1

Date: 22nd July 2020Series 15/Issue 238

Weekly Security & Risk Report

2MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

This report is copyright of Maritime Asset Security and Training (MAST) © 2020. All rights reserved.

This report is intended to provide general information about maritime intelligence topics but does not provide individual advice and the creators assume no liability for the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of any information contained herein, or though links you will find in it. Furthermore, using this report or sending MAST emails does not create a service provider- client relation-ship. It is intended only as an introduction to ideas and concepts only. It should not be treated as a definitive guide, nor should it be considered to cover every area of concern or regarded as an advice.

If you copy from this report, you have to refer to Maritime Asset Security and Training (MAST) Ltd as the source of the copied material. You may not, except with our express written permission, commercially exploit the content.

Maritime

Counter piracy

ISPS services

Training

K&R and Ship Arrest

Risk Consulting

Due Diligence

Risk management

Crisis management

Training

Technical Yacht Security

System Design, Installation and Maintenance

Technical Consultancy

Cyber Risk Consultancy

TSCM Sweeping Services

Physical and Asset Protection

Close Protection

Residential Security

Security Chauffeurs

Events and Clubs

Training

“Making the world a safer place to live and work”

MAST ServicesMAST has the experience, capability and global presence to provide comprehensive

support to our clients.

3

The Security and Risk Report Series focuses on:

• Operational risks in areas of instability which could affect the safety of commercial and private vessels and personnel ashore and at sea.

• In country reporting on key countries where civil conflict are directly impacting on maritime operations; and

• Reporting and analysis of incidents of terrorism, piracy and other related criminal activity. MAST has a global reach and presence, delivering first hand, accurate and exclusive intelligence. MAST is entrenched and committed in continuing to supportand promote the awareness of the very real risks thatseafarers and other stakeholders face. This Intelligence Report Series is a brief snapshot ofMAST’s Intelligence capabilities. MAST Intelligencespecialises in providing clients with a suite of products and services, including; political and economic risk analysis, de-tailed port and vessel security briefs, vessel passage plans, threat and risk mitigation and travel risk management. Working closely in conjunction with a host of experts,MAST Intelligence offers a market leading service pertain-ing to all maritime affairs.

Follow MAST on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep abreast with these insightful weekly reports and more — including real time security updates.

Editor: David Riderwww.mast-security.com

Issue 238

Contents:

Mast Services

Indian Ocean region

Somalia

Yemen

Mediterranean

Libya

Gulf of Guinea

South East Asia

Central & South America

Severe Weather Warnings

Page

2

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

22nd July 2020

24/7 Emergency Telephone+44 (0) 1202 045 833 (Maritime)

MAST UK+44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com

Issue 238 of the series reviews, analyses and threat assesses the fragile and conflict affected coastal states Libya, Somalia and Yemen. The Mediterranean migrant crisis, incidents affecting maritime security and influencing maritime news are also report-ed and analysed, focusing on the keys theatres of maritime instability.

Coronavirus Port and Terminal RestrictionsThe situation remains extremely fluid. For the most recent updates on closures and re-openings, MAST Security recommends using the Wilhemsen Covid-19 Global Port Restrictions Map. Please Click Here to visit their site.

4MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

Hijack

Kidnap

Approach/Attack

Suspicious Activity Theft

Incidents: Nothing significant to report.

In a subtle message to China, Indian Navy conducts drill near Andaman & Nicobar IslandsIn a subtle message to China, the Indian Navy conducted drill near the Andaman & Nicobar Islands with several warships, destroyers, frigates and submarines taking part in the exercise. According to a report by TOI, the exercise was led by eastern naval fleet Rear Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan and some warships deployed near the Malacca Strait are also taking part.

UN agency: US-sought tanker ‘hijacked’ off UAE now in IranA United Nations agency has acknowledged that a US-sought oil tanker “hijacked” off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after allegedly smuggling Iranian crude oil is back in Ira-nian waters. “The vessel was taken to Iran,” the ILO said. All 28 Indian crew members disembarked in Iran and all but two of the crew without passports flew from Tehran to India on July 15, it added. Iranian state media and officials have not acknowl-edged the vessel sezure and arrival of the MT Gulf Sky to Iran. The United States government similarly has not commented.

