscores the tragic nature of the problem
THE Naval component of Bayelsa State security outfit lsquoOperation Doo Akpoorsquo and Bayelsa
State police command have discovered a cache of arms in Koulama Southern Ijaw Local
Government Area of Bayelsa State - Sun news Online
This is just as the Naval Central Command has reiterated its determination to stamp out oil
bunkering by beefing up patrol in the waterways
Governor Henry Seriake Dickson had raised the alarm recently that some political elements had
completed plans to destabilise Bayelsa State being the home state of President Goodluck
Jonathan because of the 2015 presidential election
Eyewitness account in Koualama stated that four naval gunboats with naval personnel and
armed policemen stormed the community on Sunday night and went straight to a house which
was deserted as of the time of their arrival and after a thorough search they dug out arms and
ammunition
SOME groups of ex-militants in Delta State have threatened to go back to the creeks and attack
oil installations if the federal government and the Amnesty Office failed to pay the backlogs of
allowances allegedly owed them since 2010 within two weeks - This Day Live
The threat of the ex-agitators was contained in a communiqueacute signed by Eric O Ajagidi ID
number C01B11A114098 Soroh Dorwei Travel C01B11B114205 Prince Degbe Jonah
C01B11B114127 all in Tompolorsquos camp with Tomukebiri D Franklyn C01B11A114068
Ikiyan Roland Owei C03B10E213477 Arthur Fenetobour Harvest V02B10D513375 from the
Ezekielrsquos camp and made available to journalists in Akure Ondo State
According to the communiqueacute the ex-militants lamented that they have been facing serious
hardship and frustrations for the past three years over the unpaid allowance saying all efforts to
resolve the issue had not yielded positive result
They lamented that after embracing amnesty and undergoing non-violence training at Obubra in
Cross River State with others being trained outside the country their monthly allowances have
not been remitted to their individuals bank accounts
The ex-militants therefore threatened to use violent approaches to pursue their demands
threatening to blow off oil installations in the state if the concerned authorities did not correct the
anomaly within the stipulated period of two weeks
THERE is a cloud of uncertainty over the whereabouts of 17 foreign and Nigerian oil workers
kidnapped by suspected sea pirates in Bayelsa State - Sun News Online
The police authorities the Nigerian Navy and the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) Operation Pulo
Shield have refused to comment on the disappearance of the oil workers
Checks indicated that 12 Pakistani and five Nigerians working for Val Oil Trading were attacked
by suspected sea pirates on board an oil vessel MT Matrix and whisked to an unknown
destination
Investigations revealed that victims of the attack which occurred along the deep sea between
Bayelsa and Rivers states had been difficult to trace by naval personnel at the Forward
Operational Base (FOB) Formoso
However security sources said the State Security Service (SSS) which had been investigating
series of kidnappings in Bayelsa State had moved to investigate the attack
Meanwhile the Central Naval Command (CNC) has paraded 14 suspected oil thieves arrested
along Brass and Sangana waterways after failing to produce a proper clearance from the CNC
Southeast Asia
THE introduction of high-tech sensors and communications equipment by the countries of the
Indian Ocean Rim has brought benefits to the region but much still needs to be done according
to attendees and speakers at the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in Cape Town -
Defence Pakistan
The IONS Sessions on Sharing Information and the Collaborative Response today presented to
naval members of some 38 Indian Ocean and other interested nations indicated that the
application of new technology makes dealing with crime pollution and disasters on the high seas
a much quicker and more effective process when countries cooperate effectively
Maritime Search and Rescue Coordinating Centres (MRCCs) are regional nodes which facilitate
search and rescue Using the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) among
others they identify vessels in distress (ldquoalertingrdquo) locate vessels co-ordinate search and rescue
and communications and issue maritime safety bulletins Captain King Chiragi Tanzaniarsquos
Director of Maritime Safety and Security highlighted the need for cooperation between MRCCs
in ensuring safe sea lanes where authorities need to reach ships in distress
Situational Awareness whether for shore-based authorities civil or military facilities or ships at
sea is of vital importance Chiragi said For military and civil authorities satellite systems and
radar can show the positions and courses of dozens of ships but Chiragi pointed out the fact that
it can become difficult when it comes to countries sharing information across national boundaries
in pursuit of maritime criminals whether pirates or smugglers and the MRCCs are a very helpful
tool in overcoming this information challenge The centres are also highly effective tools for
search and rescue operations Captain Chiragi added
South Amercia
US Vice President Biden met on Tuesday with the Prime Ministers Presidents and senior
ministry personnel from 15 Caribbean nations in Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago where they
discussed the comprehensive regional partnership to improve citizen security in the Caribbean -
Latin American Herald Tribune
Working together in support of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) the United States
and the nations of the Caribbean are combating the drug trade and other transnational crimes
that threaten regional security This partnership fulfills the commitment to deepen regional
security cooperation that President Barack Obama made at the 2009 Summit of the Americas
CBSI is part of an integrated citizen security effort that includes the Merida Initiative in Mexico
the Central America Regional Security Initiative and the Colombia Strategic Development
Initiative The United States CARICOM member nations and the Dominican Republic are
improving citizen safety throughout the Caribbean by working together to
Substantially reduce illicit trafficking
Increase public safety and security and
Promote social justice
SHIPMANAGERS Leonhardt amp Blumberg of Hamburg Germany operators of container vessel
HANSA MARBURG is pleased and relieved to report that the 4 seafarers who were taken from
the vessel by armed men 130 miles south west of Malabo Equatorial Guinea and held hostage
have now been released - OCEANUSLive
The vessel was attacked by criminal gangs in the Gulf Of Guinea on April 22 and four seafarers
were taken hostage
The four seafarers including Ukrainian Russian and Kiribati citizens were confirmed as being
safe and in good spirits after 31 days in captivity
Leonhardt amp Blumberg is delighted that the crew members have been released and the company
wishes to thank each of them for their courage and fortitude in dealing with this very difficult
situation in such a professional manner also to thank the families of those being held for their
patience and courage at such a difficult and worrying time
ADORED and detested pirates evoke moral and ethical ambivalence and piracy as a term of
law has always been exceptionally vulnerable to political agendas - Critical Legal Thinking More
precisely it has always been a term of both high imperialhegemonic art and significant radical
potential As such it is a word with a weighty history of complex moral and ethical loading and
reloading But it always invokes a refusal of juridification it is a term that defines the margins of
criminal and international law as juridical categories
Pirates are a recurring symbol of the ocean as a space beyond jurisdiction and the juridification
of thought itself as such both known and hidden pirates arguably estrange historical thinking
Piracy is a form of violence that challenges discourses that attempt to shore-up spaces that
assert a moral monopoly on violence and piracy is a form of textual transgression that chal-
lenges the very ability of the law to draw boundaries But even as piracy is a form of violence it
constitutes a challenge to the very violence involved in writing itself The relationship between
piracy and the law directs us to question the constitution of the human condition itself
The University of Southampton workshop will aim to explicate and explore the multiple
significations of piracy and to track the implications of these significations for both abstract and
practical notions of justice
Organised by the Centre for Law Ethics and Globalisation (LEAG) University of Southampton
Law School English at the University of Southampton and the Southampton Marine and
Maritime Institute 21-22 June 2013
Italian Marines
NSTR
NSTR
THE anti-piracy team within the Gulf Cooperation Council has met in Abu Dhabi to discuss the
necessary measures to protect national interests against maritime piracy threats - Gulfship
News
The meeting was hosted by the United Arab Emirates National Transport Authority and will
conclude today having discussed the use of armed security personnel on national vessels and
foreign vessels that come to GCC ports
THE Arabian Sea has been in the limelight in regional and international forums since long due to
its economic potential and geo-strategic importance It covers a total area of about 3862000 sq
km writes Naghmana Zafar - DAWNcom
The maritime waterways of the region extend into the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea through the
Strait of Bab el-Mandeb In the North-West it leads to the Gulf of Oman and the strategic waters
of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz
The Arabian Sea acts as a vital trade corridor between Asian and European states And the
choke points mentioned above are significant for global trade and energy supply It is estimated
that at least 23 per cent of global shipping transits take place through these points
Any disruption of sea routes in the region is likely to worsen the global financial crisis which
might prove catastrophic for many fragile and developing economies The inter-state animosities
among the littoral states of the Arabian Sea and the presence of extra-regional powers have
made regional peace more complex than ever The presence of extra-regional actors to
safeguard their interests in the region has made it a permanent theatre of their operations
The competition for influence between India and China is also shaping the contours of maritime
security Moreover the international embargo on Iran has also put the regionrsquos maritime security
at stake
The piracy around the Horn of Africa and other maritime crimes have compelled the regional and
world powers to maintain and improve the maritime security in the Arabian Sea on a permanent
basis
MORE than 6 billion USD has been lost in the past ten years in Eastern and Southern African
countries due to Somali piracy which has caused the countrys economic retrogression since its
instability - AllAfrica
Deputy Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Transport Mr John Mngodo said during the opening
of a three-day seminar in Dar es Salaam organised by the Surface and Marine Transport
Regulatory Authority (Sumatra) that the seminars aim was to increase the capacity of senior
maritime officials to be able to tackle piracy in the Indian Ocean
Mr Mngodo said the security of ports had to be addressed because the country aimed at
providing standardised security of ports and facilities to reduce increased costs of shipping
Maritime security is a major component of the economy of our country so we aim to address the
root causes of piracy in Somalia to assure security in our country he said He added that the
Shipping Act of 2003 had enabled the country to tackle international shipping insecurity
The effects of piracy have been felt by our country and it needs political intervention to face the
challenges so that security and safety will once again bring cruise ships which stopped operating
in or waters for fear of being hijacked by pirates Mr Mngodo said
Pirate Fishing
NSTR
AN administration ally on Monday raised concern over the increasing number of attacks and
hijacking by Somali pirates stressing that the government should draw up measures to ensure
the safety of Filipino seafarers in the open seas - Manila Standard Today
Citing the International Maritime Bureau-Piracy Reporting Centre Cagayan de Oro Rep Rufus
Rodriguez said that on July 16 2012 a total of 180 attacks and 20 hijackings by Somali pirates
had been recordedmdashwhere 212 hostages and 11 vessels were held captive Rodriguez
disclosed
The Department of Foreign Affairs to make representations with the IMB-PRC the worldrsquos only
manned centre receiving and disseminating reports of piracy and armed robbery 24 hours a day
across the globe to come up with guidelines that could help protect and provide assistance to
Filipino seafarers in cases of attacks by pirates in the seas
Rodriguez said DFA records showed that about 45 Filipino seafarers on board five ships were
held captive by Somali pirates on July 3 2012 with some reportedly in detention since March 29
2012
Aid Workers Plight NSTR
The following is from the January 1972 issue of Proceedings
FOR 112 years the Tripoli Monument has stood on the
grounds of the U S Naval Academy in Annapolis but its
unique and tumultuous history began long before 1860 -
USNIorg Originally erected at the Washington Navy Yard
in 1808 it was the Federal capitalrsquos first monument and for
a period of 35 years the only monument in the District of
Columbia It witnessed and weathered the War of 1812 the
building burning and rebuilding of the Capitol and the slow
establishment of the city itself For 52 years its existence
was plagued with uncertainties and agitations
The idea for the memorial rose amidst the rage and ruin of
the war against the Barbary Pirates of North Africa the first
formal war under the young nationrsquos Constitution Success
of the small fleet in Mediterranean waters marked the rebirth
of naval power which had been disbanded after the Revolutionary War as well as the
emergence of the Navy as a permanent force
Image - Via USNI
THE pirate ant might not be able to make you walk the plank but dark-colored patches around
their eyes certainly make this new species look like they could bully ants off a ship - News Watch
National Geo
Discovered by scientists from the University of Regensburg while on a trip to the Philippines
Cardiocondyla pirata was found living under a rockmdashliterally Postdoctoral fellow and ant
researcher Sabine Frohschammer was searching for Cardiocondyla ants in a shady streambed
when she saw individuals that didnrsquot look like any other known species
ldquoDue to the darkness of the rainforest and the translucent body parts of the tiny ants they were
nearly invisiblerdquo Frohschammer said in a press release
As she looked more closely however Frohschammer knew she had found something special
Some of the females she had gathered had unusual coloration around their eyesmdashdark patches
that reminded Frohschammer of the eye patches worn by some pirates
Image - National Geo
Hijacks
SE Asia - LATE Report | Malaysia-flagged fishing vessel PKFB(U2) 1532 at 2300 LT
while carrying out fishing activities was attacked and hijacked by pirates and sailed to
Indonesian territorial waters On 25 May Indonesian Marine Police detained the fishing
vessel Full report awaited Original reported 7 May
Unsuccessful AttacksRobberies (All regions)
SE Asia - LATE Report | While tug boat Crest Jade 1 was towing Singapore barge Crest
2825 at 2100 LT in position 011560N - 1040762E Straits of Malacca and Singapore
proceeding from Singapore to Labuan Malaysia the Master and crew spotted two
thieves aboard Crest 2825 The Master activated the emergency alarm immediately to
alert the crew and manoeuvred the tugboat alongside Crest 2825 The thieves fled on a
small boat and stole the emergency towing gear The crew was not injured Reported (via
ReCAAP) 12 May
SE Asia - During discharge operations at berth Liberia-flagged product tankerGolden
Adventure was boarded by robbers armed with knives at 0100 LT in position 221662N
ndash 0914802E Chittagong Port Bangladesh Robbers were noticed by the local
watchman who immediately raised the alarm The crew and watchman proceeded to the
location armed with long sticks and metal pipes Seeing the approaching crew the
robbers jumped overboard and tried to escape with a mooring line which the crew
successfully recovered Port authorities informed and no action taken Reported (via IMB)
23 May
Med - Crew on board the anchored Marshall Islands-flagged tanker B Elephant at 0545
LT in position 3112N - 02942E Alexandria Waiting Area Achorage Egypt noticed the
forecastle door and rope hatch opened and shiprsquos equipment and stores stolen It was
suspected the theft occurred during the night Robbers likely boarded via anchor chain
Reported 23 May
Gulf of Guinea - Nigeria-flagged tanker Matrix I enroute from Cotonou Benin to Idoho
field Nigeria (South Akwa Ibom state) when came under attack and boarded by unknown
number of pirates at 0220 LT in position 03452N ndash 00534E approx 42nm WSW of Cap
Formoso Pirates left the vessel later kidnapping 7 crew members all Pakistani (17 crew
members (12 Pakistanis and 5 Nigerians)) Reported 25 May
S America (P) - Around six armed persons with shotguns in a speed boat boarded
Liberia-flagged container ship Rio Eider underway with pilot and unarmed security
guards on board at 0510 LT in position 0220S - 08100W Estero Salado Guayaquil
Ecuador On investigation it was discovered container seals broken but nothing stolen
Reported 27 May
Suspicious Activity
Red Sea - Malta-flagged tanker observed 3 x Skiffs 4 POB moving east to west 18Knts
at 1545 UTC in position 1256N - 04310E BAM Red Sea approx 25nm ESE of Assab
Eritrea Skiffs aggressively approached vessel to starboard of tanker closing to within
200m No indication of details of vessel to starboard of tanker but possibly large fishing
vessel Reported 26 May
Red Sea - Liberia-flagged oil product tanker reported via VHF that PAG of two skiffs
moving fast towards vessel at 1320 UTC in position 1318N - 04257E approx 21nm
ENE of Assab Eritrea Red Sea No other information given Japanese warship
attempted to contact the MV via VHF however no VHF traffic about situation received
Reported 27 May
VESSEL and hostage numbers - IMB (as at 14 May)
Worldwide Incidents 2013 100 reported incidents including four hijackings
Somali related incidents 2013 Six reported Incidents including one hijacking
Current crew vessels held by Somali pirates hostages - 71 vessels - 5
Nigeria related incidents 2013 19 reported incidents including one hijacking
NATO amp EUNAVFOR state Vessels 2 and Hostages 54 UKMTO - 7 vessels (including dhows amp
FVs) 73 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 Horn of AfricaIOR HRA
OCEANUSLiveorg permits the reproduction of this image providing source and link are published (Map ToU)
Note OCEANUSLive accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of content not under our control Every effort is made to maintain the original content as published
beach resort in Mogadishu Kenyans are making efforts to forge business ties with
Somalia New pirate ant discovered in the Philippines
Contents
Regional Activity Released by Pirates Pirates in Court Private Security International Response Piracy Cost Seafarers Plight And Finally Piracy Incidents Situational Map
East AfricaIndian Ocean WHAT do a handful of South African mercenaries do for an encore in Somalia once all the
pirates are gone - Foreign Policy
Its not easy to be a mercenary these daysm writes Jay
Bahadur and James Bridger The once-booming markets in
Iraq and Afghanistan have shrunk while lingering
controversy surrounding the mercenary poster-boy
company Blackwater (or whatever theyre called these days)
has served to paint private security contractors as reckless
and unaccountable war junkies A good gig as a soldier of fortune is harder and harder to come
by
Yet theres one war-torn country where demand for guns-for-hire is still high A contingent of
mercenaries has managed to carve out a niche for itself in the failed state of Somalia Initially
brought on in an internationally controversial mission to combat pirates terrorizing Somalias
coastal waters the mostly South African corps have now turned to fighting Somalias al Qaeda-
linked terrorist menace al-Shabab In the anarchic world of failed states private contractors are
often able to accomplish what goverments are not But the consequences are hard to predict
Its hard to argue with the results Since PMPF went live in early 2010 piracy has been virtually
eliminated in Puntland over a year has passed since the last Somali pirate hijacking Yet exactly
where the credit lies is different matter Most attribute the drop off in piracy to the increased
deployment of armed guard detachments on board commercial vessels rather than enforcement
efforts on land
Image - Courtesy of FP
IRANIAN nationals are using islands in the Red Sea to store illegal arms with a view to
smuggling these to the Houthi rebels in Yemenrsquos Sarsquoada Governorate Asharq Al-Awsat has
learnt - Yahoo News
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat on the condition of anonymity a senior Yemeni official confirmed
that smugglers are utilizing Red Sea islands in their criminal activities including Iranians
smuggling arms to the Shirsquoite Houthi rebels in northern Yemen
ldquoMany of the small islands in the Red Sea are unpopulated and therefore it is easy for large ships
to unload their cargo there with this later being smuggled into Yemen on smaller fishing boatsrdquo
he added
The Yemeni official stressed that arms were being smuggled into the country for two main
reasons firstly for political and security reasons namely in order to destabilize the post-Arab
Spring state secondly for financial benefit
He also warned that ldquosome of the arms smuggled into Yemen are subsequently redirected into
neighboring countriesrdquo
Yemen has seized a number of ships which were smuggling arms into the country via its western
and southern coasts Yemeni authorities have confiscated large quantities of weapons
reportedly including sophisticated weapons headed to the Houthi rebels in Sarsquoada governorate
Yemen is suffering from significant maritime security issues particularly as the country has over
2000 km of coastline On April 24 UNHCR reported that more than 30000 African refugees had
illegally entered the country since the beginning of the year
TODAY al-Shabaab militants are nowhere to be seen in the Somali port city of Kismayo which
was once their financial hub and their last major stronghold in Somalia - VOA News But those
who united to defeat their common enemy in the city are now fighting for control of liberated
areas and for who gets the big share of seaport revenue
Much of Somaliarsquos two decades of brutal war was characterized by the fight for control of
territories and strategic towns that produce clan pride and financial muscle
The fight is still going on today over the newly created Jubaland region in southern Somalia
where at least three different men have claimed to be president of a new Jubaland state
Kismayo is the gateway into Jubaland which consists of three regions Gedo Middle and Lower
Juba and the person who is able to control the cityrsquos port will have considerable leverage to
control the other areas
An accountant who works at the port but didnrsquot want to give his name for security reasons said
all the men claiming the presidency are jostling for money from the port
They do usually say they will take away what comes their wayrdquo and he adds ldquoThese people
have never worked for a government and they donrsquot know how to manage a port They are
rebels who are stealing the resources and taking what they can get he said
The accountant says boats dock at the port of Kismayo carrying much needed basic
commodities like milk powder and flour and later the boats leave loaded with charcoal the only
valuable export of Somalia at the present time
He says the monthly port revenue is currently divided between the port administration led by
Ahmed Madobe who heads the militia group Raskamboni and Kenyan forces
TANZANIAS Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority has launched a three-day
conference to build the capacity of senior marine officials to fight piracy in the Indian Ocean
Tanzanias Daily News reported Wednesday (May 29th) - AllAfrica
The effects of piracy have been felt by our country and it needs political intervention to face the
challenges so that safety and security will once again bring cruise ships which stopped operating
in our waters for fear of being hijacked by pirates Ministry of Transport Deputy Permanent
Secretary John Mngodo told participants from more than ten countries
International Maritime Organisation Regional Co-ordinator for Eastern and Southern Africa John
Muindi said experts were implementing strategies to combat piracy improving facilities and skills
with the co-operation of the United States and African countries
The region has lost more than $6 billion in the past ten years due to piracy the newspaper
reported
BASHIR Osman moves hurriedly along a white sandy beachfront giving instructions to a driver
operating a bulldozer - CNN Near them a large truck is
ferrying away piles of rocks clearing a sun-soaked beach
lapped by the azure blue waters of the Indian Ocean
Work here is well underway as Osman presses ahead with
his new multi-million dollar project to build a luxury beach
resort in Mogadishu the capital of war-torn Somalia
I knew one day that Mogadishu will become peace and well get stability says Osman who
already owns two hotels in the city That is why I started to buy that land
After more than 20 years of violence Somalia moved a step closer to stability last September
after picking its first president elected on home soil in decades
Image - via CNN
SOMALIA plans to sign 30 PSCs this year with foreign oil companies and auction off over 300
new oil blocks but oil rights here are not solidified and this will be another bloody mess - Hiiraan
Online
Analysis Late last year Somalia announced it would auction off 308 oil blocks newly delineated
This has caused a bit of rush on Somalia from the juniors to the supermajors like Royal Dutch
Shell and ConocoPhillips
This pending rush on Somalia is premature The countryrsquos new government is transitional and
dysfunctional at best and by no means does it control the countrymdashthe militant al-Shabaab has
been weakened but certainly not driven out and still controls some key areas Somaliarsquos coast is
also a major piracy venue It will be impossible to determine the power brokers here to land
contracts especially for the juniors A multitude of influential tribes and militias are trying to gain
control over oil prospects and dealing with the new government is only a small part of the
equation The power brokers are shifting and the dynamism is impossible to keep up with It is
difficult for a government to delineate new oil blocks on territory it does not fully control The
arrival of foreign oil companies will speed up territorial conflict over oil
MORE Kenyan companies are forging business ties with Somalia as rebuilding of the war-torn
country gathers momentum - Standard Digital
They want to take leading role in its reconstruction as world powers scramble for the resources
and opportunities in the country Somalia has faced civil strife for the last three decades with
State security agents and international forces battling armed militia across the vast nation
The Horn of Africa nation had also been held at ransom for several years by pirates just off its
coastline In a report dubbed ldquoPirates of Somalia Ending the Threat Rebuilding a Nationrdquo
released in April the World Bank estimated that piracy off the Somali coast cost the global
economy an estimated $18 billion (Sh1494 trillion) annually Such security lapses have made it
difficult for both local and international firms to do business degrading its infrastructure
Today the worldrsquos commitment to rebuild Somalia presents vast business opportunities in
various sectors such as education infrastructure mining fishing energy and banking
PRIME Minister Shinzo Abe renewed Japans commitment to supporting Somalias nation-
building efforts Friday saying Tokyo will resume direct aid to the East African nation that is
seeking to revive its economy and government following two decades of civil strife and political
turmoil - Global Post
At a special meeting in Yokohama dedicated to discussing issues confronting Somalia Abe said
Japans new assistance to the country will focus on enhancing its socio-economic conditions
maintaining law and order and invigorating the countrys fragile industries
The stability of Somalia is important for the stability and prosperity of East Africa and
indispensible for solving Somalias piracy problem fundamentally and ensuring the safety of one
of the worlds major sea arteries which connects the Indian Ocean with the Red and
Mediterranean seas Abe told participants
West Africa
ON the day that the release of four kidnapped crew of the German container ship Hansa
Marburg is announced Nigerian pirates attack and board an oil products tanker off the southern
coast of Nigeria resulting in the kidnap of several
crewmembers -OCEANUSLive
Nigeria-flagged tanker Matrix I enroute from Cotonou
Benin to Idoho field off Nigerias South Akwa Ibom state
came under attack by an unknown number of pirates at
approximately 0220 Local Time about 42 nautical miles
WSW of Cap Formoso Nigeria
The pirates were able to board the Matrix I which has 17
crewmembers 12 Pakistani and 5 Nigerian reportedly is only capable of a speed of 6 knots It is
not yet known for certain whether any security personnel were embarked at the time of the
attack however in view of the acknowledged threat of piracy in the area - MT Bosun MV City of
Xiamen MV City of Guangzhou and Offshore crew boat Utai 8 were attacked in the same area at
the end of April this year - Nigerian authorities have recently changed the regulations on private
security in the region
On leaving the vessel after an undeterminte time the pirates kidnapped seven of the Pakistani
crew Their destination is not known
Image - Via MarineTrafficcom
FAMILIES of the five Pakistani nationals on board an oil vessel Mt Matrix 1 abducted last
Saturday at 40 nautical miles off the Bayelsa coast have told the management of the company
Matrix Energy in Warri Delta State not to pay any ransom to the abductors to get them
released promising to take revenge on Nigerians in their hundreds in Pakistan if any of the
victims was killed - Vanguard Nigeria
The abducted victims include the Captain Chief Officer cook and two others They were
conveying automated gasoline oil AGO from Lagos to Eket when they were abducted at 9pm
Sources said that relevant security agencies in Bayelsa State and Warri in Delta State had been
informed of the incident
The source added that the company had begun negotiation with the abductors but that details
of negotiations with the company on ransom were not disclosed
GUNMEN suspected to be sea bandits have killed a 30-year-old boat driver Godknows
Wuruke and injured over 10 persons in Delta State - Vanguard Nigeria
Vanguard was informed that the bandits ambushed two passenger boats moving from Warri to
Aghoro community in Bayelsa State at River Forcados tributary behind Burutu headquarters of
Burutu Local Government Area Delta State and robbed the passengers
Wuruke left Warri waterside at about 520 pm and was allegedly shot dead by the gunmen
because he tried to prevent them from robbing his passengers
Chairman of the Aghoro waterside boat drivers Mr Cletus Itari who confirmed the incident to
Vanguard on phoneMonday called on security agents to mount surveillance on the waterways
in Burutu area as it was obtainable in Warri axis to ensure the safety of the people
He also urged the chairmanof Burutu Local Government Mr Denne Bukuman ldquoto arrange for
community vigilance group to patrol the area and stop the excesses of the sea pirates who are
operating without restraint in the areardquo
A FORCE majeure has been declared on the Usan grade of Nigerian crude oil operator Total
confirmed on Thursday adding to the problems facing Africas largest oil exporter - Reuters
A spokesman for Total in Geneva confirmed production was completely halted but said there
was no further information on the outage or how long it was likely to last at this stage
A force majeure exempts parties to a contract from their obligations due to circumstances
beyond their control
Four cargoes of Usan representing around 127000 barrels per day of Usan were due to be
exported in June
The force majeure for Usan adds to those on Royal Dutch Shells Bonny Light and Enis Brass
river
Shell declared a force majeure on Bonny Light on March 5 because of unprecedented levels of
theft
THE Ambassador of Republic of Togo to Nigeria Colonel Addo Maman Tchalare has pledged
the commitment of his country to assist Nigeriarsquos crackdown on insurgents - Marinelink The
Ambassador made the assertion while on a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff Vice
Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba at the Naval Headquarters Abuja recently
Col Tchalare said over the years his country and Nigeria have strengthened their diplomatic ties
which enabled them contribute immensely to sub-regional regional and global security as
founding members of ECOWAS The Ambassador reiterated that his country will do everything to
assist a brotherly nation like Nigeria to overcome her current security challenges stating that
without the atmosphere of peace and stability the region cannot attract investors
He also thanked the Nigerian armed forces for their support to the Togolese military through
scholarship which enhanced the capability of Togolese military officers who are trained at the
Nigerian Defense Academy Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji and the prestigious
National Defense College Abuja
NIGERIAN Navy NN Beecroft Apapa Lagos has warned pirates to stay clear of the
commandrsquos jurisdiction in their own interest or face unpalatable consequences - Vanguard
Nigeria
The command said it had foiled several attempts by sea robbers to perpetrate their criminal acts
within its jurisdiction arresting some suspects in the process
The Commander Commodore Chris Ezekobe who gave the warning during an interview with
Vanguard at the end of the parade to mark his inaugural rounds noted that the actions were in
line with the Chief of Naval Staff strategic guidance 01 with zero tolerance to illegalities
According to him the arrests were made between February and May 2013
He said ldquoThe first arrest was that of a vessel called MT Ebba We also arrested four Benin
Republicrsquos citizens who were accosted around the Single Buoy Mooring SBM
THREE young men allegedly working as oil pipeline surveillance workers and two women
dealing in illegally refined diesel have been arrested by officers and men of the 3 Battalion Army
Warri Delta State while over 15 mammy boats used for conveying illegally refined petroleum
products were destroyed during an operation to wipe out
illegal refining in the state - Sweet Crude
Commanding officer of the 3 Battalion Lt Col Ifeayin Out
made these disclosures while parading the suspects before
newsmen describing the early hours operation around the
Opumami Bennet Island and Macaraba areas of Warri
South and South-West as very successful
The names of the surveillance workers are Olotoye Rufus
Emotoghan Akpos while the third alleged to be a worker in
one of the illegal refineries is Victor Tene The suspected female oil thieves caught along with
them at a camp include Tokere Lucky 22 and Ebibare Ayas 36 years
Commander Out said they would be thoroughly investigated and then handed over to the
appropriate prosecuting authorities for further action
The surveillance workers were allegedly caught at the entrance of a creek where illegal
bunkering is conducted while the women were caught transferring refined products from jerry-
cans
Image - Via Sweet Crude
THE Nigerian Navy will receive two more ex-United States vessels next year the US Navy
Survey Ship John McDonnell and the US Coast Guard
Cutter Gallatin - DefenceWeb
Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba on Friday
said that the two vessels would be inspected between May
and August next year reports Nigeriarsquos National Mirror
Ezeoba was represented by Rear Admiral Emmanuel
Ogbor Chief of Policy and Plans who said that the United
States has transferred several ships to Nigeria over the last
decade These include the NNS Thunder Obula Nwamba Kyanwa and Ologbo
ldquoThese ships have contributed immensely to the security of the nationrsquos maritime environment
and the Gulf of Guineardquo he said The vessels are donated as part of the US militaryrsquos Excess
Defence Articles system
Image - Courtesy of DefencWeb
TWELVE crew members are missing after a Chevron contracted tug boat sank on Sunday due
to rough seas off the coast of Nigeria the ships owner said on Tuesday - Reuters
The Jascon-4 capsized early on Sunday due to heavy ocean swells while the vessel was
performing towing operations at a mooring point around 30 kilometres off oil-producing Delta
state Chevrons Nigeria unit said on Sunday
Unfortunately all twelve crew members are still missing a spokeswoman for the ships owner
West African Ventures said
Rescue operations involving sea divers are still ongoing and a full investigation into the incident
is taking place she said West African Ventures is owned by Sea Trucks Group
AS reported earlier this week tragedy struck offshore Escravos Nigeria on Sunday 26 May
when th eanchor handling tug Jacson 4 sankin heavy weather - gCaptain Divers recovered 10
bodies from the sunken ship and 1 is still missing
Miraculously however the shiprsquos cook Mr Okene Harrison was found alive after spending
roughly two days inside the sunken vessel at a depth of 30 meters
ldquoThe fact this person survived is incrediblersquo commented former US Navy Salvage Officer Patrick
Keenan rdquoAfter spending two days at 30 meters of depth he had become saturated meaning his
body had absorbed all the pressurized gases and equalized with the surrounding water pressure
Bringing him to surface from that depth and after having been saturated at 3 or 4 atmospheres
could easily have killed him
AS the afternoon sun glinted off the waters in Ivory Coasts port of Abidjan a team of
gendarmes set out in a leaky wooden pirogue with no weapons and nothing more than mobile
phones for communication - Yahoo News
Their mission to hold the front line against piracy in the worlds new hotspot for maritime crime
the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of West Africa
This is how we work every day grumbled one man as their outboard motor sputtered out
setting them adrift amid bobbing plastic bottles We dont even have life vests
Until recently Ivory Coasts maritime surveillance brigade - the equivalent of a coastguard -
managed barely to keep a lid on crime in the waters around one of Africas busiest ports
But ruthless Nigerian gangs which have expanded hundreds of miles beyond their home waters
in the last three years reached francophone West Africas largest economy in October
Born of an uprising in Nigerias oil-rich Niger Delta which spawned a web of criminal networks
the gangs now threaten to derail the development of one of the worlds poorest regions as the
Gulf of Guinea seeks to become a major oil and gas hub
The start-up of large oil fields in Ghana and promising discoveries to the west in neighbouring
Ivory Coast have helped to stoke interest in the region from international oil firms
The spike in attacks is alarming Western powers not least the United States as regional
governments struggle to cope
IN the wake of the recent piracy attacks in Nigerias maritime domain the Nigerian Navy (NN)
Wednesday warned pirates to desist from their nefarious activities or face the consequences -
Nigerian Navy The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral
Ibok-Ete Ibas made this disclosure during the ongoing 57th anniversary of the NN held at
Beecroft Apapa Lagos
Also as part of the activities earmarked to celebrate the anniversary which coincided with the
Democracy Day celebrations the navy took over 350 civilians on a sea trip The event which
was held at the grounds of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft one of the units under the WNC
and commanded by Commodore Chris Ezekobe saw a large number of civilians gracing the
occasion The civilians were taken on the sea trip on NNS Makurdi NNS Obula two Shaldag
and Andoni ships The ships were escorted by the Special Boat Services (SBS) of the navy led
by its commander Lieutenant Commander Kola Omopariola who also led his team to perform
special demonstration for the civilians when the ships berthed
According to Ibas in pursuance of the mandate of President Goodluck Jonathan to the Chief of
Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba the command had already made several arrests of oil
thieves
Image - httpwwwcotnavymilngimagesthumbnailsPirates_600x0jpg
GOVERNMENTS of the United Kingdom and the United States of America have expressed their
readiness to help Nigeria curb the menace of oil theft according to a report credited to the
Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs Diezani Allison-
Madueke while in England recently - National Mirror Online
Protracted oil theft has indeed become one of the major
problems that appear to have overwhelmed the Federal
Government Recent official figures indicate that the country
loses $6 billion (over a trillion naira) annually to oil thieves
and additional hundreds of billions of naira to the theft of
refined petroleum products Just last month Nigeriarsquos oil behemoth the Nigerian National
Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said the country lost roughly N191 billion ($123 billion) to oil theft
and pipeline vandalism in the first quarter of this year The NNPC said daily crude oil production
during the period fluctuated between 21 million and 23 million barrels per day compared with
the projected estimate of 248mbpd One report revealed that an estimated 60000 barrels per
day of crude oil is stolen at the Nembe Creek in Rivers State alone for example
Consequently we think the gesture of the UK and the US to assist the country in tackling the
age-long menace is a welcome development The collaboration might be rewarding in terms of
the acquisition of technology that can make the tracking of oil thieves in Nigeria easier since the
country probably cannot seek out the required gadgets on its own Ordinarily it would have been
more rewarding for the country to acquire such a technology without having to depend on the
assistance of the UK and the US for obvious reasons
Image - Via National Mirror Online
THE quantity of Nigeriarsquos oil output per day or annually has been shrouded in mystery over the
years - Guardian News Nigeria At the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) held in Houston
Texas USA the other day the matter came up and all Nigerian delegates could do was to
lament the situation and attendant woes According to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy
and Minister of Finance Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala the problem of measurement could be blamed
on the increasing sophistication of oil theft in the Niger Delta Oil theft according to her
accounted for an estimated total losses of over 300000 barrels per day or about $1 billion
(N160 billion) a month in revenue
Oil theft has reached an alarming dimension in the Niger Delta The recent disclosure by Shell
Producing Development Company (SPDC) which manages the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal
that the nationrsquos economy lost a whopping $43 billion to oil thieves in the last two years at an
average rate of $23 billion annually underscores the tragic nature of the problem
THE Naval component of Bayelsa State security outfit lsquoOperation Doo Akpoorsquo and Bayelsa
State police command have discovered a cache of arms in Koulama Southern Ijaw Local
Government Area of Bayelsa State - Sun news Online
This is just as the Naval Central Command has reiterated its determination to stamp out oil
bunkering by beefing up patrol in the waterways
Governor Henry Seriake Dickson had raised the alarm recently that some political elements had
completed plans to destabilise Bayelsa State being the home state of President Goodluck
Jonathan because of the 2015 presidential election
Eyewitness account in Koualama stated that four naval gunboats with naval personnel and
armed policemen stormed the community on Sunday night and went straight to a house which
was deserted as of the time of their arrival and after a thorough search they dug out arms and
ammunition
SOME groups of ex-militants in Delta State have threatened to go back to the creeks and attack
oil installations if the federal government and the Amnesty Office failed to pay the backlogs of
allowances allegedly owed them since 2010 within two weeks - This Day Live
The threat of the ex-agitators was contained in a communiqueacute signed by Eric O Ajagidi ID
number C01B11A114098 Soroh Dorwei Travel C01B11B114205 Prince Degbe Jonah
C01B11B114127 all in Tompolorsquos camp with Tomukebiri D Franklyn C01B11A114068
Ikiyan Roland Owei C03B10E213477 Arthur Fenetobour Harvest V02B10D513375 from the
Ezekielrsquos camp and made available to journalists in Akure Ondo State
According to the communiqueacute the ex-militants lamented that they have been facing serious
hardship and frustrations for the past three years over the unpaid allowance saying all efforts to
resolve the issue had not yielded positive result
They lamented that after embracing amnesty and undergoing non-violence training at Obubra in
Cross River State with others being trained outside the country their monthly allowances have
not been remitted to their individuals bank accounts
The ex-militants therefore threatened to use violent approaches to pursue their demands
threatening to blow off oil installations in the state if the concerned authorities did not correct the
anomaly within the stipulated period of two weeks
THERE is a cloud of uncertainty over the whereabouts of 17 foreign and Nigerian oil workers
kidnapped by suspected sea pirates in Bayelsa State - Sun News Online
The police authorities the Nigerian Navy and the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) Operation Pulo
Shield have refused to comment on the disappearance of the oil workers
Checks indicated that 12 Pakistani and five Nigerians working for Val Oil Trading were attacked
by suspected sea pirates on board an oil vessel MT Matrix and whisked to an unknown
destination
Investigations revealed that victims of the attack which occurred along the deep sea between
Bayelsa and Rivers states had been difficult to trace by naval personnel at the Forward
Operational Base (FOB) Formoso
However security sources said the State Security Service (SSS) which had been investigating
series of kidnappings in Bayelsa State had moved to investigate the attack
Meanwhile the Central Naval Command (CNC) has paraded 14 suspected oil thieves arrested
along Brass and Sangana waterways after failing to produce a proper clearance from the CNC
Southeast Asia
THE introduction of high-tech sensors and communications equipment by the countries of the
Indian Ocean Rim has brought benefits to the region but much still needs to be done according
to attendees and speakers at the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in Cape Town -
Defence Pakistan
The IONS Sessions on Sharing Information and the Collaborative Response today presented to
naval members of some 38 Indian Ocean and other interested nations indicated that the
application of new technology makes dealing with crime pollution and disasters on the high seas
a much quicker and more effective process when countries cooperate effectively
Maritime Search and Rescue Coordinating Centres (MRCCs) are regional nodes which facilitate
search and rescue Using the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) among
others they identify vessels in distress (ldquoalertingrdquo) locate vessels co-ordinate search and rescue
and communications and issue maritime safety bulletins Captain King Chiragi Tanzaniarsquos
Director of Maritime Safety and Security highlighted the need for cooperation between MRCCs
in ensuring safe sea lanes where authorities need to reach ships in distress
Situational Awareness whether for shore-based authorities civil or military facilities or ships at
sea is of vital importance Chiragi said For military and civil authorities satellite systems and
radar can show the positions and courses of dozens of ships but Chiragi pointed out the fact that
it can become difficult when it comes to countries sharing information across national boundaries
in pursuit of maritime criminals whether pirates or smugglers and the MRCCs are a very helpful
tool in overcoming this information challenge The centres are also highly effective tools for
search and rescue operations Captain Chiragi added
South Amercia
US Vice President Biden met on Tuesday with the Prime Ministers Presidents and senior
ministry personnel from 15 Caribbean nations in Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago where they
discussed the comprehensive regional partnership to improve citizen security in the Caribbean -
Latin American Herald Tribune
Working together in support of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) the United States
and the nations of the Caribbean are combating the drug trade and other transnational crimes
that threaten regional security This partnership fulfills the commitment to deepen regional
security cooperation that President Barack Obama made at the 2009 Summit of the Americas
CBSI is part of an integrated citizen security effort that includes the Merida Initiative in Mexico
the Central America Regional Security Initiative and the Colombia Strategic Development
Initiative The United States CARICOM member nations and the Dominican Republic are
improving citizen safety throughout the Caribbean by working together to
Substantially reduce illicit trafficking
Increase public safety and security and
Promote social justice
SHIPMANAGERS Leonhardt amp Blumberg of Hamburg Germany operators of container vessel
HANSA MARBURG is pleased and relieved to report that the 4 seafarers who were taken from
the vessel by armed men 130 miles south west of Malabo Equatorial Guinea and held hostage
have now been released - OCEANUSLive
The vessel was attacked by criminal gangs in the Gulf Of Guinea on April 22 and four seafarers
were taken hostage
The four seafarers including Ukrainian Russian and Kiribati citizens were confirmed as being
safe and in good spirits after 31 days in captivity
Leonhardt amp Blumberg is delighted that the crew members have been released and the company
wishes to thank each of them for their courage and fortitude in dealing with this very difficult
situation in such a professional manner also to thank the families of those being held for their
patience and courage at such a difficult and worrying time
ADORED and detested pirates evoke moral and ethical ambivalence and piracy as a term of
law has always been exceptionally vulnerable to political agendas - Critical Legal Thinking More
precisely it has always been a term of both high imperialhegemonic art and significant radical
potential As such it is a word with a weighty history of complex moral and ethical loading and
reloading But it always invokes a refusal of juridification it is a term that defines the margins of
criminal and international law as juridical categories
Pirates are a recurring symbol of the ocean as a space beyond jurisdiction and the juridification
of thought itself as such both known and hidden pirates arguably estrange historical thinking
Piracy is a form of violence that challenges discourses that attempt to shore-up spaces that
assert a moral monopoly on violence and piracy is a form of textual transgression that chal-
lenges the very ability of the law to draw boundaries But even as piracy is a form of violence it
constitutes a challenge to the very violence involved in writing itself The relationship between
piracy and the law directs us to question the constitution of the human condition itself
The University of Southampton workshop will aim to explicate and explore the multiple
significations of piracy and to track the implications of these significations for both abstract and
practical notions of justice
Organised by the Centre for Law Ethics and Globalisation (LEAG) University of Southampton
Law School English at the University of Southampton and the Southampton Marine and
Maritime Institute 21-22 June 2013
Italian Marines
NSTR
NSTR
THE anti-piracy team within the Gulf Cooperation Council has met in Abu Dhabi to discuss the
necessary measures to protect national interests against maritime piracy threats - Gulfship
News
The meeting was hosted by the United Arab Emirates National Transport Authority and will
conclude today having discussed the use of armed security personnel on national vessels and
foreign vessels that come to GCC ports
THE Arabian Sea has been in the limelight in regional and international forums since long due to
its economic potential and geo-strategic importance It covers a total area of about 3862000 sq
km writes Naghmana Zafar - DAWNcom
The maritime waterways of the region extend into the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea through the
Strait of Bab el-Mandeb In the North-West it leads to the Gulf of Oman and the strategic waters
of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz
The Arabian Sea acts as a vital trade corridor between Asian and European states And the
choke points mentioned above are significant for global trade and energy supply It is estimated
that at least 23 per cent of global shipping transits take place through these points
