| Anti-Shipping Activity Warning Messages |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 12/06/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-124 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
51 |
| Geographical Location: |
9/9/00 N 14/4/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
LOUISE |
| Description: |
|
| The 19,925-ton, Liberian-flag tanker, Louise,
was attacked while drifting about 18 nm off the Guinea coast. The
ship was approached by a gray craft with fixed machine guns. Fifteen
persons were sighted on board, all wearing brown uniforms. The craft
came alongside the tanker in an attempted boarding maneuver, but to
prevent this from succeeding the Master got underway at full speed,
away from the coast. At this point, the attackers opened fire on the
ship with machine guns, aiming at the accommodation, bridge and
radio room. This caused extensive damage to the ship. The bullets
pierced through steel bulkheads and entered the accommodation,
continuing and penetrating cabin doors. As the distance between the
tanker and the craft increased to about 0.4 nm, the attackers
switched to rocket fire. As the distance increased to about 0.6 nm,
the attackers aborted their pursuit. The assault lasted for a period
of thirty minutes of continuous gunfire. No crewmen were injured.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 11/24/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-123 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
92 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
THIEVES |
| Victim: |
FISHING VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| A Filipino fisherman and her three children
were reported killed by thieves who attacked them while they were
fishing off Sumisip Town, Basilan Province. Soldiers, who were
patrolling the coast, engaged in a 40-minute gunfight with the
attackers and three were reported captured. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 11/23/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-122 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
62 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
ORIENT PATRIOT |
| Description: |
|
| The 17,702-ton, Indian-flag container ship,
Orient Patriot, reported being approached by three armed men in a
speedboat, while off Iran's Indian Ocean coast. The three tried to
board the container ship, under the pretext of obtaining water, and
fired a few rounds at the ship when it refused to stop. The
assailants broke off the pursuit when seeing "a strong compliment of
crew". The Mumbai Coast Guard were activated. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 11/22/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-120 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
63 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| AN UNNAMED 20,000-TON, PANAMANIAN-FLAG BULK
CARRIER WAS ROBBED OF MOORING LINE WHILE ANCHORED IN CHITTAGONG
ANCHORAGE, APPROXIMATELY 25 MILES SOUTH OF CHITTAGONG PORT ENTRANCE.
AT 0900 A WOODEN FISHING BOAT CAME ALONGSIDE AND ROBBERS, ARMED
MACHETES, BOARDED AND THREW THE LINE INTO THE WATER. THE INCIDENT
WAS REPORTED BUT NO OFFICIAL ACTION WAS TAKEN. ACCORDING TO SHIP'S
REPORT, INCIDENTS ARE COMMON. AT THE ANCHORAGE THERE IS NO VHF
CONTACT AND ALL COMMUNICATION IS BY TELEX. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 11/19/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-125 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
62 |
| Geographical Location: |
15/32/00 N 41/53/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
LEOPARD STAR |
| Description: |
|
| Southern Red Sea (vicinity Jabal Attair): The
47-foot sailing vessel, Leopard Star, was boarded by eight men,
armed with AK-47's, demanding money and passports. The attackers
were given fuel and drink only and then left the vessel. No
casualties reported. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 11/15/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-121 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
NIGERIAN TRIBAL YOUTH GANGS |
| Victim: |
MM22 |
| Description: |
|
| NIGERIA (BONNY RIVER): ARMED YOUTHS HIJACKED
THE SHELL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY BOAT, MM22, AND HELD ITS
PASSENGERS AND CREW FOR "INTERROGATION", BEFORE RELEASING THEM. THE
BOAT WAS BEING USED TO TRANSPORT GUARDS TO THE CAWTHORNE CHANNEL
FLOAT STATION WHEN IT WAS INTERCEPTED BY 6 YOUTHS IN A SPEEDBOAT.