Trial of 5 suspected Somali pirates to begin in Seychelles Aug. 30The trial of five suspected Somali pirates who were transferred to the Seychelles by EU NAVFOR in April last year will start in the Seychelles Supreme Court on Aug. 30th. The suspects ap-peared before Justice Gustave Dodin at the Supreme Court via videolink and were informed of the starting date of their trial and the hearing which will take place for four weeks. Accord-ing to the EU NAVFOR, the incident began on April 19 when five suspected pirates captured a Yemeni dhow off the coast of Somalia. Two days later the pirates attacked the Korean fish-

ing vessel Adria with the dhow acting as a mothership in the Indian Ocean some 280 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia.

Indian Navy’s forward posture against PLA aggressionWhile the Indian Army and Air Force are fully deployed on the Aksai Chin border, the Indian Navy through its forward pos-ture has ensured that there is no Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy threat in either the Arabian Sea or the Bay of Bengal. According to sources based in Mumbai, Vishakhapa-tnam and New Delhi, after the June 15th Galwan flare-up, the Indian Navy warships including aircraft carrier and submarines adopted an aggressive posture on both eastern and western seaboard to ward off any Chinese Navy threat to India from Malacca Straits to the Horn of Africa.

Irish Navy in line for further overseas missionsIreland’s role in overseas peacekeeping missions could well be enhanced when Defence Forces numbers are back up to the minimum establishment strength of 9,500. Minister for De-fence, Simon Coveney, has revealed he’s in favour of the Naval Service mounting further overseas missions such as joining an anti-piracy task force off the Horn of Africa, or on migrant res-cue operations like previous ones carried out in the Mediter-ranean Sea.

To see MAST’s services in the Indian Ocean Region, please click here.

Indian Ocean Region In a letter to the EU High Representative Josep Borrell Fontelles, ECSA underlined the need for an extension to the current mandate and continued European leadership in maintaining mari-time security through EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta. “The EU has shown strong leadership in enhancing the security of ships transiting the Gulf of Aden and the Somali Basin – through which 20% of global trade passes – by the establishment of Operation Atalanta in 2008,” wrote Martin Dorsman, ECSA Secretary General.

5

Control of Somali territory (March 2017) Source: Wikimedia Commons

AnalysisAl Shabaab continues to mount operations throughout the coun-try, despite efforts by US Central Command to degrade its capa-bilities with ongoing airstrikes which aim to remove AS leader-ship. It is questionable as to whether this “body count” policy is working. Threat AssessmentThe political situation has seen increased tension between re-gional states and the Federal Government. Should this continue, there is an opportunity for criminal organisations to return to their previous maritime activities. Al Shabaab continues to challenege the government and efforts to disrupt its operations continue. The trade in illegal charcoal by terror and crime groups contin-ues, although the Combined Maritime Forces and UN are work-ing on measures to prevent it. Youth unemployment in Somalia has not improved with 67% of Somali male youths aged between 14 to 29 unemployed. Pirate financiers offer lucrative and attrac-tive opportunities, and were seen to be increasingly active in the last inter-monsoon period. Recent incidents off Somalia have highlighted the robust protections offered by both BMP5 and well trained, vigilant armed protection teams. Illegal fishing has returned to the region and there are wider political concerns that it could spark a resurgence in maritime crime unless checked. There is a risk that complacency in some quarters has seen a reduction in PMSC presence in these waters that could result in a piracy success. A lack of adherence to BMP5 protocol, particu-larly not maintaining a safe distance off the coast, has increased risks to shipping. Merchant vessels would be wise to maintain the same distance from the coast, particularly ensuring that the Socotra Gap isn’t taken. All vessels are advised to update risk as-sessments and register with UKMTO/MSCHOA prior to entering the Indian Ocean High Risk Area (HRA).

MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

Under control of Al Shabaab and allies Under control of neutral forces Under control of Government and allies Somaliland Government Territory disputed by Puntland and Somaliland

SomaliaSomali National Army (SNA) backed by Jubaland state forces killed six Al Shabaab extremists on Saturday in a security operation on the outskirts of Kismayo, a military officer confirmed on Sun-day. Aden Mohamed Ibrahim, commander of Jubaland state army told journalists that the joint operation conducted by SNA’s 43rd Unit and Jubaland state army started when the forces got intelligence from the public of the militants’ presence in the area.

Three People Injured in Mortar Shell Attack in Janaale TownThree people were wounded after a mortar attack in Janaale, a town 94 km from Mogadishu on Sunday 19th, Somali wit-nesses and officials say. The mortars landed on the civilian houses in Lower Shabelle Somalia. Lower Shabelle governor, Ibrahim Adan Ali [Najah] confirmed the attack. “Three people have been wounded and have been rushed to the hospital,” said governor Ibrahim in a statement.

Al Shabaab fighters killed in southwestern clashesThe Somali National Army has announced killing four Al Shabaab members in fighting near the southestern town of Dinsor in Bay region. The commander of the 154th Unit of the SNA’s 60th Division, Ali Hassan Ali, said that the army killed the militants in an operation they carried out in villages near Din-sor, with support from South West state forces, Somali Affairs reported on July 19th.

Civilians injured in Mogadishu explosionFour civilians were injured in an explosion on July 18th that happened at Taleh, Hodan, Mogadishu. It was the result of a bomb buried opposite Premier Bank, media reports stated. Earlier that day, Al Shabaab militants claimed responsibility for an explosion that targeted government forces in Marka town, Lower Shabelle.

Al Shabaab attacks AMISOM baseAl Shabaab militants attacked an Ethiopian African Union Mis-

sion to Somalia (AMISOM) base near Halgan town in south-central Somalia’s Hiraan region on July 18th. AMISOM killed multiple Al Shabaab fighters without incurring casualties, ac-cording to local residents.

Security Minister targetted by militantsUnidentified militants detonated an improvised explosive de-vice (IED) targeting the Somali deputy security minister’s car in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu on July 18th. The explosion killed a Somali civil servant inside the vehicle and injured three civil-ians. The deputy security minister was not in the car during the explosion.

Somalia shuts down Beledweyne airport after plane crashThe Somali federal government has ordered the temporary closure of Ugas Khalif Airport in the central town of Beled-weyne. The order came after a Kenyan cargo plane carrying medical supplies for the Afrian Union troops in Somalia crash-landed in the airport, leading to the burning of the plane. Three crew members on board however survived the crash, media reported on July 16th.

Al Shabaab attacks Ugandan forcesAl Shabaab claimed an IED attack on Ugandan African Un-ion Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) forces near Qoryoley town in southern Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region on July 15th. Al Shabaab reportedly destroyed one Ugandan AMISOM vehicle, killing several soldiers.

6

Control of Yemen territory (June 1st 20209)

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Houthi

Pro Hadi Government Forces

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)

MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

Controlled by Southern Transitional Council

YemenYemen coastguards in the Red Sea have seized a boat loaded with three tons of ammunition, as the country intensifies sea patrols to intercept Iranian weapon shipments to the Houthis. A local security official said a coast guard vessel on Thursday 16th stopped a boat sailing inside Yemeni waters near Perim Island. The coastguards who boarded the boat found thousands of ammuni-tion rounds in large plastic bags and unnumbered AK47 assault rifles hidden inside. The official said the three Yemeni crewmen, who come from different Red Sea coastal areas, were arrested.

Gunmen kill official in AbyanUnknown gunmen killed a high-ranking military official of the internationally recognized Yemeni government of Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi in al Mahfid district in southern Yemen’s Abyan governorate on July 20. Hadi government officials claimed that Transitional Political Council of the South (STC) members killed the official. Hadi government forces reportedly exchanged ar-tillery with STC forces near Shaqra city in Abyan governorate the same day.

CG removal sparks smuggling concernsThe Yemeni Coast Guard and Hadi security forces announced on July 19th they were withdrawing from Socotra port in So-cotra, a Yemeni archipelago in the Gulf of Aden. Hadi govern-ment officials stated that the increased involvement of STC forces in their duties caused their withdrawal. The STC took control of Socotra from Hadi’s government in mid-June.