Any disruption of sea routes in the region is likely to worsen the global financial crisis which
might prove catastrophic for many fragile and developing economies The inter-state animosities
among the littoral states of the Arabian Sea and the presence of extra-regional powers have
made regional peace more complex than ever The presence of extra-regional actors to
safeguard their interests in the region has made it a permanent theatre of their operations
The competition for influence between India and China is also shaping the contours of maritime
security Moreover the international embargo on Iran has also put the regionrsquos maritime security
at stake
The piracy around the Horn of Africa and other maritime crimes have compelled the regional and
world powers to maintain and improve the maritime security in the Arabian Sea on a permanent
basis
MORE than 6 billion USD has been lost in the past ten years in Eastern and Southern African
countries due to Somali piracy which has caused the countrys economic retrogression since its
instability - AllAfrica
Deputy Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Transport Mr John Mngodo said during the opening
of a three-day seminar in Dar es Salaam organised by the Surface and Marine Transport
Regulatory Authority (Sumatra) that the seminars aim was to increase the capacity of senior
maritime officials to be able to tackle piracy in the Indian Ocean
Mr Mngodo said the security of ports had to be addressed because the country aimed at
providing standardised security of ports and facilities to reduce increased costs of shipping
Maritime security is a major component of the economy of our country so we aim to address the
root causes of piracy in Somalia to assure security in our country he said He added that the
Shipping Act of 2003 had enabled the country to tackle international shipping insecurity
The effects of piracy have been felt by our country and it needs political intervention to face the
challenges so that security and safety will once again bring cruise ships which stopped operating
in or waters for fear of being hijacked by pirates Mr Mngodo said
Pirate Fishing
NSTR
AN administration ally on Monday raised concern over the increasing number of attacks and
hijacking by Somali pirates stressing that the government should draw up measures to ensure
the safety of Filipino seafarers in the open seas - Manila Standard Today
Citing the International Maritime Bureau-Piracy Reporting Centre Cagayan de Oro Rep Rufus
Rodriguez said that on July 16 2012 a total of 180 attacks and 20 hijackings by Somali pirates
had been recordedmdashwhere 212 hostages and 11 vessels were held captive Rodriguez
disclosed
The Department of Foreign Affairs to make representations with the IMB-PRC the worldrsquos only
manned centre receiving and disseminating reports of piracy and armed robbery 24 hours a day
across the globe to come up with guidelines that could help protect and provide assistance to
Filipino seafarers in cases of attacks by pirates in the seas
Rodriguez said DFA records showed that about 45 Filipino seafarers on board five ships were
held captive by Somali pirates on July 3 2012 with some reportedly in detention since March 29
2012
Aid Workers Plight NSTR
The following is from the January 1972 issue of Proceedings
FOR 112 years the Tripoli Monument has stood on the
grounds of the U S Naval Academy in Annapolis but its
unique and tumultuous history began long before 1860 -
USNIorg Originally erected at the Washington Navy Yard
in 1808 it was the Federal capitalrsquos first monument and for
a period of 35 years the only monument in the District of
Columbia It witnessed and weathered the War of 1812 the
building burning and rebuilding of the Capitol and the slow
establishment of the city itself For 52 years its existence
was plagued with uncertainties and agitations
The idea for the memorial rose amidst the rage and ruin of
the war against the Barbary Pirates of North Africa the first
formal war under the young nationrsquos Constitution Success
of the small fleet in Mediterranean waters marked the rebirth
of naval power which had been disbanded after the Revolutionary War as well as the
emergence of the Navy as a permanent force
Image - Via USNI
THE pirate ant might not be able to make you walk the plank but dark-colored patches around
their eyes certainly make this new species look like they could bully ants off a ship - News Watch
National Geo
Discovered by scientists from the University of Regensburg while on a trip to the Philippines
Cardiocondyla pirata was found living under a rockmdashliterally Postdoctoral fellow and ant
researcher Sabine Frohschammer was searching for Cardiocondyla ants in a shady streambed
when she saw individuals that didnrsquot look like any other known species
ldquoDue to the darkness of the rainforest and the translucent body parts of the tiny ants they were
nearly invisiblerdquo Frohschammer said in a press release
As she looked more closely however Frohschammer knew she had found something special
Some of the females she had gathered had unusual coloration around their eyesmdashdark patches
that reminded Frohschammer of the eye patches worn by some pirates
Image - National Geo
Hijacks
SE Asia - LATE Report | Malaysia-flagged fishing vessel PKFB(U2) 1532 at 2300 LT
while carrying out fishing activities was attacked and hijacked by pirates and sailed to
Indonesian territorial waters On 25 May Indonesian Marine Police detained the fishing
vessel Full report awaited Original reported 7 May
Unsuccessful AttacksRobberies (All regions)
SE Asia - LATE Report | While tug boat Crest Jade 1 was towing Singapore barge Crest
2825 at 2100 LT in position 011560N - 1040762E Straits of Malacca and Singapore
proceeding from Singapore to Labuan Malaysia the Master and crew spotted two
thieves aboard Crest 2825 The Master activated the emergency alarm immediately to
alert the crew and manoeuvred the tugboat alongside Crest 2825 The thieves fled on a
small boat and stole the emergency towing gear The crew was not injured Reported (via
ReCAAP) 12 May
SE Asia - During discharge operations at berth Liberia-flagged product tankerGolden
Adventure was boarded by robbers armed with knives at 0100 LT in position 221662N
ndash 0914802E Chittagong Port Bangladesh Robbers were noticed by the local
watchman who immediately raised the alarm The crew and watchman proceeded to the
location armed with long sticks and metal pipes Seeing the approaching crew the
robbers jumped overboard and tried to escape with a mooring line which the crew
successfully recovered Port authorities informed and no action taken Reported (via IMB)
23 May
Med - Crew on board the anchored Marshall Islands-flagged tanker B Elephant at 0545
LT in position 3112N - 02942E Alexandria Waiting Area Achorage Egypt noticed the
forecastle door and rope hatch opened and shiprsquos equipment and stores stolen It was
suspected the theft occurred during the night Robbers likely boarded via anchor chain
Reported 23 May
Gulf of Guinea - Nigeria-flagged tanker Matrix I enroute from Cotonou Benin to Idoho
field Nigeria (South Akwa Ibom state) when came under attack and boarded by unknown
number of pirates at 0220 LT in position 03452N ndash 00534E approx 42nm WSW of Cap
Formoso Pirates left the vessel later kidnapping 7 crew members all Pakistani (17 crew
members (12 Pakistanis and 5 Nigerians)) Reported 25 May
S America (P) - Around six armed persons with shotguns in a speed boat boarded
Liberia-flagged container ship Rio Eider underway with pilot and unarmed security
guards on board at 0510 LT in position 0220S - 08100W Estero Salado Guayaquil
Ecuador On investigation it was discovered container seals broken but nothing stolen
Reported 27 May
Suspicious Activity
Red Sea - Malta-flagged tanker observed 3 x Skiffs 4 POB moving east to west 18Knts
at 1545 UTC in position 1256N - 04310E BAM Red Sea approx 25nm ESE of Assab
Eritrea Skiffs aggressively approached vessel to starboard of tanker closing to within
200m No indication of details of vessel to starboard of tanker but possibly large fishing
vessel Reported 26 May
Red Sea - Liberia-flagged oil product tanker reported via VHF that PAG of two skiffs
moving fast towards vessel at 1320 UTC in position 1318N - 04257E approx 21nm
ENE of Assab Eritrea Red Sea No other information given Japanese warship
attempted to contact the MV via VHF however no VHF traffic about situation received
Reported 27 May
VESSEL and hostage numbers - IMB (as at 14 May)
Worldwide Incidents 2013 100 reported incidents including four hijackings
Somali related incidents 2013 Six reported Incidents including one hijacking
Current crew vessels held by Somali pirates hostages - 71 vessels - 5
Nigeria related incidents 2013 19 reported incidents including one hijacking
NATO amp EUNAVFOR state Vessels 2 and Hostages 54 UKMTO - 7 vessels (including dhows amp
FVs) 73 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 Horn of AfricaIOR HRA
OCEANUSLiveorg permits the reproduction of this image providing source and link are published (Map ToU)
Note OCEANUSLive accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of content not under our control Every effort is made to maintain the original content as published
East AfricaIndian Ocean WHAT do a handful of South African mercenaries do for an encore in Somalia once all the
pirates are gone - Foreign Policy
Its not easy to be a mercenary these daysm writes Jay
Bahadur and James Bridger The once-booming markets in
Iraq and Afghanistan have shrunk while lingering
controversy surrounding the mercenary poster-boy
company Blackwater (or whatever theyre called these days)
has served to paint private security contractors as reckless
and unaccountable war junkies A good gig as a soldier of fortune is harder and harder to come
by
Yet theres one war-torn country where demand for guns-for-hire is still high A contingent of
mercenaries has managed to carve out a niche for itself in the failed state of Somalia Initially
brought on in an internationally controversial mission to combat pirates terrorizing Somalias
coastal waters the mostly South African corps have now turned to fighting Somalias al Qaeda-
linked terrorist menace al-Shabab In the anarchic world of failed states private contractors are
often able to accomplish what goverments are not But the consequences are hard to predict
Its hard to argue with the results Since PMPF went live in early 2010 piracy has been virtually
eliminated in Puntland over a year has passed since the last Somali pirate hijacking Yet exactly
where the credit lies is different matter Most attribute the drop off in piracy to the increased
deployment of armed guard detachments on board commercial vessels rather than enforcement
efforts on land
Image - Courtesy of FP
IRANIAN nationals are using islands in the Red Sea to store illegal arms with a view to
smuggling these to the Houthi rebels in Yemenrsquos Sarsquoada Governorate Asharq Al-Awsat has
learnt - Yahoo News
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat on the condition of anonymity a senior Yemeni official confirmed
that smugglers are utilizing Red Sea islands in their criminal activities including Iranians
smuggling arms to the Shirsquoite Houthi rebels in northern Yemen
ldquoMany of the small islands in the Red Sea are unpopulated and therefore it is easy for large ships
to unload their cargo there with this later being smuggled into Yemen on smaller fishing boatsrdquo
he added
The Yemeni official stressed that arms were being smuggled into the country for two main
reasons firstly for political and security reasons namely in order to destabilize the post-Arab
Spring state secondly for financial benefit
He also warned that ldquosome of the arms smuggled into Yemen are subsequently redirected into
neighboring countriesrdquo
Yemen has seized a number of ships which were smuggling arms into the country via its western
and southern coasts Yemeni authorities have confiscated large quantities of weapons
reportedly including sophisticated weapons headed to the Houthi rebels in Sarsquoada governorate
Yemen is suffering from significant maritime security issues particularly as the country has over
2000 km of coastline On April 24 UNHCR reported that more than 30000 African refugees had
illegally entered the country since the beginning of the year
TODAY al-Shabaab militants are nowhere to be seen in the Somali port city of Kismayo which
was once their financial hub and their last major stronghold in Somalia - VOA News But those
who united to defeat their common enemy in the city are now fighting for control of liberated
areas and for who gets the big share of seaport revenue
Much of Somaliarsquos two decades of brutal war was characterized by the fight for control of
territories and strategic towns that produce clan pride and financial muscle
The fight is still going on today over the newly created Jubaland region in southern Somalia
where at least three different men have claimed to be president of a new Jubaland state
Kismayo is the gateway into Jubaland which consists of three regions Gedo Middle and Lower
Juba and the person who is able to control the cityrsquos port will have considerable leverage to
control the other areas
An accountant who works at the port but didnrsquot want to give his name for security reasons said
all the men claiming the presidency are jostling for money from the port
They do usually say they will take away what comes their wayrdquo and he adds ldquoThese people
have never worked for a government and they donrsquot know how to manage a port They are
rebels who are stealing the resources and taking what they can get he said
The accountant says boats dock at the port of Kismayo carrying much needed basic
commodities like milk powder and flour and later the boats leave loaded with charcoal the only
valuable export of Somalia at the present time
He says the monthly port revenue is currently divided between the port administration led by
Ahmed Madobe who heads the militia group Raskamboni and Kenyan forces
TANZANIAS Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority has launched a three-day
conference to build the capacity of senior marine officials to fight piracy in the Indian Ocean
Tanzanias Daily News reported Wednesday (May 29th) - AllAfrica
The effects of piracy have been felt by our country and it needs political intervention to face the
challenges so that safety and security will once again bring cruise ships which stopped operating
in our waters for fear of being hijacked by pirates Ministry of Transport Deputy Permanent
Secretary John Mngodo told participants from more than ten countries
International Maritime Organisation Regional Co-ordinator for Eastern and Southern Africa John
Muindi said experts were implementing strategies to combat piracy improving facilities and skills
with the co-operation of the United States and African countries
The region has lost more than $6 billion in the past ten years due to piracy the newspaper
reported
BASHIR Osman moves hurriedly along a white sandy beachfront giving instructions to a driver
operating a bulldozer - CNN Near them a large truck is
ferrying away piles of rocks clearing a sun-soaked beach
lapped by the azure blue waters of the Indian Ocean
Work here is well underway as Osman presses ahead with
his new multi-million dollar project to build a luxury beach
resort in Mogadishu the capital of war-torn Somalia
I knew one day that Mogadishu will become peace and well get stability says Osman who
already owns two hotels in the city That is why I started to buy that land
After more than 20 years of violence Somalia moved a step closer to stability last September
after picking its first president elected on home soil in decades
Image - via CNN
SOMALIA plans to sign 30 PSCs this year with foreign oil companies and auction off over 300
new oil blocks but oil rights here are not solidified and this will be another bloody mess - Hiiraan
Online
Analysis Late last year Somalia announced it would auction off 308 oil blocks newly delineated
This has caused a bit of rush on Somalia from the juniors to the supermajors like Royal Dutch
Shell and ConocoPhillips
This pending rush on Somalia is premature The countryrsquos new government is transitional and
dysfunctional at best and by no means does it control the countrymdashthe militant al-Shabaab has
been weakened but certainly not driven out and still controls some key areas Somaliarsquos coast is
also a major piracy venue It will be impossible to determine the power brokers here to land
contracts especially for the juniors A multitude of influential tribes and militias are trying to gain
control over oil prospects and dealing with the new government is only a small part of the
equation The power brokers are shifting and the dynamism is impossible to keep up with It is
difficult for a government to delineate new oil blocks on territory it does not fully control The
arrival of foreign oil companies will speed up territorial conflict over oil
MORE Kenyan companies are forging business ties with Somalia as rebuilding of the war-torn
country gathers momentum - Standard Digital
They want to take leading role in its reconstruction as world powers scramble for the resources
and opportunities in the country Somalia has faced civil strife for the last three decades with
State security agents and international forces battling armed militia across the vast nation
The Horn of Africa nation had also been held at ransom for several years by pirates just off its
coastline In a report dubbed ldquoPirates of Somalia Ending the Threat Rebuilding a Nationrdquo
released in April the World Bank estimated that piracy off the Somali coast cost the global
economy an estimated $18 billion (Sh1494 trillion) annually Such security lapses have made it
difficult for both local and international firms to do business degrading its infrastructure
Today the worldrsquos commitment to rebuild Somalia presents vast business opportunities in
various sectors such as education infrastructure mining fishing energy and banking
PRIME Minister Shinzo Abe renewed Japans commitment to supporting Somalias nation-
building efforts Friday saying Tokyo will resume direct aid to the East African nation that is
seeking to revive its economy and government following two decades of civil strife and political
turmoil - Global Post
At a special meeting in Yokohama dedicated to discussing issues confronting Somalia Abe said
Japans new assistance to the country will focus on enhancing its socio-economic conditions
maintaining law and order and invigorating the countrys fragile industries
The stability of Somalia is important for the stability and prosperity of East Africa and
indispensible for solving Somalias piracy problem fundamentally and ensuring the safety of one
of the worlds major sea arteries which connects the Indian Ocean with the Red and
Mediterranean seas Abe told participants
West Africa
ON the day that the release of four kidnapped crew of the German container ship Hansa
Marburg is announced Nigerian pirates attack and board an oil products tanker off the southern
coast of Nigeria resulting in the kidnap of several
crewmembers -OCEANUSLive
Nigeria-flagged tanker Matrix I enroute from Cotonou
Benin to Idoho field off Nigerias South Akwa Ibom state
came under attack by an unknown number of pirates at
approximately 0220 Local Time about 42 nautical miles
WSW of Cap Formoso Nigeria
The pirates were able to board the Matrix I which has 17
crewmembers 12 Pakistani and 5 Nigerian reportedly is only capable of a speed of 6 knots It is
not yet known for certain whether any security personnel were embarked at the time of the
attack however in view of the acknowledged threat of piracy in the area - MT Bosun MV City of
Xiamen MV City of Guangzhou and Offshore crew boat Utai 8 were attacked in the same area at
the end of April this year - Nigerian authorities have recently changed the regulations on private
security in the region
On leaving the vessel after an undeterminte time the pirates kidnapped seven of the Pakistani
crew Their destination is not known
Image - Via MarineTrafficcom
FAMILIES of the five Pakistani nationals on board an oil vessel Mt Matrix 1 abducted last
Saturday at 40 nautical miles off the Bayelsa coast have told the management of the company
Matrix Energy in Warri Delta State not to pay any ransom to the abductors to get them
released promising to take revenge on Nigerians in their hundreds in Pakistan if any of the
victims was killed - Vanguard Nigeria
The abducted victims include the Captain Chief Officer cook and two others They were
conveying automated gasoline oil AGO from Lagos to Eket when they were abducted at 9pm
Sources said that relevant security agencies in Bayelsa State and Warri in Delta State had been
informed of the incident
The source added that the company had begun negotiation with the abductors but that details
of negotiations with the company on ransom were not disclosed
GUNMEN suspected to be sea bandits have killed a 30-year-old boat driver Godknows
Wuruke and injured over 10 persons in Delta State - Vanguard Nigeria
Vanguard was informed that the bandits ambushed two passenger boats moving from Warri to
Aghoro community in Bayelsa State at River Forcados tributary behind Burutu headquarters of
Burutu Local Government Area Delta State and robbed the passengers
Wuruke left Warri waterside at about 520 pm and was allegedly shot dead by the gunmen
because he tried to prevent them from robbing his passengers
Chairman of the Aghoro waterside boat drivers Mr Cletus Itari who confirmed the incident to
Vanguard on phoneMonday called on security agents to mount surveillance on the waterways
in Burutu area as it was obtainable in Warri axis to ensure the safety of the people
He also urged the chairmanof Burutu Local Government Mr Denne Bukuman ldquoto arrange for
community vigilance group to patrol the area and stop the excesses of the sea pirates who are
operating without restraint in the areardquo
A FORCE majeure has been declared on the Usan grade of Nigerian crude oil operator Total
confirmed on Thursday adding to the problems facing Africas largest oil exporter - Reuters
A spokesman for Total in Geneva confirmed production was completely halted but said there
was no further information on the outage or how long it was likely to last at this stage
A force majeure exempts parties to a contract from their obligations due to circumstances
beyond their control
Four cargoes of Usan representing around 127000 barrels per day of Usan were due to be
exported in June
The force majeure for Usan adds to those on Royal Dutch Shells Bonny Light and Enis Brass
river
Shell declared a force majeure on Bonny Light on March 5 because of unprecedented levels of
theft
THE Ambassador of Republic of Togo to Nigeria Colonel Addo Maman Tchalare has pledged
the commitment of his country to assist Nigeriarsquos crackdown on insurgents - Marinelink The
Ambassador made the assertion while on a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff Vice
Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba at the Naval Headquarters Abuja recently
Col Tchalare said over the years his country and Nigeria have strengthened their diplomatic ties
which enabled them contribute immensely to sub-regional regional and global security as
founding members of ECOWAS The Ambassador reiterated that his country will do everything to
assist a brotherly nation like Nigeria to overcome her current security challenges stating that
without the atmosphere of peace and stability the region cannot attract investors
He also thanked the Nigerian armed forces for their support to the Togolese military through
scholarship which enhanced the capability of Togolese military officers who are trained at the
Nigerian Defense Academy Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji and the prestigious
National Defense College Abuja
NIGERIAN Navy NN Beecroft Apapa Lagos has warned pirates to stay clear of the
commandrsquos jurisdiction in their own interest or face unpalatable consequences - Vanguard
Nigeria
The command said it had foiled several attempts by sea robbers to perpetrate their criminal acts
within its jurisdiction arresting some suspects in the process
The Commander Commodore Chris Ezekobe who gave the warning during an interview with
Vanguard at the end of the parade to mark his inaugural rounds noted that the actions were in
line with the Chief of Naval Staff strategic guidance 01 with zero tolerance to illegalities
According to him the arrests were made between February and May 2013
He said ldquoThe first arrest was that of a vessel called MT Ebba We also arrested four Benin
Republicrsquos citizens who were accosted around the Single Buoy Mooring SBM
THREE young men allegedly working as oil pipeline surveillance workers and two women
dealing in illegally refined diesel have been arrested by officers and men of the 3 Battalion Army
Warri Delta State while over 15 mammy boats used for conveying illegally refined petroleum
products were destroyed during an operation to wipe out
illegal refining in the state - Sweet Crude
Commanding officer of the 3 Battalion Lt Col Ifeayin Out
made these disclosures while parading the suspects before
newsmen describing the early hours operation around the
Opumami Bennet Island and Macaraba areas of Warri
South and South-West as very successful
The names of the surveillance workers are Olotoye Rufus
Emotoghan Akpos while the third alleged to be a worker in
one of the illegal refineries is Victor Tene The suspected female oil thieves caught along with
them at a camp include Tokere Lucky 22 and Ebibare Ayas 36 years
Commander Out said they would be thoroughly investigated and then handed over to the
appropriate prosecuting authorities for further action
The surveillance workers were allegedly caught at the entrance of a creek where illegal
bunkering is conducted while the women were caught transferring refined products from jerry-
cans
Image - Via Sweet Crude
THE Nigerian Navy will receive two more ex-United States vessels next year the US Navy
Survey Ship John McDonnell and the US Coast Guard
Cutter Gallatin - DefenceWeb
Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba on Friday
said that the two vessels would be inspected between May
and August next year reports Nigeriarsquos National Mirror
Ezeoba was represented by Rear Admiral Emmanuel
Ogbor Chief of Policy and Plans who said that the United
States has transferred several ships to Nigeria over the last
decade These include the NNS Thunder Obula Nwamba Kyanwa and Ologbo
ldquoThese ships have contributed immensely to the security of the nationrsquos maritime environment
and the Gulf of Guineardquo he said The vessels are donated as part of the US militaryrsquos Excess
Defence Articles system
Image - Courtesy of DefencWeb
TWELVE crew members are missing after a Chevron contracted tug boat sank on Sunday due
to rough seas off the coast of Nigeria the ships owner said on Tuesday - Reuters
The Jascon-4 capsized early on Sunday due to heavy ocean swells while the vessel was
performing towing operations at a mooring point around 30 kilometres off oil-producing Delta
state Chevrons Nigeria unit said on Sunday
Unfortunately all twelve crew members are still missing a spokeswoman for the ships owner
West African Ventures said
Rescue operations involving sea divers are still ongoing and a full investigation into the incident
is taking place she said West African Ventures is owned by Sea Trucks Group
AS reported earlier this week tragedy struck offshore Escravos Nigeria on Sunday 26 May
when th eanchor handling tug Jacson 4 sankin heavy weather - gCaptain Divers recovered 10
bodies from the sunken ship and 1 is still missing
Miraculously however the shiprsquos cook Mr Okene Harrison was found alive after spending
roughly two days inside the sunken vessel at a depth of 30 meters
ldquoThe fact this person survived is incrediblersquo commented former US Navy Salvage Officer Patrick
Keenan rdquoAfter spending two days at 30 meters of depth he had become saturated meaning his
body had absorbed all the pressurized gases and equalized with the surrounding water pressure
Bringing him to surface from that depth and after having been saturated at 3 or 4 atmospheres
could easily have killed him
AS the afternoon sun glinted off the waters in Ivory Coasts port of Abidjan a team of
gendarmes set out in a leaky wooden pirogue with no weapons and nothing more than mobile
phones for communication - Yahoo News
Their mission to hold the front line against piracy in the worlds new hotspot for maritime crime
the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of West Africa
This is how we work every day grumbled one man as their outboard motor sputtered out
setting them adrift amid bobbing plastic bottles We dont even have life vests
Until recently Ivory Coasts maritime surveillance brigade - the equivalent of a coastguard -
managed barely to keep a lid on crime in the waters around one of Africas busiest ports
But ruthless Nigerian gangs which have expanded hundreds of miles beyond their home waters
in the last three years reached francophone West Africas largest economy in October
Born of an uprising in Nigerias oil-rich Niger Delta which spawned a web of criminal networks
the gangs now threaten to derail the development of one of the worlds poorest regions as the
Gulf of Guinea seeks to become a major oil and gas hub
The start-up of large oil fields in Ghana and promising discoveries to the west in neighbouring
Ivory Coast have helped to stoke interest in the region from international oil firms
The spike in attacks is alarming Western powers not least the United States as regional
governments struggle to cope
IN the wake of the recent piracy attacks in Nigerias maritime domain the Nigerian Navy (NN)
Wednesday warned pirates to desist from their nefarious activities or face the consequences -
Nigerian Navy The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral
Ibok-Ete Ibas made this disclosure during the ongoing 57th anniversary of the NN held at
Beecroft Apapa Lagos
Also as part of the activities earmarked to celebrate the anniversary which coincided with the
Democracy Day celebrations the navy took over 350 civilians on a sea trip The event which
was held at the grounds of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft one of the units under the WNC
and commanded by Commodore Chris Ezekobe saw a large number of civilians gracing the
occasion The civilians were taken on the sea trip on NNS Makurdi NNS Obula two Shaldag
and Andoni ships The ships were escorted by the Special Boat Services (SBS) of the navy led
by its commander Lieutenant Commander Kola Omopariola who also led his team to perform
special demonstration for the civilians when the ships berthed
According to Ibas in pursuance of the mandate of President Goodluck Jonathan to the Chief of
Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba the command had already made several arrests of oil
thieves
Image - httpwwwcotnavymilngimagesthumbnailsPirates_600x0jpg
GOVERNMENTS of the United Kingdom and the United States of America have expressed their
readiness to help Nigeria curb the menace of oil theft according to a report credited to the
Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs Diezani Allison-
Madueke while in England recently - National Mirror Online
Protracted oil theft has indeed become one of the major
problems that appear to have overwhelmed the Federal
Government Recent official figures indicate that the country
loses $6 billion (over a trillion naira) annually to oil thieves
and additional hundreds of billions of naira to the theft of
refined petroleum products Just last month Nigeriarsquos oil behemoth the Nigerian National
Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said the country lost roughly N191 billion ($123 billion) to oil theft
and pipeline vandalism in the first quarter of this year The NNPC said daily crude oil production
during the period fluctuated between 21 million and 23 million barrels per day compared with
the projected estimate of 248mbpd One report revealed that an estimated 60000 barrels per
day of crude oil is stolen at the Nembe Creek in Rivers State alone for example
Consequently we think the gesture of the UK and the US to assist the country in tackling the
age-long menace is a welcome development The collaboration might be rewarding in terms of
the acquisition of technology that can make the tracking of oil thieves in Nigeria easier since the
country probably cannot seek out the required gadgets on its own Ordinarily it would have been
more rewarding for the country to acquire such a technology without having to depend on the
assistance of the UK and the US for obvious reasons
Image - Via National Mirror Online
THE quantity of Nigeriarsquos oil output per day or annually has been shrouded in mystery over the
years - Guardian News Nigeria At the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) held in Houston
Texas USA the other day the matter came up and all Nigerian delegates could do was to
lament the situation and attendant woes According to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy
and Minister of Finance Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala the problem of measurement could be blamed
on the increasing sophistication of oil theft in the Niger Delta Oil theft according to her
accounted for an estimated total losses of over 300000 barrels per day or about $1 billion
(N160 billion) a month in revenue
Oil theft has reached an alarming dimension in the Niger Delta The recent disclosure by Shell
Producing Development Company (SPDC) which manages the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal
that the nationrsquos economy lost a whopping $43 billion to oil thieves in the last two years at an
average rate of $23 billion annually underscores the tragic nature of the problem
THE Naval component of Bayelsa State security outfit lsquoOperation Doo Akpoorsquo and Bayelsa
State police command have discovered a cache of arms in Koulama Southern Ijaw Local
Government Area of Bayelsa State - Sun news Online
This is just as the Naval Central Command has reiterated its determination to stamp out oil
bunkering by beefing up patrol in the waterways
Governor Henry Seriake Dickson had raised the alarm recently that some political elements had
completed plans to destabilise Bayelsa State being the home state of President Goodluck
Jonathan because of the 2015 presidential election
Eyewitness account in Koualama stated that four naval gunboats with naval personnel and
armed policemen stormed the community on Sunday night and went straight to a house which
was deserted as of the time of their arrival and after a thorough search they dug out arms and
ammunition
SOME groups of ex-militants in Delta State have threatened to go back to the creeks and attack
oil installations if the federal government and the Amnesty Office failed to pay the backlogs of
allowances allegedly owed them since 2010 within two weeks - This Day Live
The threat of the ex-agitators was contained in a communiqueacute signed by Eric O Ajagidi ID
number C01B11A114098 Soroh Dorwei Travel C01B11B114205 Prince Degbe Jonah
C01B11B114127 all in Tompolorsquos camp with Tomukebiri D Franklyn C01B11A114068
Ikiyan Roland Owei C03B10E213477 Arthur Fenetobour Harvest V02B10D513375 from the
Ezekielrsquos camp and made available to journalists in Akure Ondo State
According to the communiqueacute the ex-militants lamented that they have been facing serious
hardship and frustrations for the past three years over the unpaid allowance saying all efforts to
resolve the issue had not yielded positive result
They lamented that after embracing amnesty and undergoing non-violence training at Obubra in
Cross River State with others being trained outside the country their monthly allowances have
not been remitted to their individuals bank accounts
The ex-militants therefore threatened to use violent approaches to pursue their demands
threatening to blow off oil installations in the state if the concerned authorities did not correct the
anomaly within the stipulated period of two weeks
THERE is a cloud of uncertainty over the whereabouts of 17 foreign and Nigerian oil workers
kidnapped by suspected sea pirates in Bayelsa State - Sun News Online
The police authorities the Nigerian Navy and the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) Operation Pulo
Shield have refused to comment on the disappearance of the oil workers
Checks indicated that 12 Pakistani and five Nigerians working for Val Oil Trading were attacked
by suspected sea pirates on board an oil vessel MT Matrix and whisked to an unknown
destination
Investigations revealed that victims of the attack which occurred along the deep sea between
Bayelsa and Rivers states had been difficult to trace by naval personnel at the Forward
Operational Base (FOB) Formoso
However security sources said the State Security Service (SSS) which had been investigating
series of kidnappings in Bayelsa State had moved to investigate the attack
Meanwhile the Central Naval Command (CNC) has paraded 14 suspected oil thieves arrested
along Brass and Sangana waterways after failing to produce a proper clearance from the CNC
Southeast Asia
THE introduction of high-tech sensors and communications equipment by the countries of the
Indian Ocean Rim has brought benefits to the region but much still needs to be done according
to attendees and speakers at the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in Cape Town -
Defence Pakistan
The IONS Sessions on Sharing Information and the Collaborative Response today presented to
naval members of some 38 Indian Ocean and other interested nations indicated that the
application of new technology makes dealing with crime pollution and disasters on the high seas
a much quicker and more effective process when countries cooperate effectively
Maritime Search and Rescue Coordinating Centres (MRCCs) are regional nodes which facilitate
search and rescue Using the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) among
others they identify vessels in distress (ldquoalertingrdquo) locate vessels co-ordinate search and rescue
and communications and issue maritime safety bulletins Captain King Chiragi Tanzaniarsquos
Director of Maritime Safety and Security highlighted the need for cooperation between MRCCs
in ensuring safe sea lanes where authorities need to reach ships in distress
Situational Awareness whether for shore-based authorities civil or military facilities or ships at
sea is of vital importance Chiragi said For military and civil authorities satellite systems and
radar can show the positions and courses of dozens of ships but Chiragi pointed out the fact that
it can become difficult when it comes to countries sharing information across national boundaries
in pursuit of maritime criminals whether pirates or smugglers and the MRCCs are a very helpful
tool in overcoming this information challenge The centres are also highly effective tools for
search and rescue operations Captain Chiragi added
South Amercia
US Vice President Biden met on Tuesday with the Prime Ministers Presidents and senior
ministry personnel from 15 Caribbean nations in Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago where they
discussed the comprehensive regional partnership to improve citizen security in the Caribbean -
Latin American Herald Tribune
Working together in support of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) the United States
and the nations of the Caribbean are combating the drug trade and other transnational crimes
that threaten regional security This partnership fulfills the commitment to deepen regional
security cooperation that President Barack Obama made at the 2009 Summit of the Americas
CBSI is part of an integrated citizen security effort that includes the Merida Initiative in Mexico
the Central America Regional Security Initiative and the Colombia Strategic Development
Initiative The United States CARICOM member nations and the Dominican Republic are
improving citizen safety throughout the Caribbean by working together to
Substantially reduce illicit trafficking
Increase public safety and security and
Promote social justice
SHIPMANAGERS Leonhardt amp Blumberg of Hamburg Germany operators of container vessel
HANSA MARBURG is pleased and relieved to report that the 4 seafarers who were taken from
the vessel by armed men 130 miles south west of Malabo Equatorial Guinea and held hostage
have now been released - OCEANUSLive
The vessel was attacked by criminal gangs in the Gulf Of Guinea on April 22 and four seafarers
were taken hostage
The four seafarers including Ukrainian Russian and Kiribati citizens were confirmed as being
safe and in good spirits after 31 days in captivity
Leonhardt amp Blumberg is delighted that the crew members have been released and the company
wishes to thank each of them for their courage and fortitude in dealing with this very difficult
situation in such a professional manner also to thank the families of those being held for their
patience and courage at such a difficult and worrying time
ADORED and detested pirates evoke moral and ethical ambivalence and piracy as a term of
law has always been exceptionally vulnerable to political agendas - Critical Legal Thinking More
precisely it has always been a term of both high imperialhegemonic art and significant radical
potential As such it is a word with a weighty history of complex moral and ethical loading and
reloading But it always invokes a refusal of juridification it is a term that defines the margins of
criminal and international law as juridical categories
Pirates are a recurring symbol of the ocean as a space beyond jurisdiction and the juridification
of thought itself as such both known and hidden pirates arguably estrange historical thinking
Piracy is a form of violence that challenges discourses that attempt to shore-up spaces that
assert a moral monopoly on violence and piracy is a form of textual transgression that chal-
lenges the very ability of the law to draw boundaries But even as piracy is a form of violence it
constitutes a challenge to the very violence involved in writing itself The relationship between
piracy and the law directs us to question the constitution of the human condition itself
The University of Southampton workshop will aim to explicate and explore the multiple
significations of piracy and to track the implications of these significations for both abstract and
practical notions of justice
Organised by the Centre for Law Ethics and Globalisation (LEAG) University of Southampton
Law School English at the University of Southampton and the Southampton Marine and
Maritime Institute 21-22 June 2013
Italian Marines
NSTR
NSTR
THE anti-piracy team within the Gulf Cooperation Council has met in Abu Dhabi to discuss the
necessary measures to protect national interests against maritime piracy threats - Gulfship
News
The meeting was hosted by the United Arab Emirates National Transport Authority and will
conclude today having discussed the use of armed security personnel on national vessels and
foreign vessels that come to GCC ports
THE Arabian Sea has been in the limelight in regional and international forums since long due to
its economic potential and geo-strategic importance It covers a total area of about 3862000 sq
km writes Naghmana Zafar - DAWNcom
The maritime waterways of the region extend into the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea through the
Strait of Bab el-Mandeb In the North-West it leads to the Gulf of Oman and the strategic waters
of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz
The Arabian Sea acts as a vital trade corridor between Asian and European states And the
choke points mentioned above are significant for global trade and energy supply It is estimated
that at least 23 per cent of global shipping transits take place through these points
Any disruption of sea routes in the region is likely to worsen the global financial crisis which
might prove catastrophic for many fragile and developing economies The inter-state animosities
among the littoral states of the Arabian Sea and the presence of extra-regional powers have
made regional peace more complex than ever The presence of extra-regional actors to
safeguard their interests in the region has made it a permanent theatre of their operations
The competition for influence between India and China is also shaping the contours of maritime
security Moreover the international embargo on Iran has also put the regionrsquos maritime security
at stake
The piracy around the Horn of Africa and other maritime crimes have compelled the regional and
world powers to maintain and improve the maritime security in the Arabian Sea on a permanent
basis
MORE than 6 billion USD has been lost in the past ten years in Eastern and Southern African
countries due to Somali piracy which has caused the countrys economic retrogression since its
instability - AllAfrica
Deputy Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Transport Mr John Mngodo said during the opening
of a three-day seminar in Dar es Salaam organised by the Surface and Marine Transport
Regulatory Authority (Sumatra) that the seminars aim was to increase the capacity of senior
maritime officials to be able to tackle piracy in the Indian Ocean
Mr Mngodo said the security of ports had to be addressed because the country aimed at
providing standardised security of ports and facilities to reduce increased costs of shipping
Maritime security is a major component of the economy of our country so we aim to address the
root causes of piracy in Somalia to assure security in our country he said He added that the
Shipping Act of 2003 had enabled the country to tackle international shipping insecurity
The effects of piracy have been felt by our country and it needs political intervention to face the
challenges so that security and safety will once again bring cruise ships which stopped operating
in or waters for fear of being hijacked by pirates Mr Mngodo said
Pirate Fishing
NSTR
AN administration ally on Monday raised concern over the increasing number of attacks and
hijacking by Somali pirates stressing that the government should draw up measures to ensure
the safety of Filipino seafarers in the open seas - Manila Standard Today
Citing the International Maritime Bureau-Piracy Reporting Centre Cagayan de Oro Rep Rufus
Rodriguez said that on July 16 2012 a total of 180 attacks and 20 hijackings by Somali pirates
had been recordedmdashwhere 212 hostages and 11 vessels were held captive Rodriguez
disclosed
The Department of Foreign Affairs to make representations with the IMB-PRC the worldrsquos only
manned centre receiving and disseminating reports of piracy and armed robbery 24 hours a day
across the globe to come up with guidelines that could help protect and provide assistance to
Filipino seafarers in cases of attacks by pirates in the seas
Rodriguez said DFA records showed that about 45 Filipino seafarers on board five ships were
held captive by Somali pirates on July 3 2012 with some reportedly in detention since March 29
2012
Aid Workers Plight NSTR
The following is from the January 1972 issue of Proceedings
FOR 112 years the Tripoli Monument has stood on the
grounds of the U S Naval Academy in Annapolis but its
unique and tumultuous history began long before 1860 -
USNIorg Originally erected at the Washington Navy Yard
in 1808 it was the Federal capitalrsquos first monument and for
a period of 35 years the only monument in the District of
Columbia It witnessed and weathered the War of 1812 the
building burning and rebuilding of the Capitol and the slow
establishment of the city itself For 52 years its existence
was plagued with uncertainties and agitations
The idea for the memorial rose amidst the rage and ruin of
the war against the Barbary Pirates of North Africa the first
formal war under the young nationrsquos Constitution Success
of the small fleet in Mediterranean waters marked the rebirth
of naval power which had been disbanded after the Revolutionary War as well as the
emergence of the Navy as a permanent force
Image - Via USNI
THE pirate ant might not be able to make you walk the plank but dark-colored patches around
their eyes certainly make this new species look like they could bully ants off a ship - News Watch
National Geo
Discovered by scientists from the University of Regensburg while on a trip to the Philippines
Cardiocondyla pirata was found living under a rockmdashliterally Postdoctoral fellow and ant
researcher Sabine Frohschammer was searching for Cardiocondyla ants in a shady streambed
when she saw individuals that didnrsquot look like any other known species
ldquoDue to the darkness of the rainforest and the translucent body parts of the tiny ants they were
nearly invisiblerdquo Frohschammer said in a press release
As she looked more closely however Frohschammer knew she had found something special
Some of the females she had gathered had unusual coloration around their eyesmdashdark patches
that reminded Frohschammer of the eye patches worn by some pirates
Image - National Geo
Hijacks
SE Asia - LATE Report | Malaysia-flagged fishing vessel PKFB(U2) 1532 at 2300 LT
while carrying out fishing activities was attacked and hijacked by pirates and sailed to
Indonesian territorial waters On 25 May Indonesian Marine Police detained the fishing
vessel Full report awaited Original reported 7 May
Unsuccessful AttacksRobberies (All regions)
SE Asia - LATE Report | While tug boat Crest Jade 1 was towing Singapore barge Crest
2825 at 2100 LT in position 011560N - 1040762E Straits of Malacca and Singapore
proceeding from Singapore to Labuan Malaysia the Master and crew spotted two
thieves aboard Crest 2825 The Master activated the emergency alarm immediately to
alert the crew and manoeuvred the tugboat alongside Crest 2825 The thieves fled on a
small boat and stole the emergency towing gear The crew was not injured Reported (via
ReCAAP) 12 May
SE Asia - During discharge operations at berth Liberia-flagged product tankerGolden
Adventure was boarded by robbers armed with knives at 0100 LT in position 221662N
ndash 0914802E Chittagong Port Bangladesh Robbers were noticed by the local
watchman who immediately raised the alarm The crew and watchman proceeded to the
location armed with long sticks and metal pipes Seeing the approaching crew the
robbers jumped overboard and tried to escape with a mooring line which the crew
successfully recovered Port authorities informed and no action taken Reported (via IMB)
23 May
Med - Crew on board the anchored Marshall Islands-flagged tanker B Elephant at 0545
LT in position 3112N - 02942E Alexandria Waiting Area Achorage Egypt noticed the
forecastle door and rope hatch opened and shiprsquos equipment and stores stolen It was
suspected the theft occurred during the night Robbers likely boarded via anchor chain
Reported 23 May
Gulf of Guinea - Nigeria-flagged tanker Matrix I enroute from Cotonou Benin to Idoho
field Nigeria (South Akwa Ibom state) when came under attack and boarded by unknown
number of pirates at 0220 LT in position 03452N ndash 00534E approx 42nm WSW of Cap
Formoso Pirates left the vessel later kidnapping 7 crew members all Pakistani (17 crew
members (12 Pakistanis and 5 Nigerians)) Reported 25 May
S America (P) - Around six armed persons with shotguns in a speed boat boarded
Liberia-flagged container ship Rio Eider underway with pilot and unarmed security
guards on board at 0510 LT in position 0220S - 08100W Estero Salado Guayaquil
Ecuador On investigation it was discovered container seals broken but nothing stolen
Reported 27 May
Suspicious Activity
Red Sea - Malta-flagged tanker observed 3 x Skiffs 4 POB moving east to west 18Knts
at 1545 UTC in position 1256N - 04310E BAM Red Sea approx 25nm ESE of Assab
Eritrea Skiffs aggressively approached vessel to starboard of tanker closing to within
200m No indication of details of vessel to starboard of tanker but possibly large fishing
vessel Reported 26 May
Red Sea - Liberia-flagged oil product tanker reported via VHF that PAG of two skiffs
moving fast towards vessel at 1320 UTC in position 1318N - 04257E approx 21nm
ENE of Assab Eritrea Red Sea No other information given Japanese warship
attempted to contact the MV via VHF however no VHF traffic about situation received
Reported 27 May
VESSEL and hostage numbers - IMB (as at 14 May)
Worldwide Incidents 2013 100 reported incidents including four hijackings
Somali related incidents 2013 Six reported Incidents including one hijacking
Current crew vessels held by Somali pirates hostages - 71 vessels - 5
Nigeria related incidents 2013 19 reported incidents including one hijacking
NATO amp EUNAVFOR state Vessels 2 and Hostages 54 UKMTO - 7 vessels (including dhows amp
FVs) 73 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 Horn of AfricaIOR HRA
OCEANUSLiveorg permits the reproduction of this image providing source and link are published (Map ToU)
Note OCEANUSLive accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of content not under our control Every effort is made to maintain the original content as published
Yemen is suffering from significant maritime security issues particularly as the country has over
2000 km of coastline On April 24 UNHCR reported that more than 30000 African refugees had
illegally entered the country since the beginning of the year
TODAY al-Shabaab militants are nowhere to be seen in the Somali port city of Kismayo which
was once their financial hub and their last major stronghold in Somalia - VOA News But those
who united to defeat their common enemy in the city are now fighting for control of liberated
areas and for who gets the big share of seaport revenue
Much of Somaliarsquos two decades of brutal war was characterized by the fight for control of
territories and strategic towns that produce clan pride and financial muscle
The fight is still going on today over the newly created Jubaland region in southern Somalia
where at least three different men have claimed to be president of a new Jubaland state
Kismayo is the gateway into Jubaland which consists of three regions Gedo Middle and Lower
Juba and the person who is able to control the cityrsquos port will have considerable leverage to
control the other areas
An accountant who works at the port but didnrsquot want to give his name for security reasons said
all the men claiming the presidency are jostling for money from the port
They do usually say they will take away what comes their wayrdquo and he adds ldquoThese people
have never worked for a government and they donrsquot know how to manage a port They are
rebels who are stealing the resources and taking what they can get he said
The accountant says boats dock at the port of Kismayo carrying much needed basic
commodities like milk powder and flour and later the boats leave loaded with charcoal the only
valuable export of Somalia at the present time
He says the monthly port revenue is currently divided between the port administration led by
Ahmed Madobe who heads the militia group Raskamboni and Kenyan forces
TANZANIAS Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority has launched a three-day
conference to build the capacity of senior marine officials to fight piracy in the Indian Ocean
Tanzanias Daily News reported Wednesday (May 29th) - AllAfrica
The effects of piracy have been felt by our country and it needs political intervention to face the
challenges so that safety and security will once again bring cruise ships which stopped operating
in our waters for fear of being hijacked by pirates Ministry of Transport Deputy Permanent
Secretary John Mngodo told participants from more than ten countries
International Maritime Organisation Regional Co-ordinator for Eastern and Southern Africa John
Muindi said experts were implementing strategies to combat piracy improving facilities and skills
with the co-operation of the United States and African countries
The region has lost more than $6 billion in the past ten years due to piracy the newspaper
reported
BASHIR Osman moves hurriedly along a white sandy beachfront giving instructions to a driver
operating a bulldozer - CNN Near them a large truck is
ferrying away piles of rocks clearing a sun-soaked beach
lapped by the azure blue waters of the Indian Ocean
Work here is well underway as Osman presses ahead with
his new multi-million dollar project to build a luxury beach
resort in Mogadishu the capital of war-torn Somalia
I knew one day that Mogadishu will become peace and well get stability says Osman who
already owns two hotels in the city That is why I started to buy that land
After more than 20 years of violence Somalia moved a step closer to stability last September
after picking its first president elected on home soil in decades
Image - via CNN
SOMALIA plans to sign 30 PSCs this year with foreign oil companies and auction off over 300
new oil blocks but oil rights here are not solidified and this will be another bloody mess - Hiiraan
Online
Analysis Late last year Somalia announced it would auction off 308 oil blocks newly delineated
This has caused a bit of rush on Somalia from the juniors to the supermajors like Royal Dutch
Shell and ConocoPhillips
This pending rush on Somalia is premature The countryrsquos new government is transitional and
dysfunctional at best and by no means does it control the countrymdashthe militant al-Shabaab has
been weakened but certainly not driven out and still controls some key areas Somaliarsquos coast is
also a major piracy venue It will be impossible to determine the power brokers here to land
contracts especially for the juniors A multitude of influential tribes and militias are trying to gain
control over oil prospects and dealing with the new government is only a small part of the
equation The power brokers are shifting and the dynamism is impossible to keep up with It is
difficult for a government to delineate new oil blocks on territory it does not fully control The
arrival of foreign oil companies will speed up territorial conflict over oil
MORE Kenyan companies are forging business ties with Somalia as rebuilding of the war-torn
country gathers momentum - Standard Digital
They want to take leading role in its reconstruction as world powers scramble for the resources
and opportunities in the country Somalia has faced civil strife for the last three decades with
State security agents and international forces battling armed militia across the vast nation
The Horn of Africa nation had also been held at ransom for several years by pirates just off its
coastline In a report dubbed ldquoPirates of Somalia Ending the Threat Rebuilding a Nationrdquo
released in April the World Bank estimated that piracy off the Somali coast cost the global
economy an estimated $18 billion (Sh1494 trillion) annually Such security lapses have made it
difficult for both local and international firms to do business degrading its infrastructure
Today the worldrsquos commitment to rebuild Somalia presents vast business opportunities in
various sectors such as education infrastructure mining fishing energy and banking
PRIME Minister Shinzo Abe renewed Japans commitment to supporting Somalias nation-
building efforts Friday saying Tokyo will resume direct aid to the East African nation that is
seeking to revive its economy and government following two decades of civil strife and political
turmoil - Global Post
At a special meeting in Yokohama dedicated to discussing issues confronting Somalia Abe said
Japans new assistance to the country will focus on enhancing its socio-economic conditions
maintaining law and order and invigorating the countrys fragile industries
The stability of Somalia is important for the stability and prosperity of East Africa and
indispensible for solving Somalias piracy problem fundamentally and ensuring the safety of one
of the worlds major sea arteries which connects the Indian Ocean with the Red and
Mediterranean seas Abe told participants
West Africa
ON the day that the release of four kidnapped crew of the German container ship Hansa
Marburg is announced Nigerian pirates attack and board an oil products tanker off the southern
coast of Nigeria resulting in the kidnap of several
crewmembers -OCEANUSLive
Nigeria-flagged tanker Matrix I enroute from Cotonou
Benin to Idoho field off Nigerias South Akwa Ibom state
came under attack by an unknown number of pirates at
approximately 0220 Local Time about 42 nautical miles
WSW of Cap Formoso Nigeria
The pirates were able to board the Matrix I which has 17
crewmembers 12 Pakistani and 5 Nigerian reportedly is only capable of a speed of 6 knots It is
not yet known for certain whether any security personnel were embarked at the time of the
attack however in view of the acknowledged threat of piracy in the area - MT Bosun MV City of
Xiamen MV City of Guangzhou and Offshore crew boat Utai 8 were attacked in the same area at
the end of April this year - Nigerian authorities have recently changed the regulations on private
security in the region
On leaving the vessel after an undeterminte time the pirates kidnapped seven of the Pakistani
crew Their destination is not known
Image - Via MarineTrafficcom
FAMILIES of the five Pakistani nationals on board an oil vessel Mt Matrix 1 abducted last
Saturday at 40 nautical miles off the Bayelsa coast have told the management of the company
Matrix Energy in Warri Delta State not to pay any ransom to the abductors to get them
released promising to take revenge on Nigerians in their hundreds in Pakistan if any of the
victims was killed - Vanguard Nigeria
The abducted victims include the Captain Chief Officer cook and two others They were
conveying automated gasoline oil AGO from Lagos to Eket when they were abducted at 9pm
Sources said that relevant security agencies in Bayelsa State and Warri in Delta State had been
informed of the incident
The source added that the company had begun negotiation with the abductors but that details
of negotiations with the company on ransom were not disclosed
GUNMEN suspected to be sea bandits have killed a 30-year-old boat driver Godknows
Wuruke and injured over 10 persons in Delta State - Vanguard Nigeria
Vanguard was informed that the bandits ambushed two passenger boats moving from Warri to
Aghoro community in Bayelsa State at River Forcados tributary behind Burutu headquarters of
Burutu Local Government Area Delta State and robbed the passengers
Wuruke left Warri waterside at about 520 pm and was allegedly shot dead by the gunmen
because he tried to prevent them from robbing his passengers
Chairman of the Aghoro waterside boat drivers Mr Cletus Itari who confirmed the incident to
Vanguard on phoneMonday called on security agents to mount surveillance on the waterways
in Burutu area as it was obtainable in Warri axis to ensure the safety of the people
He also urged the chairmanof Burutu Local Government Mr Denne Bukuman ldquoto arrange for
community vigilance group to patrol the area and stop the excesses of the sea pirates who are
operating without restraint in the areardquo
A FORCE majeure has been declared on the Usan grade of Nigerian crude oil operator Total
confirmed on Thursday adding to the problems facing Africas largest oil exporter - Reuters
A spokesman for Total in Geneva confirmed production was completely halted but said there
was no further information on the outage or how long it was likely to last at this stage
A force majeure exempts parties to a contract from their obligations due to circumstances
beyond their control
Four cargoes of Usan representing around 127000 barrels per day of Usan were due to be
exported in June
The force majeure for Usan adds to those on Royal Dutch Shells Bonny Light and Enis Brass
river
Shell declared a force majeure on Bonny Light on March 5 because of unprecedented levels of
theft
THE Ambassador of Republic of Togo to Nigeria Colonel Addo Maman Tchalare has pledged
the commitment of his country to assist Nigeriarsquos crackdown on insurgents - Marinelink The
Ambassador made the assertion while on a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff Vice
Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba at the Naval Headquarters Abuja recently
Col Tchalare said over the years his country and Nigeria have strengthened their diplomatic ties
which enabled them contribute immensely to sub-regional regional and global security as
founding members of ECOWAS The Ambassador reiterated that his country will do everything to
assist a brotherly nation like Nigeria to overcome her current security challenges stating that
without the atmosphere of peace and stability the region cannot attract investors
He also thanked the Nigerian armed forces for their support to the Togolese military through
scholarship which enhanced the capability of Togolese military officers who are trained at the
Nigerian Defense Academy Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji and the prestigious
National Defense College Abuja
NIGERIAN Navy NN Beecroft Apapa Lagos has warned pirates to stay clear of the
commandrsquos jurisdiction in their own interest or face unpalatable consequences - Vanguard
Nigeria
The command said it had foiled several attempts by sea robbers to perpetrate their criminal acts
within its jurisdiction arresting some suspects in the process
The Commander Commodore Chris Ezekobe who gave the warning during an interview with
Vanguard at the end of the parade to mark his inaugural rounds noted that the actions were in
line with the Chief of Naval Staff strategic guidance 01 with zero tolerance to illegalities
According to him the arrests were made between February and May 2013
He said ldquoThe first arrest was that of a vessel called MT Ebba We also arrested four Benin
Republicrsquos citizens who were accosted around the Single Buoy Mooring SBM
THREE young men allegedly working as oil pipeline surveillance workers and two women
dealing in illegally refined diesel have been arrested by officers and men of the 3 Battalion Army
Warri Delta State while over 15 mammy boats used for conveying illegally refined petroleum
products were destroyed during an operation to wipe out
illegal refining in the state - Sweet Crude
Commanding officer of the 3 Battalion Lt Col Ifeayin Out
made these disclosures while parading the suspects before
newsmen describing the early hours operation around the
Opumami Bennet Island and Macaraba areas of Warri
South and South-West as very successful
The names of the surveillance workers are Olotoye Rufus
Emotoghan Akpos while the third alleged to be a worker in
one of the illegal refineries is Victor Tene The suspected female oil thieves caught along with
them at a camp include Tokere Lucky 22 and Ebibare Ayas 36 years
Commander Out said they would be thoroughly investigated and then handed over to the
appropriate prosecuting authorities for further action
The surveillance workers were allegedly caught at the entrance of a creek where illegal
bunkering is conducted while the women were caught transferring refined products from jerry-
cans
Image - Via Sweet Crude
THE Nigerian Navy will receive two more ex-United States vessels next year the US Navy
Survey Ship John McDonnell and the US Coast Guard
Cutter Gallatin - DefenceWeb
Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba on Friday
said that the two vessels would be inspected between May
and August next year reports Nigeriarsquos National Mirror
Ezeoba was represented by Rear Admiral Emmanuel
Ogbor Chief of Policy and Plans who said that the United
States has transferred several ships to Nigeria over the last
decade These include the NNS Thunder Obula Nwamba Kyanwa and Ologbo
ldquoThese ships have contributed immensely to the security of the nationrsquos maritime environment
and the Gulf of Guineardquo he said The vessels are donated as part of the US militaryrsquos Excess
Defence Articles system
Image - Courtesy of DefencWeb
TWELVE crew members are missing after a Chevron contracted tug boat sank on Sunday due
to rough seas off the coast of Nigeria the ships owner said on Tuesday - Reuters
The Jascon-4 capsized early on Sunday due to heavy ocean swells while the vessel was
performing towing operations at a mooring point around 30 kilometres off oil-producing Delta
state Chevrons Nigeria unit said on Sunday
Unfortunately all twelve crew members are still missing a spokeswoman for the ships owner
West African Ventures said
Rescue operations involving sea divers are still ongoing and a full investigation into the incident
is taking place she said West African Ventures is owned by Sea Trucks Group
AS reported earlier this week tragedy struck offshore Escravos Nigeria on Sunday 26 May
when th eanchor handling tug Jacson 4 sankin heavy weather - gCaptain Divers recovered 10
bodies from the sunken ship and 1 is still missing
Miraculously however the shiprsquos cook Mr Okene Harrison was found alive after spending
roughly two days inside the sunken vessel at a depth of 30 meters
ldquoThe fact this person survived is incrediblersquo commented former US Navy Salvage Officer Patrick
Keenan rdquoAfter spending two days at 30 meters of depth he had become saturated meaning his
body had absorbed all the pressurized gases and equalized with the surrounding water pressure
Bringing him to surface from that depth and after having been saturated at 3 or 4 atmospheres
could easily have killed him
AS the afternoon sun glinted off the waters in Ivory Coasts port of Abidjan a team of
gendarmes set out in a leaky wooden pirogue with no weapons and nothing more than mobile
phones for communication - Yahoo News
Their mission to hold the front line against piracy in the worlds new hotspot for maritime crime
the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of West Africa
This is how we work every day grumbled one man as their outboard motor sputtered out
setting them adrift amid bobbing plastic bottles We dont even have life vests
Until recently Ivory Coasts maritime surveillance brigade - the equivalent of a coastguard -
managed barely to keep a lid on crime in the waters around one of Africas busiest ports
But ruthless Nigerian gangs which have expanded hundreds of miles beyond their home waters
in the last three years reached francophone West Africas largest economy in October
Born of an uprising in Nigerias oil-rich Niger Delta which spawned a web of criminal networks
the gangs now threaten to derail the development of one of the worlds poorest regions as the
Gulf of Guinea seeks to become a major oil and gas hub
The start-up of large oil fields in Ghana and promising discoveries to the west in neighbouring
Ivory Coast have helped to stoke interest in the region from international oil firms
The spike in attacks is alarming Western powers not least the United States as regional
governments struggle to cope
IN the wake of the recent piracy attacks in Nigerias maritime domain the Nigerian Navy (NN)
Wednesday warned pirates to desist from their nefarious activities or face the consequences -
Nigerian Navy The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral
Ibok-Ete Ibas made this disclosure during the ongoing 57th anniversary of the NN held at
Beecroft Apapa Lagos
Also as part of the activities earmarked to celebrate the anniversary which coincided with the
Democracy Day celebrations the navy took over 350 civilians on a sea trip The event which
was held at the grounds of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft one of the units under the WNC
and commanded by Commodore Chris Ezekobe saw a large number of civilians gracing the
occasion The civilians were taken on the sea trip on NNS Makurdi NNS Obula two Shaldag
and Andoni ships The ships were escorted by the Special Boat Services (SBS) of the navy led
by its commander Lieutenant Commander Kola Omopariola who also led his team to perform
special demonstration for the civilians when the ships berthed
According to Ibas in pursuance of the mandate of President Goodluck Jonathan to the Chief of
Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba the command had already made several arrests of oil
thieves
Image - httpwwwcotnavymilngimagesthumbnailsPirates_600x0jpg
GOVERNMENTS of the United Kingdom and the United States of America have expressed their
readiness to help Nigeria curb the menace of oil theft according to a report credited to the
Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs Diezani Allison-
Madueke while in England recently - National Mirror Online
Protracted oil theft has indeed become one of the major
problems that appear to have overwhelmed the Federal
Government Recent official figures indicate that the country
loses $6 billion (over a trillion naira) annually to oil thieves
and additional hundreds of billions of naira to the theft of
refined petroleum products Just last month Nigeriarsquos oil behemoth the Nigerian National
Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said the country lost roughly N191 billion ($123 billion) to oil theft
and pipeline vandalism in the first quarter of this year The NNPC said daily crude oil production
during the period fluctuated between 21 million and 23 million barrels per day compared with
the projected estimate of 248mbpd One report revealed that an estimated 60000 barrels per
day of crude oil is stolen at the Nembe Creek in Rivers State alone for example
Consequently we think the gesture of the UK and the US to assist the country in tackling the
age-long menace is a welcome development The collaboration might be rewarding in terms of
the acquisition of technology that can make the tracking of oil thieves in Nigeria easier since the
country probably cannot seek out the required gadgets on its own Ordinarily it would have been
more rewarding for the country to acquire such a technology without having to depend on the
assistance of the UK and the US for obvious reasons
Image - Via National Mirror Online
THE quantity of Nigeriarsquos oil output per day or annually has been shrouded in mystery over the
years - Guardian News Nigeria At the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) held in Houston
Texas USA the other day the matter came up and all Nigerian delegates could do was to
lament the situation and attendant woes According to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy
and Minister of Finance Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala the problem of measurement could be blamed
on the increasing sophistication of oil theft in the Niger Delta Oil theft according to her
accounted for an estimated total losses of over 300000 barrels per day or about $1 billion
(N160 billion) a month in revenue
Oil theft has reached an alarming dimension in the Niger Delta The recent disclosure by Shell
Producing Development Company (SPDC) which manages the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal
that the nationrsquos economy lost a whopping $43 billion to oil thieves in the last two years at an
average rate of $23 billion annually underscores the tragic nature of the problem
THE Naval component of Bayelsa State security outfit lsquoOperation Doo Akpoorsquo and Bayelsa
State police command have discovered a cache of arms in Koulama Southern Ijaw Local
Government Area of Bayelsa State - Sun news Online
This is just as the Naval Central Command has reiterated its determination to stamp out oil
bunkering by beefing up patrol in the waterways
Governor Henry Seriake Dickson had raised the alarm recently that some political elements had
completed plans to destabilise Bayelsa State being the home state of President Goodluck
Jonathan because of the 2015 presidential election
Eyewitness account in Koualama stated that four naval gunboats with naval personnel and
armed policemen stormed the community on Sunday night and went straight to a house which
was deserted as of the time of their arrival and after a thorough search they dug out arms and
ammunition
SOME groups of ex-militants in Delta State have threatened to go back to the creeks and attack
oil installations if the federal government and the Amnesty Office failed to pay the backlogs of
allowances allegedly owed them since 2010 within two weeks - This Day Live
The threat of the ex-agitators was contained in a communiqueacute signed by Eric O Ajagidi ID
number C01B11A114098 Soroh Dorwei Travel C01B11B114205 Prince Degbe Jonah
C01B11B114127 all in Tompolorsquos camp with Tomukebiri D Franklyn C01B11A114068
Ikiyan Roland Owei C03B10E213477 Arthur Fenetobour Harvest V02B10D513375 from the
Ezekielrsquos camp and made available to journalists in Akure Ondo State
According to the communiqueacute the ex-militants lamented that they have been facing serious
hardship and frustrations for the past three years over the unpaid allowance saying all efforts to
resolve the issue had not yielded positive result
They lamented that after embracing amnesty and undergoing non-violence training at Obubra in
Cross River State with others being trained outside the country their monthly allowances have
not been remitted to their individuals bank accounts
The ex-militants therefore threatened to use violent approaches to pursue their demands
threatening to blow off oil installations in the state if the concerned authorities did not correct the
anomaly within the stipulated period of two weeks
THERE is a cloud of uncertainty over the whereabouts of 17 foreign and Nigerian oil workers
kidnapped by suspected sea pirates in Bayelsa State - Sun News Online
The police authorities the Nigerian Navy and the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) Operation Pulo
Shield have refused to comment on the disappearance of the oil workers
Checks indicated that 12 Pakistani and five Nigerians working for Val Oil Trading were attacked
by suspected sea pirates on board an oil vessel MT Matrix and whisked to an unknown
destination
Investigations revealed that victims of the attack which occurred along the deep sea between
Bayelsa and Rivers states had been difficult to trace by naval personnel at the Forward
Operational Base (FOB) Formoso
However security sources said the State Security Service (SSS) which had been investigating
series of kidnappings in Bayelsa State had moved to investigate the attack
Meanwhile the Central Naval Command (CNC) has paraded 14 suspected oil thieves arrested
along Brass and Sangana waterways after failing to produce a proper clearance from the CNC
Southeast Asia
THE introduction of high-tech sensors and communications equipment by the countries of the
Indian Ocean Rim has brought benefits to the region but much still needs to be done according
to attendees and speakers at the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in Cape Town -
Defence Pakistan
The IONS Sessions on Sharing Information and the Collaborative Response today presented to
naval members of some 38 Indian Ocean and other interested nations indicated that the
application of new technology makes dealing with crime pollution and disasters on the high seas
a much quicker and more effective process when countries cooperate effectively
Maritime Search and Rescue Coordinating Centres (MRCCs) are regional nodes which facilitate
search and rescue Using the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) among
others they identify vessels in distress (ldquoalertingrdquo) locate vessels co-ordinate search and rescue
and communications and issue maritime safety bulletins Captain King Chiragi Tanzaniarsquos
Director of Maritime Safety and Security highlighted the need for cooperation between MRCCs
in ensuring safe sea lanes where authorities need to reach ships in distress
Situational Awareness whether for shore-based authorities civil or military facilities or ships at
sea is of vital importance Chiragi said For military and civil authorities satellite systems and
radar can show the positions and courses of dozens of ships but Chiragi pointed out the fact that
it can become difficult when it comes to countries sharing information across national boundaries
in pursuit of maritime criminals whether pirates or smugglers and the MRCCs are a very helpful
tool in overcoming this information challenge The centres are also highly effective tools for
search and rescue operations Captain Chiragi added
South Amercia
US Vice President Biden met on Tuesday with the Prime Ministers Presidents and senior
ministry personnel from 15 Caribbean nations in Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago where they
discussed the comprehensive regional partnership to improve citizen security in the Caribbean -
Latin American Herald Tribune
Working together in support of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) the United States
and the nations of the Caribbean are combating the drug trade and other transnational crimes
that threaten regional security This partnership fulfills the commitment to deepen regional
security cooperation that President Barack Obama made at the 2009 Summit of the Americas
CBSI is part of an integrated citizen security effort that includes the Merida Initiative in Mexico
the Central America Regional Security Initiative and the Colombia Strategic Development
Initiative The United States CARICOM member nations and the Dominican Republic are
improving citizen safety throughout the Caribbean by working together to
Substantially reduce illicit trafficking
Increase public safety and security and
Promote social justice
SHIPMANAGERS Leonhardt amp Blumberg of Hamburg Germany operators of container vessel
HANSA MARBURG is pleased and relieved to report that the 4 seafarers who were taken from
the vessel by armed men 130 miles south west of Malabo Equatorial Guinea and held hostage
have now been released - OCEANUSLive
The vessel was attacked by criminal gangs in the Gulf Of Guinea on April 22 and four seafarers
were taken hostage
The four seafarers including Ukrainian Russian and Kiribati citizens were confirmed as being
safe and in good spirits after 31 days in captivity
Leonhardt amp Blumberg is delighted that the crew members have been released and the company
wishes to thank each of them for their courage and fortitude in dealing with this very difficult
situation in such a professional manner also to thank the families of those being held for their
patience and courage at such a difficult and worrying time
ADORED and detested pirates evoke moral and ethical ambivalence and piracy as a term of
law has always been exceptionally vulnerable to political agendas - Critical Legal Thinking More
precisely it has always been a term of both high imperialhegemonic art and significant radical
potential As such it is a word with a weighty history of complex moral and ethical loading and
reloading But it always invokes a refusal of juridification it is a term that defines the margins of
criminal and international law as juridical categories
Pirates are a recurring symbol of the ocean as a space beyond jurisdiction and the juridification
of thought itself as such both known and hidden pirates arguably estrange historical thinking
Piracy is a form of violence that challenges discourses that attempt to shore-up spaces that
assert a moral monopoly on violence and piracy is a form of textual transgression that chal-
lenges the very ability of the law to draw boundaries But even as piracy is a form of violence it
constitutes a challenge to the very violence involved in writing itself The relationship between
piracy and the law directs us to question the constitution of the human condition itself
The University of Southampton workshop will aim to explicate and explore the multiple
significations of piracy and to track the implications of these significations for both abstract and
practical notions of justice
Organised by the Centre for Law Ethics and Globalisation (LEAG) University of Southampton
Law School English at the University of Southampton and the Southampton Marine and
Maritime Institute 21-22 June 2013
Italian Marines
NSTR
NSTR
THE anti-piracy team within the Gulf Cooperation Council has met in Abu Dhabi to discuss the
necessary measures to protect national interests against maritime piracy threats - Gulfship
News
The meeting was hosted by the United Arab Emirates National Transport Authority and will
conclude today having discussed the use of armed security personnel on national vessels and
foreign vessels that come to GCC ports
THE Arabian Sea has been in the limelight in regional and international forums since long due to
its economic potential and geo-strategic importance It covers a total area of about 3862000 sq
km writes Naghmana Zafar - DAWNcom
The maritime waterways of the region extend into the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea through the
Strait of Bab el-Mandeb In the North-West it leads to the Gulf of Oman and the strategic waters
of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz
The Arabian Sea acts as a vital trade corridor between Asian and European states And the
choke points mentioned above are significant for global trade and energy supply It is estimated
that at least 23 per cent of global shipping transits take place through these points
Any disruption of sea routes in the region is likely to worsen the global financial crisis which
might prove catastrophic for many fragile and developing economies The inter-state animosities
among the littoral states of the Arabian Sea and the presence of extra-regional powers have
made regional peace more complex than ever The presence of extra-regional actors to
safeguard their interests in the region has made it a permanent theatre of their operations
The competition for influence between India and China is also shaping the contours of maritime
security Moreover the international embargo on Iran has also put the regionrsquos maritime security
at stake
The piracy around the Horn of Africa and other maritime crimes have compelled the regional and
world powers to maintain and improve the maritime security in the Arabian Sea on a permanent
basis
MORE than 6 billion USD has been lost in the past ten years in Eastern and Southern African
countries due to Somali piracy which has caused the countrys economic retrogression since its
instability - AllAfrica
Deputy Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Transport Mr John Mngodo said during the opening
of a three-day seminar in Dar es Salaam organised by the Surface and Marine Transport
Regulatory Authority (Sumatra) that the seminars aim was to increase the capacity of senior
maritime officials to be able to tackle piracy in the Indian Ocean
Mr Mngodo said the security of ports had to be addressed because the country aimed at
providing standardised security of ports and facilities to reduce increased costs of shipping
Maritime security is a major component of the economy of our country so we aim to address the
root causes of piracy in Somalia to assure security in our country he said He added that the
Shipping Act of 2003 had enabled the country to tackle international shipping insecurity
The effects of piracy have been felt by our country and it needs political intervention to face the
challenges so that security and safety will once again bring cruise ships which stopped operating
in or waters for fear of being hijacked by pirates Mr Mngodo said
Pirate Fishing
NSTR
AN administration ally on Monday raised concern over the increasing number of attacks and
hijacking by Somali pirates stressing that the government should draw up measures to ensure
the safety of Filipino seafarers in the open seas - Manila Standard Today
Citing the International Maritime Bureau-Piracy Reporting Centre Cagayan de Oro Rep Rufus
Rodriguez said that on July 16 2012 a total of 180 attacks and 20 hijackings by Somali pirates
had been recordedmdashwhere 212 hostages and 11 vessels were held captive Rodriguez
disclosed
The Department of Foreign Affairs to make representations with the IMB-PRC the worldrsquos only
manned centre receiving and disseminating reports of piracy and armed robbery 24 hours a day
across the globe to come up with guidelines that could help protect and provide assistance to
Filipino seafarers in cases of attacks by pirates in the seas
Rodriguez said DFA records showed that about 45 Filipino seafarers on board five ships were
held captive by Somali pirates on July 3 2012 with some reportedly in detention since March 29
2012
Aid Workers Plight NSTR
The following is from the January 1972 issue of Proceedings
FOR 112 years the Tripoli Monument has stood on the
grounds of the U S Naval Academy in Annapolis but its
unique and tumultuous history began long before 1860 -
USNIorg Originally erected at the Washington Navy Yard
in 1808 it was the Federal capitalrsquos first monument and for
a period of 35 years the only monument in the District of
Columbia It witnessed and weathered the War of 1812 the
building burning and rebuilding of the Capitol and the slow
establishment of the city itself For 52 years its existence
was plagued with uncertainties and agitations
The idea for the memorial rose amidst the rage and ruin of
the war against the Barbary Pirates of North Africa the first
formal war under the young nationrsquos Constitution Success
of the small fleet in Mediterranean waters marked the rebirth
of naval power which had been disbanded after the Revolutionary War as well as the
emergence of the Navy as a permanent force
Image - Via USNI
THE pirate ant might not be able to make you walk the plank but dark-colored patches around
their eyes certainly make this new species look like they could bully ants off a ship - News Watch
National Geo
Discovered by scientists from the University of Regensburg while on a trip to the Philippines
Cardiocondyla pirata was found living under a rockmdashliterally Postdoctoral fellow and ant
researcher Sabine Frohschammer was searching for Cardiocondyla ants in a shady streambed
when she saw individuals that didnrsquot look like any other known species
ldquoDue to the darkness of the rainforest and the translucent body parts of the tiny ants they were
nearly invisiblerdquo Frohschammer said in a press release
As she looked more closely however Frohschammer knew she had found something special
Some of the females she had gathered had unusual coloration around their eyesmdashdark patches
that reminded Frohschammer of the eye patches worn by some pirates
Image - National Geo
Hijacks
SE Asia - LATE Report | Malaysia-flagged fishing vessel PKFB(U2) 1532 at 2300 LT
while carrying out fishing activities was attacked and hijacked by pirates and sailed to
Indonesian territorial waters On 25 May Indonesian Marine Police detained the fishing
vessel Full report awaited Original reported 7 May
Unsuccessful AttacksRobberies (All regions)
SE Asia - LATE Report | While tug boat Crest Jade 1 was towing Singapore barge Crest
2825 at 2100 LT in position 011560N - 1040762E Straits of Malacca and Singapore
proceeding from Singapore to Labuan Malaysia the Master and crew spotted two
thieves aboard Crest 2825 The Master activated the emergency alarm immediately to
alert the crew and manoeuvred the tugboat alongside Crest 2825 The thieves fled on a
small boat and stole the emergency towing gear The crew was not injured Reported (via
ReCAAP) 12 May
SE Asia - During discharge operations at berth Liberia-flagged product tankerGolden
Adventure was boarded by robbers armed with knives at 0100 LT in position 221662N
ndash 0914802E Chittagong Port Bangladesh Robbers were noticed by the local
watchman who immediately raised the alarm The crew and watchman proceeded to the
location armed with long sticks and metal pipes Seeing the approaching crew the
robbers jumped overboard and tried to escape with a mooring line which the crew
successfully recovered Port authorities informed and no action taken Reported (via IMB)
23 May
Med - Crew on board the anchored Marshall Islands-flagged tanker B Elephant at 0545
LT in position 3112N - 02942E Alexandria Waiting Area Achorage Egypt noticed the
forecastle door and rope hatch opened and shiprsquos equipment and stores stolen It was
suspected the theft occurred during the night Robbers likely boarded via anchor chain
Reported 23 May
Gulf of Guinea - Nigeria-flagged tanker Matrix I enroute from Cotonou Benin to Idoho
field Nigeria (South Akwa Ibom state) when came under attack and boarded by unknown
number of pirates at 0220 LT in position 03452N ndash 00534E approx 42nm WSW of Cap
Formoso Pirates left the vessel later kidnapping 7 crew members all Pakistani (17 crew
members (12 Pakistanis and 5 Nigerians)) Reported 25 May
S America (P) - Around six armed persons with shotguns in a speed boat boarded
Liberia-flagged container ship Rio Eider underway with pilot and unarmed security
guards on board at 0510 LT in position 0220S - 08100W Estero Salado Guayaquil
Ecuador On investigation it was discovered container seals broken but nothing stolen
Reported 27 May
Suspicious Activity
Red Sea - Malta-flagged tanker observed 3 x Skiffs 4 POB moving east to west 18Knts
at 1545 UTC in position 1256N - 04310E BAM Red Sea approx 25nm ESE of Assab
Eritrea Skiffs aggressively approached vessel to starboard of tanker closing to within
200m No indication of details of vessel to starboard of tanker but possibly large fishing
vessel Reported 26 May
Red Sea - Liberia-flagged oil product tanker reported via VHF that PAG of two skiffs
moving fast towards vessel at 1320 UTC in position 1318N - 04257E approx 21nm
ENE of Assab Eritrea Red Sea No other information given Japanese warship
attempted to contact the MV via VHF however no VHF traffic about situation received
Reported 27 May
VESSEL and hostage numbers - IMB (as at 14 May)
Worldwide Incidents 2013 100 reported incidents including four hijackings
Somali related incidents 2013 Six reported Incidents including one hijacking
Current crew vessels held by Somali pirates hostages - 71 vessels - 5
Nigeria related incidents 2013 19 reported incidents including one hijacking
NATO amp EUNAVFOR state Vessels 2 and Hostages 54 UKMTO - 7 vessels (including dhows amp
FVs) 73 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 Horn of AfricaIOR HRA
OCEANUSLiveorg permits the reproduction of this image providing source and link are published (Map ToU)
Note OCEANUSLive accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of content not under our control Every effort is made to maintain the original content as published
BASHIR Osman moves hurriedly along a white sandy beachfront giving instructions to a driver
operating a bulldozer - CNN Near them a large truck is
ferrying away piles of rocks clearing a sun-soaked beach
lapped by the azure blue waters of the Indian Ocean
Work here is well underway as Osman presses ahead with
his new multi-million dollar project to build a luxury beach
resort in Mogadishu the capital of war-torn Somalia
I knew one day that Mogadishu will become peace and well get stability says Osman who
already owns two hotels in the city That is why I started to buy that land
After more than 20 years of violence Somalia moved a step closer to stability last September
after picking its first president elected on home soil in decades
Image - via CNN
SOMALIA plans to sign 30 PSCs this year with foreign oil companies and auction off over 300
new oil blocks but oil rights here are not solidified and this will be another bloody mess - Hiiraan
Online
Analysis Late last year Somalia announced it would auction off 308 oil blocks newly delineated
This has caused a bit of rush on Somalia from the juniors to the supermajors like Royal Dutch
Shell and ConocoPhillips
This pending rush on Somalia is premature The countryrsquos new government is transitional and
dysfunctional at best and by no means does it control the countrymdashthe militant al-Shabaab has
been weakened but certainly not driven out and still controls some key areas Somaliarsquos coast is
also a major piracy venue It will be impossible to determine the power brokers here to land
contracts especially for the juniors A multitude of influential tribes and militias are trying to gain
control over oil prospects and dealing with the new government is only a small part of the
equation The power brokers are shifting and the dynamism is impossible to keep up with It is
difficult for a government to delineate new oil blocks on territory it does not fully control The
arrival of foreign oil companies will speed up territorial conflict over oil
MORE Kenyan companies are forging business ties with Somalia as rebuilding of the war-torn
country gathers momentum - Standard Digital
They want to take leading role in its reconstruction as world powers scramble for the resources
and opportunities in the country Somalia has faced civil strife for the last three decades with
State security agents and international forces battling armed militia across the vast nation
The Horn of Africa nation had also been held at ransom for several years by pirates just off its
coastline In a report dubbed ldquoPirates of Somalia Ending the Threat Rebuilding a Nationrdquo
released in April the World Bank estimated that piracy off the Somali coast cost the global
economy an estimated $18 billion (Sh1494 trillion) annually Such security lapses have made it
difficult for both local and international firms to do business degrading its infrastructure
Today the worldrsquos commitment to rebuild Somalia presents vast business opportunities in
various sectors such as education infrastructure mining fishing energy and banking
PRIME Minister Shinzo Abe renewed Japans commitment to supporting Somalias nation-
building efforts Friday saying Tokyo will resume direct aid to the East African nation that is
seeking to revive its economy and government following two decades of civil strife and political
turmoil - Global Post
At a special meeting in Yokohama dedicated to discussing issues confronting Somalia Abe said
Japans new assistance to the country will focus on enhancing its socio-economic conditions
maintaining law and order and invigorating the countrys fragile industries
The stability of Somalia is important for the stability and prosperity of East Africa and
indispensible for solving Somalias piracy problem fundamentally and ensuring the safety of one
of the worlds major sea arteries which connects the Indian Ocean with the Red and
Mediterranean seas Abe told participants
West Africa
ON the day that the release of four kidnapped crew of the German container ship Hansa
Marburg is announced Nigerian pirates attack and board an oil products tanker off the southern
coast of Nigeria resulting in the kidnap of several
crewmembers -OCEANUSLive
Nigeria-flagged tanker Matrix I enroute from Cotonou
Benin to Idoho field off Nigerias South Akwa Ibom state
came under attack by an unknown number of pirates at
approximately 0220 Local Time about 42 nautical miles
WSW of Cap Formoso Nigeria
The pirates were able to board the Matrix I which has 17
crewmembers 12 Pakistani and 5 Nigerian reportedly is only capable of a speed of 6 knots It is
not yet known for certain whether any security personnel were embarked at the time of the
attack however in view of the acknowledged threat of piracy in the area - MT Bosun MV City of
Xiamen MV City of Guangzhou and Offshore crew boat Utai 8 were attacked in the same area at
the end of April this year - Nigerian authorities have recently changed the regulations on private
security in the region
On leaving the vessel after an undeterminte time the pirates kidnapped seven of the Pakistani
crew Their destination is not known
Image - Via MarineTrafficcom
FAMILIES of the five Pakistani nationals on board an oil vessel Mt Matrix 1 abducted last
Saturday at 40 nautical miles off the Bayelsa coast have told the management of the company
Matrix Energy in Warri Delta State not to pay any ransom to the abductors to get them
released promising to take revenge on Nigerians in their hundreds in Pakistan if any of the
victims was killed - Vanguard Nigeria
The abducted victims include the Captain Chief Officer cook and two others They were
conveying automated gasoline oil AGO from Lagos to Eket when they were abducted at 9pm
Sources said that relevant security agencies in Bayelsa State and Warri in Delta State had been
informed of the incident
The source added that the company had begun negotiation with the abductors but that details
of negotiations with the company on ransom were not disclosed
GUNMEN suspected to be sea bandits have killed a 30-year-old boat driver Godknows
Wuruke and injured over 10 persons in Delta State - Vanguard Nigeria
Vanguard was informed that the bandits ambushed two passenger boats moving from Warri to
Aghoro community in Bayelsa State at River Forcados tributary behind Burutu headquarters of
Burutu Local Government Area Delta State and robbed the passengers
Wuruke left Warri waterside at about 520 pm and was allegedly shot dead by the gunmen
because he tried to prevent them from robbing his passengers
Chairman of the Aghoro waterside boat drivers Mr Cletus Itari who confirmed the incident to
Vanguard on phoneMonday called on security agents to mount surveillance on the waterways
in Burutu area as it was obtainable in Warri axis to ensure the safety of the people
He also urged the chairmanof Burutu Local Government Mr Denne Bukuman ldquoto arrange for
community vigilance group to patrol the area and stop the excesses of the sea pirates who are
operating without restraint in the areardquo
A FORCE majeure has been declared on the Usan grade of Nigerian crude oil operator Total
confirmed on Thursday adding to the problems facing Africas largest oil exporter - Reuters
A spokesman for Total in Geneva confirmed production was completely halted but said there
was no further information on the outage or how long it was likely to last at this stage
A force majeure exempts parties to a contract from their obligations due to circumstances
beyond their control
Four cargoes of Usan representing around 127000 barrels per day of Usan were due to be
exported in June
The force majeure for Usan adds to those on Royal Dutch Shells Bonny Light and Enis Brass
river
Shell declared a force majeure on Bonny Light on March 5 because of unprecedented levels of
theft
THE Ambassador of Republic of Togo to Nigeria Colonel Addo Maman Tchalare has pledged
the commitment of his country to assist Nigeriarsquos crackdown on insurgents - Marinelink The
Ambassador made the assertion while on a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff Vice
Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba at the Naval Headquarters Abuja recently
Col Tchalare said over the years his country and Nigeria have strengthened their diplomatic ties
which enabled them contribute immensely to sub-regional regional and global security as
founding members of ECOWAS The Ambassador reiterated that his country will do everything to
assist a brotherly nation like Nigeria to overcome her current security challenges stating that
without the atmosphere of peace and stability the region cannot attract investors
He also thanked the Nigerian armed forces for their support to the Togolese military through
scholarship which enhanced the capability of Togolese military officers who are trained at the
Nigerian Defense Academy Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji and the prestigious
National Defense College Abuja
NIGERIAN Navy NN Beecroft Apapa Lagos has warned pirates to stay clear of the
commandrsquos jurisdiction in their own interest or face unpalatable consequences - Vanguard
Nigeria
The command said it had foiled several attempts by sea robbers to perpetrate their criminal acts
within its jurisdiction arresting some suspects in the process
The Commander Commodore Chris Ezekobe who gave the warning during an interview with
Vanguard at the end of the parade to mark his inaugural rounds noted that the actions were in
line with the Chief of Naval Staff strategic guidance 01 with zero tolerance to illegalities
According to him the arrests were made between February and May 2013
He said ldquoThe first arrest was that of a vessel called MT Ebba We also arrested four Benin
Republicrsquos citizens who were accosted around the Single Buoy Mooring SBM
THREE young men allegedly working as oil pipeline surveillance workers and two women
dealing in illegally refined diesel have been arrested by officers and men of the 3 Battalion Army
Warri Delta State while over 15 mammy boats used for conveying illegally refined petroleum
products were destroyed during an operation to wipe out
illegal refining in the state - Sweet Crude
Commanding officer of the 3 Battalion Lt Col Ifeayin Out
made these disclosures while parading the suspects before
newsmen describing the early hours operation around the
Opumami Bennet Island and Macaraba areas of Warri
South and South-West as very successful
The names of the surveillance workers are Olotoye Rufus
Emotoghan Akpos while the third alleged to be a worker in
one of the illegal refineries is Victor Tene The suspected female oil thieves caught along with
them at a camp include Tokere Lucky 22 and Ebibare Ayas 36 years
Commander Out said they would be thoroughly investigated and then handed over to the
appropriate prosecuting authorities for further action
The surveillance workers were allegedly caught at the entrance of a creek where illegal
bunkering is conducted while the women were caught transferring refined products from jerry-
cans
Image - Via Sweet Crude
THE Nigerian Navy will receive two more ex-United States vessels next year the US Navy
Survey Ship John McDonnell and the US Coast Guard
Cutter Gallatin - DefenceWeb
Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba on Friday
said that the two vessels would be inspected between May
and August next year reports Nigeriarsquos National Mirror
Ezeoba was represented by Rear Admiral Emmanuel
Ogbor Chief of Policy and Plans who said that the United
States has transferred several ships to Nigeria over the last
decade These include the NNS Thunder Obula Nwamba Kyanwa and Ologbo
ldquoThese ships have contributed immensely to the security of the nationrsquos maritime environment
and the Gulf of Guineardquo he said The vessels are donated as part of the US militaryrsquos Excess
Defence Articles system
Image - Courtesy of DefencWeb
TWELVE crew members are missing after a Chevron contracted tug boat sank on Sunday due
to rough seas off the coast of Nigeria the ships owner said on Tuesday - Reuters
The Jascon-4 capsized early on Sunday due to heavy ocean swells while the vessel was
performing towing operations at a mooring point around 30 kilometres off oil-producing Delta
state Chevrons Nigeria unit said on Sunday
Unfortunately all twelve crew members are still missing a spokeswoman for the ships owner
West African Ventures said
Rescue operations involving sea divers are still ongoing and a full investigation into the incident
is taking place she said West African Ventures is owned by Sea Trucks Group
AS reported earlier this week tragedy struck offshore Escravos Nigeria on Sunday 26 May
when th eanchor handling tug Jacson 4 sankin heavy weather - gCaptain Divers recovered 10
bodies from the sunken ship and 1 is still missing
Miraculously however the shiprsquos cook Mr Okene Harrison was found alive after spending
roughly two days inside the sunken vessel at a depth of 30 meters
ldquoThe fact this person survived is incrediblersquo commented former US Navy Salvage Officer Patrick
Keenan rdquoAfter spending two days at 30 meters of depth he had become saturated meaning his
body had absorbed all the pressurized gases and equalized with the surrounding water pressure
Bringing him to surface from that depth and after having been saturated at 3 or 4 atmospheres
could easily have killed him
AS the afternoon sun glinted off the waters in Ivory Coasts port of Abidjan a team of
gendarmes set out in a leaky wooden pirogue with no weapons and nothing more than mobile
phones for communication - Yahoo News
Their mission to hold the front line against piracy in the worlds new hotspot for maritime crime
the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of West Africa
This is how we work every day grumbled one man as their outboard motor sputtered out
setting them adrift amid bobbing plastic bottles We dont even have life vests
Until recently Ivory Coasts maritime surveillance brigade - the equivalent of a coastguard -
managed barely to keep a lid on crime in the waters around one of Africas busiest ports
But ruthless Nigerian gangs which have expanded hundreds of miles beyond their home waters
in the last three years reached francophone West Africas largest economy in October
Born of an uprising in Nigerias oil-rich Niger Delta which spawned a web of criminal networks