Yemen appeals for international support amid ‘massive’ lo-cust outbreakYemeni officials have called for urgent international support to battle a major locust outbreak that is jeopardising food sup-plies in the war-ravaged country. Officials in Yemen’s Ministry of Agriculture have appealed to the UN and international or-ganisations for further assistance amid a surge in desert lo-custs as huge swarms invade the eastern and northern parts of the country, destroying vital crops.

UAE continues food aid efforts in Yemen’s west coastThe UAE has dispatched an aid convoy containing ten tons of food rations to Ad Durayhimi District, in Yemen’s Hodei-dah Governorate, as part of its ongoing food aid campaign in the country. The assistance - which included food baskets containing staple foods such as rice, flour and cooking oil - reached 3,600 people in the remote villages of Al Mabraq, Yahter and Al Katef.

Houthi rebels accuse UN envoy of prolonging Yemen warYemen’s Houthi rebel group on Saturday 18th accused UN en-voy Martin Griffiths of prolonging the conflict in war-torn Yem-

en. “From his recent speech, it has become clear that the UN envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths has broken away from neutral-ity and fairness that his mission requires,” rebel spokesperson Mohamed Abdel Salam tweeted. “Griffiths became involved with the forces of aggression against Yemen, adopting their position completely,” he said, in reference to the Saudi-led coalition.

UN Yemen envoy calls for probe into civilian deathsThe United Nations envoy for Yemen has called for a transpar-ent investigation into air strikes that killed at least 11 civilians in al-Jawf province, saying resurgent violence is complicat-ing UN-led efforts to end the five-year war. The raids were the third such incident since June. The Saudi-led coalition battling Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group has said it is investigating reports of civilian deaths in Wednesday’s attack and in the Haj-jah region earlier this week.

Concerns over FSO Safer increase Time is running out to prevent a decaying tanker off the coast of Yemen from dumping its load of 1.1 million barrels of oil into the Red Sea, sparking an environmental catastrophe, the Unit-ed Nations has warned. Concerns are growing over the condi-tion of the SAFER FSO tanker, which has been stranded off the Yemeni port of Ras Isa since 2015. This week, the UN’s envi-ronmental chief said the ship could release four times more oil than the Exxon Valdez spill in 1989 off Alaska if action was not taken.

To see the latest threat analysis and Yemen port information in MASTOPDEIA, please click here.

MAST recommends BMP measures be enforced and watches strengthened during transits in the region.

7

Migrant crossings 2017-2020. Source: UNHRC

MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

Migrant statistics in the Mediterranean (Figures last updated on July 21st 2020). Source: UNHCR

Mediterranean The Maltese military on Friday 17th rescued 63 migrants from a sinking boat in the Mediterranean sea and brought them ashore, the Times of Malta newspaper reported, citing a spokeswoman of the country’s armed forces. According to the newspaper, migrants contacted Alarm Phone, a non-governmental organization that offers a hotline service for people stranded at sea, on Thurs-day. The NGO then alerted Italian and Maltese authorities but got no response.

76 migrants rescued off Libyan coast: UNHCRThe United Nations Higher Commission of Refugees (UN-HCR) on Monday said that 76 refugees have been rescued off Libya’s western coast. “Yesterday evening, 76 refugees and migrants were brought back to Al Khoms (western Libya) after being intercepted at sea,” UNHCR tweeted.

First Italy trial over ‘migrant pushback’ to LibyaThe captain of an Italian-flagged ship is to be tried for alleg-edly forcing migrants back to Libya, in the first such case in Italy, documents seen by AFP show. The Asso 28 supply ship picked up 101 migrants near an oil and gas rig in international waters, before taking them to the port of Tripoli and hand-ing them over to the Libyan coast guard, according to pros-ecutors in Naples. The captain and a representative of the Augusta Offshore company that owns the ship are accused of violating international laws that forbid the forced return of people to countries where they or their rights are at risk.

Cyprus warns against infected migrants illegally crossing into the EUAsylum-seekers infected with coronavirus could be seeping through the porous cease-fire line in the ethnically divided Mediterranean island of Cyprus, the country’s health minis-ter warned on Sunday 19th. Minister Constantinos Ioannou pointed to “a problem” after a number of migrants who re-cently crossed from the breakaway north to seek asylum in the internationally recognized south have tested positive for COVID-19.

The current migrant smuggling situation

While we have seen a spike in crossing attempts in recent weeks, overall figures remain significantly down, year on year. The dual impacts of Coronavirus and the ongoing Libyan conflict have ac-counted for a huge drop in crossing attempts. However, calmer weather and a lull in fighting has allowed many hundreds of mi-grants to attempt the crossing, at a time when concerns about new outbreaks of the virus in EU nations has increased. Of equal interest this week is the trial in Italy, which could have ramifica-tions for the merchant marine should they engage in rescue mis-sions in the Med.

8

Control of Northern Libyan territory (Jan. 8th 2020)

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Controlled by the Tobruk led government

Controlled by the Government of National Accord

Controlled by ISIS

Controlled by local forces

Controlled by Tuareg forces

MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

LibyaA European Union mission to stop arms shipments to war-torn Libya is not “serious”, a senior US diplomat has said, accusing the bloc of not doing enough to end violations of a UN arms embargo by countries such as Russia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. David Schenker, the assistant secretary for Near East Affairs, said on Thursday 16th the EU was biased and criticised only Turkey’s involvement in the conflict.

Egypt’s parliament approves troop deployment to LibyaEgypt’s parliament authorised the deployment of troops out-side the country on Monday after the president threatened military action against Turkish-backed forces in neighbouring Libya. The parliament unanimously approved “the deployment of members of the Egyptian armed forces on combat missions outside Egypt’s borders to defend Egyptian national security ... against criminal armed militias and foreign terrorist elements”, it said in a statement.

Trump, Egypt’s Sisi agree to maintain ceasefire in LibyaReuters report that Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed at a phone call on Mon-day 20th to maintain a ceasefire in Libya and avoid an escala-tion there, the Egyptian presidency said.

Libya to South Korea shipping line announcedNoor Shipping Line announced a service from Libya to In-chon, South Korea on July 20th. The company reported that the service will start in Mid-August 2020 (after the Eid-Al-Adha holidays) and will transport cars/trucks/automotive/rolling stocks and break-bulk cargo. The service is scheduled to call at Misrata and Benghazi, but the company said it would be prepared to stop at Khoms and Tripoli ports if there is demand.

Oil agency report clashes with Haftar militiaThe Libyan National Oil Cooperation (NOC) said on Saturday 18th there were clashes between an armed group loyal to war-lord Khalifa Haftar and guards near oil facilities in the Gulf of Sirte. The NOC said in the last 48 hours clashes occurred be-tween an armed group called As-Saiqa and facility guards in the eastern Brega region.

Germany, France and Italy threatening sanctions against for-eign interference in LibyaFrance, Germany and Italy said on Saturday 18th they are pre-pared to impose sanctions on foreign powers violating the arms embargo in Libya. “We call on all foreign actors to cease their interference and respect the arms embargo established by the United Nations Security Council”, German chancellor

Angela Merkel, French president Emmanuel Macron and Ital-ian prime minister Giuseppe Conte said in a joint statement.

GNA fighters head for front as battle for Sirte loomsLibya’s internationally-recognised Government of National Ac-cord (GNA) on Saturday moved fighters closer to Sirte, a gate-way to Libya’s main oil terminals that the GNA says it plans to recapture from the eastern-based self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA). Witnesses and GNA military commanders said a column of about 200 vehicles moved eastwards from Misrata along the Mediterranean coast towards the town of Tawergha, about a third of the way to Sirte.

China provides medical supplies to Libya to fight COVID-19The Chinese Embassy in Libya on Friday 17th handed over a batch of medical supplies to the Libyan Embassy in Tunisia to help the northern African country fight the COVID-19 pandem-ic, the Chinese embassy said in a statement. The donation is one of the most recent fruits of the friendship between China and Africa, which came after the first lady of the Republic of the Congo Antoinette Sassou N’guesso exchanged letters earlier this month with Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

White House sympathizes with France in Libya row with Tur-keyWhite House National Security adviser Robert O’Brien on Wednesday 15th expressed sympathy for France’s account of events in a Mediterranean naval standoff with Turkey last month over a Libyan arm smuggling allegation. “NATO allies shouldn’t be turning fire control radars on each other. That’s not good,” O’Brien told reporters in France. “We are very sym-pathetic to French concerns.”