the gangs now threaten to derail the development of one of the worlds poorest regions as the
Gulf of Guinea seeks to become a major oil and gas hub
The start-up of large oil fields in Ghana and promising discoveries to the west in neighbouring
Ivory Coast have helped to stoke interest in the region from international oil firms
The spike in attacks is alarming Western powers not least the United States as regional
governments struggle to cope
IN the wake of the recent piracy attacks in Nigerias maritime domain the Nigerian Navy (NN)
Wednesday warned pirates to desist from their nefarious activities or face the consequences -
Nigerian Navy The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral
Ibok-Ete Ibas made this disclosure during the ongoing 57th anniversary of the NN held at
Beecroft Apapa Lagos
Also as part of the activities earmarked to celebrate the anniversary which coincided with the
Democracy Day celebrations the navy took over 350 civilians on a sea trip The event which
was held at the grounds of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft one of the units under the WNC
and commanded by Commodore Chris Ezekobe saw a large number of civilians gracing the
occasion The civilians were taken on the sea trip on NNS Makurdi NNS Obula two Shaldag
and Andoni ships The ships were escorted by the Special Boat Services (SBS) of the navy led
by its commander Lieutenant Commander Kola Omopariola who also led his team to perform
special demonstration for the civilians when the ships berthed
According to Ibas in pursuance of the mandate of President Goodluck Jonathan to the Chief of
Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba the command had already made several arrests of oil
thieves
Image - httpwwwcotnavymilngimagesthumbnailsPirates_600x0jpg
GOVERNMENTS of the United Kingdom and the United States of America have expressed their
readiness to help Nigeria curb the menace of oil theft according to a report credited to the
Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs Diezani Allison-
Madueke while in England recently - National Mirror Online
Protracted oil theft has indeed become one of the major
problems that appear to have overwhelmed the Federal
Government Recent official figures indicate that the country
loses $6 billion (over a trillion naira) annually to oil thieves
and additional hundreds of billions of naira to the theft of
refined petroleum products Just last month Nigeriarsquos oil behemoth the Nigerian National
Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said the country lost roughly N191 billion ($123 billion) to oil theft
and pipeline vandalism in the first quarter of this year The NNPC said daily crude oil production
during the period fluctuated between 21 million and 23 million barrels per day compared with
the projected estimate of 248mbpd One report revealed that an estimated 60000 barrels per
day of crude oil is stolen at the Nembe Creek in Rivers State alone for example
Consequently we think the gesture of the UK and the US to assist the country in tackling the
age-long menace is a welcome development The collaboration might be rewarding in terms of
the acquisition of technology that can make the tracking of oil thieves in Nigeria easier since the
country probably cannot seek out the required gadgets on its own Ordinarily it would have been
more rewarding for the country to acquire such a technology without having to depend on the
assistance of the UK and the US for obvious reasons
Image - Via National Mirror Online
THE quantity of Nigeriarsquos oil output per day or annually has been shrouded in mystery over the
years - Guardian News Nigeria At the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) held in Houston
Texas USA the other day the matter came up and all Nigerian delegates could do was to
lament the situation and attendant woes According to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy
and Minister of Finance Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala the problem of measurement could be blamed
on the increasing sophistication of oil theft in the Niger Delta Oil theft according to her
accounted for an estimated total losses of over 300000 barrels per day or about $1 billion
(N160 billion) a month in revenue
Oil theft has reached an alarming dimension in the Niger Delta The recent disclosure by Shell
Producing Development Company (SPDC) which manages the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal
that the nationrsquos economy lost a whopping $43 billion to oil thieves in the last two years at an
average rate of $23 billion annually underscores the tragic nature of the problem
THE Naval component of Bayelsa State security outfit lsquoOperation Doo Akpoorsquo and Bayelsa
State police command have discovered a cache of arms in Koulama Southern Ijaw Local
Government Area of Bayelsa State - Sun news Online
This is just as the Naval Central Command has reiterated its determination to stamp out oil
bunkering by beefing up patrol in the waterways
Governor Henry Seriake Dickson had raised the alarm recently that some political elements had
completed plans to destabilise Bayelsa State being the home state of President Goodluck
Jonathan because of the 2015 presidential election
Eyewitness account in Koualama stated that four naval gunboats with naval personnel and
armed policemen stormed the community on Sunday night and went straight to a house which
was deserted as of the time of their arrival and after a thorough search they dug out arms and
ammunition
SOME groups of ex-militants in Delta State have threatened to go back to the creeks and attack
oil installations if the federal government and the Amnesty Office failed to pay the backlogs of
allowances allegedly owed them since 2010 within two weeks - This Day Live
The threat of the ex-agitators was contained in a communiqueacute signed by Eric O Ajagidi ID
number C01B11A114098 Soroh Dorwei Travel C01B11B114205 Prince Degbe Jonah
C01B11B114127 all in Tompolorsquos camp with Tomukebiri D Franklyn C01B11A114068
Ikiyan Roland Owei C03B10E213477 Arthur Fenetobour Harvest V02B10D513375 from the
Ezekielrsquos camp and made available to journalists in Akure Ondo State
According to the communiqueacute the ex-militants lamented that they have been facing serious
hardship and frustrations for the past three years over the unpaid allowance saying all efforts to
resolve the issue had not yielded positive result
They lamented that after embracing amnesty and undergoing non-violence training at Obubra in
Cross River State with others being trained outside the country their monthly allowances have
not been remitted to their individuals bank accounts
The ex-militants therefore threatened to use violent approaches to pursue their demands
threatening to blow off oil installations in the state if the concerned authorities did not correct the
anomaly within the stipulated period of two weeks
THERE is a cloud of uncertainty over the whereabouts of 17 foreign and Nigerian oil workers
kidnapped by suspected sea pirates in Bayelsa State - Sun News Online
The police authorities the Nigerian Navy and the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) Operation Pulo
Shield have refused to comment on the disappearance of the oil workers
Checks indicated that 12 Pakistani and five Nigerians working for Val Oil Trading were attacked
by suspected sea pirates on board an oil vessel MT Matrix and whisked to an unknown
destination
Investigations revealed that victims of the attack which occurred along the deep sea between
Bayelsa and Rivers states had been difficult to trace by naval personnel at the Forward
Operational Base (FOB) Formoso
However security sources said the State Security Service (SSS) which had been investigating
series of kidnappings in Bayelsa State had moved to investigate the attack
Meanwhile the Central Naval Command (CNC) has paraded 14 suspected oil thieves arrested
along Brass and Sangana waterways after failing to produce a proper clearance from the CNC
Southeast Asia
THE introduction of high-tech sensors and communications equipment by the countries of the
Indian Ocean Rim has brought benefits to the region but much still needs to be done according
to attendees and speakers at the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in Cape Town -
Defence Pakistan
The IONS Sessions on Sharing Information and the Collaborative Response today presented to
naval members of some 38 Indian Ocean and other interested nations indicated that the
application of new technology makes dealing with crime pollution and disasters on the high seas
a much quicker and more effective process when countries cooperate effectively
Maritime Search and Rescue Coordinating Centres (MRCCs) are regional nodes which facilitate
search and rescue Using the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) among
others they identify vessels in distress (ldquoalertingrdquo) locate vessels co-ordinate search and rescue
and communications and issue maritime safety bulletins Captain King Chiragi Tanzaniarsquos
Director of Maritime Safety and Security highlighted the need for cooperation between MRCCs
in ensuring safe sea lanes where authorities need to reach ships in distress
Situational Awareness whether for shore-based authorities civil or military facilities or ships at
sea is of vital importance Chiragi said For military and civil authorities satellite systems and
radar can show the positions and courses of dozens of ships but Chiragi pointed out the fact that
it can become difficult when it comes to countries sharing information across national boundaries
in pursuit of maritime criminals whether pirates or smugglers and the MRCCs are a very helpful
tool in overcoming this information challenge The centres are also highly effective tools for
search and rescue operations Captain Chiragi added
South Amercia
US Vice President Biden met on Tuesday with the Prime Ministers Presidents and senior
ministry personnel from 15 Caribbean nations in Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago where they
discussed the comprehensive regional partnership to improve citizen security in the Caribbean -
Latin American Herald Tribune
Working together in support of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) the United States
and the nations of the Caribbean are combating the drug trade and other transnational crimes
that threaten regional security This partnership fulfills the commitment to deepen regional
security cooperation that President Barack Obama made at the 2009 Summit of the Americas
CBSI is part of an integrated citizen security effort that includes the Merida Initiative in Mexico
the Central America Regional Security Initiative and the Colombia Strategic Development
Initiative The United States CARICOM member nations and the Dominican Republic are
improving citizen safety throughout the Caribbean by working together to
Substantially reduce illicit trafficking
Increase public safety and security and
Promote social justice
SHIPMANAGERS Leonhardt amp Blumberg of Hamburg Germany operators of container vessel
HANSA MARBURG is pleased and relieved to report that the 4 seafarers who were taken from
the vessel by armed men 130 miles south west of Malabo Equatorial Guinea and held hostage
have now been released - OCEANUSLive
The vessel was attacked by criminal gangs in the Gulf Of Guinea on April 22 and four seafarers
were taken hostage
The four seafarers including Ukrainian Russian and Kiribati citizens were confirmed as being
safe and in good spirits after 31 days in captivity
Leonhardt amp Blumberg is delighted that the crew members have been released and the company
wishes to thank each of them for their courage and fortitude in dealing with this very difficult
situation in such a professional manner also to thank the families of those being held for their
patience and courage at such a difficult and worrying time
ADORED and detested pirates evoke moral and ethical ambivalence and piracy as a term of
law has always been exceptionally vulnerable to political agendas - Critical Legal Thinking More
precisely it has always been a term of both high imperialhegemonic art and significant radical
potential As such it is a word with a weighty history of complex moral and ethical loading and
reloading But it always invokes a refusal of juridification it is a term that defines the margins of
criminal and international law as juridical categories
Pirates are a recurring symbol of the ocean as a space beyond jurisdiction and the juridification
of thought itself as such both known and hidden pirates arguably estrange historical thinking
Piracy is a form of violence that challenges discourses that attempt to shore-up spaces that
assert a moral monopoly on violence and piracy is a form of textual transgression that chal-
lenges the very ability of the law to draw boundaries But even as piracy is a form of violence it
constitutes a challenge to the very violence involved in writing itself The relationship between
piracy and the law directs us to question the constitution of the human condition itself
The University of Southampton workshop will aim to explicate and explore the multiple
significations of piracy and to track the implications of these significations for both abstract and
practical notions of justice
Organised by the Centre for Law Ethics and Globalisation (LEAG) University of Southampton
Law School English at the University of Southampton and the Southampton Marine and
Maritime Institute 21-22 June 2013
Italian Marines
NSTR
NSTR
THE anti-piracy team within the Gulf Cooperation Council has met in Abu Dhabi to discuss the
necessary measures to protect national interests against maritime piracy threats - Gulfship
News
The meeting was hosted by the United Arab Emirates National Transport Authority and will
conclude today having discussed the use of armed security personnel on national vessels and
foreign vessels that come to GCC ports
THE Arabian Sea has been in the limelight in regional and international forums since long due to
its economic potential and geo-strategic importance It covers a total area of about 3862000 sq
km writes Naghmana Zafar - DAWNcom
The maritime waterways of the region extend into the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea through the
Strait of Bab el-Mandeb In the North-West it leads to the Gulf of Oman and the strategic waters
of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz
The Arabian Sea acts as a vital trade corridor between Asian and European states And the
choke points mentioned above are significant for global trade and energy supply It is estimated
that at least 23 per cent of global shipping transits take place through these points
Any disruption of sea routes in the region is likely to worsen the global financial crisis which
might prove catastrophic for many fragile and developing economies The inter-state animosities
among the littoral states of the Arabian Sea and the presence of extra-regional powers have
made regional peace more complex than ever The presence of extra-regional actors to
safeguard their interests in the region has made it a permanent theatre of their operations
The competition for influence between India and China is also shaping the contours of maritime
security Moreover the international embargo on Iran has also put the regionrsquos maritime security
at stake
The piracy around the Horn of Africa and other maritime crimes have compelled the regional and
world powers to maintain and improve the maritime security in the Arabian Sea on a permanent
basis
MORE than 6 billion USD has been lost in the past ten years in Eastern and Southern African
countries due to Somali piracy which has caused the countrys economic retrogression since its
instability - AllAfrica
Deputy Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Transport Mr John Mngodo said during the opening
of a three-day seminar in Dar es Salaam organised by the Surface and Marine Transport
Regulatory Authority (Sumatra) that the seminars aim was to increase the capacity of senior
maritime officials to be able to tackle piracy in the Indian Ocean
Mr Mngodo said the security of ports had to be addressed because the country aimed at
providing standardised security of ports and facilities to reduce increased costs of shipping
Maritime security is a major component of the economy of our country so we aim to address the
root causes of piracy in Somalia to assure security in our country he said He added that the
Shipping Act of 2003 had enabled the country to tackle international shipping insecurity
The effects of piracy have been felt by our country and it needs political intervention to face the
challenges so that security and safety will once again bring cruise ships which stopped operating
in or waters for fear of being hijacked by pirates Mr Mngodo said
Pirate Fishing
NSTR
AN administration ally on Monday raised concern over the increasing number of attacks and
hijacking by Somali pirates stressing that the government should draw up measures to ensure
the safety of Filipino seafarers in the open seas - Manila Standard Today
Citing the International Maritime Bureau-Piracy Reporting Centre Cagayan de Oro Rep Rufus
Rodriguez said that on July 16 2012 a total of 180 attacks and 20 hijackings by Somali pirates
had been recordedmdashwhere 212 hostages and 11 vessels were held captive Rodriguez
disclosed
The Department of Foreign Affairs to make representations with the IMB-PRC the worldrsquos only
manned centre receiving and disseminating reports of piracy and armed robbery 24 hours a day
across the globe to come up with guidelines that could help protect and provide assistance to
Filipino seafarers in cases of attacks by pirates in the seas
Rodriguez said DFA records showed that about 45 Filipino seafarers on board five ships were
held captive by Somali pirates on July 3 2012 with some reportedly in detention since March 29
2012
Aid Workers Plight NSTR
The following is from the January 1972 issue of Proceedings
FOR 112 years the Tripoli Monument has stood on the
grounds of the U S Naval Academy in Annapolis but its
unique and tumultuous history began long before 1860 -
USNIorg Originally erected at the Washington Navy Yard
in 1808 it was the Federal capitalrsquos first monument and for
a period of 35 years the only monument in the District of
Columbia It witnessed and weathered the War of 1812 the
building burning and rebuilding of the Capitol and the slow
establishment of the city itself For 52 years its existence
was plagued with uncertainties and agitations
The idea for the memorial rose amidst the rage and ruin of
the war against the Barbary Pirates of North Africa the first
formal war under the young nationrsquos Constitution Success
of the small fleet in Mediterranean waters marked the rebirth
of naval power which had been disbanded after the Revolutionary War as well as the
emergence of the Navy as a permanent force
Image - Via USNI
THE pirate ant might not be able to make you walk the plank but dark-colored patches around
their eyes certainly make this new species look like they could bully ants off a ship - News Watch
National Geo
Discovered by scientists from the University of Regensburg while on a trip to the Philippines
Cardiocondyla pirata was found living under a rockmdashliterally Postdoctoral fellow and ant
researcher Sabine Frohschammer was searching for Cardiocondyla ants in a shady streambed
when she saw individuals that didnrsquot look like any other known species
ldquoDue to the darkness of the rainforest and the translucent body parts of the tiny ants they were
nearly invisiblerdquo Frohschammer said in a press release
As she looked more closely however Frohschammer knew she had found something special
Some of the females she had gathered had unusual coloration around their eyesmdashdark patches
that reminded Frohschammer of the eye patches worn by some pirates
Image - National Geo
Hijacks
SE Asia - LATE Report | Malaysia-flagged fishing vessel PKFB(U2) 1532 at 2300 LT
while carrying out fishing activities was attacked and hijacked by pirates and sailed to
Indonesian territorial waters On 25 May Indonesian Marine Police detained the fishing
vessel Full report awaited Original reported 7 May
Unsuccessful AttacksRobberies (All regions)
SE Asia - LATE Report | While tug boat Crest Jade 1 was towing Singapore barge Crest
2825 at 2100 LT in position 011560N - 1040762E Straits of Malacca and Singapore
proceeding from Singapore to Labuan Malaysia the Master and crew spotted two
thieves aboard Crest 2825 The Master activated the emergency alarm immediately to
alert the crew and manoeuvred the tugboat alongside Crest 2825 The thieves fled on a
small boat and stole the emergency towing gear The crew was not injured Reported (via
ReCAAP) 12 May
SE Asia - During discharge operations at berth Liberia-flagged product tankerGolden
Adventure was boarded by robbers armed with knives at 0100 LT in position 221662N
ndash 0914802E Chittagong Port Bangladesh Robbers were noticed by the local
watchman who immediately raised the alarm The crew and watchman proceeded to the
location armed with long sticks and metal pipes Seeing the approaching crew the
robbers jumped overboard and tried to escape with a mooring line which the crew
successfully recovered Port authorities informed and no action taken Reported (via IMB)
23 May
Med - Crew on board the anchored Marshall Islands-flagged tanker B Elephant at 0545
LT in position 3112N - 02942E Alexandria Waiting Area Achorage Egypt noticed the
forecastle door and rope hatch opened and shiprsquos equipment and stores stolen It was
suspected the theft occurred during the night Robbers likely boarded via anchor chain
Reported 23 May
Gulf of Guinea - Nigeria-flagged tanker Matrix I enroute from Cotonou Benin to Idoho
field Nigeria (South Akwa Ibom state) when came under attack and boarded by unknown
number of pirates at 0220 LT in position 03452N ndash 00534E approx 42nm WSW of Cap
Formoso Pirates left the vessel later kidnapping 7 crew members all Pakistani (17 crew
members (12 Pakistanis and 5 Nigerians)) Reported 25 May
S America (P) - Around six armed persons with shotguns in a speed boat boarded
Liberia-flagged container ship Rio Eider underway with pilot and unarmed security
guards on board at 0510 LT in position 0220S - 08100W Estero Salado Guayaquil
Ecuador On investigation it was discovered container seals broken but nothing stolen
Reported 27 May
Suspicious Activity
Red Sea - Malta-flagged tanker observed 3 x Skiffs 4 POB moving east to west 18Knts
at 1545 UTC in position 1256N - 04310E BAM Red Sea approx 25nm ESE of Assab
Eritrea Skiffs aggressively approached vessel to starboard of tanker closing to within
200m No indication of details of vessel to starboard of tanker but possibly large fishing
vessel Reported 26 May
Red Sea - Liberia-flagged oil product tanker reported via VHF that PAG of two skiffs
moving fast towards vessel at 1320 UTC in position 1318N - 04257E approx 21nm
ENE of Assab Eritrea Red Sea No other information given Japanese warship
attempted to contact the MV via VHF however no VHF traffic about situation received
Reported 27 May
VESSEL and hostage numbers - IMB (as at 14 May)
Worldwide Incidents 2013 100 reported incidents including four hijackings
Somali related incidents 2013 Six reported Incidents including one hijacking
Current crew vessels held by Somali pirates hostages - 71 vessels - 5
Nigeria related incidents 2013 19 reported incidents including one hijacking
NATO amp EUNAVFOR state Vessels 2 and Hostages 54 UKMTO - 7 vessels (including dhows amp
FVs) 73 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 Horn of AfricaIOR HRA
OCEANUSLiveorg permits the reproduction of this image providing source and link are published (Map ToU)
Note OCEANUSLive accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of content not under our control Every effort is made to maintain the original content as published
PRIME Minister Shinzo Abe renewed Japans commitment to supporting Somalias nation-
building efforts Friday saying Tokyo will resume direct aid to the East African nation that is
seeking to revive its economy and government following two decades of civil strife and political
turmoil - Global Post
At a special meeting in Yokohama dedicated to discussing issues confronting Somalia Abe said
Japans new assistance to the country will focus on enhancing its socio-economic conditions
maintaining law and order and invigorating the countrys fragile industries
The stability of Somalia is important for the stability and prosperity of East Africa and
indispensible for solving Somalias piracy problem fundamentally and ensuring the safety of one
of the worlds major sea arteries which connects the Indian Ocean with the Red and
Mediterranean seas Abe told participants
West Africa
ON the day that the release of four kidnapped crew of the German container ship Hansa
Marburg is announced Nigerian pirates attack and board an oil products tanker off the southern
coast of Nigeria resulting in the kidnap of several
crewmembers -OCEANUSLive
Nigeria-flagged tanker Matrix I enroute from Cotonou
Benin to Idoho field off Nigerias South Akwa Ibom state
came under attack by an unknown number of pirates at
approximately 0220 Local Time about 42 nautical miles
WSW of Cap Formoso Nigeria
The pirates were able to board the Matrix I which has 17
crewmembers 12 Pakistani and 5 Nigerian reportedly is only capable of a speed of 6 knots It is
not yet known for certain whether any security personnel were embarked at the time of the
attack however in view of the acknowledged threat of piracy in the area - MT Bosun MV City of
Xiamen MV City of Guangzhou and Offshore crew boat Utai 8 were attacked in the same area at
the end of April this year - Nigerian authorities have recently changed the regulations on private
security in the region
On leaving the vessel after an undeterminte time the pirates kidnapped seven of the Pakistani
crew Their destination is not known
Image - Via MarineTrafficcom
FAMILIES of the five Pakistani nationals on board an oil vessel Mt Matrix 1 abducted last
Saturday at 40 nautical miles off the Bayelsa coast have told the management of the company
Matrix Energy in Warri Delta State not to pay any ransom to the abductors to get them
released promising to take revenge on Nigerians in their hundreds in Pakistan if any of the
victims was killed - Vanguard Nigeria
The abducted victims include the Captain Chief Officer cook and two others They were
conveying automated gasoline oil AGO from Lagos to Eket when they were abducted at 9pm
Sources said that relevant security agencies in Bayelsa State and Warri in Delta State had been
informed of the incident
The source added that the company had begun negotiation with the abductors but that details
of negotiations with the company on ransom were not disclosed
GUNMEN suspected to be sea bandits have killed a 30-year-old boat driver Godknows
Wuruke and injured over 10 persons in Delta State - Vanguard Nigeria
Vanguard was informed that the bandits ambushed two passenger boats moving from Warri to
Aghoro community in Bayelsa State at River Forcados tributary behind Burutu headquarters of
Burutu Local Government Area Delta State and robbed the passengers
Wuruke left Warri waterside at about 520 pm and was allegedly shot dead by the gunmen
because he tried to prevent them from robbing his passengers
Chairman of the Aghoro waterside boat drivers Mr Cletus Itari who confirmed the incident to
Vanguard on phoneMonday called on security agents to mount surveillance on the waterways
in Burutu area as it was obtainable in Warri axis to ensure the safety of the people
He also urged the chairmanof Burutu Local Government Mr Denne Bukuman ldquoto arrange for
community vigilance group to patrol the area and stop the excesses of the sea pirates who are
operating without restraint in the areardquo
A FORCE majeure has been declared on the Usan grade of Nigerian crude oil operator Total
confirmed on Thursday adding to the problems facing Africas largest oil exporter - Reuters
A spokesman for Total in Geneva confirmed production was completely halted but said there
was no further information on the outage or how long it was likely to last at this stage
A force majeure exempts parties to a contract from their obligations due to circumstances
beyond their control
Four cargoes of Usan representing around 127000 barrels per day of Usan were due to be
exported in June
The force majeure for Usan adds to those on Royal Dutch Shells Bonny Light and Enis Brass
river
Shell declared a force majeure on Bonny Light on March 5 because of unprecedented levels of
theft
THE Ambassador of Republic of Togo to Nigeria Colonel Addo Maman Tchalare has pledged
the commitment of his country to assist Nigeriarsquos crackdown on insurgents - Marinelink The
Ambassador made the assertion while on a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff Vice
Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba at the Naval Headquarters Abuja recently
Col Tchalare said over the years his country and Nigeria have strengthened their diplomatic ties
which enabled them contribute immensely to sub-regional regional and global security as
founding members of ECOWAS The Ambassador reiterated that his country will do everything to
assist a brotherly nation like Nigeria to overcome her current security challenges stating that
without the atmosphere of peace and stability the region cannot attract investors
He also thanked the Nigerian armed forces for their support to the Togolese military through
scholarship which enhanced the capability of Togolese military officers who are trained at the
Nigerian Defense Academy Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji and the prestigious
National Defense College Abuja
NIGERIAN Navy NN Beecroft Apapa Lagos has warned pirates to stay clear of the
commandrsquos jurisdiction in their own interest or face unpalatable consequences - Vanguard
Nigeria
The command said it had foiled several attempts by sea robbers to perpetrate their criminal acts
within its jurisdiction arresting some suspects in the process
The Commander Commodore Chris Ezekobe who gave the warning during an interview with
Vanguard at the end of the parade to mark his inaugural rounds noted that the actions were in
line with the Chief of Naval Staff strategic guidance 01 with zero tolerance to illegalities
According to him the arrests were made between February and May 2013
He said ldquoThe first arrest was that of a vessel called MT Ebba We also arrested four Benin
Republicrsquos citizens who were accosted around the Single Buoy Mooring SBM
THREE young men allegedly working as oil pipeline surveillance workers and two women
dealing in illegally refined diesel have been arrested by officers and men of the 3 Battalion Army
Warri Delta State while over 15 mammy boats used for conveying illegally refined petroleum
products were destroyed during an operation to wipe out
illegal refining in the state - Sweet Crude
Commanding officer of the 3 Battalion Lt Col Ifeayin Out
made these disclosures while parading the suspects before
newsmen describing the early hours operation around the
Opumami Bennet Island and Macaraba areas of Warri
South and South-West as very successful
The names of the surveillance workers are Olotoye Rufus
Emotoghan Akpos while the third alleged to be a worker in
one of the illegal refineries is Victor Tene The suspected female oil thieves caught along with
them at a camp include Tokere Lucky 22 and Ebibare Ayas 36 years
Commander Out said they would be thoroughly investigated and then handed over to the
appropriate prosecuting authorities for further action
The surveillance workers were allegedly caught at the entrance of a creek where illegal
bunkering is conducted while the women were caught transferring refined products from jerry-
cans
Image - Via Sweet Crude
THE Nigerian Navy will receive two more ex-United States vessels next year the US Navy
Survey Ship John McDonnell and the US Coast Guard
Cutter Gallatin - DefenceWeb
Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba on Friday
said that the two vessels would be inspected between May
and August next year reports Nigeriarsquos National Mirror
Ezeoba was represented by Rear Admiral Emmanuel
Ogbor Chief of Policy and Plans who said that the United
States has transferred several ships to Nigeria over the last
decade These include the NNS Thunder Obula Nwamba Kyanwa and Ologbo
ldquoThese ships have contributed immensely to the security of the nationrsquos maritime environment
and the Gulf of Guineardquo he said The vessels are donated as part of the US militaryrsquos Excess
Defence Articles system
Image - Courtesy of DefencWeb
TWELVE crew members are missing after a Chevron contracted tug boat sank on Sunday due
to rough seas off the coast of Nigeria the ships owner said on Tuesday - Reuters
The Jascon-4 capsized early on Sunday due to heavy ocean swells while the vessel was
performing towing operations at a mooring point around 30 kilometres off oil-producing Delta
state Chevrons Nigeria unit said on Sunday
Unfortunately all twelve crew members are still missing a spokeswoman for the ships owner
West African Ventures said
Rescue operations involving sea divers are still ongoing and a full investigation into the incident
is taking place she said West African Ventures is owned by Sea Trucks Group
AS reported earlier this week tragedy struck offshore Escravos Nigeria on Sunday 26 May
when th eanchor handling tug Jacson 4 sankin heavy weather - gCaptain Divers recovered 10
bodies from the sunken ship and 1 is still missing
Miraculously however the shiprsquos cook Mr Okene Harrison was found alive after spending
roughly two days inside the sunken vessel at a depth of 30 meters
ldquoThe fact this person survived is incrediblersquo commented former US Navy Salvage Officer Patrick
Keenan rdquoAfter spending two days at 30 meters of depth he had become saturated meaning his
body had absorbed all the pressurized gases and equalized with the surrounding water pressure
Bringing him to surface from that depth and after having been saturated at 3 or 4 atmospheres
could easily have killed him
AS the afternoon sun glinted off the waters in Ivory Coasts port of Abidjan a team of
gendarmes set out in a leaky wooden pirogue with no weapons and nothing more than mobile
phones for communication - Yahoo News
Their mission to hold the front line against piracy in the worlds new hotspot for maritime crime
the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of West Africa
This is how we work every day grumbled one man as their outboard motor sputtered out
setting them adrift amid bobbing plastic bottles We dont even have life vests
Until recently Ivory Coasts maritime surveillance brigade - the equivalent of a coastguard -
managed barely to keep a lid on crime in the waters around one of Africas busiest ports
But ruthless Nigerian gangs which have expanded hundreds of miles beyond their home waters
in the last three years reached francophone West Africas largest economy in October
Born of an uprising in Nigerias oil-rich Niger Delta which spawned a web of criminal networks
the gangs now threaten to derail the development of one of the worlds poorest regions as the
Gulf of Guinea seeks to become a major oil and gas hub
The start-up of large oil fields in Ghana and promising discoveries to the west in neighbouring
Ivory Coast have helped to stoke interest in the region from international oil firms
The spike in attacks is alarming Western powers not least the United States as regional
governments struggle to cope
IN the wake of the recent piracy attacks in Nigerias maritime domain the Nigerian Navy (NN)
Wednesday warned pirates to desist from their nefarious activities or face the consequences -
Nigerian Navy The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral
Ibok-Ete Ibas made this disclosure during the ongoing 57th anniversary of the NN held at
Beecroft Apapa Lagos
Also as part of the activities earmarked to celebrate the anniversary which coincided with the
Democracy Day celebrations the navy took over 350 civilians on a sea trip The event which
was held at the grounds of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft one of the units under the WNC
and commanded by Commodore Chris Ezekobe saw a large number of civilians gracing the
occasion The civilians were taken on the sea trip on NNS Makurdi NNS Obula two Shaldag
and Andoni ships The ships were escorted by the Special Boat Services (SBS) of the navy led
by its commander Lieutenant Commander Kola Omopariola who also led his team to perform
special demonstration for the civilians when the ships berthed
According to Ibas in pursuance of the mandate of President Goodluck Jonathan to the Chief of
Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba the command had already made several arrests of oil
thieves
Image - httpwwwcotnavymilngimagesthumbnailsPirates_600x0jpg
GOVERNMENTS of the United Kingdom and the United States of America have expressed their
readiness to help Nigeria curb the menace of oil theft according to a report credited to the
Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs Diezani Allison-
Madueke while in England recently - National Mirror Online
Protracted oil theft has indeed become one of the major
problems that appear to have overwhelmed the Federal
Government Recent official figures indicate that the country
loses $6 billion (over a trillion naira) annually to oil thieves
and additional hundreds of billions of naira to the theft of
refined petroleum products Just last month Nigeriarsquos oil behemoth the Nigerian National
Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said the country lost roughly N191 billion ($123 billion) to oil theft
and pipeline vandalism in the first quarter of this year The NNPC said daily crude oil production
during the period fluctuated between 21 million and 23 million barrels per day compared with
the projected estimate of 248mbpd One report revealed that an estimated 60000 barrels per
day of crude oil is stolen at the Nembe Creek in Rivers State alone for example
Consequently we think the gesture of the UK and the US to assist the country in tackling the
age-long menace is a welcome development The collaboration might be rewarding in terms of
the acquisition of technology that can make the tracking of oil thieves in Nigeria easier since the
country probably cannot seek out the required gadgets on its own Ordinarily it would have been
more rewarding for the country to acquire such a technology without having to depend on the
assistance of the UK and the US for obvious reasons
Image - Via National Mirror Online
THE quantity of Nigeriarsquos oil output per day or annually has been shrouded in mystery over the
years - Guardian News Nigeria At the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) held in Houston
Texas USA the other day the matter came up and all Nigerian delegates could do was to
lament the situation and attendant woes According to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy
and Minister of Finance Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala the problem of measurement could be blamed
on the increasing sophistication of oil theft in the Niger Delta Oil theft according to her
accounted for an estimated total losses of over 300000 barrels per day or about $1 billion
(N160 billion) a month in revenue
Oil theft has reached an alarming dimension in the Niger Delta The recent disclosure by Shell
Producing Development Company (SPDC) which manages the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal
that the nationrsquos economy lost a whopping $43 billion to oil thieves in the last two years at an
average rate of $23 billion annually underscores the tragic nature of the problem
THE Naval component of Bayelsa State security outfit lsquoOperation Doo Akpoorsquo and Bayelsa
State police command have discovered a cache of arms in Koulama Southern Ijaw Local
Government Area of Bayelsa State - Sun news Online
This is just as the Naval Central Command has reiterated its determination to stamp out oil
bunkering by beefing up patrol in the waterways
Governor Henry Seriake Dickson had raised the alarm recently that some political elements had
completed plans to destabilise Bayelsa State being the home state of President Goodluck
Jonathan because of the 2015 presidential election
Eyewitness account in Koualama stated that four naval gunboats with naval personnel and
armed policemen stormed the community on Sunday night and went straight to a house which
was deserted as of the time of their arrival and after a thorough search they dug out arms and
ammunition
SOME groups of ex-militants in Delta State have threatened to go back to the creeks and attack
oil installations if the federal government and the Amnesty Office failed to pay the backlogs of
allowances allegedly owed them since 2010 within two weeks - This Day Live
The threat of the ex-agitators was contained in a communiqueacute signed by Eric O Ajagidi ID
number C01B11A114098 Soroh Dorwei Travel C01B11B114205 Prince Degbe Jonah
C01B11B114127 all in Tompolorsquos camp with Tomukebiri D Franklyn C01B11A114068
Ikiyan Roland Owei C03B10E213477 Arthur Fenetobour Harvest V02B10D513375 from the
Ezekielrsquos camp and made available to journalists in Akure Ondo State
According to the communiqueacute the ex-militants lamented that they have been facing serious
hardship and frustrations for the past three years over the unpaid allowance saying all efforts to
resolve the issue had not yielded positive result
They lamented that after embracing amnesty and undergoing non-violence training at Obubra in
Cross River State with others being trained outside the country their monthly allowances have
not been remitted to their individuals bank accounts
The ex-militants therefore threatened to use violent approaches to pursue their demands
threatening to blow off oil installations in the state if the concerned authorities did not correct the
anomaly within the stipulated period of two weeks
THERE is a cloud of uncertainty over the whereabouts of 17 foreign and Nigerian oil workers
kidnapped by suspected sea pirates in Bayelsa State - Sun News Online
The police authorities the Nigerian Navy and the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) Operation Pulo
Shield have refused to comment on the disappearance of the oil workers
Checks indicated that 12 Pakistani and five Nigerians working for Val Oil Trading were attacked
by suspected sea pirates on board an oil vessel MT Matrix and whisked to an unknown
destination
Investigations revealed that victims of the attack which occurred along the deep sea between
Bayelsa and Rivers states had been difficult to trace by naval personnel at the Forward
Operational Base (FOB) Formoso
However security sources said the State Security Service (SSS) which had been investigating
series of kidnappings in Bayelsa State had moved to investigate the attack
Meanwhile the Central Naval Command (CNC) has paraded 14 suspected oil thieves arrested
along Brass and Sangana waterways after failing to produce a proper clearance from the CNC
Southeast Asia
THE introduction of high-tech sensors and communications equipment by the countries of the
Indian Ocean Rim has brought benefits to the region but much still needs to be done according
to attendees and speakers at the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in Cape Town -
Defence Pakistan
The IONS Sessions on Sharing Information and the Collaborative Response today presented to
naval members of some 38 Indian Ocean and other interested nations indicated that the
application of new technology makes dealing with crime pollution and disasters on the high seas
a much quicker and more effective process when countries cooperate effectively
Maritime Search and Rescue Coordinating Centres (MRCCs) are regional nodes which facilitate
search and rescue Using the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) among
others they identify vessels in distress (ldquoalertingrdquo) locate vessels co-ordinate search and rescue
and communications and issue maritime safety bulletins Captain King Chiragi Tanzaniarsquos
Director of Maritime Safety and Security highlighted the need for cooperation between MRCCs
in ensuring safe sea lanes where authorities need to reach ships in distress
Situational Awareness whether for shore-based authorities civil or military facilities or ships at
sea is of vital importance Chiragi said For military and civil authorities satellite systems and
radar can show the positions and courses of dozens of ships but Chiragi pointed out the fact that
it can become difficult when it comes to countries sharing information across national boundaries
in pursuit of maritime criminals whether pirates or smugglers and the MRCCs are a very helpful
tool in overcoming this information challenge The centres are also highly effective tools for
search and rescue operations Captain Chiragi added
South Amercia
US Vice President Biden met on Tuesday with the Prime Ministers Presidents and senior
ministry personnel from 15 Caribbean nations in Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago where they
discussed the comprehensive regional partnership to improve citizen security in the Caribbean -
Latin American Herald Tribune
Working together in support of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) the United States
and the nations of the Caribbean are combating the drug trade and other transnational crimes
that threaten regional security This partnership fulfills the commitment to deepen regional
security cooperation that President Barack Obama made at the 2009 Summit of the Americas
CBSI is part of an integrated citizen security effort that includes the Merida Initiative in Mexico
the Central America Regional Security Initiative and the Colombia Strategic Development
Initiative The United States CARICOM member nations and the Dominican Republic are
improving citizen safety throughout the Caribbean by working together to
Substantially reduce illicit trafficking
Increase public safety and security and
Promote social justice
SHIPMANAGERS Leonhardt amp Blumberg of Hamburg Germany operators of container vessel
HANSA MARBURG is pleased and relieved to report that the 4 seafarers who were taken from
the vessel by armed men 130 miles south west of Malabo Equatorial Guinea and held hostage
have now been released - OCEANUSLive
The vessel was attacked by criminal gangs in the Gulf Of Guinea on April 22 and four seafarers
were taken hostage
The four seafarers including Ukrainian Russian and Kiribati citizens were confirmed as being
safe and in good spirits after 31 days in captivity
Leonhardt amp Blumberg is delighted that the crew members have been released and the company
wishes to thank each of them for their courage and fortitude in dealing with this very difficult
situation in such a professional manner also to thank the families of those being held for their
patience and courage at such a difficult and worrying time
ADORED and detested pirates evoke moral and ethical ambivalence and piracy as a term of
law has always been exceptionally vulnerable to political agendas - Critical Legal Thinking More
precisely it has always been a term of both high imperialhegemonic art and significant radical
potential As such it is a word with a weighty history of complex moral and ethical loading and
reloading But it always invokes a refusal of juridification it is a term that defines the margins of
criminal and international law as juridical categories
Pirates are a recurring symbol of the ocean as a space beyond jurisdiction and the juridification
of thought itself as such both known and hidden pirates arguably estrange historical thinking
Piracy is a form of violence that challenges discourses that attempt to shore-up spaces that
assert a moral monopoly on violence and piracy is a form of textual transgression that chal-
lenges the very ability of the law to draw boundaries But even as piracy is a form of violence it
constitutes a challenge to the very violence involved in writing itself The relationship between
piracy and the law directs us to question the constitution of the human condition itself
The University of Southampton workshop will aim to explicate and explore the multiple
significations of piracy and to track the implications of these significations for both abstract and
practical notions of justice
Organised by the Centre for Law Ethics and Globalisation (LEAG) University of Southampton
Law School English at the University of Southampton and the Southampton Marine and
Maritime Institute 21-22 June 2013
Italian Marines
NSTR
NSTR
THE anti-piracy team within the Gulf Cooperation Council has met in Abu Dhabi to discuss the
necessary measures to protect national interests against maritime piracy threats - Gulfship
News
The meeting was hosted by the United Arab Emirates National Transport Authority and will
conclude today having discussed the use of armed security personnel on national vessels and
foreign vessels that come to GCC ports
THE Arabian Sea has been in the limelight in regional and international forums since long due to
its economic potential and geo-strategic importance It covers a total area of about 3862000 sq
km writes Naghmana Zafar - DAWNcom
The maritime waterways of the region extend into the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea through the
Strait of Bab el-Mandeb In the North-West it leads to the Gulf of Oman and the strategic waters
of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz
The Arabian Sea acts as a vital trade corridor between Asian and European states And the
choke points mentioned above are significant for global trade and energy supply It is estimated
that at least 23 per cent of global shipping transits take place through these points
Any disruption of sea routes in the region is likely to worsen the global financial crisis which
might prove catastrophic for many fragile and developing economies The inter-state animosities
among the littoral states of the Arabian Sea and the presence of extra-regional powers have
made regional peace more complex than ever The presence of extra-regional actors to
safeguard their interests in the region has made it a permanent theatre of their operations
The competition for influence between India and China is also shaping the contours of maritime
security Moreover the international embargo on Iran has also put the regionrsquos maritime security
at stake
The piracy around the Horn of Africa and other maritime crimes have compelled the regional and
world powers to maintain and improve the maritime security in the Arabian Sea on a permanent
basis
MORE than 6 billion USD has been lost in the past ten years in Eastern and Southern African
countries due to Somali piracy which has caused the countrys economic retrogression since its
instability - AllAfrica
Deputy Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Transport Mr John Mngodo said during the opening
of a three-day seminar in Dar es Salaam organised by the Surface and Marine Transport
Regulatory Authority (Sumatra) that the seminars aim was to increase the capacity of senior
maritime officials to be able to tackle piracy in the Indian Ocean
Mr Mngodo said the security of ports had to be addressed because the country aimed at
providing standardised security of ports and facilities to reduce increased costs of shipping
Maritime security is a major component of the economy of our country so we aim to address the
root causes of piracy in Somalia to assure security in our country he said He added that the
Shipping Act of 2003 had enabled the country to tackle international shipping insecurity
The effects of piracy have been felt by our country and it needs political intervention to face the
challenges so that security and safety will once again bring cruise ships which stopped operating
in or waters for fear of being hijacked by pirates Mr Mngodo said
Pirate Fishing
NSTR
AN administration ally on Monday raised concern over the increasing number of attacks and
hijacking by Somali pirates stressing that the government should draw up measures to ensure
the safety of Filipino seafarers in the open seas - Manila Standard Today
Citing the International Maritime Bureau-Piracy Reporting Centre Cagayan de Oro Rep Rufus
Rodriguez said that on July 16 2012 a total of 180 attacks and 20 hijackings by Somali pirates
had been recordedmdashwhere 212 hostages and 11 vessels were held captive Rodriguez
disclosed
The Department of Foreign Affairs to make representations with the IMB-PRC the worldrsquos only
manned centre receiving and disseminating reports of piracy and armed robbery 24 hours a day
across the globe to come up with guidelines that could help protect and provide assistance to
Filipino seafarers in cases of attacks by pirates in the seas
Rodriguez said DFA records showed that about 45 Filipino seafarers on board five ships were
held captive by Somali pirates on July 3 2012 with some reportedly in detention since March 29
2012
Aid Workers Plight NSTR
The following is from the January 1972 issue of Proceedings
FOR 112 years the Tripoli Monument has stood on the
grounds of the U S Naval Academy in Annapolis but its
unique and tumultuous history began long before 1860 -
USNIorg Originally erected at the Washington Navy Yard
in 1808 it was the Federal capitalrsquos first monument and for
a period of 35 years the only monument in the District of
Columbia It witnessed and weathered the War of 1812 the
building burning and rebuilding of the Capitol and the slow
establishment of the city itself For 52 years its existence
was plagued with uncertainties and agitations
The idea for the memorial rose amidst the rage and ruin of
the war against the Barbary Pirates of North Africa the first
formal war under the young nationrsquos Constitution Success
of the small fleet in Mediterranean waters marked the rebirth
of naval power which had been disbanded after the Revolutionary War as well as the
emergence of the Navy as a permanent force
Image - Via USNI
THE pirate ant might not be able to make you walk the plank but dark-colored patches around
their eyes certainly make this new species look like they could bully ants off a ship - News Watch
National Geo
Discovered by scientists from the University of Regensburg while on a trip to the Philippines
Cardiocondyla pirata was found living under a rockmdashliterally Postdoctoral fellow and ant
researcher Sabine Frohschammer was searching for Cardiocondyla ants in a shady streambed
when she saw individuals that didnrsquot look like any other known species
ldquoDue to the darkness of the rainforest and the translucent body parts of the tiny ants they were
nearly invisiblerdquo Frohschammer said in a press release
As she looked more closely however Frohschammer knew she had found something special
Some of the females she had gathered had unusual coloration around their eyesmdashdark patches
that reminded Frohschammer of the eye patches worn by some pirates
Image - National Geo
Hijacks
SE Asia - LATE Report | Malaysia-flagged fishing vessel PKFB(U2) 1532 at 2300 LT
while carrying out fishing activities was attacked and hijacked by pirates and sailed to
Indonesian territorial waters On 25 May Indonesian Marine Police detained the fishing
vessel Full report awaited Original reported 7 May
Unsuccessful AttacksRobberies (All regions)
SE Asia - LATE Report | While tug boat Crest Jade 1 was towing Singapore barge Crest
2825 at 2100 LT in position 011560N - 1040762E Straits of Malacca and Singapore
proceeding from Singapore to Labuan Malaysia the Master and crew spotted two
thieves aboard Crest 2825 The Master activated the emergency alarm immediately to
alert the crew and manoeuvred the tugboat alongside Crest 2825 The thieves fled on a
small boat and stole the emergency towing gear The crew was not injured Reported (via
ReCAAP) 12 May
SE Asia - During discharge operations at berth Liberia-flagged product tankerGolden
Adventure was boarded by robbers armed with knives at 0100 LT in position 221662N
ndash 0914802E Chittagong Port Bangladesh Robbers were noticed by the local
watchman who immediately raised the alarm The crew and watchman proceeded to the
location armed with long sticks and metal pipes Seeing the approaching crew the
robbers jumped overboard and tried to escape with a mooring line which the crew
successfully recovered Port authorities informed and no action taken Reported (via IMB)
23 May
Med - Crew on board the anchored Marshall Islands-flagged tanker B Elephant at 0545
LT in position 3112N - 02942E Alexandria Waiting Area Achorage Egypt noticed the
forecastle door and rope hatch opened and shiprsquos equipment and stores stolen It was
suspected the theft occurred during the night Robbers likely boarded via anchor chain
Reported 23 May
Gulf of Guinea - Nigeria-flagged tanker Matrix I enroute from Cotonou Benin to Idoho
field Nigeria (South Akwa Ibom state) when came under attack and boarded by unknown
number of pirates at 0220 LT in position 03452N ndash 00534E approx 42nm WSW of Cap
Formoso Pirates left the vessel later kidnapping 7 crew members all Pakistani (17 crew
members (12 Pakistanis and 5 Nigerians)) Reported 25 May
S America (P) - Around six armed persons with shotguns in a speed boat boarded
Liberia-flagged container ship Rio Eider underway with pilot and unarmed security
guards on board at 0510 LT in position 0220S - 08100W Estero Salado Guayaquil
Ecuador On investigation it was discovered container seals broken but nothing stolen
Reported 27 May
Suspicious Activity
Red Sea - Malta-flagged tanker observed 3 x Skiffs 4 POB moving east to west 18Knts
at 1545 UTC in position 1256N - 04310E BAM Red Sea approx 25nm ESE of Assab
Eritrea Skiffs aggressively approached vessel to starboard of tanker closing to within
200m No indication of details of vessel to starboard of tanker but possibly large fishing
vessel Reported 26 May
Red Sea - Liberia-flagged oil product tanker reported via VHF that PAG of two skiffs
moving fast towards vessel at 1320 UTC in position 1318N - 04257E approx 21nm
ENE of Assab Eritrea Red Sea No other information given Japanese warship
attempted to contact the MV via VHF however no VHF traffic about situation received
Reported 27 May
VESSEL and hostage numbers - IMB (as at 14 May)
Worldwide Incidents 2013 100 reported incidents including four hijackings
Somali related incidents 2013 Six reported Incidents including one hijacking
Current crew vessels held by Somali pirates hostages - 71 vessels - 5
Nigeria related incidents 2013 19 reported incidents including one hijacking
NATO amp EUNAVFOR state Vessels 2 and Hostages 54 UKMTO - 7 vessels (including dhows amp
FVs) 73 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 Horn of AfricaIOR HRA
OCEANUSLiveorg permits the reproduction of this image providing source and link are published (Map ToU)
Note OCEANUSLive accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of content not under our control Every effort is made to maintain the original content as published
Sources said that relevant security agencies in Bayelsa State and Warri in Delta State had been
informed of the incident
The source added that the company had begun negotiation with the abductors but that details
of negotiations with the company on ransom were not disclosed
GUNMEN suspected to be sea bandits have killed a 30-year-old boat driver Godknows
Wuruke and injured over 10 persons in Delta State - Vanguard Nigeria
Vanguard was informed that the bandits ambushed two passenger boats moving from Warri to
Aghoro community in Bayelsa State at River Forcados tributary behind Burutu headquarters of
Burutu Local Government Area Delta State and robbed the passengers
Wuruke left Warri waterside at about 520 pm and was allegedly shot dead by the gunmen
because he tried to prevent them from robbing his passengers
Chairman of the Aghoro waterside boat drivers Mr Cletus Itari who confirmed the incident to
Vanguard on phoneMonday called on security agents to mount surveillance on the waterways
in Burutu area as it was obtainable in Warri axis to ensure the safety of the people
He also urged the chairmanof Burutu Local Government Mr Denne Bukuman ldquoto arrange for
community vigilance group to patrol the area and stop the excesses of the sea pirates who are
operating without restraint in the areardquo
A FORCE majeure has been declared on the Usan grade of Nigerian crude oil operator Total
confirmed on Thursday adding to the problems facing Africas largest oil exporter - Reuters
A spokesman for Total in Geneva confirmed production was completely halted but said there
was no further information on the outage or how long it was likely to last at this stage
A force majeure exempts parties to a contract from their obligations due to circumstances
beyond their control
Four cargoes of Usan representing around 127000 barrels per day of Usan were due to be
exported in June
The force majeure for Usan adds to those on Royal Dutch Shells Bonny Light and Enis Brass
river
Shell declared a force majeure on Bonny Light on March 5 because of unprecedented levels of
theft
THE Ambassador of Republic of Togo to Nigeria Colonel Addo Maman Tchalare has pledged
the commitment of his country to assist Nigeriarsquos crackdown on insurgents - Marinelink The
Ambassador made the assertion while on a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff Vice
Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba at the Naval Headquarters Abuja recently
Col Tchalare said over the years his country and Nigeria have strengthened their diplomatic ties
which enabled them contribute immensely to sub-regional regional and global security as
founding members of ECOWAS The Ambassador reiterated that his country will do everything to
assist a brotherly nation like Nigeria to overcome her current security challenges stating that
without the atmosphere of peace and stability the region cannot attract investors
He also thanked the Nigerian armed forces for their support to the Togolese military through
scholarship which enhanced the capability of Togolese military officers who are trained at the
Nigerian Defense Academy Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji and the prestigious
National Defense College Abuja
NIGERIAN Navy NN Beecroft Apapa Lagos has warned pirates to stay clear of the
commandrsquos jurisdiction in their own interest or face unpalatable consequences - Vanguard
Nigeria
The command said it had foiled several attempts by sea robbers to perpetrate their criminal acts
within its jurisdiction arresting some suspects in the process
The Commander Commodore Chris Ezekobe who gave the warning during an interview with
Vanguard at the end of the parade to mark his inaugural rounds noted that the actions were in
line with the Chief of Naval Staff strategic guidance 01 with zero tolerance to illegalities
According to him the arrests were made between February and May 2013
He said ldquoThe first arrest was that of a vessel called MT Ebba We also arrested four Benin
Republicrsquos citizens who were accosted around the Single Buoy Mooring SBM
THREE young men allegedly working as oil pipeline surveillance workers and two women
dealing in illegally refined diesel have been arrested by officers and men of the 3 Battalion Army
Warri Delta State while over 15 mammy boats used for conveying illegally refined petroleum
products were destroyed during an operation to wipe out
illegal refining in the state - Sweet Crude
Commanding officer of the 3 Battalion Lt Col Ifeayin Out
made these disclosures while parading the suspects before
newsmen describing the early hours operation around the
Opumami Bennet Island and Macaraba areas of Warri
South and South-West as very successful
The names of the surveillance workers are Olotoye Rufus
Emotoghan Akpos while the third alleged to be a worker in
one of the illegal refineries is Victor Tene The suspected female oil thieves caught along with
them at a camp include Tokere Lucky 22 and Ebibare Ayas 36 years
Commander Out said they would be thoroughly investigated and then handed over to the
appropriate prosecuting authorities for further action
The surveillance workers were allegedly caught at the entrance of a creek where illegal
bunkering is conducted while the women were caught transferring refined products from jerry-
cans
Image - Via Sweet Crude
THE Nigerian Navy will receive two more ex-United States vessels next year the US Navy
Survey Ship John McDonnell and the US Coast Guard
Cutter Gallatin - DefenceWeb
Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba on Friday
said that the two vessels would be inspected between May
and August next year reports Nigeriarsquos National Mirror
Ezeoba was represented by Rear Admiral Emmanuel
Ogbor Chief of Policy and Plans who said that the United
States has transferred several ships to Nigeria over the last
decade These include the NNS Thunder Obula Nwamba Kyanwa and Ologbo
ldquoThese ships have contributed immensely to the security of the nationrsquos maritime environment
and the Gulf of Guineardquo he said The vessels are donated as part of the US militaryrsquos Excess
Defence Articles system
Image - Courtesy of DefencWeb
TWELVE crew members are missing after a Chevron contracted tug boat sank on Sunday due
to rough seas off the coast of Nigeria the ships owner said on Tuesday - Reuters
The Jascon-4 capsized early on Sunday due to heavy ocean swells while the vessel was
performing towing operations at a mooring point around 30 kilometres off oil-producing Delta
state Chevrons Nigeria unit said on Sunday
Unfortunately all twelve crew members are still missing a spokeswoman for the ships owner
West African Ventures said
Rescue operations involving sea divers are still ongoing and a full investigation into the incident
is taking place she said West African Ventures is owned by Sea Trucks Group
AS reported earlier this week tragedy struck offshore Escravos Nigeria on Sunday 26 May
when th eanchor handling tug Jacson 4 sankin heavy weather - gCaptain Divers recovered 10
bodies from the sunken ship and 1 is still missing
Miraculously however the shiprsquos cook Mr Okene Harrison was found alive after spending
roughly two days inside the sunken vessel at a depth of 30 meters
ldquoThe fact this person survived is incrediblersquo commented former US Navy Salvage Officer Patrick
Keenan rdquoAfter spending two days at 30 meters of depth he had become saturated meaning his
body had absorbed all the pressurized gases and equalized with the surrounding water pressure
Bringing him to surface from that depth and after having been saturated at 3 or 4 atmospheres
could easily have killed him
AS the afternoon sun glinted off the waters in Ivory Coasts port of Abidjan a team of
gendarmes set out in a leaky wooden pirogue with no weapons and nothing more than mobile
phones for communication - Yahoo News
Their mission to hold the front line against piracy in the worlds new hotspot for maritime crime
the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of West Africa
This is how we work every day grumbled one man as their outboard motor sputtered out
setting them adrift amid bobbing plastic bottles We dont even have life vests
Until recently Ivory Coasts maritime surveillance brigade - the equivalent of a coastguard -
managed barely to keep a lid on crime in the waters around one of Africas busiest ports
But ruthless Nigerian gangs which have expanded hundreds of miles beyond their home waters
in the last three years reached francophone West Africas largest economy in October
Born of an uprising in Nigerias oil-rich Niger Delta which spawned a web of criminal networks
the gangs now threaten to derail the development of one of the worlds poorest regions as the
Gulf of Guinea seeks to become a major oil and gas hub
The start-up of large oil fields in Ghana and promising discoveries to the west in neighbouring
Ivory Coast have helped to stoke interest in the region from international oil firms
The spike in attacks is alarming Western powers not least the United States as regional
governments struggle to cope
IN the wake of the recent piracy attacks in Nigerias maritime domain the Nigerian Navy (NN)
Wednesday warned pirates to desist from their nefarious activities or face the consequences -
Nigerian Navy The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral
Ibok-Ete Ibas made this disclosure during the ongoing 57th anniversary of the NN held at
Beecroft Apapa Lagos
Also as part of the activities earmarked to celebrate the anniversary which coincided with the
Democracy Day celebrations the navy took over 350 civilians on a sea trip The event which
was held at the grounds of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft one of the units under the WNC
and commanded by Commodore Chris Ezekobe saw a large number of civilians gracing the
occasion The civilians were taken on the sea trip on NNS Makurdi NNS Obula two Shaldag
and Andoni ships The ships were escorted by the Special Boat Services (SBS) of the navy led
by its commander Lieutenant Commander Kola Omopariola who also led his team to perform
special demonstration for the civilians when the ships berthed
According to Ibas in pursuance of the mandate of President Goodluck Jonathan to the Chief of
Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba the command had already made several arrests of oil
thieves
Image - httpwwwcotnavymilngimagesthumbnailsPirates_600x0jpg
GOVERNMENTS of the United Kingdom and the United States of America have expressed their
readiness to help Nigeria curb the menace of oil theft according to a report credited to the
Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs Diezani Allison-
Madueke while in England recently - National Mirror Online
Protracted oil theft has indeed become one of the major
problems that appear to have overwhelmed the Federal
Government Recent official figures indicate that the country
loses $6 billion (over a trillion naira) annually to oil thieves
and additional hundreds of billions of naira to the theft of
refined petroleum products Just last month Nigeriarsquos oil behemoth the Nigerian National
Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said the country lost roughly N191 billion ($123 billion) to oil theft
and pipeline vandalism in the first quarter of this year The NNPC said daily crude oil production
during the period fluctuated between 21 million and 23 million barrels per day compared with
the projected estimate of 248mbpd One report revealed that an estimated 60000 barrels per
day of crude oil is stolen at the Nembe Creek in Rivers State alone for example
Consequently we think the gesture of the UK and the US to assist the country in tackling the
age-long menace is a welcome development The collaboration might be rewarding in terms of
the acquisition of technology that can make the tracking of oil thieves in Nigeria easier since the
country probably cannot seek out the required gadgets on its own Ordinarily it would have been
more rewarding for the country to acquire such a technology without having to depend on the
assistance of the UK and the US for obvious reasons
Image - Via National Mirror Online
THE quantity of Nigeriarsquos oil output per day or annually has been shrouded in mystery over the
years - Guardian News Nigeria At the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) held in Houston
Texas USA the other day the matter came up and all Nigerian delegates could do was to
lament the situation and attendant woes According to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy
and Minister of Finance Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala the problem of measurement could be blamed
on the increasing sophistication of oil theft in the Niger Delta Oil theft according to her
accounted for an estimated total losses of over 300000 barrels per day or about $1 billion
(N160 billion) a month in revenue
Oil theft has reached an alarming dimension in the Niger Delta The recent disclosure by Shell
Producing Development Company (SPDC) which manages the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal
that the nationrsquos economy lost a whopping $43 billion to oil thieves in the last two years at an
average rate of $23 billion annually underscores the tragic nature of the problem
THE Naval component of Bayelsa State security outfit lsquoOperation Doo Akpoorsquo and Bayelsa
State police command have discovered a cache of arms in Koulama Southern Ijaw Local
Government Area of Bayelsa State - Sun news Online
This is just as the Naval Central Command has reiterated its determination to stamp out oil
bunkering by beefing up patrol in the waterways
Governor Henry Seriake Dickson had raised the alarm recently that some political elements had
completed plans to destabilise Bayelsa State being the home state of President Goodluck
Jonathan because of the 2015 presidential election
Eyewitness account in Koualama stated that four naval gunboats with naval personnel and
armed policemen stormed the community on Sunday night and went straight to a house which
was deserted as of the time of their arrival and after a thorough search they dug out arms and
ammunition
SOME groups of ex-militants in Delta State have threatened to go back to the creeks and attack
oil installations if the federal government and the Amnesty Office failed to pay the backlogs of
allowances allegedly owed them since 2010 within two weeks - This Day Live
The threat of the ex-agitators was contained in a communiqueacute signed by Eric O Ajagidi ID
number C01B11A114098 Soroh Dorwei Travel C01B11B114205 Prince Degbe Jonah
C01B11B114127 all in Tompolorsquos camp with Tomukebiri D Franklyn C01B11A114068
Ikiyan Roland Owei C03B10E213477 Arthur Fenetobour Harvest V02B10D513375 from the
Ezekielrsquos camp and made available to journalists in Akure Ondo State
According to the communiqueacute the ex-militants lamented that they have been facing serious
hardship and frustrations for the past three years over the unpaid allowance saying all efforts to
resolve the issue had not yielded positive result
They lamented that after embracing amnesty and undergoing non-violence training at Obubra in
Cross River State with others being trained outside the country their monthly allowances have
not been remitted to their individuals bank accounts
The ex-militants therefore threatened to use violent approaches to pursue their demands
threatening to blow off oil installations in the state if the concerned authorities did not correct the
anomaly within the stipulated period of two weeks
THERE is a cloud of uncertainty over the whereabouts of 17 foreign and Nigerian oil workers
kidnapped by suspected sea pirates in Bayelsa State - Sun News Online
The police authorities the Nigerian Navy and the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) Operation Pulo
Shield have refused to comment on the disappearance of the oil workers
Checks indicated that 12 Pakistani and five Nigerians working for Val Oil Trading were attacked
by suspected sea pirates on board an oil vessel MT Matrix and whisked to an unknown
destination
Investigations revealed that victims of the attack which occurred along the deep sea between
Bayelsa and Rivers states had been difficult to trace by naval personnel at the Forward
Operational Base (FOB) Formoso
However security sources said the State Security Service (SSS) which had been investigating
series of kidnappings in Bayelsa State had moved to investigate the attack
Meanwhile the Central Naval Command (CNC) has paraded 14 suspected oil thieves arrested
along Brass and Sangana waterways after failing to produce a proper clearance from the CNC
Southeast Asia
THE introduction of high-tech sensors and communications equipment by the countries of the
Indian Ocean Rim has brought benefits to the region but much still needs to be done according
to attendees and speakers at the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in Cape Town -
Defence Pakistan
The IONS Sessions on Sharing Information and the Collaborative Response today presented to
naval members of some 38 Indian Ocean and other interested nations indicated that the
application of new technology makes dealing with crime pollution and disasters on the high seas
a much quicker and more effective process when countries cooperate effectively
Maritime Search and Rescue Coordinating Centres (MRCCs) are regional nodes which facilitate
search and rescue Using the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) among
others they identify vessels in distress (ldquoalertingrdquo) locate vessels co-ordinate search and rescue
and communications and issue maritime safety bulletins Captain King Chiragi Tanzaniarsquos
Director of Maritime Safety and Security highlighted the need for cooperation between MRCCs
in ensuring safe sea lanes where authorities need to reach ships in distress
Situational Awareness whether for shore-based authorities civil or military facilities or ships at
sea is of vital importance Chiragi said For military and civil authorities satellite systems and
radar can show the positions and courses of dozens of ships but Chiragi pointed out the fact that
it can become difficult when it comes to countries sharing information across national boundaries
in pursuit of maritime criminals whether pirates or smugglers and the MRCCs are a very helpful
tool in overcoming this information challenge The centres are also highly effective tools for
search and rescue operations Captain Chiragi added
South Amercia
US Vice President Biden met on Tuesday with the Prime Ministers Presidents and senior
ministry personnel from 15 Caribbean nations in Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago where they
discussed the comprehensive regional partnership to improve citizen security in the Caribbean -
Latin American Herald Tribune
Working together in support of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) the United States
and the nations of the Caribbean are combating the drug trade and other transnational crimes
that threaten regional security This partnership fulfills the commitment to deepen regional
security cooperation that President Barack Obama made at the 2009 Summit of the Americas
CBSI is part of an integrated citizen security effort that includes the Merida Initiative in Mexico
the Central America Regional Security Initiative and the Colombia Strategic Development
Initiative The United States CARICOM member nations and the Dominican Republic are
improving citizen safety throughout the Caribbean by working together to
Substantially reduce illicit trafficking
Increase public safety and security and
Promote social justice
SHIPMANAGERS Leonhardt amp Blumberg of Hamburg Germany operators of container vessel
HANSA MARBURG is pleased and relieved to report that the 4 seafarers who were taken from
the vessel by armed men 130 miles south west of Malabo Equatorial Guinea and held hostage
have now been released - OCEANUSLive
The vessel was attacked by criminal gangs in the Gulf Of Guinea on April 22 and four seafarers
were taken hostage
The four seafarers including Ukrainian Russian and Kiribati citizens were confirmed as being
safe and in good spirits after 31 days in captivity
Leonhardt amp Blumberg is delighted that the crew members have been released and the company
wishes to thank each of them for their courage and fortitude in dealing with this very difficult
situation in such a professional manner also to thank the families of those being held for their
patience and courage at such a difficult and worrying time
ADORED and detested pirates evoke moral and ethical ambivalence and piracy as a term of
law has always been exceptionally vulnerable to political agendas - Critical Legal Thinking More
precisely it has always been a term of both high imperialhegemonic art and significant radical
potential As such it is a word with a weighty history of complex moral and ethical loading and
reloading But it always invokes a refusal of juridification it is a term that defines the margins of
criminal and international law as juridical categories
Pirates are a recurring symbol of the ocean as a space beyond jurisdiction and the juridification
of thought itself as such both known and hidden pirates arguably estrange historical thinking
Piracy is a form of violence that challenges discourses that attempt to shore-up spaces that
assert a moral monopoly on violence and piracy is a form of textual transgression that chal-
lenges the very ability of the law to draw boundaries But even as piracy is a form of violence it
constitutes a challenge to the very violence involved in writing itself The relationship between
piracy and the law directs us to question the constitution of the human condition itself
The University of Southampton workshop will aim to explicate and explore the multiple
significations of piracy and to track the implications of these significations for both abstract and
practical notions of justice
Organised by the Centre for Law Ethics and Globalisation (LEAG) University of Southampton
Law School English at the University of Southampton and the Southampton Marine and
Maritime Institute 21-22 June 2013
Italian Marines
NSTR
NSTR
THE anti-piracy team within the Gulf Cooperation Council has met in Abu Dhabi to discuss the
necessary measures to protect national interests against maritime piracy threats - Gulfship
News
The meeting was hosted by the United Arab Emirates National Transport Authority and will
conclude today having discussed the use of armed security personnel on national vessels and
foreign vessels that come to GCC ports
THE Arabian Sea has been in the limelight in regional and international forums since long due to
its economic potential and geo-strategic importance It covers a total area of about 3862000 sq
km writes Naghmana Zafar - DAWNcom
The maritime waterways of the region extend into the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea through the
Strait of Bab el-Mandeb In the North-West it leads to the Gulf of Oman and the strategic waters
of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz
The Arabian Sea acts as a vital trade corridor between Asian and European states And the
choke points mentioned above are significant for global trade and energy supply It is estimated
that at least 23 per cent of global shipping transits take place through these points
Any disruption of sea routes in the region is likely to worsen the global financial crisis which
might prove catastrophic for many fragile and developing economies The inter-state animosities
among the littoral states of the Arabian Sea and the presence of extra-regional powers have
made regional peace more complex than ever The presence of extra-regional actors to
safeguard their interests in the region has made it a permanent theatre of their operations
The competition for influence between India and China is also shaping the contours of maritime
security Moreover the international embargo on Iran has also put the regionrsquos maritime security
at stake
The piracy around the Horn of Africa and other maritime crimes have compelled the regional and
world powers to maintain and improve the maritime security in the Arabian Sea on a permanent
basis
MORE than 6 billion USD has been lost in the past ten years in Eastern and Southern African
countries due to Somali piracy which has caused the countrys economic retrogression since its
instability - AllAfrica
Deputy Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Transport Mr John Mngodo said during the opening
of a three-day seminar in Dar es Salaam organised by the Surface and Marine Transport
Regulatory Authority (Sumatra) that the seminars aim was to increase the capacity of senior
maritime officials to be able to tackle piracy in the Indian Ocean
Mr Mngodo said the security of ports had to be addressed because the country aimed at
providing standardised security of ports and facilities to reduce increased costs of shipping
Maritime security is a major component of the economy of our country so we aim to address the
root causes of piracy in Somalia to assure security in our country he said He added that the
Shipping Act of 2003 had enabled the country to tackle international shipping insecurity
The effects of piracy have been felt by our country and it needs political intervention to face the
challenges so that security and safety will once again bring cruise ships which stopped operating
in or waters for fear of being hijacked by pirates Mr Mngodo said
Pirate Fishing
NSTR
AN administration ally on Monday raised concern over the increasing number of attacks and
hijacking by Somali pirates stressing that the government should draw up measures to ensure
the safety of Filipino seafarers in the open seas - Manila Standard Today
Citing the International Maritime Bureau-Piracy Reporting Centre Cagayan de Oro Rep Rufus
Rodriguez said that on July 16 2012 a total of 180 attacks and 20 hijackings by Somali pirates
had been recordedmdashwhere 212 hostages and 11 vessels were held captive Rodriguez
disclosed
The Department of Foreign Affairs to make representations with the IMB-PRC the worldrsquos only
manned centre receiving and disseminating reports of piracy and armed robbery 24 hours a day
across the globe to come up with guidelines that could help protect and provide assistance to
Filipino seafarers in cases of attacks by pirates in the seas
Rodriguez said DFA records showed that about 45 Filipino seafarers on board five ships were
held captive by Somali pirates on July 3 2012 with some reportedly in detention since March 29
2012
Aid Workers Plight NSTR
The following is from the January 1972 issue of Proceedings
FOR 112 years the Tripoli Monument has stood on the
grounds of the U S Naval Academy in Annapolis but its
unique and tumultuous history began long before 1860 -
USNIorg Originally erected at the Washington Navy Yard
in 1808 it was the Federal capitalrsquos first monument and for
a period of 35 years the only monument in the District of
Columbia It witnessed and weathered the War of 1812 the
building burning and rebuilding of the Capitol and the slow
establishment of the city itself For 52 years its existence
was plagued with uncertainties and agitations
The idea for the memorial rose amidst the rage and ruin of
the war against the Barbary Pirates of North Africa the first
formal war under the young nationrsquos Constitution Success
of the small fleet in Mediterranean waters marked the rebirth
of naval power which had been disbanded after the Revolutionary War as well as the
emergence of the Navy as a permanent force
Image - Via USNI
THE pirate ant might not be able to make you walk the plank but dark-colored patches around
their eyes certainly make this new species look like they could bully ants off a ship - News Watch
National Geo
Discovered by scientists from the University of Regensburg while on a trip to the Philippines
Cardiocondyla pirata was found living under a rockmdashliterally Postdoctoral fellow and ant
researcher Sabine Frohschammer was searching for Cardiocondyla ants in a shady streambed
when she saw individuals that didnrsquot look like any other known species
ldquoDue to the darkness of the rainforest and the translucent body parts of the tiny ants they were
nearly invisiblerdquo Frohschammer said in a press release
As she looked more closely however Frohschammer knew she had found something special
Some of the females she had gathered had unusual coloration around their eyesmdashdark patches
that reminded Frohschammer of the eye patches worn by some pirates
Image - National Geo
Hijacks
SE Asia - LATE Report | Malaysia-flagged fishing vessel PKFB(U2) 1532 at 2300 LT
while carrying out fishing activities was attacked and hijacked by pirates and sailed to
Indonesian territorial waters On 25 May Indonesian Marine Police detained the fishing
vessel Full report awaited Original reported 7 May
Unsuccessful AttacksRobberies (All regions)
SE Asia - LATE Report | While tug boat Crest Jade 1 was towing Singapore barge Crest
2825 at 2100 LT in position 011560N - 1040762E Straits of Malacca and Singapore
proceeding from Singapore to Labuan Malaysia the Master and crew spotted two
thieves aboard Crest 2825 The Master activated the emergency alarm immediately to
alert the crew and manoeuvred the tugboat alongside Crest 2825 The thieves fled on a
small boat and stole the emergency towing gear The crew was not injured Reported (via
ReCAAP) 12 May
SE Asia - During discharge operations at berth Liberia-flagged product tankerGolden
Adventure was boarded by robbers armed with knives at 0100 LT in position 221662N
ndash 0914802E Chittagong Port Bangladesh Robbers were noticed by the local
watchman who immediately raised the alarm The crew and watchman proceeded to the
location armed with long sticks and metal pipes Seeing the approaching crew the
robbers jumped overboard and tried to escape with a mooring line which the crew
successfully recovered Port authorities informed and no action taken Reported (via IMB)
23 May
Med - Crew on board the anchored Marshall Islands-flagged tanker B Elephant at 0545
LT in position 3112N - 02942E Alexandria Waiting Area Achorage Egypt noticed the
forecastle door and rope hatch opened and shiprsquos equipment and stores stolen It was
suspected the theft occurred during the night Robbers likely boarded via anchor chain
Reported 23 May
Gulf of Guinea - Nigeria-flagged tanker Matrix I enroute from Cotonou Benin to Idoho
field Nigeria (South Akwa Ibom state) when came under attack and boarded by unknown
number of pirates at 0220 LT in position 03452N ndash 00534E approx 42nm WSW of Cap
Formoso Pirates left the vessel later kidnapping 7 crew members all Pakistani (17 crew
members (12 Pakistanis and 5 Nigerians)) Reported 25 May
S America (P) - Around six armed persons with shotguns in a speed boat boarded
Liberia-flagged container ship Rio Eider underway with pilot and unarmed security
guards on board at 0510 LT in position 0220S - 08100W Estero Salado Guayaquil
Ecuador On investigation it was discovered container seals broken but nothing stolen
Reported 27 May
Suspicious Activity
Red Sea - Malta-flagged tanker observed 3 x Skiffs 4 POB moving east to west 18Knts
at 1545 UTC in position 1256N - 04310E BAM Red Sea approx 25nm ESE of Assab
Eritrea Skiffs aggressively approached vessel to starboard of tanker closing to within
200m No indication of details of vessel to starboard of tanker but possibly large fishing
vessel Reported 26 May
Red Sea - Liberia-flagged oil product tanker reported via VHF that PAG of two skiffs
moving fast towards vessel at 1320 UTC in position 1318N - 04257E approx 21nm
ENE of Assab Eritrea Red Sea No other information given Japanese warship
attempted to contact the MV via VHF however no VHF traffic about situation received
Reported 27 May
VESSEL and hostage numbers - IMB (as at 14 May)
Worldwide Incidents 2013 100 reported incidents including four hijackings
Somali related incidents 2013 Six reported Incidents including one hijacking
Current crew vessels held by Somali pirates hostages - 71 vessels - 5
Nigeria related incidents 2013 19 reported incidents including one hijacking
NATO amp EUNAVFOR state Vessels 2 and Hostages 54 UKMTO - 7 vessels (including dhows amp
FVs) 73 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 Horn of AfricaIOR HRA
OCEANUSLiveorg permits the reproduction of this image providing source and link are published (Map ToU)
Note OCEANUSLive accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of content not under our control Every effort is made to maintain the original content as published
He also thanked the Nigerian armed forces for their support to the Togolese military through
scholarship which enhanced the capability of Togolese military officers who are trained at the
Nigerian Defense Academy Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji and the prestigious
National Defense College Abuja
NIGERIAN Navy NN Beecroft Apapa Lagos has warned pirates to stay clear of the
commandrsquos jurisdiction in their own interest or face unpalatable consequences - Vanguard
Nigeria
The command said it had foiled several attempts by sea robbers to perpetrate their criminal acts
within its jurisdiction arresting some suspects in the process
The Commander Commodore Chris Ezekobe who gave the warning during an interview with
Vanguard at the end of the parade to mark his inaugural rounds noted that the actions were in
line with the Chief of Naval Staff strategic guidance 01 with zero tolerance to illegalities
According to him the arrests were made between February and May 2013
He said ldquoThe first arrest was that of a vessel called MT Ebba We also arrested four Benin
Republicrsquos citizens who were accosted around the Single Buoy Mooring SBM
THREE young men allegedly working as oil pipeline surveillance workers and two women
dealing in illegally refined diesel have been arrested by officers and men of the 3 Battalion Army
Warri Delta State while over 15 mammy boats used for conveying illegally refined petroleum
products were destroyed during an operation to wipe out
illegal refining in the state - Sweet Crude
Commanding officer of the 3 Battalion Lt Col Ifeayin Out
made these disclosures while parading the suspects before
newsmen describing the early hours operation around the
Opumami Bennet Island and Macaraba areas of Warri
South and South-West as very successful
The names of the surveillance workers are Olotoye Rufus
Emotoghan Akpos while the third alleged to be a worker in
one of the illegal refineries is Victor Tene The suspected female oil thieves caught along with
them at a camp include Tokere Lucky 22 and Ebibare Ayas 36 years
Commander Out said they would be thoroughly investigated and then handed over to the
appropriate prosecuting authorities for further action
The surveillance workers were allegedly caught at the entrance of a creek where illegal
bunkering is conducted while the women were caught transferring refined products from jerry-
cans
Image - Via Sweet Crude
THE Nigerian Navy will receive two more ex-United States vessels next year the US Navy
Survey Ship John McDonnell and the US Coast Guard
Cutter Gallatin - DefenceWeb
Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba on Friday
said that the two vessels would be inspected between May
and August next year reports Nigeriarsquos National Mirror
Ezeoba was represented by Rear Admiral Emmanuel
Ogbor Chief of Policy and Plans who said that the United
States has transferred several ships to Nigeria over the last
decade These include the NNS Thunder Obula Nwamba Kyanwa and Ologbo
ldquoThese ships have contributed immensely to the security of the nationrsquos maritime environment
and the Gulf of Guineardquo he said The vessels are donated as part of the US militaryrsquos Excess
Defence Articles system
Image - Courtesy of DefencWeb
TWELVE crew members are missing after a Chevron contracted tug boat sank on Sunday due
to rough seas off the coast of Nigeria the ships owner said on Tuesday - Reuters
The Jascon-4 capsized early on Sunday due to heavy ocean swells while the vessel was
performing towing operations at a mooring point around 30 kilometres off oil-producing Delta
state Chevrons Nigeria unit said on Sunday
Unfortunately all twelve crew members are still missing a spokeswoman for the ships owner
West African Ventures said
Rescue operations involving sea divers are still ongoing and a full investigation into the incident
is taking place she said West African Ventures is owned by Sea Trucks Group
AS reported earlier this week tragedy struck offshore Escravos Nigeria on Sunday 26 May
when th eanchor handling tug Jacson 4 sankin heavy weather - gCaptain Divers recovered 10
bodies from the sunken ship and 1 is still missing
Miraculously however the shiprsquos cook Mr Okene Harrison was found alive after spending
roughly two days inside the sunken vessel at a depth of 30 meters
ldquoThe fact this person survived is incrediblersquo commented former US Navy Salvage Officer Patrick
Keenan rdquoAfter spending two days at 30 meters of depth he had become saturated meaning his
body had absorbed all the pressurized gases and equalized with the surrounding water pressure
Bringing him to surface from that depth and after having been saturated at 3 or 4 atmospheres
could easily have killed him
AS the afternoon sun glinted off the waters in Ivory Coasts port of Abidjan a team of
gendarmes set out in a leaky wooden pirogue with no weapons and nothing more than mobile
phones for communication - Yahoo News
Their mission to hold the front line against piracy in the worlds new hotspot for maritime crime
the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of West Africa
This is how we work every day grumbled one man as their outboard motor sputtered out
setting them adrift amid bobbing plastic bottles We dont even have life vests
Until recently Ivory Coasts maritime surveillance brigade - the equivalent of a coastguard -
managed barely to keep a lid on crime in the waters around one of Africas busiest ports
But ruthless Nigerian gangs which have expanded hundreds of miles beyond their home waters
in the last three years reached francophone West Africas largest economy in October
Born of an uprising in Nigerias oil-rich Niger Delta which spawned a web of criminal networks
the gangs now threaten to derail the development of one of the worlds poorest regions as the
Gulf of Guinea seeks to become a major oil and gas hub
The start-up of large oil fields in Ghana and promising discoveries to the west in neighbouring
Ivory Coast have helped to stoke interest in the region from international oil firms
The spike in attacks is alarming Western powers not least the United States as regional
governments struggle to cope
IN the wake of the recent piracy attacks in Nigerias maritime domain the Nigerian Navy (NN)
Wednesday warned pirates to desist from their nefarious activities or face the consequences -
Nigerian Navy The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral
Ibok-Ete Ibas made this disclosure during the ongoing 57th anniversary of the NN held at
Beecroft Apapa Lagos
Also as part of the activities earmarked to celebrate the anniversary which coincided with the
Democracy Day celebrations the navy took over 350 civilians on a sea trip The event which
was held at the grounds of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft one of the units under the WNC
and commanded by Commodore Chris Ezekobe saw a large number of civilians gracing the
occasion The civilians were taken on the sea trip on NNS Makurdi NNS Obula two Shaldag
and Andoni ships The ships were escorted by the Special Boat Services (SBS) of the navy led
by its commander Lieutenant Commander Kola Omopariola who also led his team to perform
special demonstration for the civilians when the ships berthed
According to Ibas in pursuance of the mandate of President Goodluck Jonathan to the Chief of
Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba the command had already made several arrests of oil
thieves
Image - httpwwwcotnavymilngimagesthumbnailsPirates_600x0jpg
GOVERNMENTS of the United Kingdom and the United States of America have expressed their
readiness to help Nigeria curb the menace of oil theft according to a report credited to the
Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs Diezani Allison-
Madueke while in England recently - National Mirror Online
Protracted oil theft has indeed become one of the major
problems that appear to have overwhelmed the Federal
Government Recent official figures indicate that the country
loses $6 billion (over a trillion naira) annually to oil thieves
and additional hundreds of billions of naira to the theft of
refined petroleum products Just last month Nigeriarsquos oil behemoth the Nigerian National
Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said the country lost roughly N191 billion ($123 billion) to oil theft
and pipeline vandalism in the first quarter of this year The NNPC said daily crude oil production
during the period fluctuated between 21 million and 23 million barrels per day compared with
the projected estimate of 248mbpd One report revealed that an estimated 60000 barrels per
day of crude oil is stolen at the Nembe Creek in Rivers State alone for example
Consequently we think the gesture of the UK and the US to assist the country in tackling the
age-long menace is a welcome development The collaboration might be rewarding in terms of
the acquisition of technology that can make the tracking of oil thieves in Nigeria easier since the
country probably cannot seek out the required gadgets on its own Ordinarily it would have been
more rewarding for the country to acquire such a technology without having to depend on the
assistance of the UK and the US for obvious reasons
Image - Via National Mirror Online
THE quantity of Nigeriarsquos oil output per day or annually has been shrouded in mystery over the
years - Guardian News Nigeria At the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) held in Houston
Texas USA the other day the matter came up and all Nigerian delegates could do was to
lament the situation and attendant woes According to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy
and Minister of Finance Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala the problem of measurement could be blamed
on the increasing sophistication of oil theft in the Niger Delta Oil theft according to her
accounted for an estimated total losses of over 300000 barrels per day or about $1 billion
(N160 billion) a month in revenue
Oil theft has reached an alarming dimension in the Niger Delta The recent disclosure by Shell
Producing Development Company (SPDC) which manages the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal
that the nationrsquos economy lost a whopping $43 billion to oil thieves in the last two years at an
average rate of $23 billion annually underscores the tragic nature of the problem
THE Naval component of Bayelsa State security outfit lsquoOperation Doo Akpoorsquo and Bayelsa
State police command have discovered a cache of arms in Koulama Southern Ijaw Local
Government Area of Bayelsa State - Sun news Online
This is just as the Naval Central Command has reiterated its determination to stamp out oil
bunkering by beefing up patrol in the waterways
Governor Henry Seriake Dickson had raised the alarm recently that some political elements had
completed plans to destabilise Bayelsa State being the home state of President Goodluck
Jonathan because of the 2015 presidential election
Eyewitness account in Koualama stated that four naval gunboats with naval personnel and
armed policemen stormed the community on Sunday night and went straight to a house which
was deserted as of the time of their arrival and after a thorough search they dug out arms and
ammunition
SOME groups of ex-militants in Delta State have threatened to go back to the creeks and attack
oil installations if the federal government and the Amnesty Office failed to pay the backlogs of
allowances allegedly owed them since 2010 within two weeks - This Day Live
The threat of the ex-agitators was contained in a communiqueacute signed by Eric O Ajagidi ID
number C01B11A114098 Soroh Dorwei Travel C01B11B114205 Prince Degbe Jonah
C01B11B114127 all in Tompolorsquos camp with Tomukebiri D Franklyn C01B11A114068
Ikiyan Roland Owei C03B10E213477 Arthur Fenetobour Harvest V02B10D513375 from the
Ezekielrsquos camp and made available to journalists in Akure Ondo State
According to the communiqueacute the ex-militants lamented that they have been facing serious
hardship and frustrations for the past three years over the unpaid allowance saying all efforts to
resolve the issue had not yielded positive result
They lamented that after embracing amnesty and undergoing non-violence training at Obubra in
Cross River State with others being trained outside the country their monthly allowances have
not been remitted to their individuals bank accounts
The ex-militants therefore threatened to use violent approaches to pursue their demands
threatening to blow off oil installations in the state if the concerned authorities did not correct the
anomaly within the stipulated period of two weeks
THERE is a cloud of uncertainty over the whereabouts of 17 foreign and Nigerian oil workers
kidnapped by suspected sea pirates in Bayelsa State - Sun News Online
The police authorities the Nigerian Navy and the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) Operation Pulo
Shield have refused to comment on the disappearance of the oil workers
Checks indicated that 12 Pakistani and five Nigerians working for Val Oil Trading were attacked
by suspected sea pirates on board an oil vessel MT Matrix and whisked to an unknown
destination
Investigations revealed that victims of the attack which occurred along the deep sea between
Bayelsa and Rivers states had been difficult to trace by naval personnel at the Forward
Operational Base (FOB) Formoso
However security sources said the State Security Service (SSS) which had been investigating
series of kidnappings in Bayelsa State had moved to investigate the attack
Meanwhile the Central Naval Command (CNC) has paraded 14 suspected oil thieves arrested
along Brass and Sangana waterways after failing to produce a proper clearance from the CNC
Southeast Asia
THE introduction of high-tech sensors and communications equipment by the countries of the
Indian Ocean Rim has brought benefits to the region but much still needs to be done according
to attendees and speakers at the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in Cape Town -
Defence Pakistan
The IONS Sessions on Sharing Information and the Collaborative Response today presented to
naval members of some 38 Indian Ocean and other interested nations indicated that the
application of new technology makes dealing with crime pollution and disasters on the high seas
a much quicker and more effective process when countries cooperate effectively
Maritime Search and Rescue Coordinating Centres (MRCCs) are regional nodes which facilitate
search and rescue Using the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) among
others they identify vessels in distress (ldquoalertingrdquo) locate vessels co-ordinate search and rescue
and communications and issue maritime safety bulletins Captain King Chiragi Tanzaniarsquos
Director of Maritime Safety and Security highlighted the need for cooperation between MRCCs
in ensuring safe sea lanes where authorities need to reach ships in distress
Situational Awareness whether for shore-based authorities civil or military facilities or ships at
sea is of vital importance Chiragi said For military and civil authorities satellite systems and
radar can show the positions and courses of dozens of ships but Chiragi pointed out the fact that
it can become difficult when it comes to countries sharing information across national boundaries
in pursuit of maritime criminals whether pirates or smugglers and the MRCCs are a very helpful
tool in overcoming this information challenge The centres are also highly effective tools for
search and rescue operations Captain Chiragi added
South Amercia
US Vice President Biden met on Tuesday with the Prime Ministers Presidents and senior
ministry personnel from 15 Caribbean nations in Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago where they
discussed the comprehensive regional partnership to improve citizen security in the Caribbean -
Latin American Herald Tribune
Working together in support of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) the United States
and the nations of the Caribbean are combating the drug trade and other transnational crimes
that threaten regional security This partnership fulfills the commitment to deepen regional
security cooperation that President Barack Obama made at the 2009 Summit of the Americas
CBSI is part of an integrated citizen security effort that includes the Merida Initiative in Mexico
the Central America Regional Security Initiative and the Colombia Strategic Development
Initiative The United States CARICOM member nations and the Dominican Republic are
improving citizen safety throughout the Caribbean by working together to
Substantially reduce illicit trafficking
Increase public safety and security and
Promote social justice
SHIPMANAGERS Leonhardt amp Blumberg of Hamburg Germany operators of container vessel
HANSA MARBURG is pleased and relieved to report that the 4 seafarers who were taken from
the vessel by armed men 130 miles south west of Malabo Equatorial Guinea and held hostage
have now been released - OCEANUSLive
The vessel was attacked by criminal gangs in the Gulf Of Guinea on April 22 and four seafarers
were taken hostage
The four seafarers including Ukrainian Russian and Kiribati citizens were confirmed as being