To read MAST’s Libyan Country report on MASTOPEDIA, please click here.

9

4°30’

5°00’

4°00’

3°30’

7°00’6°30’ 7°30’5°00’ 5°30’ 6°00’ 8°00’4°30’

6°00’

5°30’

3°30’ 4°00’

Hijack

MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

1

Kidnap

Approach/Attack

Suspicious Activity

Theft

Gulf of GuineaThe ICC International Maritime Bureau’s (IMB) latest piracy report, has indicated that crew kid-nappings and violent attacks on vessels in the West African region have soared in 2020, with 77 seafarers taken hostage or kidnapped for ransom in the past seven months. The Gulf of Guinea, off West Africa, is increasingly dangerous for commercial shipping, accounting for over 90 per cent of maritime kidnappings worldwide. This figure, of course, fails to include the most recent incidents in July.

Incidents: 1. Underway Liberia-flagged product tanker attacked and boarded by eight heavily armed pirates in speedboat at 1100 UTC in position 02:36.14N - 002:45.10E, around 210nm SW of Bayelsa coast, Nigeria. held hostage all crew members, stole documents and valuable items and kidnapped 13 crew mem-bers before escaping. The tanker was left drifting with limited and unqualified crew onboard. A nearby merchant vessel ren-dered assistance which allowed the tanker to be sailed to a safe port. Regional authorities notified. Reported (MDAT/IMB) 17th July.

UNODC, EU pledge support to Nigeria, others over maritime crimesThe European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have pledged their continued sup-port to strengthening the criminal justice response across West Africa within the framework of a project titled, “Support to West African Integrated Maritime Security (SWAIMS)”. Out-reach and Communications Officer of UNODC Nigeria Country Office, Abuja Sylvester Tunde Atere, in a statement, said piracy and other maritime crimes have continued to increase in the Gulf of Guinea.

Russian embassies in Nigeria, Benin actively looking for Rus-sians kidnapped by piratesRussian diplomats in Nigeria, Benin are making every effort possible to search for and free Russian citizens who were kid-napped by pirates in the Gulf of Guinea, spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry Maria Zakharova said on Monday 20th. “The Russian embassies in Abuja and Cotonou are constantly in contact with relevant Nigerian and Beninese agencies as well as representatives of the ship owner company. No ef-forts are spared to locate the kidnapped Russians and release

them,” she noted.

10 ‘pirates’ to know bail fate on July 28thA Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Monday 20th ad-journed till July 28th to rule on the bail applications filed by 10 persons suspected of hijacking a Chinese fishing vessel, FV Hai Lu Feng II, last May. Justice Ayokunle Faji fixed the date after taking arguments from their counsel and responses from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

Allianz: Gulf of Guinea sees piracy soarThe Gulf of Guinea has re-emerged as the global piracy hot-spot accounting for 90 per cent of global kidnappings reported at sea last year, with the number of crew taken increasing by more than 50 per cent to 121, according to marine insurer Al-lianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE’s (AGCS) Safety & Ship-ping Review 2020. Allianz, in the report made available to The Nation, stated that given heightened political and economic uncertainty in the world, piracy is a threat that is likely to re-main for a long time.

Illegal oil: 3 Nigerians sent to prisonJustice Chuka Austine Obiozor of Federal High Court, Ikoyi, on Thursday, convicted and sentenced Ometoruwa David, Mor-ford Meteku and John Inneh to one year in prison for conspir-acy and illegally dealing in petroleum products. The trio were prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commis-sion (EFCC) on three-count amended charges to which they pleaded guilty upon their re-arraignment. On January 9, 2020, the Nigerian Navy had arrested the convicts on board a vessel, MV Lady Sharon.

To see MAST Services in the region, please click here. And and to read Nigeria’s country report, please click here.

10MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

1

1

Hijack

Kidnap

Approach/Attack

Suspicious Activity

Theft

South East AsiaThe curfew order in the waters of seven districts in the East Sabah Safe Zone (ESSZone) which ended at 6pm tomorrow has been extended for two weeks until August 3rd, said Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Zaini Jass. He said following the extension, residents were asked to be in-doors and were not allowed to enter the waters between 6pm and 6am during the period.

Incidents: 1. Underway Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier was en route to Cam Pha, Vietnam, three perpetrators were sighted in the engine room store at 0215 LT in position 01:16.36N - 104:15.36E, approx 6.6nm NW of Tanjung Tondang, Pulau Bintan, Indone-sia (Eastbound TSS). Alarm raised and perpetrators escaped. All crew mustered at the navigation bridge. Crew conducted a search and updated Singapore Vessel Traffic Information Sys-tem at 0235 LT that some engine spare parts were stolen and no further sighting of the perpetrators on board. Crew safe and no assistance required. Reported (ReCAAP) 12th July.

Piracy incidents double across Asia during pandemicPiracy and armed robbery at sea incidents have doubled across Asia causing “deep concern”, according to a new re-port. There were 50 incidents in the region in the first half of the year, compared to 25 in the same period of 2019. The Sin-gapore Strait, one of the world’s busiest commercial shipping routes, has seen 16 incidents since between January and June. The rise in piracy has been attributed to the coronavirus down-turn. The data was provided by the ReCAAP in their half-yearly report.

MMEA foils syabu smuggling attemptThe Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) of Johor has foiled an attempt to smuggle out 3.2 kg of drugs, suspect-ed to be syabu, worth an estimated RM160,000 following the arrest of a transporter in the waters off Tanjung Piai, Pontian two days ago. Johor Maritime director First Admiral Aminud-din Abdul Rashid said the 38-year-old local man, posing as a fisherman, was arrested by MMEA personnel conducting Ops Benteng patrols at 3.30am about 3.8 nautical miles southwest of Tanjung Piai.

US Navy aircraft carriers resume rare dual exercises in the South China SeaTwo US Navy aircraft carriers have resumed rare dual exer-cises in the South China Sea, the second time this month the massive warships have teamed up in the contested waters.The USS Ronald Reagan and USS Nimitz carrier strikes groups, comprising more than 12,000 US military personnel among the two aircraft carriers and their escorting cruisers and destroy-ers, were operating in the South China Sea as of Friday 17th, the US Pacific Fleet said in a statement.

IMB issued kidnap alert for Sulu and Celebes seasAn alert was issued last week by the IMB, warning mariners of potential Abu Sayyaf Group kidnap gangs operatring in the Sulu and Celebes seas and Sabah areas. The alert was to be revised on July 17th, but it is likely that the threat remains in the region.

22 nations participate virtually in 19th SEACATThe largest number of nations ever will participate in the 19th iteration of Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT), being held as a virtual symposium, July 21st-23rd. The goal of SEACAT is to bring together regional partner nations to engage in “real world, real time” training designed to enhance maritime security by highlighting the value of information sharing and multilateral coordination.

To see MAST’s services in the region, please click here.

11MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

Hijack

Kidnap

Approach/Attack

Suspicious Activity

Theft

Central and South America Nothing significant to report

Incidents: Nothing significant to report

Standing advice: The repercussions of a vessel being caught acting as a mule with drugs stowed will depend on the type, amount and na-tional laws, but may be disruptive and costly. When and if operating in these areas, especially Columbia and Peru, it is advised that: • Potential stowage areas such as rudder shafts are denied as far as possible, and/or routinely searched. • Access points are closely monitored by a vigilant watch for the duration of the vessel’s call at port.

12

Note: The forecasts are correct as of the day before publication. For latest updates please follow the provided links.

MAST UK: +44 (0)1279 216 726 operations@mast-security.com www.mast-security.com

Nothing significant to report.

Severe Weather Warnings Warnings detailed on this page are from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and are issued by respective Regional Specialised Metrological Centres, Tropical Cyclone Centres or Na-tional Meteorological Services. For further information on severe weather warnings please click here.