safe and in good spirits after 31 days in captivity
Leonhardt amp Blumberg is delighted that the crew members have been released and the company
wishes to thank each of them for their courage and fortitude in dealing with this very difficult
situation in such a professional manner also to thank the families of those being held for their
patience and courage at such a difficult and worrying time
ADORED and detested pirates evoke moral and ethical ambivalence and piracy as a term of
law has always been exceptionally vulnerable to political agendas - Critical Legal Thinking More
precisely it has always been a term of both high imperialhegemonic art and significant radical
potential As such it is a word with a weighty history of complex moral and ethical loading and
reloading But it always invokes a refusal of juridification it is a term that defines the margins of
criminal and international law as juridical categories
Pirates are a recurring symbol of the ocean as a space beyond jurisdiction and the juridification
of thought itself as such both known and hidden pirates arguably estrange historical thinking
Piracy is a form of violence that challenges discourses that attempt to shore-up spaces that
assert a moral monopoly on violence and piracy is a form of textual transgression that chal-
lenges the very ability of the law to draw boundaries But even as piracy is a form of violence it
constitutes a challenge to the very violence involved in writing itself The relationship between
piracy and the law directs us to question the constitution of the human condition itself
The University of Southampton workshop will aim to explicate and explore the multiple
significations of piracy and to track the implications of these significations for both abstract and
practical notions of justice
Organised by the Centre for Law Ethics and Globalisation (LEAG) University of Southampton
Law School English at the University of Southampton and the Southampton Marine and
Maritime Institute 21-22 June 2013
Italian Marines
NSTR
NSTR
THE anti-piracy team within the Gulf Cooperation Council has met in Abu Dhabi to discuss the
necessary measures to protect national interests against maritime piracy threats - Gulfship
News
The meeting was hosted by the United Arab Emirates National Transport Authority and will
conclude today having discussed the use of armed security personnel on national vessels and
foreign vessels that come to GCC ports
THE Arabian Sea has been in the limelight in regional and international forums since long due to
its economic potential and geo-strategic importance It covers a total area of about 3862000 sq
km writes Naghmana Zafar - DAWNcom
The maritime waterways of the region extend into the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea through the
Strait of Bab el-Mandeb In the North-West it leads to the Gulf of Oman and the strategic waters
of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz
The Arabian Sea acts as a vital trade corridor between Asian and European states And the
choke points mentioned above are significant for global trade and energy supply It is estimated
that at least 23 per cent of global shipping transits take place through these points
Any disruption of sea routes in the region is likely to worsen the global financial crisis which
might prove catastrophic for many fragile and developing economies The inter-state animosities
among the littoral states of the Arabian Sea and the presence of extra-regional powers have
made regional peace more complex than ever The presence of extra-regional actors to
safeguard their interests in the region has made it a permanent theatre of their operations
The competition for influence between India and China is also shaping the contours of maritime
security Moreover the international embargo on Iran has also put the regionrsquos maritime security
at stake
The piracy around the Horn of Africa and other maritime crimes have compelled the regional and
world powers to maintain and improve the maritime security in the Arabian Sea on a permanent
basis
MORE than 6 billion USD has been lost in the past ten years in Eastern and Southern African
countries due to Somali piracy which has caused the countrys economic retrogression since its
instability - AllAfrica
Deputy Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Transport Mr John Mngodo said during the opening
of a three-day seminar in Dar es Salaam organised by the Surface and Marine Transport
Regulatory Authority (Sumatra) that the seminars aim was to increase the capacity of senior
maritime officials to be able to tackle piracy in the Indian Ocean
Mr Mngodo said the security of ports had to be addressed because the country aimed at
providing standardised security of ports and facilities to reduce increased costs of shipping
Maritime security is a major component of the economy of our country so we aim to address the
root causes of piracy in Somalia to assure security in our country he said He added that the
Shipping Act of 2003 had enabled the country to tackle international shipping insecurity
The effects of piracy have been felt by our country and it needs political intervention to face the
challenges so that security and safety will once again bring cruise ships which stopped operating
in or waters for fear of being hijacked by pirates Mr Mngodo said
Pirate Fishing
NSTR
AN administration ally on Monday raised concern over the increasing number of attacks and
hijacking by Somali pirates stressing that the government should draw up measures to ensure
the safety of Filipino seafarers in the open seas - Manila Standard Today
Citing the International Maritime Bureau-Piracy Reporting Centre Cagayan de Oro Rep Rufus
Rodriguez said that on July 16 2012 a total of 180 attacks and 20 hijackings by Somali pirates
had been recordedmdashwhere 212 hostages and 11 vessels were held captive Rodriguez
disclosed
The Department of Foreign Affairs to make representations with the IMB-PRC the worldrsquos only
manned centre receiving and disseminating reports of piracy and armed robbery 24 hours a day
across the globe to come up with guidelines that could help protect and provide assistance to
Filipino seafarers in cases of attacks by pirates in the seas
Rodriguez said DFA records showed that about 45 Filipino seafarers on board five ships were
held captive by Somali pirates on July 3 2012 with some reportedly in detention since March 29
2012
Aid Workers Plight NSTR
The following is from the January 1972 issue of Proceedings
FOR 112 years the Tripoli Monument has stood on the
grounds of the U S Naval Academy in Annapolis but its
unique and tumultuous history began long before 1860 -
USNIorg Originally erected at the Washington Navy Yard
in 1808 it was the Federal capitalrsquos first monument and for
a period of 35 years the only monument in the District of
Columbia It witnessed and weathered the War of 1812 the
building burning and rebuilding of the Capitol and the slow
establishment of the city itself For 52 years its existence
was plagued with uncertainties and agitations
The idea for the memorial rose amidst the rage and ruin of
the war against the Barbary Pirates of North Africa the first
formal war under the young nationrsquos Constitution Success
of the small fleet in Mediterranean waters marked the rebirth
of naval power which had been disbanded after the Revolutionary War as well as the
emergence of the Navy as a permanent force
Image - Via USNI
THE pirate ant might not be able to make you walk the plank but dark-colored patches around
their eyes certainly make this new species look like they could bully ants off a ship - News Watch
National Geo
Discovered by scientists from the University of Regensburg while on a trip to the Philippines
Cardiocondyla pirata was found living under a rockmdashliterally Postdoctoral fellow and ant
researcher Sabine Frohschammer was searching for Cardiocondyla ants in a shady streambed
when she saw individuals that didnrsquot look like any other known species
ldquoDue to the darkness of the rainforest and the translucent body parts of the tiny ants they were
nearly invisiblerdquo Frohschammer said in a press release
As she looked more closely however Frohschammer knew she had found something special
Some of the females she had gathered had unusual coloration around their eyesmdashdark patches
that reminded Frohschammer of the eye patches worn by some pirates
Image - National Geo
Hijacks
SE Asia - LATE Report | Malaysia-flagged fishing vessel PKFB(U2) 1532 at 2300 LT
while carrying out fishing activities was attacked and hijacked by pirates and sailed to
Indonesian territorial waters On 25 May Indonesian Marine Police detained the fishing
vessel Full report awaited Original reported 7 May
Unsuccessful AttacksRobberies (All regions)
SE Asia - LATE Report | While tug boat Crest Jade 1 was towing Singapore barge Crest
2825 at 2100 LT in position 011560N - 1040762E Straits of Malacca and Singapore
proceeding from Singapore to Labuan Malaysia the Master and crew spotted two
thieves aboard Crest 2825 The Master activated the emergency alarm immediately to
alert the crew and manoeuvred the tugboat alongside Crest 2825 The thieves fled on a
small boat and stole the emergency towing gear The crew was not injured Reported (via
ReCAAP) 12 May
SE Asia - During discharge operations at berth Liberia-flagged product tankerGolden
Adventure was boarded by robbers armed with knives at 0100 LT in position 221662N
ndash 0914802E Chittagong Port Bangladesh Robbers were noticed by the local
watchman who immediately raised the alarm The crew and watchman proceeded to the
location armed with long sticks and metal pipes Seeing the approaching crew the
robbers jumped overboard and tried to escape with a mooring line which the crew
successfully recovered Port authorities informed and no action taken Reported (via IMB)
23 May
Med - Crew on board the anchored Marshall Islands-flagged tanker B Elephant at 0545
LT in position 3112N - 02942E Alexandria Waiting Area Achorage Egypt noticed the
forecastle door and rope hatch opened and shiprsquos equipment and stores stolen It was
suspected the theft occurred during the night Robbers likely boarded via anchor chain
Reported 23 May
Gulf of Guinea - Nigeria-flagged tanker Matrix I enroute from Cotonou Benin to Idoho
field Nigeria (South Akwa Ibom state) when came under attack and boarded by unknown
number of pirates at 0220 LT in position 03452N ndash 00534E approx 42nm WSW of Cap
Formoso Pirates left the vessel later kidnapping 7 crew members all Pakistani (17 crew
members (12 Pakistanis and 5 Nigerians)) Reported 25 May
S America (P) - Around six armed persons with shotguns in a speed boat boarded
Liberia-flagged container ship Rio Eider underway with pilot and unarmed security
guards on board at 0510 LT in position 0220S - 08100W Estero Salado Guayaquil
Ecuador On investigation it was discovered container seals broken but nothing stolen
Reported 27 May
Suspicious Activity
Red Sea - Malta-flagged tanker observed 3 x Skiffs 4 POB moving east to west 18Knts
at 1545 UTC in position 1256N - 04310E BAM Red Sea approx 25nm ESE of Assab
Eritrea Skiffs aggressively approached vessel to starboard of tanker closing to within
200m No indication of details of vessel to starboard of tanker but possibly large fishing
vessel Reported 26 May
Red Sea - Liberia-flagged oil product tanker reported via VHF that PAG of two skiffs
moving fast towards vessel at 1320 UTC in position 1318N - 04257E approx 21nm
ENE of Assab Eritrea Red Sea No other information given Japanese warship
attempted to contact the MV via VHF however no VHF traffic about situation received
Reported 27 May
VESSEL and hostage numbers - IMB (as at 14 May)
Worldwide Incidents 2013 100 reported incidents including four hijackings
Somali related incidents 2013 Six reported Incidents including one hijacking
Current crew vessels held by Somali pirates hostages - 71 vessels - 5
Nigeria related incidents 2013 19 reported incidents including one hijacking
NATO amp EUNAVFOR state Vessels 2 and Hostages 54 UKMTO - 7 vessels (including dhows amp
FVs) 73 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 Horn of AfricaIOR HRA
OCEANUSLiveorg permits the reproduction of this image providing source and link are published (Map ToU)
Note OCEANUSLive accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of content not under our control Every effort is made to maintain the original content as published
THE Nigerian Navy will receive two more ex-United States vessels next year the US Navy
Survey Ship John McDonnell and the US Coast Guard
Cutter Gallatin - DefenceWeb
Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba on Friday
said that the two vessels would be inspected between May
and August next year reports Nigeriarsquos National Mirror
Ezeoba was represented by Rear Admiral Emmanuel
Ogbor Chief of Policy and Plans who said that the United
States has transferred several ships to Nigeria over the last
decade These include the NNS Thunder Obula Nwamba Kyanwa and Ologbo
ldquoThese ships have contributed immensely to the security of the nationrsquos maritime environment
and the Gulf of Guineardquo he said The vessels are donated as part of the US militaryrsquos Excess
Defence Articles system
Image - Courtesy of DefencWeb
TWELVE crew members are missing after a Chevron contracted tug boat sank on Sunday due
to rough seas off the coast of Nigeria the ships owner said on Tuesday - Reuters
The Jascon-4 capsized early on Sunday due to heavy ocean swells while the vessel was
performing towing operations at a mooring point around 30 kilometres off oil-producing Delta
state Chevrons Nigeria unit said on Sunday
Unfortunately all twelve crew members are still missing a spokeswoman for the ships owner
West African Ventures said
Rescue operations involving sea divers are still ongoing and a full investigation into the incident
is taking place she said West African Ventures is owned by Sea Trucks Group
AS reported earlier this week tragedy struck offshore Escravos Nigeria on Sunday 26 May
when th eanchor handling tug Jacson 4 sankin heavy weather - gCaptain Divers recovered 10
bodies from the sunken ship and 1 is still missing
Miraculously however the shiprsquos cook Mr Okene Harrison was found alive after spending
roughly two days inside the sunken vessel at a depth of 30 meters
ldquoThe fact this person survived is incrediblersquo commented former US Navy Salvage Officer Patrick
Keenan rdquoAfter spending two days at 30 meters of depth he had become saturated meaning his
body had absorbed all the pressurized gases and equalized with the surrounding water pressure
Bringing him to surface from that depth and after having been saturated at 3 or 4 atmospheres
could easily have killed him
AS the afternoon sun glinted off the waters in Ivory Coasts port of Abidjan a team of
gendarmes set out in a leaky wooden pirogue with no weapons and nothing more than mobile
phones for communication - Yahoo News
Their mission to hold the front line against piracy in the worlds new hotspot for maritime crime
the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of West Africa
This is how we work every day grumbled one man as their outboard motor sputtered out
setting them adrift amid bobbing plastic bottles We dont even have life vests
Until recently Ivory Coasts maritime surveillance brigade - the equivalent of a coastguard -
managed barely to keep a lid on crime in the waters around one of Africas busiest ports
But ruthless Nigerian gangs which have expanded hundreds of miles beyond their home waters
in the last three years reached francophone West Africas largest economy in October
Born of an uprising in Nigerias oil-rich Niger Delta which spawned a web of criminal networks
the gangs now threaten to derail the development of one of the worlds poorest regions as the
Gulf of Guinea seeks to become a major oil and gas hub
The start-up of large oil fields in Ghana and promising discoveries to the west in neighbouring
Ivory Coast have helped to stoke interest in the region from international oil firms
The spike in attacks is alarming Western powers not least the United States as regional
governments struggle to cope
IN the wake of the recent piracy attacks in Nigerias maritime domain the Nigerian Navy (NN)
Wednesday warned pirates to desist from their nefarious activities or face the consequences -
Nigerian Navy The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral
Ibok-Ete Ibas made this disclosure during the ongoing 57th anniversary of the NN held at
Beecroft Apapa Lagos
Also as part of the activities earmarked to celebrate the anniversary which coincided with the
Democracy Day celebrations the navy took over 350 civilians on a sea trip The event which
was held at the grounds of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft one of the units under the WNC
and commanded by Commodore Chris Ezekobe saw a large number of civilians gracing the
occasion The civilians were taken on the sea trip on NNS Makurdi NNS Obula two Shaldag
and Andoni ships The ships were escorted by the Special Boat Services (SBS) of the navy led
by its commander Lieutenant Commander Kola Omopariola who also led his team to perform
special demonstration for the civilians when the ships berthed
According to Ibas in pursuance of the mandate of President Goodluck Jonathan to the Chief of
Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba the command had already made several arrests of oil
thieves
Image - httpwwwcotnavymilngimagesthumbnailsPirates_600x0jpg
GOVERNMENTS of the United Kingdom and the United States of America have expressed their
readiness to help Nigeria curb the menace of oil theft according to a report credited to the
Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs Diezani Allison-
Madueke while in England recently - National Mirror Online
Protracted oil theft has indeed become one of the major
problems that appear to have overwhelmed the Federal
Government Recent official figures indicate that the country
loses $6 billion (over a trillion naira) annually to oil thieves
and additional hundreds of billions of naira to the theft of
refined petroleum products Just last month Nigeriarsquos oil behemoth the Nigerian National
Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said the country lost roughly N191 billion ($123 billion) to oil theft
and pipeline vandalism in the first quarter of this year The NNPC said daily crude oil production
during the period fluctuated between 21 million and 23 million barrels per day compared with
the projected estimate of 248mbpd One report revealed that an estimated 60000 barrels per
day of crude oil is stolen at the Nembe Creek in Rivers State alone for example
Consequently we think the gesture of the UK and the US to assist the country in tackling the
age-long menace is a welcome development The collaboration might be rewarding in terms of
the acquisition of technology that can make the tracking of oil thieves in Nigeria easier since the
country probably cannot seek out the required gadgets on its own Ordinarily it would have been
more rewarding for the country to acquire such a technology without having to depend on the
assistance of the UK and the US for obvious reasons
Image - Via National Mirror Online
THE quantity of Nigeriarsquos oil output per day or annually has been shrouded in mystery over the
years - Guardian News Nigeria At the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) held in Houston
Texas USA the other day the matter came up and all Nigerian delegates could do was to
lament the situation and attendant woes According to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy
and Minister of Finance Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala the problem of measurement could be blamed
on the increasing sophistication of oil theft in the Niger Delta Oil theft according to her
accounted for an estimated total losses of over 300000 barrels per day or about $1 billion
(N160 billion) a month in revenue
Oil theft has reached an alarming dimension in the Niger Delta The recent disclosure by Shell
Producing Development Company (SPDC) which manages the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal
that the nationrsquos economy lost a whopping $43 billion to oil thieves in the last two years at an
average rate of $23 billion annually underscores the tragic nature of the problem
THE Naval component of Bayelsa State security outfit lsquoOperation Doo Akpoorsquo and Bayelsa
State police command have discovered a cache of arms in Koulama Southern Ijaw Local
Government Area of Bayelsa State - Sun news Online
This is just as the Naval Central Command has reiterated its determination to stamp out oil
bunkering by beefing up patrol in the waterways
Governor Henry Seriake Dickson had raised the alarm recently that some political elements had
completed plans to destabilise Bayelsa State being the home state of President Goodluck
Jonathan because of the 2015 presidential election
Eyewitness account in Koualama stated that four naval gunboats with naval personnel and
armed policemen stormed the community on Sunday night and went straight to a house which
was deserted as of the time of their arrival and after a thorough search they dug out arms and
ammunition
SOME groups of ex-militants in Delta State have threatened to go back to the creeks and attack
oil installations if the federal government and the Amnesty Office failed to pay the backlogs of
allowances allegedly owed them since 2010 within two weeks - This Day Live
The threat of the ex-agitators was contained in a communiqueacute signed by Eric O Ajagidi ID
number C01B11A114098 Soroh Dorwei Travel C01B11B114205 Prince Degbe Jonah
C01B11B114127 all in Tompolorsquos camp with Tomukebiri D Franklyn C01B11A114068
Ikiyan Roland Owei C03B10E213477 Arthur Fenetobour Harvest V02B10D513375 from the
Ezekielrsquos camp and made available to journalists in Akure Ondo State
According to the communiqueacute the ex-militants lamented that they have been facing serious
hardship and frustrations for the past three years over the unpaid allowance saying all efforts to
resolve the issue had not yielded positive result
They lamented that after embracing amnesty and undergoing non-violence training at Obubra in
Cross River State with others being trained outside the country their monthly allowances have
not been remitted to their individuals bank accounts
The ex-militants therefore threatened to use violent approaches to pursue their demands
threatening to blow off oil installations in the state if the concerned authorities did not correct the
anomaly within the stipulated period of two weeks
THERE is a cloud of uncertainty over the whereabouts of 17 foreign and Nigerian oil workers
kidnapped by suspected sea pirates in Bayelsa State - Sun News Online
The police authorities the Nigerian Navy and the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) Operation Pulo
Shield have refused to comment on the disappearance of the oil workers
Checks indicated that 12 Pakistani and five Nigerians working for Val Oil Trading were attacked
by suspected sea pirates on board an oil vessel MT Matrix and whisked to an unknown
destination
Investigations revealed that victims of the attack which occurred along the deep sea between
Bayelsa and Rivers states had been difficult to trace by naval personnel at the Forward
Operational Base (FOB) Formoso
However security sources said the State Security Service (SSS) which had been investigating
series of kidnappings in Bayelsa State had moved to investigate the attack
Meanwhile the Central Naval Command (CNC) has paraded 14 suspected oil thieves arrested
along Brass and Sangana waterways after failing to produce a proper clearance from the CNC
Southeast Asia
THE introduction of high-tech sensors and communications equipment by the countries of the
Indian Ocean Rim has brought benefits to the region but much still needs to be done according
to attendees and speakers at the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in Cape Town -
Defence Pakistan
The IONS Sessions on Sharing Information and the Collaborative Response today presented to
naval members of some 38 Indian Ocean and other interested nations indicated that the
application of new technology makes dealing with crime pollution and disasters on the high seas
a much quicker and more effective process when countries cooperate effectively
Maritime Search and Rescue Coordinating Centres (MRCCs) are regional nodes which facilitate
search and rescue Using the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) among
others they identify vessels in distress (ldquoalertingrdquo) locate vessels co-ordinate search and rescue
and communications and issue maritime safety bulletins Captain King Chiragi Tanzaniarsquos
Director of Maritime Safety and Security highlighted the need for cooperation between MRCCs
in ensuring safe sea lanes where authorities need to reach ships in distress
Situational Awareness whether for shore-based authorities civil or military facilities or ships at
sea is of vital importance Chiragi said For military and civil authorities satellite systems and
radar can show the positions and courses of dozens of ships but Chiragi pointed out the fact that
it can become difficult when it comes to countries sharing information across national boundaries
in pursuit of maritime criminals whether pirates or smugglers and the MRCCs are a very helpful
tool in overcoming this information challenge The centres are also highly effective tools for
search and rescue operations Captain Chiragi added
South Amercia
US Vice President Biden met on Tuesday with the Prime Ministers Presidents and senior
ministry personnel from 15 Caribbean nations in Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago where they
discussed the comprehensive regional partnership to improve citizen security in the Caribbean -
Latin American Herald Tribune
Working together in support of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) the United States
and the nations of the Caribbean are combating the drug trade and other transnational crimes
that threaten regional security This partnership fulfills the commitment to deepen regional
security cooperation that President Barack Obama made at the 2009 Summit of the Americas
CBSI is part of an integrated citizen security effort that includes the Merida Initiative in Mexico
the Central America Regional Security Initiative and the Colombia Strategic Development
Initiative The United States CARICOM member nations and the Dominican Republic are
improving citizen safety throughout the Caribbean by working together to
Substantially reduce illicit trafficking
Increase public safety and security and
Promote social justice
SHIPMANAGERS Leonhardt amp Blumberg of Hamburg Germany operators of container vessel
HANSA MARBURG is pleased and relieved to report that the 4 seafarers who were taken from
the vessel by armed men 130 miles south west of Malabo Equatorial Guinea and held hostage
have now been released - OCEANUSLive
The vessel was attacked by criminal gangs in the Gulf Of Guinea on April 22 and four seafarers
were taken hostage
The four seafarers including Ukrainian Russian and Kiribati citizens were confirmed as being
safe and in good spirits after 31 days in captivity
Leonhardt amp Blumberg is delighted that the crew members have been released and the company
wishes to thank each of them for their courage and fortitude in dealing with this very difficult
situation in such a professional manner also to thank the families of those being held for their
patience and courage at such a difficult and worrying time
ADORED and detested pirates evoke moral and ethical ambivalence and piracy as a term of
law has always been exceptionally vulnerable to political agendas - Critical Legal Thinking More
precisely it has always been a term of both high imperialhegemonic art and significant radical
potential As such it is a word with a weighty history of complex moral and ethical loading and
reloading But it always invokes a refusal of juridification it is a term that defines the margins of
criminal and international law as juridical categories
Pirates are a recurring symbol of the ocean as a space beyond jurisdiction and the juridification
of thought itself as such both known and hidden pirates arguably estrange historical thinking
Piracy is a form of violence that challenges discourses that attempt to shore-up spaces that
assert a moral monopoly on violence and piracy is a form of textual transgression that chal-
lenges the very ability of the law to draw boundaries But even as piracy is a form of violence it
constitutes a challenge to the very violence involved in writing itself The relationship between
piracy and the law directs us to question the constitution of the human condition itself
The University of Southampton workshop will aim to explicate and explore the multiple
significations of piracy and to track the implications of these significations for both abstract and
practical notions of justice
Organised by the Centre for Law Ethics and Globalisation (LEAG) University of Southampton
Law School English at the University of Southampton and the Southampton Marine and
Maritime Institute 21-22 June 2013
Italian Marines
NSTR
NSTR
THE anti-piracy team within the Gulf Cooperation Council has met in Abu Dhabi to discuss the
necessary measures to protect national interests against maritime piracy threats - Gulfship
News
The meeting was hosted by the United Arab Emirates National Transport Authority and will
conclude today having discussed the use of armed security personnel on national vessels and
foreign vessels that come to GCC ports
THE Arabian Sea has been in the limelight in regional and international forums since long due to
its economic potential and geo-strategic importance It covers a total area of about 3862000 sq
km writes Naghmana Zafar - DAWNcom
The maritime waterways of the region extend into the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea through the
Strait of Bab el-Mandeb In the North-West it leads to the Gulf of Oman and the strategic waters
of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz
The Arabian Sea acts as a vital trade corridor between Asian and European states And the
choke points mentioned above are significant for global trade and energy supply It is estimated
that at least 23 per cent of global shipping transits take place through these points
Any disruption of sea routes in the region is likely to worsen the global financial crisis which
might prove catastrophic for many fragile and developing economies The inter-state animosities
among the littoral states of the Arabian Sea and the presence of extra-regional powers have
made regional peace more complex than ever The presence of extra-regional actors to
safeguard their interests in the region has made it a permanent theatre of their operations
The competition for influence between India and China is also shaping the contours of maritime
security Moreover the international embargo on Iran has also put the regionrsquos maritime security
at stake
The piracy around the Horn of Africa and other maritime crimes have compelled the regional and
world powers to maintain and improve the maritime security in the Arabian Sea on a permanent
basis
MORE than 6 billion USD has been lost in the past ten years in Eastern and Southern African
countries due to Somali piracy which has caused the countrys economic retrogression since its
instability - AllAfrica
Deputy Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Transport Mr John Mngodo said during the opening
of a three-day seminar in Dar es Salaam organised by the Surface and Marine Transport
Regulatory Authority (Sumatra) that the seminars aim was to increase the capacity of senior
maritime officials to be able to tackle piracy in the Indian Ocean
Mr Mngodo said the security of ports had to be addressed because the country aimed at
providing standardised security of ports and facilities to reduce increased costs of shipping
Maritime security is a major component of the economy of our country so we aim to address the
root causes of piracy in Somalia to assure security in our country he said He added that the
Shipping Act of 2003 had enabled the country to tackle international shipping insecurity
The effects of piracy have been felt by our country and it needs political intervention to face the
challenges so that security and safety will once again bring cruise ships which stopped operating
in or waters for fear of being hijacked by pirates Mr Mngodo said
Pirate Fishing
NSTR
AN administration ally on Monday raised concern over the increasing number of attacks and
hijacking by Somali pirates stressing that the government should draw up measures to ensure
the safety of Filipino seafarers in the open seas - Manila Standard Today
Citing the International Maritime Bureau-Piracy Reporting Centre Cagayan de Oro Rep Rufus
Rodriguez said that on July 16 2012 a total of 180 attacks and 20 hijackings by Somali pirates
had been recordedmdashwhere 212 hostages and 11 vessels were held captive Rodriguez
disclosed
The Department of Foreign Affairs to make representations with the IMB-PRC the worldrsquos only
manned centre receiving and disseminating reports of piracy and armed robbery 24 hours a day
across the globe to come up with guidelines that could help protect and provide assistance to
Filipino seafarers in cases of attacks by pirates in the seas
Rodriguez said DFA records showed that about 45 Filipino seafarers on board five ships were
held captive by Somali pirates on July 3 2012 with some reportedly in detention since March 29
2012
Aid Workers Plight NSTR
The following is from the January 1972 issue of Proceedings
FOR 112 years the Tripoli Monument has stood on the
grounds of the U S Naval Academy in Annapolis but its
unique and tumultuous history began long before 1860 -
USNIorg Originally erected at the Washington Navy Yard
in 1808 it was the Federal capitalrsquos first monument and for
a period of 35 years the only monument in the District of
Columbia It witnessed and weathered the War of 1812 the
building burning and rebuilding of the Capitol and the slow
establishment of the city itself For 52 years its existence
was plagued with uncertainties and agitations
The idea for the memorial rose amidst the rage and ruin of
the war against the Barbary Pirates of North Africa the first
formal war under the young nationrsquos Constitution Success
of the small fleet in Mediterranean waters marked the rebirth
of naval power which had been disbanded after the Revolutionary War as well as the
emergence of the Navy as a permanent force
Image - Via USNI
THE pirate ant might not be able to make you walk the plank but dark-colored patches around
their eyes certainly make this new species look like they could bully ants off a ship - News Watch
National Geo
Discovered by scientists from the University of Regensburg while on a trip to the Philippines
Cardiocondyla pirata was found living under a rockmdashliterally Postdoctoral fellow and ant
researcher Sabine Frohschammer was searching for Cardiocondyla ants in a shady streambed
when she saw individuals that didnrsquot look like any other known species
ldquoDue to the darkness of the rainforest and the translucent body parts of the tiny ants they were
nearly invisiblerdquo Frohschammer said in a press release
As she looked more closely however Frohschammer knew she had found something special
Some of the females she had gathered had unusual coloration around their eyesmdashdark patches
that reminded Frohschammer of the eye patches worn by some pirates
Image - National Geo
Hijacks
SE Asia - LATE Report | Malaysia-flagged fishing vessel PKFB(U2) 1532 at 2300 LT
while carrying out fishing activities was attacked and hijacked by pirates and sailed to
Indonesian territorial waters On 25 May Indonesian Marine Police detained the fishing
vessel Full report awaited Original reported 7 May
Unsuccessful AttacksRobberies (All regions)
SE Asia - LATE Report | While tug boat Crest Jade 1 was towing Singapore barge Crest
2825 at 2100 LT in position 011560N - 1040762E Straits of Malacca and Singapore
proceeding from Singapore to Labuan Malaysia the Master and crew spotted two
thieves aboard Crest 2825 The Master activated the emergency alarm immediately to
alert the crew and manoeuvred the tugboat alongside Crest 2825 The thieves fled on a
small boat and stole the emergency towing gear The crew was not injured Reported (via
ReCAAP) 12 May
SE Asia - During discharge operations at berth Liberia-flagged product tankerGolden
Adventure was boarded by robbers armed with knives at 0100 LT in position 221662N
ndash 0914802E Chittagong Port Bangladesh Robbers were noticed by the local
watchman who immediately raised the alarm The crew and watchman proceeded to the
location armed with long sticks and metal pipes Seeing the approaching crew the
robbers jumped overboard and tried to escape with a mooring line which the crew
successfully recovered Port authorities informed and no action taken Reported (via IMB)
23 May
Med - Crew on board the anchored Marshall Islands-flagged tanker B Elephant at 0545
LT in position 3112N - 02942E Alexandria Waiting Area Achorage Egypt noticed the
forecastle door and rope hatch opened and shiprsquos equipment and stores stolen It was
suspected the theft occurred during the night Robbers likely boarded via anchor chain
Reported 23 May
Gulf of Guinea - Nigeria-flagged tanker Matrix I enroute from Cotonou Benin to Idoho
field Nigeria (South Akwa Ibom state) when came under attack and boarded by unknown
number of pirates at 0220 LT in position 03452N ndash 00534E approx 42nm WSW of Cap
Formoso Pirates left the vessel later kidnapping 7 crew members all Pakistani (17 crew
members (12 Pakistanis and 5 Nigerians)) Reported 25 May
S America (P) - Around six armed persons with shotguns in a speed boat boarded
Liberia-flagged container ship Rio Eider underway with pilot and unarmed security
guards on board at 0510 LT in position 0220S - 08100W Estero Salado Guayaquil
Ecuador On investigation it was discovered container seals broken but nothing stolen
Reported 27 May
Suspicious Activity
Red Sea - Malta-flagged tanker observed 3 x Skiffs 4 POB moving east to west 18Knts
at 1545 UTC in position 1256N - 04310E BAM Red Sea approx 25nm ESE of Assab
Eritrea Skiffs aggressively approached vessel to starboard of tanker closing to within
200m No indication of details of vessel to starboard of tanker but possibly large fishing
vessel Reported 26 May
Red Sea - Liberia-flagged oil product tanker reported via VHF that PAG of two skiffs
moving fast towards vessel at 1320 UTC in position 1318N - 04257E approx 21nm
ENE of Assab Eritrea Red Sea No other information given Japanese warship
attempted to contact the MV via VHF however no VHF traffic about situation received
Reported 27 May
VESSEL and hostage numbers - IMB (as at 14 May)
Worldwide Incidents 2013 100 reported incidents including four hijackings
Somali related incidents 2013 Six reported Incidents including one hijacking
Current crew vessels held by Somali pirates hostages - 71 vessels - 5
Nigeria related incidents 2013 19 reported incidents including one hijacking
NATO amp EUNAVFOR state Vessels 2 and Hostages 54 UKMTO - 7 vessels (including dhows amp
FVs) 73 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 Horn of AfricaIOR HRA
OCEANUSLiveorg permits the reproduction of this image providing source and link are published (Map ToU)
Note OCEANUSLive accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of content not under our control Every effort is made to maintain the original content as published
This is how we work every day grumbled one man as their outboard motor sputtered out
setting them adrift amid bobbing plastic bottles We dont even have life vests
Until recently Ivory Coasts maritime surveillance brigade - the equivalent of a coastguard -
managed barely to keep a lid on crime in the waters around one of Africas busiest ports
But ruthless Nigerian gangs which have expanded hundreds of miles beyond their home waters
in the last three years reached francophone West Africas largest economy in October
Born of an uprising in Nigerias oil-rich Niger Delta which spawned a web of criminal networks
the gangs now threaten to derail the development of one of the worlds poorest regions as the
Gulf of Guinea seeks to become a major oil and gas hub
The start-up of large oil fields in Ghana and promising discoveries to the west in neighbouring
Ivory Coast have helped to stoke interest in the region from international oil firms
The spike in attacks is alarming Western powers not least the United States as regional
governments struggle to cope
IN the wake of the recent piracy attacks in Nigerias maritime domain the Nigerian Navy (NN)
Wednesday warned pirates to desist from their nefarious activities or face the consequences -
Nigerian Navy The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral
Ibok-Ete Ibas made this disclosure during the ongoing 57th anniversary of the NN held at
Beecroft Apapa Lagos
Also as part of the activities earmarked to celebrate the anniversary which coincided with the
Democracy Day celebrations the navy took over 350 civilians on a sea trip The event which
was held at the grounds of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft one of the units under the WNC
and commanded by Commodore Chris Ezekobe saw a large number of civilians gracing the
occasion The civilians were taken on the sea trip on NNS Makurdi NNS Obula two Shaldag
and Andoni ships The ships were escorted by the Special Boat Services (SBS) of the navy led
by its commander Lieutenant Commander Kola Omopariola who also led his team to perform
special demonstration for the civilians when the ships berthed
According to Ibas in pursuance of the mandate of President Goodluck Jonathan to the Chief of
Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba the command had already made several arrests of oil
thieves
Image - httpwwwcotnavymilngimagesthumbnailsPirates_600x0jpg
GOVERNMENTS of the United Kingdom and the United States of America have expressed their
readiness to help Nigeria curb the menace of oil theft according to a report credited to the
Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs Diezani Allison-
Madueke while in England recently - National Mirror Online
Protracted oil theft has indeed become one of the major
problems that appear to have overwhelmed the Federal
Government Recent official figures indicate that the country
loses $6 billion (over a trillion naira) annually to oil thieves
and additional hundreds of billions of naira to the theft of
refined petroleum products Just last month Nigeriarsquos oil behemoth the Nigerian National
Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said the country lost roughly N191 billion ($123 billion) to oil theft
and pipeline vandalism in the first quarter of this year The NNPC said daily crude oil production
during the period fluctuated between 21 million and 23 million barrels per day compared with
the projected estimate of 248mbpd One report revealed that an estimated 60000 barrels per
day of crude oil is stolen at the Nembe Creek in Rivers State alone for example
Consequently we think the gesture of the UK and the US to assist the country in tackling the
age-long menace is a welcome development The collaboration might be rewarding in terms of
the acquisition of technology that can make the tracking of oil thieves in Nigeria easier since the
country probably cannot seek out the required gadgets on its own Ordinarily it would have been
more rewarding for the country to acquire such a technology without having to depend on the
assistance of the UK and the US for obvious reasons
Image - Via National Mirror Online
THE quantity of Nigeriarsquos oil output per day or annually has been shrouded in mystery over the
years - Guardian News Nigeria At the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) held in Houston
Texas USA the other day the matter came up and all Nigerian delegates could do was to
lament the situation and attendant woes According to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy
and Minister of Finance Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala the problem of measurement could be blamed
on the increasing sophistication of oil theft in the Niger Delta Oil theft according to her
accounted for an estimated total losses of over 300000 barrels per day or about $1 billion
(N160 billion) a month in revenue
Oil theft has reached an alarming dimension in the Niger Delta The recent disclosure by Shell
Producing Development Company (SPDC) which manages the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal
that the nationrsquos economy lost a whopping $43 billion to oil thieves in the last two years at an
average rate of $23 billion annually underscores the tragic nature of the problem
THE Naval component of Bayelsa State security outfit lsquoOperation Doo Akpoorsquo and Bayelsa
State police command have discovered a cache of arms in Koulama Southern Ijaw Local
Government Area of Bayelsa State - Sun news Online
This is just as the Naval Central Command has reiterated its determination to stamp out oil
bunkering by beefing up patrol in the waterways
Governor Henry Seriake Dickson had raised the alarm recently that some political elements had
completed plans to destabilise Bayelsa State being the home state of President Goodluck
Jonathan because of the 2015 presidential election
Eyewitness account in Koualama stated that four naval gunboats with naval personnel and
armed policemen stormed the community on Sunday night and went straight to a house which
was deserted as of the time of their arrival and after a thorough search they dug out arms and
ammunition
SOME groups of ex-militants in Delta State have threatened to go back to the creeks and attack
oil installations if the federal government and the Amnesty Office failed to pay the backlogs of
allowances allegedly owed them since 2010 within two weeks - This Day Live
The threat of the ex-agitators was contained in a communiqueacute signed by Eric O Ajagidi ID
number C01B11A114098 Soroh Dorwei Travel C01B11B114205 Prince Degbe Jonah
C01B11B114127 all in Tompolorsquos camp with Tomukebiri D Franklyn C01B11A114068
Ikiyan Roland Owei C03B10E213477 Arthur Fenetobour Harvest V02B10D513375 from the
Ezekielrsquos camp and made available to journalists in Akure Ondo State
According to the communiqueacute the ex-militants lamented that they have been facing serious
hardship and frustrations for the past three years over the unpaid allowance saying all efforts to
resolve the issue had not yielded positive result
They lamented that after embracing amnesty and undergoing non-violence training at Obubra in
Cross River State with others being trained outside the country their monthly allowances have
not been remitted to their individuals bank accounts
The ex-militants therefore threatened to use violent approaches to pursue their demands
threatening to blow off oil installations in the state if the concerned authorities did not correct the
anomaly within the stipulated period of two weeks
THERE is a cloud of uncertainty over the whereabouts of 17 foreign and Nigerian oil workers
kidnapped by suspected sea pirates in Bayelsa State - Sun News Online
The police authorities the Nigerian Navy and the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) Operation Pulo
Shield have refused to comment on the disappearance of the oil workers
Checks indicated that 12 Pakistani and five Nigerians working for Val Oil Trading were attacked
by suspected sea pirates on board an oil vessel MT Matrix and whisked to an unknown
destination
Investigations revealed that victims of the attack which occurred along the deep sea between
Bayelsa and Rivers states had been difficult to trace by naval personnel at the Forward
Operational Base (FOB) Formoso
However security sources said the State Security Service (SSS) which had been investigating
series of kidnappings in Bayelsa State had moved to investigate the attack
Meanwhile the Central Naval Command (CNC) has paraded 14 suspected oil thieves arrested
along Brass and Sangana waterways after failing to produce a proper clearance from the CNC
Southeast Asia
THE introduction of high-tech sensors and communications equipment by the countries of the
Indian Ocean Rim has brought benefits to the region but much still needs to be done according
to attendees and speakers at the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in Cape Town -
Defence Pakistan
The IONS Sessions on Sharing Information and the Collaborative Response today presented to
naval members of some 38 Indian Ocean and other interested nations indicated that the
application of new technology makes dealing with crime pollution and disasters on the high seas
a much quicker and more effective process when countries cooperate effectively
Maritime Search and Rescue Coordinating Centres (MRCCs) are regional nodes which facilitate
search and rescue Using the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) among
others they identify vessels in distress (ldquoalertingrdquo) locate vessels co-ordinate search and rescue
and communications and issue maritime safety bulletins Captain King Chiragi Tanzaniarsquos
Director of Maritime Safety and Security highlighted the need for cooperation between MRCCs
in ensuring safe sea lanes where authorities need to reach ships in distress
Situational Awareness whether for shore-based authorities civil or military facilities or ships at
sea is of vital importance Chiragi said For military and civil authorities satellite systems and
radar can show the positions and courses of dozens of ships but Chiragi pointed out the fact that
it can become difficult when it comes to countries sharing information across national boundaries
in pursuit of maritime criminals whether pirates or smugglers and the MRCCs are a very helpful
tool in overcoming this information challenge The centres are also highly effective tools for
search and rescue operations Captain Chiragi added
South Amercia
US Vice President Biden met on Tuesday with the Prime Ministers Presidents and senior
ministry personnel from 15 Caribbean nations in Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago where they
discussed the comprehensive regional partnership to improve citizen security in the Caribbean -
Latin American Herald Tribune
Working together in support of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) the United States
and the nations of the Caribbean are combating the drug trade and other transnational crimes
that threaten regional security This partnership fulfills the commitment to deepen regional
security cooperation that President Barack Obama made at the 2009 Summit of the Americas
CBSI is part of an integrated citizen security effort that includes the Merida Initiative in Mexico
the Central America Regional Security Initiative and the Colombia Strategic Development
Initiative The United States CARICOM member nations and the Dominican Republic are
improving citizen safety throughout the Caribbean by working together to
Substantially reduce illicit trafficking
Increase public safety and security and
Promote social justice
SHIPMANAGERS Leonhardt amp Blumberg of Hamburg Germany operators of container vessel
HANSA MARBURG is pleased and relieved to report that the 4 seafarers who were taken from
the vessel by armed men 130 miles south west of Malabo Equatorial Guinea and held hostage
have now been released - OCEANUSLive
The vessel was attacked by criminal gangs in the Gulf Of Guinea on April 22 and four seafarers
were taken hostage
The four seafarers including Ukrainian Russian and Kiribati citizens were confirmed as being
safe and in good spirits after 31 days in captivity
Leonhardt amp Blumberg is delighted that the crew members have been released and the company
wishes to thank each of them for their courage and fortitude in dealing with this very difficult
situation in such a professional manner also to thank the families of those being held for their
patience and courage at such a difficult and worrying time
ADORED and detested pirates evoke moral and ethical ambivalence and piracy as a term of
law has always been exceptionally vulnerable to political agendas - Critical Legal Thinking More
precisely it has always been a term of both high imperialhegemonic art and significant radical
potential As such it is a word with a weighty history of complex moral and ethical loading and
reloading But it always invokes a refusal of juridification it is a term that defines the margins of
criminal and international law as juridical categories
Pirates are a recurring symbol of the ocean as a space beyond jurisdiction and the juridification
of thought itself as such both known and hidden pirates arguably estrange historical thinking
Piracy is a form of violence that challenges discourses that attempt to shore-up spaces that
assert a moral monopoly on violence and piracy is a form of textual transgression that chal-
lenges the very ability of the law to draw boundaries But even as piracy is a form of violence it
constitutes a challenge to the very violence involved in writing itself The relationship between
piracy and the law directs us to question the constitution of the human condition itself
The University of Southampton workshop will aim to explicate and explore the multiple
significations of piracy and to track the implications of these significations for both abstract and
practical notions of justice
Organised by the Centre for Law Ethics and Globalisation (LEAG) University of Southampton
Law School English at the University of Southampton and the Southampton Marine and
Maritime Institute 21-22 June 2013
Italian Marines
NSTR
NSTR
THE anti-piracy team within the Gulf Cooperation Council has met in Abu Dhabi to discuss the
necessary measures to protect national interests against maritime piracy threats - Gulfship
News
The meeting was hosted by the United Arab Emirates National Transport Authority and will
conclude today having discussed the use of armed security personnel on national vessels and
foreign vessels that come to GCC ports
THE Arabian Sea has been in the limelight in regional and international forums since long due to
its economic potential and geo-strategic importance It covers a total area of about 3862000 sq
km writes Naghmana Zafar - DAWNcom
The maritime waterways of the region extend into the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea through the
Strait of Bab el-Mandeb In the North-West it leads to the Gulf of Oman and the strategic waters
of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz
The Arabian Sea acts as a vital trade corridor between Asian and European states And the
choke points mentioned above are significant for global trade and energy supply It is estimated
that at least 23 per cent of global shipping transits take place through these points
Any disruption of sea routes in the region is likely to worsen the global financial crisis which
might prove catastrophic for many fragile and developing economies The inter-state animosities
among the littoral states of the Arabian Sea and the presence of extra-regional powers have
made regional peace more complex than ever The presence of extra-regional actors to
safeguard their interests in the region has made it a permanent theatre of their operations
The competition for influence between India and China is also shaping the contours of maritime
security Moreover the international embargo on Iran has also put the regionrsquos maritime security
at stake
The piracy around the Horn of Africa and other maritime crimes have compelled the regional and
world powers to maintain and improve the maritime security in the Arabian Sea on a permanent
basis
MORE than 6 billion USD has been lost in the past ten years in Eastern and Southern African
countries due to Somali piracy which has caused the countrys economic retrogression since its
instability - AllAfrica
Deputy Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Transport Mr John Mngodo said during the opening
of a three-day seminar in Dar es Salaam organised by the Surface and Marine Transport
Regulatory Authority (Sumatra) that the seminars aim was to increase the capacity of senior
maritime officials to be able to tackle piracy in the Indian Ocean
Mr Mngodo said the security of ports had to be addressed because the country aimed at
providing standardised security of ports and facilities to reduce increased costs of shipping
Maritime security is a major component of the economy of our country so we aim to address the
root causes of piracy in Somalia to assure security in our country he said He added that the
Shipping Act of 2003 had enabled the country to tackle international shipping insecurity
The effects of piracy have been felt by our country and it needs political intervention to face the
challenges so that security and safety will once again bring cruise ships which stopped operating
in or waters for fear of being hijacked by pirates Mr Mngodo said
Pirate Fishing
NSTR
AN administration ally on Monday raised concern over the increasing number of attacks and
hijacking by Somali pirates stressing that the government should draw up measures to ensure
the safety of Filipino seafarers in the open seas - Manila Standard Today
Citing the International Maritime Bureau-Piracy Reporting Centre Cagayan de Oro Rep Rufus
Rodriguez said that on July 16 2012 a total of 180 attacks and 20 hijackings by Somali pirates
had been recordedmdashwhere 212 hostages and 11 vessels were held captive Rodriguez
disclosed
The Department of Foreign Affairs to make representations with the IMB-PRC the worldrsquos only
manned centre receiving and disseminating reports of piracy and armed robbery 24 hours a day
across the globe to come up with guidelines that could help protect and provide assistance to
Filipino seafarers in cases of attacks by pirates in the seas
Rodriguez said DFA records showed that about 45 Filipino seafarers on board five ships were
held captive by Somali pirates on July 3 2012 with some reportedly in detention since March 29
2012
Aid Workers Plight NSTR
The following is from the January 1972 issue of Proceedings
FOR 112 years the Tripoli Monument has stood on the
grounds of the U S Naval Academy in Annapolis but its
unique and tumultuous history began long before 1860 -
USNIorg Originally erected at the Washington Navy Yard
in 1808 it was the Federal capitalrsquos first monument and for
a period of 35 years the only monument in the District of
Columbia It witnessed and weathered the War of 1812 the
building burning and rebuilding of the Capitol and the slow
establishment of the city itself For 52 years its existence
was plagued with uncertainties and agitations
The idea for the memorial rose amidst the rage and ruin of
the war against the Barbary Pirates of North Africa the first
formal war under the young nationrsquos Constitution Success
of the small fleet in Mediterranean waters marked the rebirth
of naval power which had been disbanded after the Revolutionary War as well as the
emergence of the Navy as a permanent force
Image - Via USNI
THE pirate ant might not be able to make you walk the plank but dark-colored patches around
their eyes certainly make this new species look like they could bully ants off a ship - News Watch
National Geo
Discovered by scientists from the University of Regensburg while on a trip to the Philippines
Cardiocondyla pirata was found living under a rockmdashliterally Postdoctoral fellow and ant
researcher Sabine Frohschammer was searching for Cardiocondyla ants in a shady streambed
when she saw individuals that didnrsquot look like any other known species
ldquoDue to the darkness of the rainforest and the translucent body parts of the tiny ants they were
nearly invisiblerdquo Frohschammer said in a press release
As she looked more closely however Frohschammer knew she had found something special
Some of the females she had gathered had unusual coloration around their eyesmdashdark patches
that reminded Frohschammer of the eye patches worn by some pirates
Image - National Geo
Hijacks
SE Asia - LATE Report | Malaysia-flagged fishing vessel PKFB(U2) 1532 at 2300 LT
while carrying out fishing activities was attacked and hijacked by pirates and sailed to
Indonesian territorial waters On 25 May Indonesian Marine Police detained the fishing
vessel Full report awaited Original reported 7 May
Unsuccessful AttacksRobberies (All regions)
SE Asia - LATE Report | While tug boat Crest Jade 1 was towing Singapore barge Crest
2825 at 2100 LT in position 011560N - 1040762E Straits of Malacca and Singapore
proceeding from Singapore to Labuan Malaysia the Master and crew spotted two
thieves aboard Crest 2825 The Master activated the emergency alarm immediately to
alert the crew and manoeuvred the tugboat alongside Crest 2825 The thieves fled on a
small boat and stole the emergency towing gear The crew was not injured Reported (via
ReCAAP) 12 May
SE Asia - During discharge operations at berth Liberia-flagged product tankerGolden
Adventure was boarded by robbers armed with knives at 0100 LT in position 221662N
ndash 0914802E Chittagong Port Bangladesh Robbers were noticed by the local
watchman who immediately raised the alarm The crew and watchman proceeded to the
location armed with long sticks and metal pipes Seeing the approaching crew the
robbers jumped overboard and tried to escape with a mooring line which the crew
successfully recovered Port authorities informed and no action taken Reported (via IMB)
23 May
Med - Crew on board the anchored Marshall Islands-flagged tanker B Elephant at 0545
LT in position 3112N - 02942E Alexandria Waiting Area Achorage Egypt noticed the
forecastle door and rope hatch opened and shiprsquos equipment and stores stolen It was
suspected the theft occurred during the night Robbers likely boarded via anchor chain
Reported 23 May
Gulf of Guinea - Nigeria-flagged tanker Matrix I enroute from Cotonou Benin to Idoho
field Nigeria (South Akwa Ibom state) when came under attack and boarded by unknown
number of pirates at 0220 LT in position 03452N ndash 00534E approx 42nm WSW of Cap
Formoso Pirates left the vessel later kidnapping 7 crew members all Pakistani (17 crew
members (12 Pakistanis and 5 Nigerians)) Reported 25 May
S America (P) - Around six armed persons with shotguns in a speed boat boarded
Liberia-flagged container ship Rio Eider underway with pilot and unarmed security
guards on board at 0510 LT in position 0220S - 08100W Estero Salado Guayaquil
Ecuador On investigation it was discovered container seals broken but nothing stolen
Reported 27 May
Suspicious Activity
Red Sea - Malta-flagged tanker observed 3 x Skiffs 4 POB moving east to west 18Knts
at 1545 UTC in position 1256N - 04310E BAM Red Sea approx 25nm ESE of Assab
Eritrea Skiffs aggressively approached vessel to starboard of tanker closing to within
200m No indication of details of vessel to starboard of tanker but possibly large fishing
vessel Reported 26 May
Red Sea - Liberia-flagged oil product tanker reported via VHF that PAG of two skiffs
moving fast towards vessel at 1320 UTC in position 1318N - 04257E approx 21nm
ENE of Assab Eritrea Red Sea No other information given Japanese warship
attempted to contact the MV via VHF however no VHF traffic about situation received
Reported 27 May
VESSEL and hostage numbers - IMB (as at 14 May)
Worldwide Incidents 2013 100 reported incidents including four hijackings
Somali related incidents 2013 Six reported Incidents including one hijacking
Current crew vessels held by Somali pirates hostages - 71 vessels - 5
Nigeria related incidents 2013 19 reported incidents including one hijacking
NATO amp EUNAVFOR state Vessels 2 and Hostages 54 UKMTO - 7 vessels (including dhows amp
FVs) 73 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 Horn of AfricaIOR HRA
OCEANUSLiveorg permits the reproduction of this image providing source and link are published (Map ToU)
Note OCEANUSLive accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of content not under our control Every effort is made to maintain the original content as published
Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said the country lost roughly N191 billion ($123 billion) to oil theft
and pipeline vandalism in the first quarter of this year The NNPC said daily crude oil production
during the period fluctuated between 21 million and 23 million barrels per day compared with
the projected estimate of 248mbpd One report revealed that an estimated 60000 barrels per
day of crude oil is stolen at the Nembe Creek in Rivers State alone for example
Consequently we think the gesture of the UK and the US to assist the country in tackling the
age-long menace is a welcome development The collaboration might be rewarding in terms of
the acquisition of technology that can make the tracking of oil thieves in Nigeria easier since the
country probably cannot seek out the required gadgets on its own Ordinarily it would have been
more rewarding for the country to acquire such a technology without having to depend on the
assistance of the UK and the US for obvious reasons
Image - Via National Mirror Online
THE quantity of Nigeriarsquos oil output per day or annually has been shrouded in mystery over the
years - Guardian News Nigeria At the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) held in Houston
Texas USA the other day the matter came up and all Nigerian delegates could do was to
lament the situation and attendant woes According to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy
and Minister of Finance Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala the problem of measurement could be blamed
on the increasing sophistication of oil theft in the Niger Delta Oil theft according to her
accounted for an estimated total losses of over 300000 barrels per day or about $1 billion
(N160 billion) a month in revenue
Oil theft has reached an alarming dimension in the Niger Delta The recent disclosure by Shell
Producing Development Company (SPDC) which manages the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal
that the nationrsquos economy lost a whopping $43 billion to oil thieves in the last two years at an
average rate of $23 billion annually underscores the tragic nature of the problem
THE Naval component of Bayelsa State security outfit lsquoOperation Doo Akpoorsquo and Bayelsa
State police command have discovered a cache of arms in Koulama Southern Ijaw Local
Government Area of Bayelsa State - Sun news Online
This is just as the Naval Central Command has reiterated its determination to stamp out oil
bunkering by beefing up patrol in the waterways
Governor Henry Seriake Dickson had raised the alarm recently that some political elements had
completed plans to destabilise Bayelsa State being the home state of President Goodluck
Jonathan because of the 2015 presidential election
Eyewitness account in Koualama stated that four naval gunboats with naval personnel and
armed policemen stormed the community on Sunday night and went straight to a house which
was deserted as of the time of their arrival and after a thorough search they dug out arms and
ammunition
SOME groups of ex-militants in Delta State have threatened to go back to the creeks and attack
oil installations if the federal government and the Amnesty Office failed to pay the backlogs of
allowances allegedly owed them since 2010 within two weeks - This Day Live
The threat of the ex-agitators was contained in a communiqueacute signed by Eric O Ajagidi ID
number C01B11A114098 Soroh Dorwei Travel C01B11B114205 Prince Degbe Jonah
C01B11B114127 all in Tompolorsquos camp with Tomukebiri D Franklyn C01B11A114068
Ikiyan Roland Owei C03B10E213477 Arthur Fenetobour Harvest V02B10D513375 from the
Ezekielrsquos camp and made available to journalists in Akure Ondo State
According to the communiqueacute the ex-militants lamented that they have been facing serious
hardship and frustrations for the past three years over the unpaid allowance saying all efforts to
resolve the issue had not yielded positive result
They lamented that after embracing amnesty and undergoing non-violence training at Obubra in
Cross River State with others being trained outside the country their monthly allowances have
not been remitted to their individuals bank accounts
The ex-militants therefore threatened to use violent approaches to pursue their demands
threatening to blow off oil installations in the state if the concerned authorities did not correct the
anomaly within the stipulated period of two weeks
THERE is a cloud of uncertainty over the whereabouts of 17 foreign and Nigerian oil workers
kidnapped by suspected sea pirates in Bayelsa State - Sun News Online
The police authorities the Nigerian Navy and the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) Operation Pulo
Shield have refused to comment on the disappearance of the oil workers
Checks indicated that 12 Pakistani and five Nigerians working for Val Oil Trading were attacked
by suspected sea pirates on board an oil vessel MT Matrix and whisked to an unknown
destination
Investigations revealed that victims of the attack which occurred along the deep sea between
Bayelsa and Rivers states had been difficult to trace by naval personnel at the Forward
Operational Base (FOB) Formoso
However security sources said the State Security Service (SSS) which had been investigating
series of kidnappings in Bayelsa State had moved to investigate the attack
Meanwhile the Central Naval Command (CNC) has paraded 14 suspected oil thieves arrested
along Brass and Sangana waterways after failing to produce a proper clearance from the CNC
Southeast Asia
THE introduction of high-tech sensors and communications equipment by the countries of the
Indian Ocean Rim has brought benefits to the region but much still needs to be done according
to attendees and speakers at the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in Cape Town -
Defence Pakistan
The IONS Sessions on Sharing Information and the Collaborative Response today presented to
naval members of some 38 Indian Ocean and other interested nations indicated that the
application of new technology makes dealing with crime pollution and disasters on the high seas
a much quicker and more effective process when countries cooperate effectively
Maritime Search and Rescue Coordinating Centres (MRCCs) are regional nodes which facilitate
search and rescue Using the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) among
others they identify vessels in distress (ldquoalertingrdquo) locate vessels co-ordinate search and rescue
and communications and issue maritime safety bulletins Captain King Chiragi Tanzaniarsquos
Director of Maritime Safety and Security highlighted the need for cooperation between MRCCs
in ensuring safe sea lanes where authorities need to reach ships in distress
Situational Awareness whether for shore-based authorities civil or military facilities or ships at
sea is of vital importance Chiragi said For military and civil authorities satellite systems and
radar can show the positions and courses of dozens of ships but Chiragi pointed out the fact that
it can become difficult when it comes to countries sharing information across national boundaries
in pursuit of maritime criminals whether pirates or smugglers and the MRCCs are a very helpful
tool in overcoming this information challenge The centres are also highly effective tools for
search and rescue operations Captain Chiragi added
South Amercia
US Vice President Biden met on Tuesday with the Prime Ministers Presidents and senior
ministry personnel from 15 Caribbean nations in Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago where they
discussed the comprehensive regional partnership to improve citizen security in the Caribbean -
Latin American Herald Tribune
Working together in support of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) the United States
and the nations of the Caribbean are combating the drug trade and other transnational crimes
that threaten regional security This partnership fulfills the commitment to deepen regional
security cooperation that President Barack Obama made at the 2009 Summit of the Americas
CBSI is part of an integrated citizen security effort that includes the Merida Initiative in Mexico
the Central America Regional Security Initiative and the Colombia Strategic Development
Initiative The United States CARICOM member nations and the Dominican Republic are
improving citizen safety throughout the Caribbean by working together to
Substantially reduce illicit trafficking
Increase public safety and security and
Promote social justice
SHIPMANAGERS Leonhardt amp Blumberg of Hamburg Germany operators of container vessel
HANSA MARBURG is pleased and relieved to report that the 4 seafarers who were taken from
the vessel by armed men 130 miles south west of Malabo Equatorial Guinea and held hostage
have now been released - OCEANUSLive
The vessel was attacked by criminal gangs in the Gulf Of Guinea on April 22 and four seafarers
were taken hostage
The four seafarers including Ukrainian Russian and Kiribati citizens were confirmed as being
safe and in good spirits after 31 days in captivity
Leonhardt amp Blumberg is delighted that the crew members have been released and the company
wishes to thank each of them for their courage and fortitude in dealing with this very difficult
situation in such a professional manner also to thank the families of those being held for their
patience and courage at such a difficult and worrying time
ADORED and detested pirates evoke moral and ethical ambivalence and piracy as a term of
law has always been exceptionally vulnerable to political agendas - Critical Legal Thinking More
precisely it has always been a term of both high imperialhegemonic art and significant radical
potential As such it is a word with a weighty history of complex moral and ethical loading and
reloading But it always invokes a refusal of juridification it is a term that defines the margins of
criminal and international law as juridical categories
Pirates are a recurring symbol of the ocean as a space beyond jurisdiction and the juridification
of thought itself as such both known and hidden pirates arguably estrange historical thinking
Piracy is a form of violence that challenges discourses that attempt to shore-up spaces that
assert a moral monopoly on violence and piracy is a form of textual transgression that chal-
lenges the very ability of the law to draw boundaries But even as piracy is a form of violence it
constitutes a challenge to the very violence involved in writing itself The relationship between
piracy and the law directs us to question the constitution of the human condition itself
The University of Southampton workshop will aim to explicate and explore the multiple
significations of piracy and to track the implications of these significations for both abstract and
practical notions of justice
Organised by the Centre for Law Ethics and Globalisation (LEAG) University of Southampton
Law School English at the University of Southampton and the Southampton Marine and
Maritime Institute 21-22 June 2013
Italian Marines
NSTR
NSTR
THE anti-piracy team within the Gulf Cooperation Council has met in Abu Dhabi to discuss the
necessary measures to protect national interests against maritime piracy threats - Gulfship
News
The meeting was hosted by the United Arab Emirates National Transport Authority and will
conclude today having discussed the use of armed security personnel on national vessels and
foreign vessels that come to GCC ports
THE Arabian Sea has been in the limelight in regional and international forums since long due to
its economic potential and geo-strategic importance It covers a total area of about 3862000 sq
km writes Naghmana Zafar - DAWNcom
The maritime waterways of the region extend into the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea through the
Strait of Bab el-Mandeb In the North-West it leads to the Gulf of Oman and the strategic waters
of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz
The Arabian Sea acts as a vital trade corridor between Asian and European states And the
choke points mentioned above are significant for global trade and energy supply It is estimated
that at least 23 per cent of global shipping transits take place through these points
Any disruption of sea routes in the region is likely to worsen the global financial crisis which
might prove catastrophic for many fragile and developing economies The inter-state animosities
among the littoral states of the Arabian Sea and the presence of extra-regional powers have
made regional peace more complex than ever The presence of extra-regional actors to
safeguard their interests in the region has made it a permanent theatre of their operations
The competition for influence between India and China is also shaping the contours of maritime
security Moreover the international embargo on Iran has also put the regionrsquos maritime security
at stake
The piracy around the Horn of Africa and other maritime crimes have compelled the regional and
world powers to maintain and improve the maritime security in the Arabian Sea on a permanent
basis
MORE than 6 billion USD has been lost in the past ten years in Eastern and Southern African
countries due to Somali piracy which has caused the countrys economic retrogression since its
instability - AllAfrica
Deputy Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Transport Mr John Mngodo said during the opening
of a three-day seminar in Dar es Salaam organised by the Surface and Marine Transport
Regulatory Authority (Sumatra) that the seminars aim was to increase the capacity of senior
maritime officials to be able to tackle piracy in the Indian Ocean
Mr Mngodo said the security of ports had to be addressed because the country aimed at
providing standardised security of ports and facilities to reduce increased costs of shipping
Maritime security is a major component of the economy of our country so we aim to address the
root causes of piracy in Somalia to assure security in our country he said He added that the
Shipping Act of 2003 had enabled the country to tackle international shipping insecurity
The effects of piracy have been felt by our country and it needs political intervention to face the
challenges so that security and safety will once again bring cruise ships which stopped operating
in or waters for fear of being hijacked by pirates Mr Mngodo said
Pirate Fishing
NSTR
AN administration ally on Monday raised concern over the increasing number of attacks and
hijacking by Somali pirates stressing that the government should draw up measures to ensure
the safety of Filipino seafarers in the open seas - Manila Standard Today
Citing the International Maritime Bureau-Piracy Reporting Centre Cagayan de Oro Rep Rufus
Rodriguez said that on July 16 2012 a total of 180 attacks and 20 hijackings by Somali pirates
had been recordedmdashwhere 212 hostages and 11 vessels were held captive Rodriguez
disclosed
The Department of Foreign Affairs to make representations with the IMB-PRC the worldrsquos only
manned centre receiving and disseminating reports of piracy and armed robbery 24 hours a day
across the globe to come up with guidelines that could help protect and provide assistance to
Filipino seafarers in cases of attacks by pirates in the seas
Rodriguez said DFA records showed that about 45 Filipino seafarers on board five ships were
held captive by Somali pirates on July 3 2012 with some reportedly in detention since March 29
2012
Aid Workers Plight NSTR
The following is from the January 1972 issue of Proceedings
FOR 112 years the Tripoli Monument has stood on the
grounds of the U S Naval Academy in Annapolis but its
unique and tumultuous history began long before 1860 -
USNIorg Originally erected at the Washington Navy Yard
in 1808 it was the Federal capitalrsquos first monument and for
a period of 35 years the only monument in the District of
Columbia It witnessed and weathered the War of 1812 the
building burning and rebuilding of the Capitol and the slow
establishment of the city itself For 52 years its existence
was plagued with uncertainties and agitations
The idea for the memorial rose amidst the rage and ruin of
the war against the Barbary Pirates of North Africa the first
formal war under the young nationrsquos Constitution Success
of the small fleet in Mediterranean waters marked the rebirth
of naval power which had been disbanded after the Revolutionary War as well as the
emergence of the Navy as a permanent force
Image - Via USNI
THE pirate ant might not be able to make you walk the plank but dark-colored patches around
their eyes certainly make this new species look like they could bully ants off a ship - News Watch
National Geo
Discovered by scientists from the University of Regensburg while on a trip to the Philippines
Cardiocondyla pirata was found living under a rockmdashliterally Postdoctoral fellow and ant
researcher Sabine Frohschammer was searching for Cardiocondyla ants in a shady streambed
when she saw individuals that didnrsquot look like any other known species
ldquoDue to the darkness of the rainforest and the translucent body parts of the tiny ants they were
nearly invisiblerdquo Frohschammer said in a press release
As she looked more closely however Frohschammer knew she had found something special
Some of the females she had gathered had unusual coloration around their eyesmdashdark patches
that reminded Frohschammer of the eye patches worn by some pirates
Image - National Geo
Hijacks
SE Asia - LATE Report | Malaysia-flagged fishing vessel PKFB(U2) 1532 at 2300 LT
while carrying out fishing activities was attacked and hijacked by pirates and sailed to
Indonesian territorial waters On 25 May Indonesian Marine Police detained the fishing
vessel Full report awaited Original reported 7 May
Unsuccessful AttacksRobberies (All regions)
SE Asia - LATE Report | While tug boat Crest Jade 1 was towing Singapore barge Crest
2825 at 2100 LT in position 011560N - 1040762E Straits of Malacca and Singapore
proceeding from Singapore to Labuan Malaysia the Master and crew spotted two
thieves aboard Crest 2825 The Master activated the emergency alarm immediately to
alert the crew and manoeuvred the tugboat alongside Crest 2825 The thieves fled on a
small boat and stole the emergency towing gear The crew was not injured Reported (via
ReCAAP) 12 May
SE Asia - During discharge operations at berth Liberia-flagged product tankerGolden
Adventure was boarded by robbers armed with knives at 0100 LT in position 221662N
ndash 0914802E Chittagong Port Bangladesh Robbers were noticed by the local
watchman who immediately raised the alarm The crew and watchman proceeded to the
location armed with long sticks and metal pipes Seeing the approaching crew the
robbers jumped overboard and tried to escape with a mooring line which the crew
successfully recovered Port authorities informed and no action taken Reported (via IMB)
23 May
Med - Crew on board the anchored Marshall Islands-flagged tanker B Elephant at 0545
LT in position 3112N - 02942E Alexandria Waiting Area Achorage Egypt noticed the
forecastle door and rope hatch opened and shiprsquos equipment and stores stolen It was
suspected the theft occurred during the night Robbers likely boarded via anchor chain
Reported 23 May
Gulf of Guinea - Nigeria-flagged tanker Matrix I enroute from Cotonou Benin to Idoho
field Nigeria (South Akwa Ibom state) when came under attack and boarded by unknown
number of pirates at 0220 LT in position 03452N ndash 00534E approx 42nm WSW of Cap
Formoso Pirates left the vessel later kidnapping 7 crew members all Pakistani (17 crew
members (12 Pakistanis and 5 Nigerians)) Reported 25 May
S America (P) - Around six armed persons with shotguns in a speed boat boarded
Liberia-flagged container ship Rio Eider underway with pilot and unarmed security
guards on board at 0510 LT in position 0220S - 08100W Estero Salado Guayaquil
Ecuador On investigation it was discovered container seals broken but nothing stolen
Reported 27 May
Suspicious Activity
Red Sea - Malta-flagged tanker observed 3 x Skiffs 4 POB moving east to west 18Knts
at 1545 UTC in position 1256N - 04310E BAM Red Sea approx 25nm ESE of Assab
Eritrea Skiffs aggressively approached vessel to starboard of tanker closing to within
200m No indication of details of vessel to starboard of tanker but possibly large fishing
vessel Reported 26 May
Red Sea - Liberia-flagged oil product tanker reported via VHF that PAG of two skiffs
moving fast towards vessel at 1320 UTC in position 1318N - 04257E approx 21nm
ENE of Assab Eritrea Red Sea No other information given Japanese warship
attempted to contact the MV via VHF however no VHF traffic about situation received
Reported 27 May
VESSEL and hostage numbers - IMB (as at 14 May)
Worldwide Incidents 2013 100 reported incidents including four hijackings
Somali related incidents 2013 Six reported Incidents including one hijacking
Current crew vessels held by Somali pirates hostages - 71 vessels - 5
Nigeria related incidents 2013 19 reported incidents including one hijacking
NATO amp EUNAVFOR state Vessels 2 and Hostages 54 UKMTO - 7 vessels (including dhows amp
FVs) 73 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 Horn of AfricaIOR HRA
OCEANUSLiveorg permits the reproduction of this image providing source and link are published (Map ToU)
Note OCEANUSLive accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of content not under our control Every effort is made to maintain the original content as published
SOME groups of ex-militants in Delta State have threatened to go back to the creeks and attack
oil installations if the federal government and the Amnesty Office failed to pay the backlogs of
allowances allegedly owed them since 2010 within two weeks - This Day Live
The threat of the ex-agitators was contained in a communiqueacute signed by Eric O Ajagidi ID
number C01B11A114098 Soroh Dorwei Travel C01B11B114205 Prince Degbe Jonah
C01B11B114127 all in Tompolorsquos camp with Tomukebiri D Franklyn C01B11A114068
Ikiyan Roland Owei C03B10E213477 Arthur Fenetobour Harvest V02B10D513375 from the
Ezekielrsquos camp and made available to journalists in Akure Ondo State
According to the communiqueacute the ex-militants lamented that they have been facing serious
hardship and frustrations for the past three years over the unpaid allowance saying all efforts to
resolve the issue had not yielded positive result
They lamented that after embracing amnesty and undergoing non-violence training at Obubra in
Cross River State with others being trained outside the country their monthly allowances have
not been remitted to their individuals bank accounts
The ex-militants therefore threatened to use violent approaches to pursue their demands
threatening to blow off oil installations in the state if the concerned authorities did not correct the
anomaly within the stipulated period of two weeks
THERE is a cloud of uncertainty over the whereabouts of 17 foreign and Nigerian oil workers
kidnapped by suspected sea pirates in Bayelsa State - Sun News Online
The police authorities the Nigerian Navy and the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) Operation Pulo
Shield have refused to comment on the disappearance of the oil workers
Checks indicated that 12 Pakistani and five Nigerians working for Val Oil Trading were attacked
by suspected sea pirates on board an oil vessel MT Matrix and whisked to an unknown
destination
Investigations revealed that victims of the attack which occurred along the deep sea between
Bayelsa and Rivers states had been difficult to trace by naval personnel at the Forward
Operational Base (FOB) Formoso
However security sources said the State Security Service (SSS) which had been investigating
series of kidnappings in Bayelsa State had moved to investigate the attack
Meanwhile the Central Naval Command (CNC) has paraded 14 suspected oil thieves arrested
along Brass and Sangana waterways after failing to produce a proper clearance from the CNC
Southeast Asia
THE introduction of high-tech sensors and communications equipment by the countries of the
Indian Ocean Rim has brought benefits to the region but much still needs to be done according
to attendees and speakers at the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in Cape Town -
Defence Pakistan
The IONS Sessions on Sharing Information and the Collaborative Response today presented to
naval members of some 38 Indian Ocean and other interested nations indicated that the
application of new technology makes dealing with crime pollution and disasters on the high seas
a much quicker and more effective process when countries cooperate effectively
Maritime Search and Rescue Coordinating Centres (MRCCs) are regional nodes which facilitate
search and rescue Using the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) among
others they identify vessels in distress (ldquoalertingrdquo) locate vessels co-ordinate search and rescue
and communications and issue maritime safety bulletins Captain King Chiragi Tanzaniarsquos
Director of Maritime Safety and Security highlighted the need for cooperation between MRCCs
in ensuring safe sea lanes where authorities need to reach ships in distress
Situational Awareness whether for shore-based authorities civil or military facilities or ships at
sea is of vital importance Chiragi said For military and civil authorities satellite systems and
radar can show the positions and courses of dozens of ships but Chiragi pointed out the fact that
it can become difficult when it comes to countries sharing information across national boundaries
in pursuit of maritime criminals whether pirates or smugglers and the MRCCs are a very helpful
tool in overcoming this information challenge The centres are also highly effective tools for
search and rescue operations Captain Chiragi added
South Amercia
US Vice President Biden met on Tuesday with the Prime Ministers Presidents and senior
ministry personnel from 15 Caribbean nations in Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago where they
discussed the comprehensive regional partnership to improve citizen security in the Caribbean -
Latin American Herald Tribune
Working together in support of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) the United States
and the nations of the Caribbean are combating the drug trade and other transnational crimes
that threaten regional security This partnership fulfills the commitment to deepen regional
security cooperation that President Barack Obama made at the 2009 Summit of the Americas
CBSI is part of an integrated citizen security effort that includes the Merida Initiative in Mexico
the Central America Regional Security Initiative and the Colombia Strategic Development
Initiative The United States CARICOM member nations and the Dominican Republic are
improving citizen safety throughout the Caribbean by working together to
Substantially reduce illicit trafficking
Increase public safety and security and
Promote social justice
SHIPMANAGERS Leonhardt amp Blumberg of Hamburg Germany operators of container vessel
HANSA MARBURG is pleased and relieved to report that the 4 seafarers who were taken from
the vessel by armed men 130 miles south west of Malabo Equatorial Guinea and held hostage
have now been released - OCEANUSLive
The vessel was attacked by criminal gangs in the Gulf Of Guinea on April 22 and four seafarers
were taken hostage
The four seafarers including Ukrainian Russian and Kiribati citizens were confirmed as being
safe and in good spirits after 31 days in captivity
Leonhardt amp Blumberg is delighted that the crew members have been released and the company
wishes to thank each of them for their courage and fortitude in dealing with this very difficult
situation in such a professional manner also to thank the families of those being held for their
patience and courage at such a difficult and worrying time
ADORED and detested pirates evoke moral and ethical ambivalence and piracy as a term of
law has always been exceptionally vulnerable to political agendas - Critical Legal Thinking More
precisely it has always been a term of both high imperialhegemonic art and significant radical
potential As such it is a word with a weighty history of complex moral and ethical loading and
reloading But it always invokes a refusal of juridification it is a term that defines the margins of
criminal and international law as juridical categories
Pirates are a recurring symbol of the ocean as a space beyond jurisdiction and the juridification
of thought itself as such both known and hidden pirates arguably estrange historical thinking
Piracy is a form of violence that challenges discourses that attempt to shore-up spaces that
assert a moral monopoly on violence and piracy is a form of textual transgression that chal-
lenges the very ability of the law to draw boundaries But even as piracy is a form of violence it
constitutes a challenge to the very violence involved in writing itself The relationship between
piracy and the law directs us to question the constitution of the human condition itself
The University of Southampton workshop will aim to explicate and explore the multiple
significations of piracy and to track the implications of these significations for both abstract and
practical notions of justice
Organised by the Centre for Law Ethics and Globalisation (LEAG) University of Southampton
Law School English at the University of Southampton and the Southampton Marine and
Maritime Institute 21-22 June 2013
Italian Marines
NSTR
NSTR
THE anti-piracy team within the Gulf Cooperation Council has met in Abu Dhabi to discuss the
necessary measures to protect national interests against maritime piracy threats - Gulfship
News
The meeting was hosted by the United Arab Emirates National Transport Authority and will
conclude today having discussed the use of armed security personnel on national vessels and
foreign vessels that come to GCC ports
THE Arabian Sea has been in the limelight in regional and international forums since long due to
its economic potential and geo-strategic importance It covers a total area of about 3862000 sq
km writes Naghmana Zafar - DAWNcom
The maritime waterways of the region extend into the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea through the
Strait of Bab el-Mandeb In the North-West it leads to the Gulf of Oman and the strategic waters
of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz
The Arabian Sea acts as a vital trade corridor between Asian and European states And the
choke points mentioned above are significant for global trade and energy supply It is estimated
that at least 23 per cent of global shipping transits take place through these points
Any disruption of sea routes in the region is likely to worsen the global financial crisis which
might prove catastrophic for many fragile and developing economies The inter-state animosities
among the littoral states of the Arabian Sea and the presence of extra-regional powers have
made regional peace more complex than ever The presence of extra-regional actors to
safeguard their interests in the region has made it a permanent theatre of their operations
The competition for influence between India and China is also shaping the contours of maritime
security Moreover the international embargo on Iran has also put the regionrsquos maritime security
at stake
The piracy around the Horn of Africa and other maritime crimes have compelled the regional and
world powers to maintain and improve the maritime security in the Arabian Sea on a permanent
basis
MORE than 6 billion USD has been lost in the past ten years in Eastern and Southern African
countries due to Somali piracy which has caused the countrys economic retrogression since its
instability - AllAfrica
Deputy Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Transport Mr John Mngodo said during the opening
of a three-day seminar in Dar es Salaam organised by the Surface and Marine Transport
Regulatory Authority (Sumatra) that the seminars aim was to increase the capacity of senior
maritime officials to be able to tackle piracy in the Indian Ocean
Mr Mngodo said the security of ports had to be addressed because the country aimed at
providing standardised security of ports and facilities to reduce increased costs of shipping
Maritime security is a major component of the economy of our country so we aim to address the
root causes of piracy in Somalia to assure security in our country he said He added that the
Shipping Act of 2003 had enabled the country to tackle international shipping insecurity
The effects of piracy have been felt by our country and it needs political intervention to face the
challenges so that security and safety will once again bring cruise ships which stopped operating
in or waters for fear of being hijacked by pirates Mr Mngodo said
Pirate Fishing
NSTR
AN administration ally on Monday raised concern over the increasing number of attacks and
hijacking by Somali pirates stressing that the government should draw up measures to ensure
the safety of Filipino seafarers in the open seas - Manila Standard Today
Citing the International Maritime Bureau-Piracy Reporting Centre Cagayan de Oro Rep Rufus
Rodriguez said that on July 16 2012 a total of 180 attacks and 20 hijackings by Somali pirates
had been recordedmdashwhere 212 hostages and 11 vessels were held captive Rodriguez
disclosed
The Department of Foreign Affairs to make representations with the IMB-PRC the worldrsquos only
manned centre receiving and disseminating reports of piracy and armed robbery 24 hours a day
across the globe to come up with guidelines that could help protect and provide assistance to
Filipino seafarers in cases of attacks by pirates in the seas
Rodriguez said DFA records showed that about 45 Filipino seafarers on board five ships were
held captive by Somali pirates on July 3 2012 with some reportedly in detention since March 29
2012
Aid Workers Plight NSTR
The following is from the January 1972 issue of Proceedings
FOR 112 years the Tripoli Monument has stood on the
grounds of the U S Naval Academy in Annapolis but its
unique and tumultuous history began long before 1860 -
USNIorg Originally erected at the Washington Navy Yard
in 1808 it was the Federal capitalrsquos first monument and for
a period of 35 years the only monument in the District of
Columbia It witnessed and weathered the War of 1812 the
building burning and rebuilding of the Capitol and the slow
establishment of the city itself For 52 years its existence
was plagued with uncertainties and agitations
The idea for the memorial rose amidst the rage and ruin of
the war against the Barbary Pirates of North Africa the first
formal war under the young nationrsquos Constitution Success
of the small fleet in Mediterranean waters marked the rebirth
of naval power which had been disbanded after the Revolutionary War as well as the
emergence of the Navy as a permanent force
Image - Via USNI
THE pirate ant might not be able to make you walk the plank but dark-colored patches around
their eyes certainly make this new species look like they could bully ants off a ship - News Watch
National Geo
Discovered by scientists from the University of Regensburg while on a trip to the Philippines
Cardiocondyla pirata was found living under a rockmdashliterally Postdoctoral fellow and ant
researcher Sabine Frohschammer was searching for Cardiocondyla ants in a shady streambed
when she saw individuals that didnrsquot look like any other known species
ldquoDue to the darkness of the rainforest and the translucent body parts of the tiny ants they were
nearly invisiblerdquo Frohschammer said in a press release
As she looked more closely however Frohschammer knew she had found something special
Some of the females she had gathered had unusual coloration around their eyesmdashdark patches
that reminded Frohschammer of the eye patches worn by some pirates
Image - National Geo
Hijacks
SE Asia - LATE Report | Malaysia-flagged fishing vessel PKFB(U2) 1532 at 2300 LT
while carrying out fishing activities was attacked and hijacked by pirates and sailed to
Indonesian territorial waters On 25 May Indonesian Marine Police detained the fishing
vessel Full report awaited Original reported 7 May
Unsuccessful AttacksRobberies (All regions)
SE Asia - LATE Report | While tug boat Crest Jade 1 was towing Singapore barge Crest
2825 at 2100 LT in position 011560N - 1040762E Straits of Malacca and Singapore
proceeding from Singapore to Labuan Malaysia the Master and crew spotted two
thieves aboard Crest 2825 The Master activated the emergency alarm immediately to
alert the crew and manoeuvred the tugboat alongside Crest 2825 The thieves fled on a
small boat and stole the emergency towing gear The crew was not injured Reported (via
ReCAAP) 12 May
SE Asia - During discharge operations at berth Liberia-flagged product tankerGolden
Adventure was boarded by robbers armed with knives at 0100 LT in position 221662N
ndash 0914802E Chittagong Port Bangladesh Robbers were noticed by the local
watchman who immediately raised the alarm The crew and watchman proceeded to the
location armed with long sticks and metal pipes Seeing the approaching crew the
robbers jumped overboard and tried to escape with a mooring line which the crew
successfully recovered Port authorities informed and no action taken Reported (via IMB)
23 May
Med - Crew on board the anchored Marshall Islands-flagged tanker B Elephant at 0545
LT in position 3112N - 02942E Alexandria Waiting Area Achorage Egypt noticed the
forecastle door and rope hatch opened and shiprsquos equipment and stores stolen It was
suspected the theft occurred during the night Robbers likely boarded via anchor chain
Reported 23 May
Gulf of Guinea - Nigeria-flagged tanker Matrix I enroute from Cotonou Benin to Idoho
field Nigeria (South Akwa Ibom state) when came under attack and boarded by unknown
number of pirates at 0220 LT in position 03452N ndash 00534E approx 42nm WSW of Cap
Formoso Pirates left the vessel later kidnapping 7 crew members all Pakistani (17 crew
members (12 Pakistanis and 5 Nigerians)) Reported 25 May
S America (P) - Around six armed persons with shotguns in a speed boat boarded
Liberia-flagged container ship Rio Eider underway with pilot and unarmed security
guards on board at 0510 LT in position 0220S - 08100W Estero Salado Guayaquil
Ecuador On investigation it was discovered container seals broken but nothing stolen
Reported 27 May
Suspicious Activity
Red Sea - Malta-flagged tanker observed 3 x Skiffs 4 POB moving east to west 18Knts
at 1545 UTC in position 1256N - 04310E BAM Red Sea approx 25nm ESE of Assab
Eritrea Skiffs aggressively approached vessel to starboard of tanker closing to within
200m No indication of details of vessel to starboard of tanker but possibly large fishing
vessel Reported 26 May
Red Sea - Liberia-flagged oil product tanker reported via VHF that PAG of two skiffs
moving fast towards vessel at 1320 UTC in position 1318N - 04257E approx 21nm
ENE of Assab Eritrea Red Sea No other information given Japanese warship
attempted to contact the MV via VHF however no VHF traffic about situation received
Reported 27 May
VESSEL and hostage numbers - IMB (as at 14 May)
Worldwide Incidents 2013 100 reported incidents including four hijackings
Somali related incidents 2013 Six reported Incidents including one hijacking
Current crew vessels held by Somali pirates hostages - 71 vessels - 5
Nigeria related incidents 2013 19 reported incidents including one hijacking
NATO amp EUNAVFOR state Vessels 2 and Hostages 54 UKMTO - 7 vessels (including dhows amp
FVs) 73 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 Horn of AfricaIOR HRA
OCEANUSLiveorg permits the reproduction of this image providing source and link are published (Map ToU)
Note OCEANUSLive accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of content not under our control Every effort is made to maintain the original content as published
application of new technology makes dealing with crime pollution and disasters on the high seas
a much quicker and more effective process when countries cooperate effectively
Maritime Search and Rescue Coordinating Centres (MRCCs) are regional nodes which facilitate
search and rescue Using the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) among
others they identify vessels in distress (ldquoalertingrdquo) locate vessels co-ordinate search and rescue
and communications and issue maritime safety bulletins Captain King Chiragi Tanzaniarsquos
Director of Maritime Safety and Security highlighted the need for cooperation between MRCCs
in ensuring safe sea lanes where authorities need to reach ships in distress
Situational Awareness whether for shore-based authorities civil or military facilities or ships at
sea is of vital importance Chiragi said For military and civil authorities satellite systems and
radar can show the positions and courses of dozens of ships but Chiragi pointed out the fact that
it can become difficult when it comes to countries sharing information across national boundaries
in pursuit of maritime criminals whether pirates or smugglers and the MRCCs are a very helpful
tool in overcoming this information challenge The centres are also highly effective tools for
search and rescue operations Captain Chiragi added
South Amercia
US Vice President Biden met on Tuesday with the Prime Ministers Presidents and senior
ministry personnel from 15 Caribbean nations in Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago where they
discussed the comprehensive regional partnership to improve citizen security in the Caribbean -
Latin American Herald Tribune
Working together in support of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) the United States
and the nations of the Caribbean are combating the drug trade and other transnational crimes
that threaten regional security This partnership fulfills the commitment to deepen regional
security cooperation that President Barack Obama made at the 2009 Summit of the Americas
CBSI is part of an integrated citizen security effort that includes the Merida Initiative in Mexico
the Central America Regional Security Initiative and the Colombia Strategic Development
Initiative The United States CARICOM member nations and the Dominican Republic are
improving citizen safety throughout the Caribbean by working together to
Substantially reduce illicit trafficking
Increase public safety and security and
Promote social justice
SHIPMANAGERS Leonhardt amp Blumberg of Hamburg Germany operators of container vessel
HANSA MARBURG is pleased and relieved to report that the 4 seafarers who were taken from
the vessel by armed men 130 miles south west of Malabo Equatorial Guinea and held hostage
have now been released - OCEANUSLive
The vessel was attacked by criminal gangs in the Gulf Of Guinea on April 22 and four seafarers
were taken hostage
The four seafarers including Ukrainian Russian and Kiribati citizens were confirmed as being
safe and in good spirits after 31 days in captivity
Leonhardt amp Blumberg is delighted that the crew members have been released and the company
wishes to thank each of them for their courage and fortitude in dealing with this very difficult
situation in such a professional manner also to thank the families of those being held for their
patience and courage at such a difficult and worrying time
ADORED and detested pirates evoke moral and ethical ambivalence and piracy as a term of
law has always been exceptionally vulnerable to political agendas - Critical Legal Thinking More
precisely it has always been a term of both high imperialhegemonic art and significant radical
potential As such it is a word with a weighty history of complex moral and ethical loading and
reloading But it always invokes a refusal of juridification it is a term that defines the margins of
criminal and international law as juridical categories
Pirates are a recurring symbol of the ocean as a space beyond jurisdiction and the juridification
of thought itself as such both known and hidden pirates arguably estrange historical thinking
Piracy is a form of violence that challenges discourses that attempt to shore-up spaces that
assert a moral monopoly on violence and piracy is a form of textual transgression that chal-
lenges the very ability of the law to draw boundaries But even as piracy is a form of violence it
constitutes a challenge to the very violence involved in writing itself The relationship between
piracy and the law directs us to question the constitution of the human condition itself
The University of Southampton workshop will aim to explicate and explore the multiple
significations of piracy and to track the implications of these significations for both abstract and
practical notions of justice
Organised by the Centre for Law Ethics and Globalisation (LEAG) University of Southampton
Law School English at the University of Southampton and the Southampton Marine and
Maritime Institute 21-22 June 2013
Italian Marines
NSTR
NSTR
THE anti-piracy team within the Gulf Cooperation Council has met in Abu Dhabi to discuss the
necessary measures to protect national interests against maritime piracy threats - Gulfship
News
The meeting was hosted by the United Arab Emirates National Transport Authority and will
conclude today having discussed the use of armed security personnel on national vessels and
foreign vessels that come to GCC ports
THE Arabian Sea has been in the limelight in regional and international forums since long due to
its economic potential and geo-strategic importance It covers a total area of about 3862000 sq
km writes Naghmana Zafar - DAWNcom
The maritime waterways of the region extend into the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea through the
Strait of Bab el-Mandeb In the North-West it leads to the Gulf of Oman and the strategic waters
of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz
The Arabian Sea acts as a vital trade corridor between Asian and European states And the
choke points mentioned above are significant for global trade and energy supply It is estimated
that at least 23 per cent of global shipping transits take place through these points
Any disruption of sea routes in the region is likely to worsen the global financial crisis which
might prove catastrophic for many fragile and developing economies The inter-state animosities
among the littoral states of the Arabian Sea and the presence of extra-regional powers have
made regional peace more complex than ever The presence of extra-regional actors to
safeguard their interests in the region has made it a permanent theatre of their operations
The competition for influence between India and China is also shaping the contours of maritime
security Moreover the international embargo on Iran has also put the regionrsquos maritime security
at stake
The piracy around the Horn of Africa and other maritime crimes have compelled the regional and
world powers to maintain and improve the maritime security in the Arabian Sea on a permanent
basis
MORE than 6 billion USD has been lost in the past ten years in Eastern and Southern African
countries due to Somali piracy which has caused the countrys economic retrogression since its
instability - AllAfrica
Deputy Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Transport Mr John Mngodo said during the opening
of a three-day seminar in Dar es Salaam organised by the Surface and Marine Transport
Regulatory Authority (Sumatra) that the seminars aim was to increase the capacity of senior
maritime officials to be able to tackle piracy in the Indian Ocean
Mr Mngodo said the security of ports had to be addressed because the country aimed at
providing standardised security of ports and facilities to reduce increased costs of shipping
Maritime security is a major component of the economy of our country so we aim to address the
root causes of piracy in Somalia to assure security in our country he said He added that the
Shipping Act of 2003 had enabled the country to tackle international shipping insecurity
The effects of piracy have been felt by our country and it needs political intervention to face the
challenges so that security and safety will once again bring cruise ships which stopped operating
in or waters for fear of being hijacked by pirates Mr Mngodo said
Pirate Fishing
NSTR
AN administration ally on Monday raised concern over the increasing number of attacks and
hijacking by Somali pirates stressing that the government should draw up measures to ensure
the safety of Filipino seafarers in the open seas - Manila Standard Today
Citing the International Maritime Bureau-Piracy Reporting Centre Cagayan de Oro Rep Rufus
Rodriguez said that on July 16 2012 a total of 180 attacks and 20 hijackings by Somali pirates
had been recordedmdashwhere 212 hostages and 11 vessels were held captive Rodriguez
disclosed
The Department of Foreign Affairs to make representations with the IMB-PRC the worldrsquos only
manned centre receiving and disseminating reports of piracy and armed robbery 24 hours a day
across the globe to come up with guidelines that could help protect and provide assistance to
Filipino seafarers in cases of attacks by pirates in the seas
Rodriguez said DFA records showed that about 45 Filipino seafarers on board five ships were
held captive by Somali pirates on July 3 2012 with some reportedly in detention since March 29
2012
Aid Workers Plight NSTR
The following is from the January 1972 issue of Proceedings
FOR 112 years the Tripoli Monument has stood on the
grounds of the U S Naval Academy in Annapolis but its
unique and tumultuous history began long before 1860 -
USNIorg Originally erected at the Washington Navy Yard
in 1808 it was the Federal capitalrsquos first monument and for
a period of 35 years the only monument in the District of
Columbia It witnessed and weathered the War of 1812 the
building burning and rebuilding of the Capitol and the slow
establishment of the city itself For 52 years its existence
was plagued with uncertainties and agitations
The idea for the memorial rose amidst the rage and ruin of
the war against the Barbary Pirates of North Africa the first
formal war under the young nationrsquos Constitution Success
of the small fleet in Mediterranean waters marked the rebirth
of naval power which had been disbanded after the Revolutionary War as well as the
emergence of the Navy as a permanent force
Image - Via USNI
THE pirate ant might not be able to make you walk the plank but dark-colored patches around
their eyes certainly make this new species look like they could bully ants off a ship - News Watch
National Geo
Discovered by scientists from the University of Regensburg while on a trip to the Philippines
Cardiocondyla pirata was found living under a rockmdashliterally Postdoctoral fellow and ant
researcher Sabine Frohschammer was searching for Cardiocondyla ants in a shady streambed
when she saw individuals that didnrsquot look like any other known species
ldquoDue to the darkness of the rainforest and the translucent body parts of the tiny ants they were
nearly invisiblerdquo Frohschammer said in a press release
As she looked more closely however Frohschammer knew she had found something special
Some of the females she had gathered had unusual coloration around their eyesmdashdark patches
that reminded Frohschammer of the eye patches worn by some pirates
Image - National Geo
Hijacks
SE Asia - LATE Report | Malaysia-flagged fishing vessel PKFB(U2) 1532 at 2300 LT
while carrying out fishing activities was attacked and hijacked by pirates and sailed to
Indonesian territorial waters On 25 May Indonesian Marine Police detained the fishing
vessel Full report awaited Original reported 7 May
Unsuccessful AttacksRobberies (All regions)
SE Asia - LATE Report | While tug boat Crest Jade 1 was towing Singapore barge Crest
2825 at 2100 LT in position 011560N - 1040762E Straits of Malacca and Singapore
proceeding from Singapore to Labuan Malaysia the Master and crew spotted two
thieves aboard Crest 2825 The Master activated the emergency alarm immediately to
alert the crew and manoeuvred the tugboat alongside Crest 2825 The thieves fled on a
small boat and stole the emergency towing gear The crew was not injured Reported (via
ReCAAP) 12 May
SE Asia - During discharge operations at berth Liberia-flagged product tankerGolden
Adventure was boarded by robbers armed with knives at 0100 LT in position 221662N
ndash 0914802E Chittagong Port Bangladesh Robbers were noticed by the local
watchman who immediately raised the alarm The crew and watchman proceeded to the
location armed with long sticks and metal pipes Seeing the approaching crew the
robbers jumped overboard and tried to escape with a mooring line which the crew
successfully recovered Port authorities informed and no action taken Reported (via IMB)
23 May
Med - Crew on board the anchored Marshall Islands-flagged tanker B Elephant at 0545
LT in position 3112N - 02942E Alexandria Waiting Area Achorage Egypt noticed the
forecastle door and rope hatch opened and shiprsquos equipment and stores stolen It was
suspected the theft occurred during the night Robbers likely boarded via anchor chain
Reported 23 May
Gulf of Guinea - Nigeria-flagged tanker Matrix I enroute from Cotonou Benin to Idoho
field Nigeria (South Akwa Ibom state) when came under attack and boarded by unknown
number of pirates at 0220 LT in position 03452N ndash 00534E approx 42nm WSW of Cap
Formoso Pirates left the vessel later kidnapping 7 crew members all Pakistani (17 crew
members (12 Pakistanis and 5 Nigerians)) Reported 25 May
S America (P) - Around six armed persons with shotguns in a speed boat boarded
Liberia-flagged container ship Rio Eider underway with pilot and unarmed security
guards on board at 0510 LT in position 0220S - 08100W Estero Salado Guayaquil
Ecuador On investigation it was discovered container seals broken but nothing stolen
Reported 27 May
Suspicious Activity
Red Sea - Malta-flagged tanker observed 3 x Skiffs 4 POB moving east to west 18Knts
at 1545 UTC in position 1256N - 04310E BAM Red Sea approx 25nm ESE of Assab
Eritrea Skiffs aggressively approached vessel to starboard of tanker closing to within
200m No indication of details of vessel to starboard of tanker but possibly large fishing
vessel Reported 26 May
Red Sea - Liberia-flagged oil product tanker reported via VHF that PAG of two skiffs
moving fast towards vessel at 1320 UTC in position 1318N - 04257E approx 21nm
ENE of Assab Eritrea Red Sea No other information given Japanese warship
attempted to contact the MV via VHF however no VHF traffic about situation received
Reported 27 May
VESSEL and hostage numbers - IMB (as at 14 May)
Worldwide Incidents 2013 100 reported incidents including four hijackings
Somali related incidents 2013 Six reported Incidents including one hijacking
Current crew vessels held by Somali pirates hostages - 71 vessels - 5
Nigeria related incidents 2013 19 reported incidents including one hijacking
NATO amp EUNAVFOR state Vessels 2 and Hostages 54 UKMTO - 7 vessels (including dhows amp
FVs) 73 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 Horn of AfricaIOR HRA
OCEANUSLiveorg permits the reproduction of this image providing source and link are published (Map ToU)
Note OCEANUSLive accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of content not under our control Every effort is made to maintain the original content as published
SHIPMANAGERS Leonhardt amp Blumberg of Hamburg Germany operators of container vessel
HANSA MARBURG is pleased and relieved to report that the 4 seafarers who were taken from
the vessel by armed men 130 miles south west of Malabo Equatorial Guinea and held hostage
have now been released - OCEANUSLive
The vessel was attacked by criminal gangs in the Gulf Of Guinea on April 22 and four seafarers
were taken hostage
The four seafarers including Ukrainian Russian and Kiribati citizens were confirmed as being
safe and in good spirits after 31 days in captivity
Leonhardt amp Blumberg is delighted that the crew members have been released and the company
wishes to thank each of them for their courage and fortitude in dealing with this very difficult
situation in such a professional manner also to thank the families of those being held for their
patience and courage at such a difficult and worrying time
ADORED and detested pirates evoke moral and ethical ambivalence and piracy as a term of
law has always been exceptionally vulnerable to political agendas - Critical Legal Thinking More
precisely it has always been a term of both high imperialhegemonic art and significant radical
potential As such it is a word with a weighty history of complex moral and ethical loading and
reloading But it always invokes a refusal of juridification it is a term that defines the margins of
criminal and international law as juridical categories
Pirates are a recurring symbol of the ocean as a space beyond jurisdiction and the juridification
of thought itself as such both known and hidden pirates arguably estrange historical thinking
Piracy is a form of violence that challenges discourses that attempt to shore-up spaces that
assert a moral monopoly on violence and piracy is a form of textual transgression that chal-
lenges the very ability of the law to draw boundaries But even as piracy is a form of violence it
constitutes a challenge to the very violence involved in writing itself The relationship between
piracy and the law directs us to question the constitution of the human condition itself
The University of Southampton workshop will aim to explicate and explore the multiple
significations of piracy and to track the implications of these significations for both abstract and
practical notions of justice
Organised by the Centre for Law Ethics and Globalisation (LEAG) University of Southampton
Law School English at the University of Southampton and the Southampton Marine and
Maritime Institute 21-22 June 2013
Italian Marines
NSTR
NSTR
THE anti-piracy team within the Gulf Cooperation Council has met in Abu Dhabi to discuss the
necessary measures to protect national interests against maritime piracy threats - Gulfship
News
The meeting was hosted by the United Arab Emirates National Transport Authority and will
conclude today having discussed the use of armed security personnel on national vessels and
foreign vessels that come to GCC ports
THE Arabian Sea has been in the limelight in regional and international forums since long due to
its economic potential and geo-strategic importance It covers a total area of about 3862000 sq
km writes Naghmana Zafar - DAWNcom
The maritime waterways of the region extend into the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea through the
Strait of Bab el-Mandeb In the North-West it leads to the Gulf of Oman and the strategic waters
of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz
The Arabian Sea acts as a vital trade corridor between Asian and European states And the
choke points mentioned above are significant for global trade and energy supply It is estimated
that at least 23 per cent of global shipping transits take place through these points
Any disruption of sea routes in the region is likely to worsen the global financial crisis which
might prove catastrophic for many fragile and developing economies The inter-state animosities
among the littoral states of the Arabian Sea and the presence of extra-regional powers have
made regional peace more complex than ever The presence of extra-regional actors to
safeguard their interests in the region has made it a permanent theatre of their operations
The competition for influence between India and China is also shaping the contours of maritime
security Moreover the international embargo on Iran has also put the regionrsquos maritime security
at stake
The piracy around the Horn of Africa and other maritime crimes have compelled the regional and
world powers to maintain and improve the maritime security in the Arabian Sea on a permanent
basis
MORE than 6 billion USD has been lost in the past ten years in Eastern and Southern African
countries due to Somali piracy which has caused the countrys economic retrogression since its
instability - AllAfrica
Deputy Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Transport Mr John Mngodo said during the opening
of a three-day seminar in Dar es Salaam organised by the Surface and Marine Transport
Regulatory Authority (Sumatra) that the seminars aim was to increase the capacity of senior
maritime officials to be able to tackle piracy in the Indian Ocean
Mr Mngodo said the security of ports had to be addressed because the country aimed at
providing standardised security of ports and facilities to reduce increased costs of shipping
Maritime security is a major component of the economy of our country so we aim to address the
root causes of piracy in Somalia to assure security in our country he said He added that the
Shipping Act of 2003 had enabled the country to tackle international shipping insecurity
The effects of piracy have been felt by our country and it needs political intervention to face the
challenges so that security and safety will once again bring cruise ships which stopped operating
in or waters for fear of being hijacked by pirates Mr Mngodo said
Pirate Fishing
NSTR
AN administration ally on Monday raised concern over the increasing number of attacks and
hijacking by Somali pirates stressing that the government should draw up measures to ensure
the safety of Filipino seafarers in the open seas - Manila Standard Today
Citing the International Maritime Bureau-Piracy Reporting Centre Cagayan de Oro Rep Rufus
Rodriguez said that on July 16 2012 a total of 180 attacks and 20 hijackings by Somali pirates
had been recordedmdashwhere 212 hostages and 11 vessels were held captive Rodriguez
disclosed
The Department of Foreign Affairs to make representations with the IMB-PRC the worldrsquos only
manned centre receiving and disseminating reports of piracy and armed robbery 24 hours a day
across the globe to come up with guidelines that could help protect and provide assistance to
Filipino seafarers in cases of attacks by pirates in the seas
Rodriguez said DFA records showed that about 45 Filipino seafarers on board five ships were
held captive by Somali pirates on July 3 2012 with some reportedly in detention since March 29
2012
Aid Workers Plight NSTR
The following is from the January 1972 issue of Proceedings
FOR 112 years the Tripoli Monument has stood on the
grounds of the U S Naval Academy in Annapolis but its
unique and tumultuous history began long before 1860 -
USNIorg Originally erected at the Washington Navy Yard
in 1808 it was the Federal capitalrsquos first monument and for
a period of 35 years the only monument in the District of
Columbia It witnessed and weathered the War of 1812 the
building burning and rebuilding of the Capitol and the slow
establishment of the city itself For 52 years its existence
was plagued with uncertainties and agitations
The idea for the memorial rose amidst the rage and ruin of
the war against the Barbary Pirates of North Africa the first
formal war under the young nationrsquos Constitution Success
of the small fleet in Mediterranean waters marked the rebirth
of naval power which had been disbanded after the Revolutionary War as well as the
emergence of the Navy as a permanent force
Image - Via USNI
THE pirate ant might not be able to make you walk the plank but dark-colored patches around
their eyes certainly make this new species look like they could bully ants off a ship - News Watch
National Geo
Discovered by scientists from the University of Regensburg while on a trip to the Philippines
Cardiocondyla pirata was found living under a rockmdashliterally Postdoctoral fellow and ant
researcher Sabine Frohschammer was searching for Cardiocondyla ants in a shady streambed
when she saw individuals that didnrsquot look like any other known species
ldquoDue to the darkness of the rainforest and the translucent body parts of the tiny ants they were
nearly invisiblerdquo Frohschammer said in a press release
As she looked more closely however Frohschammer knew she had found something special
Some of the females she had gathered had unusual coloration around their eyesmdashdark patches
that reminded Frohschammer of the eye patches worn by some pirates
Image - National Geo
Hijacks
SE Asia - LATE Report | Malaysia-flagged fishing vessel PKFB(U2) 1532 at 2300 LT
while carrying out fishing activities was attacked and hijacked by pirates and sailed to
Indonesian territorial waters On 25 May Indonesian Marine Police detained the fishing
vessel Full report awaited Original reported 7 May
Unsuccessful AttacksRobberies (All regions)
SE Asia - LATE Report | While tug boat Crest Jade 1 was towing Singapore barge Crest
2825 at 2100 LT in position 011560N - 1040762E Straits of Malacca and Singapore
proceeding from Singapore to Labuan Malaysia the Master and crew spotted two
thieves aboard Crest 2825 The Master activated the emergency alarm immediately to
alert the crew and manoeuvred the tugboat alongside Crest 2825 The thieves fled on a
small boat and stole the emergency towing gear The crew was not injured Reported (via
ReCAAP) 12 May
SE Asia - During discharge operations at berth Liberia-flagged product tankerGolden
Adventure was boarded by robbers armed with knives at 0100 LT in position 221662N
ndash 0914802E Chittagong Port Bangladesh Robbers were noticed by the local
watchman who immediately raised the alarm The crew and watchman proceeded to the
location armed with long sticks and metal pipes Seeing the approaching crew the
robbers jumped overboard and tried to escape with a mooring line which the crew
successfully recovered Port authorities informed and no action taken Reported (via IMB)
23 May
Med - Crew on board the anchored Marshall Islands-flagged tanker B Elephant at 0545
LT in position 3112N - 02942E Alexandria Waiting Area Achorage Egypt noticed the
forecastle door and rope hatch opened and shiprsquos equipment and stores stolen It was
suspected the theft occurred during the night Robbers likely boarded via anchor chain
Reported 23 May
Gulf of Guinea - Nigeria-flagged tanker Matrix I enroute from Cotonou Benin to Idoho
field Nigeria (South Akwa Ibom state) when came under attack and boarded by unknown
number of pirates at 0220 LT in position 03452N ndash 00534E approx 42nm WSW of Cap
Formoso Pirates left the vessel later kidnapping 7 crew members all Pakistani (17 crew
members (12 Pakistanis and 5 Nigerians)) Reported 25 May
S America (P) - Around six armed persons with shotguns in a speed boat boarded
Liberia-flagged container ship Rio Eider underway with pilot and unarmed security
guards on board at 0510 LT in position 0220S - 08100W Estero Salado Guayaquil
Ecuador On investigation it was discovered container seals broken but nothing stolen
Reported 27 May
Suspicious Activity
Red Sea - Malta-flagged tanker observed 3 x Skiffs 4 POB moving east to west 18Knts
at 1545 UTC in position 1256N - 04310E BAM Red Sea approx 25nm ESE of Assab
Eritrea Skiffs aggressively approached vessel to starboard of tanker closing to within
200m No indication of details of vessel to starboard of tanker but possibly large fishing
vessel Reported 26 May
Red Sea - Liberia-flagged oil product tanker reported via VHF that PAG of two skiffs
moving fast towards vessel at 1320 UTC in position 1318N - 04257E approx 21nm
ENE of Assab Eritrea Red Sea No other information given Japanese warship
attempted to contact the MV via VHF however no VHF traffic about situation received
Reported 27 May
VESSEL and hostage numbers - IMB (as at 14 May)
Worldwide Incidents 2013 100 reported incidents including four hijackings
Somali related incidents 2013 Six reported Incidents including one hijacking
Current crew vessels held by Somali pirates hostages - 71 vessels - 5
Nigeria related incidents 2013 19 reported incidents including one hijacking
NATO amp EUNAVFOR state Vessels 2 and Hostages 54 UKMTO - 7 vessels (including dhows amp
FVs) 73 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 Horn of AfricaIOR HRA
OCEANUSLiveorg permits the reproduction of this image providing source and link are published (Map ToU)
Note OCEANUSLive accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of content not under our control Every effort is made to maintain the original content as published
NSTR
NSTR
THE anti-piracy team within the Gulf Cooperation Council has met in Abu Dhabi to discuss the
necessary measures to protect national interests against maritime piracy threats - Gulfship
News
The meeting was hosted by the United Arab Emirates National Transport Authority and will
conclude today having discussed the use of armed security personnel on national vessels and
foreign vessels that come to GCC ports
THE Arabian Sea has been in the limelight in regional and international forums since long due to
its economic potential and geo-strategic importance It covers a total area of about 3862000 sq
km writes Naghmana Zafar - DAWNcom
The maritime waterways of the region extend into the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea through the
Strait of Bab el-Mandeb In the North-West it leads to the Gulf of Oman and the strategic waters
of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz
The Arabian Sea acts as a vital trade corridor between Asian and European states And the
choke points mentioned above are significant for global trade and energy supply It is estimated
that at least 23 per cent of global shipping transits take place through these points
Any disruption of sea routes in the region is likely to worsen the global financial crisis which
might prove catastrophic for many fragile and developing economies The inter-state animosities
among the littoral states of the Arabian Sea and the presence of extra-regional powers have
made regional peace more complex than ever The presence of extra-regional actors to
safeguard their interests in the region has made it a permanent theatre of their operations
The competition for influence between India and China is also shaping the contours of maritime
security Moreover the international embargo on Iran has also put the regionrsquos maritime security
at stake
The piracy around the Horn of Africa and other maritime crimes have compelled the regional and
world powers to maintain and improve the maritime security in the Arabian Sea on a permanent
basis
MORE than 6 billion USD has been lost in the past ten years in Eastern and Southern African
countries due to Somali piracy which has caused the countrys economic retrogression since its
instability - AllAfrica
Deputy Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Transport Mr John Mngodo said during the opening
of a three-day seminar in Dar es Salaam organised by the Surface and Marine Transport
Regulatory Authority (Sumatra) that the seminars aim was to increase the capacity of senior
maritime officials to be able to tackle piracy in the Indian Ocean
Mr Mngodo said the security of ports had to be addressed because the country aimed at
providing standardised security of ports and facilities to reduce increased costs of shipping
Maritime security is a major component of the economy of our country so we aim to address the
root causes of piracy in Somalia to assure security in our country he said He added that the
Shipping Act of 2003 had enabled the country to tackle international shipping insecurity
The effects of piracy have been felt by our country and it needs political intervention to face the
challenges so that security and safety will once again bring cruise ships which stopped operating
in or waters for fear of being hijacked by pirates Mr Mngodo said
Pirate Fishing
NSTR
AN administration ally on Monday raised concern over the increasing number of attacks and
hijacking by Somali pirates stressing that the government should draw up measures to ensure
the safety of Filipino seafarers in the open seas - Manila Standard Today
Citing the International Maritime Bureau-Piracy Reporting Centre Cagayan de Oro Rep Rufus
Rodriguez said that on July 16 2012 a total of 180 attacks and 20 hijackings by Somali pirates
had been recordedmdashwhere 212 hostages and 11 vessels were held captive Rodriguez
disclosed
The Department of Foreign Affairs to make representations with the IMB-PRC the worldrsquos only
manned centre receiving and disseminating reports of piracy and armed robbery 24 hours a day
across the globe to come up with guidelines that could help protect and provide assistance to
Filipino seafarers in cases of attacks by pirates in the seas
Rodriguez said DFA records showed that about 45 Filipino seafarers on board five ships were
held captive by Somali pirates on July 3 2012 with some reportedly in detention since March 29
2012
Aid Workers Plight NSTR
The following is from the January 1972 issue of Proceedings
FOR 112 years the Tripoli Monument has stood on the
grounds of the U S Naval Academy in Annapolis but its
unique and tumultuous history began long before 1860 -
USNIorg Originally erected at the Washington Navy Yard
in 1808 it was the Federal capitalrsquos first monument and for
a period of 35 years the only monument in the District of
Columbia It witnessed and weathered the War of 1812 the
building burning and rebuilding of the Capitol and the slow
establishment of the city itself For 52 years its existence
was plagued with uncertainties and agitations
The idea for the memorial rose amidst the rage and ruin of
the war against the Barbary Pirates of North Africa the first
formal war under the young nationrsquos Constitution Success
of the small fleet in Mediterranean waters marked the rebirth
of naval power which had been disbanded after the Revolutionary War as well as the
emergence of the Navy as a permanent force
Image - Via USNI
THE pirate ant might not be able to make you walk the plank but dark-colored patches around
their eyes certainly make this new species look like they could bully ants off a ship - News Watch
National Geo
Discovered by scientists from the University of Regensburg while on a trip to the Philippines
Cardiocondyla pirata was found living under a rockmdashliterally Postdoctoral fellow and ant
researcher Sabine Frohschammer was searching for Cardiocondyla ants in a shady streambed
when she saw individuals that didnrsquot look like any other known species
ldquoDue to the darkness of the rainforest and the translucent body parts of the tiny ants they were
nearly invisiblerdquo Frohschammer said in a press release
As she looked more closely however Frohschammer knew she had found something special
Some of the females she had gathered had unusual coloration around their eyesmdashdark patches
that reminded Frohschammer of the eye patches worn by some pirates
Image - National Geo
Hijacks
SE Asia - LATE Report | Malaysia-flagged fishing vessel PKFB(U2) 1532 at 2300 LT
while carrying out fishing activities was attacked and hijacked by pirates and sailed to
Indonesian territorial waters On 25 May Indonesian Marine Police detained the fishing
vessel Full report awaited Original reported 7 May
Unsuccessful AttacksRobberies (All regions)
SE Asia - LATE Report | While tug boat Crest Jade 1 was towing Singapore barge Crest
2825 at 2100 LT in position 011560N - 1040762E Straits of Malacca and Singapore
proceeding from Singapore to Labuan Malaysia the Master and crew spotted two
thieves aboard Crest 2825 The Master activated the emergency alarm immediately to
alert the crew and manoeuvred the tugboat alongside Crest 2825 The thieves fled on a
small boat and stole the emergency towing gear The crew was not injured Reported (via
ReCAAP) 12 May
SE Asia - During discharge operations at berth Liberia-flagged product tankerGolden
Adventure was boarded by robbers armed with knives at 0100 LT in position 221662N
ndash 0914802E Chittagong Port Bangladesh Robbers were noticed by the local
watchman who immediately raised the alarm The crew and watchman proceeded to the
location armed with long sticks and metal pipes Seeing the approaching crew the
robbers jumped overboard and tried to escape with a mooring line which the crew
successfully recovered Port authorities informed and no action taken Reported (via IMB)
23 May
Med - Crew on board the anchored Marshall Islands-flagged tanker B Elephant at 0545
LT in position 3112N - 02942E Alexandria Waiting Area Achorage Egypt noticed the
forecastle door and rope hatch opened and shiprsquos equipment and stores stolen It was
suspected the theft occurred during the night Robbers likely boarded via anchor chain
Reported 23 May
Gulf of Guinea - Nigeria-flagged tanker Matrix I enroute from Cotonou Benin to Idoho
field Nigeria (South Akwa Ibom state) when came under attack and boarded by unknown
number of pirates at 0220 LT in position 03452N ndash 00534E approx 42nm WSW of Cap
Formoso Pirates left the vessel later kidnapping 7 crew members all Pakistani (17 crew
members (12 Pakistanis and 5 Nigerians)) Reported 25 May
S America (P) - Around six armed persons with shotguns in a speed boat boarded
Liberia-flagged container ship Rio Eider underway with pilot and unarmed security
guards on board at 0510 LT in position 0220S - 08100W Estero Salado Guayaquil
Ecuador On investigation it was discovered container seals broken but nothing stolen
Reported 27 May
Suspicious Activity
Red Sea - Malta-flagged tanker observed 3 x Skiffs 4 POB moving east to west 18Knts
at 1545 UTC in position 1256N - 04310E BAM Red Sea approx 25nm ESE of Assab
Eritrea Skiffs aggressively approached vessel to starboard of tanker closing to within
200m No indication of details of vessel to starboard of tanker but possibly large fishing
vessel Reported 26 May
Red Sea - Liberia-flagged oil product tanker reported via VHF that PAG of two skiffs
moving fast towards vessel at 1320 UTC in position 1318N - 04257E approx 21nm
ENE of Assab Eritrea Red Sea No other information given Japanese warship
attempted to contact the MV via VHF however no VHF traffic about situation received
Reported 27 May
VESSEL and hostage numbers - IMB (as at 14 May)
Worldwide Incidents 2013 100 reported incidents including four hijackings
Somali related incidents 2013 Six reported Incidents including one hijacking
Current crew vessels held by Somali pirates hostages - 71 vessels - 5
Nigeria related incidents 2013 19 reported incidents including one hijacking
NATO amp EUNAVFOR state Vessels 2 and Hostages 54 UKMTO - 7 vessels (including dhows amp
FVs) 73 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 Horn of AfricaIOR HRA
OCEANUSLiveorg permits the reproduction of this image providing source and link are published (Map ToU)
Note OCEANUSLive accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of content not under our control Every effort is made to maintain the original content as published
MORE than 6 billion USD has been lost in the past ten years in Eastern and Southern African
countries due to Somali piracy which has caused the countrys economic retrogression since its
instability - AllAfrica
Deputy Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Transport Mr John Mngodo said during the opening
of a three-day seminar in Dar es Salaam organised by the Surface and Marine Transport
Regulatory Authority (Sumatra) that the seminars aim was to increase the capacity of senior
maritime officials to be able to tackle piracy in the Indian Ocean
Mr Mngodo said the security of ports had to be addressed because the country aimed at
providing standardised security of ports and facilities to reduce increased costs of shipping
Maritime security is a major component of the economy of our country so we aim to address the
root causes of piracy in Somalia to assure security in our country he said He added that the
Shipping Act of 2003 had enabled the country to tackle international shipping insecurity
The effects of piracy have been felt by our country and it needs political intervention to face the
challenges so that security and safety will once again bring cruise ships which stopped operating
in or waters for fear of being hijacked by pirates Mr Mngodo said
Pirate Fishing
NSTR
AN administration ally on Monday raised concern over the increasing number of attacks and
hijacking by Somali pirates stressing that the government should draw up measures to ensure
the safety of Filipino seafarers in the open seas - Manila Standard Today
Citing the International Maritime Bureau-Piracy Reporting Centre Cagayan de Oro Rep Rufus
Rodriguez said that on July 16 2012 a total of 180 attacks and 20 hijackings by Somali pirates
had been recordedmdashwhere 212 hostages and 11 vessels were held captive Rodriguez
disclosed
The Department of Foreign Affairs to make representations with the IMB-PRC the worldrsquos only
manned centre receiving and disseminating reports of piracy and armed robbery 24 hours a day
across the globe to come up with guidelines that could help protect and provide assistance to
Filipino seafarers in cases of attacks by pirates in the seas
Rodriguez said DFA records showed that about 45 Filipino seafarers on board five ships were
held captive by Somali pirates on July 3 2012 with some reportedly in detention since March 29
2012
Aid Workers Plight NSTR
The following is from the January 1972 issue of Proceedings
FOR 112 years the Tripoli Monument has stood on the
grounds of the U S Naval Academy in Annapolis but its
unique and tumultuous history began long before 1860 -
USNIorg Originally erected at the Washington Navy Yard
in 1808 it was the Federal capitalrsquos first monument and for
a period of 35 years the only monument in the District of
Columbia It witnessed and weathered the War of 1812 the
building burning and rebuilding of the Capitol and the slow
establishment of the city itself For 52 years its existence
was plagued with uncertainties and agitations
The idea for the memorial rose amidst the rage and ruin of
the war against the Barbary Pirates of North Africa the first
formal war under the young nationrsquos Constitution Success
of the small fleet in Mediterranean waters marked the rebirth
of naval power which had been disbanded after the Revolutionary War as well as the
emergence of the Navy as a permanent force
Image - Via USNI
THE pirate ant might not be able to make you walk the plank but dark-colored patches around
their eyes certainly make this new species look like they could bully ants off a ship - News Watch
National Geo
Discovered by scientists from the University of Regensburg while on a trip to the Philippines
Cardiocondyla pirata was found living under a rockmdashliterally Postdoctoral fellow and ant
researcher Sabine Frohschammer was searching for Cardiocondyla ants in a shady streambed
when she saw individuals that didnrsquot look like any other known species
ldquoDue to the darkness of the rainforest and the translucent body parts of the tiny ants they were
nearly invisiblerdquo Frohschammer said in a press release
As she looked more closely however Frohschammer knew she had found something special
Some of the females she had gathered had unusual coloration around their eyesmdashdark patches
that reminded Frohschammer of the eye patches worn by some pirates
Image - National Geo
Hijacks
SE Asia - LATE Report | Malaysia-flagged fishing vessel PKFB(U2) 1532 at 2300 LT
while carrying out fishing activities was attacked and hijacked by pirates and sailed to
Indonesian territorial waters On 25 May Indonesian Marine Police detained the fishing
vessel Full report awaited Original reported 7 May
Unsuccessful AttacksRobberies (All regions)
SE Asia - LATE Report | While tug boat Crest Jade 1 was towing Singapore barge Crest
2825 at 2100 LT in position 011560N - 1040762E Straits of Malacca and Singapore
proceeding from Singapore to Labuan Malaysia the Master and crew spotted two
thieves aboard Crest 2825 The Master activated the emergency alarm immediately to
alert the crew and manoeuvred the tugboat alongside Crest 2825 The thieves fled on a
small boat and stole the emergency towing gear The crew was not injured Reported (via
ReCAAP) 12 May
SE Asia - During discharge operations at berth Liberia-flagged product tankerGolden
Adventure was boarded by robbers armed with knives at 0100 LT in position 221662N
ndash 0914802E Chittagong Port Bangladesh Robbers were noticed by the local
watchman who immediately raised the alarm The crew and watchman proceeded to the
location armed with long sticks and metal pipes Seeing the approaching crew the
robbers jumped overboard and tried to escape with a mooring line which the crew
successfully recovered Port authorities informed and no action taken Reported (via IMB)
23 May
Med - Crew on board the anchored Marshall Islands-flagged tanker B Elephant at 0545
LT in position 3112N - 02942E Alexandria Waiting Area Achorage Egypt noticed the
forecastle door and rope hatch opened and shiprsquos equipment and stores stolen It was
suspected the theft occurred during the night Robbers likely boarded via anchor chain
Reported 23 May
Gulf of Guinea - Nigeria-flagged tanker Matrix I enroute from Cotonou Benin to Idoho
field Nigeria (South Akwa Ibom state) when came under attack and boarded by unknown
number of pirates at 0220 LT in position 03452N ndash 00534E approx 42nm WSW of Cap
Formoso Pirates left the vessel later kidnapping 7 crew members all Pakistani (17 crew
members (12 Pakistanis and 5 Nigerians)) Reported 25 May
S America (P) - Around six armed persons with shotguns in a speed boat boarded
Liberia-flagged container ship Rio Eider underway with pilot and unarmed security
guards on board at 0510 LT in position 0220S - 08100W Estero Salado Guayaquil
Ecuador On investigation it was discovered container seals broken but nothing stolen
Reported 27 May
Suspicious Activity
Red Sea - Malta-flagged tanker observed 3 x Skiffs 4 POB moving east to west 18Knts
at 1545 UTC in position 1256N - 04310E BAM Red Sea approx 25nm ESE of Assab
Eritrea Skiffs aggressively approached vessel to starboard of tanker closing to within
200m No indication of details of vessel to starboard of tanker but possibly large fishing
vessel Reported 26 May
Red Sea - Liberia-flagged oil product tanker reported via VHF that PAG of two skiffs
moving fast towards vessel at 1320 UTC in position 1318N - 04257E approx 21nm
ENE of Assab Eritrea Red Sea No other information given Japanese warship
attempted to contact the MV via VHF however no VHF traffic about situation received
Reported 27 May
VESSEL and hostage numbers - IMB (as at 14 May)
Worldwide Incidents 2013 100 reported incidents including four hijackings
Somali related incidents 2013 Six reported Incidents including one hijacking
Current crew vessels held by Somali pirates hostages - 71 vessels - 5
Nigeria related incidents 2013 19 reported incidents including one hijacking
NATO amp EUNAVFOR state Vessels 2 and Hostages 54 UKMTO - 7 vessels (including dhows amp
FVs) 73 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 Horn of AfricaIOR HRA
OCEANUSLiveorg permits the reproduction of this image providing source and link are published (Map ToU)
Note OCEANUSLive accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of content not under our control Every effort is made to maintain the original content as published
Aid Workers Plight NSTR
The following is from the January 1972 issue of Proceedings
FOR 112 years the Tripoli Monument has stood on the
grounds of the U S Naval Academy in Annapolis but its
unique and tumultuous history began long before 1860 -
USNIorg Originally erected at the Washington Navy Yard
in 1808 it was the Federal capitalrsquos first monument and for
a period of 35 years the only monument in the District of
Columbia It witnessed and weathered the War of 1812 the
building burning and rebuilding of the Capitol and the slow
establishment of the city itself For 52 years its existence
was plagued with uncertainties and agitations
The idea for the memorial rose amidst the rage and ruin of
the war against the Barbary Pirates of North Africa the first
formal war under the young nationrsquos Constitution Success
of the small fleet in Mediterranean waters marked the rebirth
of naval power which had been disbanded after the Revolutionary War as well as the
emergence of the Navy as a permanent force
Image - Via USNI
THE pirate ant might not be able to make you walk the plank but dark-colored patches around
their eyes certainly make this new species look like they could bully ants off a ship - News Watch
National Geo
Discovered by scientists from the University of Regensburg while on a trip to the Philippines
Cardiocondyla pirata was found living under a rockmdashliterally Postdoctoral fellow and ant
researcher Sabine Frohschammer was searching for Cardiocondyla ants in a shady streambed
when she saw individuals that didnrsquot look like any other known species
ldquoDue to the darkness of the rainforest and the translucent body parts of the tiny ants they were
nearly invisiblerdquo Frohschammer said in a press release
As she looked more closely however Frohschammer knew she had found something special
Some of the females she had gathered had unusual coloration around their eyesmdashdark patches
that reminded Frohschammer of the eye patches worn by some pirates
Image - National Geo
Hijacks
SE Asia - LATE Report | Malaysia-flagged fishing vessel PKFB(U2) 1532 at 2300 LT
while carrying out fishing activities was attacked and hijacked by pirates and sailed to
Indonesian territorial waters On 25 May Indonesian Marine Police detained the fishing
vessel Full report awaited Original reported 7 May
Unsuccessful AttacksRobberies (All regions)
SE Asia - LATE Report | While tug boat Crest Jade 1 was towing Singapore barge Crest
2825 at 2100 LT in position 011560N - 1040762E Straits of Malacca and Singapore
proceeding from Singapore to Labuan Malaysia the Master and crew spotted two
thieves aboard Crest 2825 The Master activated the emergency alarm immediately to
alert the crew and manoeuvred the tugboat alongside Crest 2825 The thieves fled on a
small boat and stole the emergency towing gear The crew was not injured Reported (via
ReCAAP) 12 May
SE Asia - During discharge operations at berth Liberia-flagged product tankerGolden
Adventure was boarded by robbers armed with knives at 0100 LT in position 221662N
ndash 0914802E Chittagong Port Bangladesh Robbers were noticed by the local
watchman who immediately raised the alarm The crew and watchman proceeded to the
location armed with long sticks and metal pipes Seeing the approaching crew the
robbers jumped overboard and tried to escape with a mooring line which the crew
successfully recovered Port authorities informed and no action taken Reported (via IMB)
23 May
Med - Crew on board the anchored Marshall Islands-flagged tanker B Elephant at 0545
LT in position 3112N - 02942E Alexandria Waiting Area Achorage Egypt noticed the
forecastle door and rope hatch opened and shiprsquos equipment and stores stolen It was
suspected the theft occurred during the night Robbers likely boarded via anchor chain
Reported 23 May
Gulf of Guinea - Nigeria-flagged tanker Matrix I enroute from Cotonou Benin to Idoho
field Nigeria (South Akwa Ibom state) when came under attack and boarded by unknown
number of pirates at 0220 LT in position 03452N ndash 00534E approx 42nm WSW of Cap
Formoso Pirates left the vessel later kidnapping 7 crew members all Pakistani (17 crew
members (12 Pakistanis and 5 Nigerians)) Reported 25 May
S America (P) - Around six armed persons with shotguns in a speed boat boarded
Liberia-flagged container ship Rio Eider underway with pilot and unarmed security
guards on board at 0510 LT in position 0220S - 08100W Estero Salado Guayaquil
Ecuador On investigation it was discovered container seals broken but nothing stolen
Reported 27 May
Suspicious Activity
Red Sea - Malta-flagged tanker observed 3 x Skiffs 4 POB moving east to west 18Knts
at 1545 UTC in position 1256N - 04310E BAM Red Sea approx 25nm ESE of Assab
Eritrea Skiffs aggressively approached vessel to starboard of tanker closing to within
200m No indication of details of vessel to starboard of tanker but possibly large fishing
vessel Reported 26 May
Red Sea - Liberia-flagged oil product tanker reported via VHF that PAG of two skiffs
moving fast towards vessel at 1320 UTC in position 1318N - 04257E approx 21nm
ENE of Assab Eritrea Red Sea No other information given Japanese warship
attempted to contact the MV via VHF however no VHF traffic about situation received
Reported 27 May
VESSEL and hostage numbers - IMB (as at 14 May)
Worldwide Incidents 2013 100 reported incidents including four hijackings
Somali related incidents 2013 Six reported Incidents including one hijacking
Current crew vessels held by Somali pirates hostages - 71 vessels - 5
Nigeria related incidents 2013 19 reported incidents including one hijacking
NATO amp EUNAVFOR state Vessels 2 and Hostages 54 UKMTO - 7 vessels (including dhows amp
FVs) 73 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 Horn of AfricaIOR HRA
OCEANUSLiveorg permits the reproduction of this image providing source and link are published (Map ToU)
Note OCEANUSLive accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of content not under our control Every effort is made to maintain the original content as published
Hijacks
SE Asia - LATE Report | Malaysia-flagged fishing vessel PKFB(U2) 1532 at 2300 LT
while carrying out fishing activities was attacked and hijacked by pirates and sailed to
Indonesian territorial waters On 25 May Indonesian Marine Police detained the fishing
vessel Full report awaited Original reported 7 May
Unsuccessful AttacksRobberies (All regions)
SE Asia - LATE Report | While tug boat Crest Jade 1 was towing Singapore barge Crest
2825 at 2100 LT in position 011560N - 1040762E Straits of Malacca and Singapore
proceeding from Singapore to Labuan Malaysia the Master and crew spotted two
thieves aboard Crest 2825 The Master activated the emergency alarm immediately to
alert the crew and manoeuvred the tugboat alongside Crest 2825 The thieves fled on a
small boat and stole the emergency towing gear The crew was not injured Reported (via
ReCAAP) 12 May
SE Asia - During discharge operations at berth Liberia-flagged product tankerGolden
Adventure was boarded by robbers armed with knives at 0100 LT in position 221662N
ndash 0914802E Chittagong Port Bangladesh Robbers were noticed by the local
watchman who immediately raised the alarm The crew and watchman proceeded to the
location armed with long sticks and metal pipes Seeing the approaching crew the
robbers jumped overboard and tried to escape with a mooring line which the crew
successfully recovered Port authorities informed and no action taken Reported (via IMB)
23 May
Med - Crew on board the anchored Marshall Islands-flagged tanker B Elephant at 0545
LT in position 3112N - 02942E Alexandria Waiting Area Achorage Egypt noticed the
forecastle door and rope hatch opened and shiprsquos equipment and stores stolen It was
suspected the theft occurred during the night Robbers likely boarded via anchor chain
Reported 23 May
Gulf of Guinea - Nigeria-flagged tanker Matrix I enroute from Cotonou Benin to Idoho
field Nigeria (South Akwa Ibom state) when came under attack and boarded by unknown
number of pirates at 0220 LT in position 03452N ndash 00534E approx 42nm WSW of Cap
Formoso Pirates left the vessel later kidnapping 7 crew members all Pakistani (17 crew
members (12 Pakistanis and 5 Nigerians)) Reported 25 May
S America (P) - Around six armed persons with shotguns in a speed boat boarded
Liberia-flagged container ship Rio Eider underway with pilot and unarmed security
guards on board at 0510 LT in position 0220S - 08100W Estero Salado Guayaquil
Ecuador On investigation it was discovered container seals broken but nothing stolen
Reported 27 May
Suspicious Activity
Red Sea - Malta-flagged tanker observed 3 x Skiffs 4 POB moving east to west 18Knts
at 1545 UTC in position 1256N - 04310E BAM Red Sea approx 25nm ESE of Assab
Eritrea Skiffs aggressively approached vessel to starboard of tanker closing to within
200m No indication of details of vessel to starboard of tanker but possibly large fishing
vessel Reported 26 May
Red Sea - Liberia-flagged oil product tanker reported via VHF that PAG of two skiffs
moving fast towards vessel at 1320 UTC in position 1318N - 04257E approx 21nm
ENE of Assab Eritrea Red Sea No other information given Japanese warship
attempted to contact the MV via VHF however no VHF traffic about situation received
Reported 27 May
VESSEL and hostage numbers - IMB (as at 14 May)
Worldwide Incidents 2013 100 reported incidents including four hijackings
Somali related incidents 2013 Six reported Incidents including one hijacking
Current crew vessels held by Somali pirates hostages - 71 vessels - 5
Nigeria related incidents 2013 19 reported incidents including one hijacking
NATO amp EUNAVFOR state Vessels 2 and Hostages 54 UKMTO - 7 vessels (including dhows amp
FVs) 73 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 Horn of AfricaIOR HRA
OCEANUSLiveorg permits the reproduction of this image providing source and link are published (Map ToU)
Note OCEANUSLive accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of content not under our control Every effort is made to maintain the original content as published
Suspicious Activity
Red Sea - Malta-flagged tanker observed 3 x Skiffs 4 POB moving east to west 18Knts
at 1545 UTC in position 1256N - 04310E BAM Red Sea approx 25nm ESE of Assab
Eritrea Skiffs aggressively approached vessel to starboard of tanker closing to within
200m No indication of details of vessel to starboard of tanker but possibly large fishing
vessel Reported 26 May
Red Sea - Liberia-flagged oil product tanker reported via VHF that PAG of two skiffs
moving fast towards vessel at 1320 UTC in position 1318N - 04257E approx 21nm
ENE of Assab Eritrea Red Sea No other information given Japanese warship
attempted to contact the MV via VHF however no VHF traffic about situation received
Reported 27 May
VESSEL and hostage numbers - IMB (as at 14 May)
Worldwide Incidents 2013 100 reported incidents including four hijackings
Somali related incidents 2013 Six reported Incidents including one hijacking
Current crew vessels held by Somali pirates hostages - 71 vessels - 5
Nigeria related incidents 2013 19 reported incidents including one hijacking
NATO amp EUNAVFOR state Vessels 2 and Hostages 54 UKMTO - 7 vessels (including dhows amp
FVs) 73 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 Horn of AfricaIOR HRA
OCEANUSLiveorg permits the reproduction of this image providing source and link are published (Map ToU)
Note OCEANUSLive accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of content not under our control Every effort is made to maintain the original content as published
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 Horn of AfricaIOR HRA
OCEANUSLiveorg permits the reproduction of this image providing source and link are published (Map ToU)
Note OCEANUSLive accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of content not under our control Every effort is made to maintain the original content as published