THE YOUTHS REPRESENT A GROUP TRYING TO FORCE SHELL TO HIRE 200 LOCAL
TRIBESMEN. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 11/12/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-118 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
62 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
THIEVES |
| Victim: |
APHRODITE 3 |
| Description: |
|
| AN AUSTRALIAN FAMILY ABOARD THEIR YACHT,
APHRODITE 3, WAS ATTACKED AND ROBBED IN YEMENI COASTAL WATERS BY
FIVE ARMED GUNMEN. THE ATTACK OCCURRED ABOUT 180 KM NORTHEAST OF
ADEN. THE FAMILY WAS LEFT UNHURT. YEMENI AUTHORITIES ANNOUNCED THE
DETENTION OF A YEMENI AND A SOMALI SUSPECT IN THE ROBBERY ON 14
NOV. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 11/01/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-113 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
4/27/00 N 7/10/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
NIGERIAN TRIBAL YOUTH GANGS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| NIGERIA (BONNY RIVER): MERCHANT VESSEL, OWNED
BY TIDEWATER OIL CO., WAS SEIZED AND A U.S. CITIZEN WAS KIDNAPPED,
ALONG WITH A POLISH ENGINEER AND 12 NIGERIANS. THE VESSEL WAS
RELEASED ALONG WITH THE HOSTAGES ON 3 NOV AFTER A COURT INJUNCTION
WAS OBTAINED. TWO OTHER SHIPS OF THE TIDEWATER FLEET WERE BREIFLY
HELD IN THE SAME WEEK; A BELIZE-FLAG VESSEL WITH AN ALL-NIGERIAN
CREW ON 23 OCT AND THE EXPLORER SEAHORSE "SEVERAL DAYS"
LATER. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 10/22/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-114 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
ALONDRA RAINBOW |
| Description: |
|
| THE 7,762-TON, PANAMANIAN-FLAG CARGO SHIP,
ALONDRA RAINBOW, WAS BOARDED AND HIJACKED BY TEN PIRATES ARMED WITH
PISTOLS, KNIVES AND SWORDS, OPERATING FROM SPEEDBOATS, IN THE
VICINITY OF KUALA TANJUNG, INDONESIA (03-21N 099-29E). THE VESSEL
WAS ENROUTE TO MIIKE, JAPAN WITH A CARGO OF 7,000 TONS OF ALUMINUM
INGOTS. THE FIFTEEN CREWMEMBERS WERE SET ADRIFT IN LIFERAFTS ON 29
OCT AND WERE LATER RESCUED BY THAI FISHERMEN 8 NOV OFF PHUKET,
THAILAND. THE INDIAN COAST GUARD AND NAVY RECOVERED THE VESSEL OFF
GOA, INDIA ON 16 NOV. FIFTEEN SUSPECTS WERE ARRESTED. THE HIJACKERS
ATTEMPTED TO SCUTTLE THE VESSEL BY SETTING HER AFIRE AND FLOODING
HER HOLDS. 3,000 TONS OF CARGO WAS REPORTED MISSING AND SUSPECTED TO
HAVE BEEN BARTERED IN CAMBODIA OR THAILAND FOR WEAPONS DESTINED TO
LTTE INSURGENTS (TAMIL TIGERS) IN SRI LANKA. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 10/16/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-107 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
22 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
FARC GUERRILLAS |
| Victim: |
TOURIST EXCURSION BOATS |
| Description: |
|
| A TOURIST EXCURSION BOAT UNDERWAY OFF
BUENAVENTURA (03-54N 077-05W), COLOMBIA WAS HIJACKED BY FOUR
SUSPECTED FARC GUERRILLAS. THE HIJACKED BOAT WAS TAKEN TO A BEACH
WHERE 13 MALE PASSENGERS, ALL COLOMBIAN NATIONALS, WERE HELD HOSTAGE
FOR RANSOM. THE BOAT'S CAPTAIN AND THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN WERE
FREED. AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME, A CREW MEMBER ABOARD ANOTHER BOAT WAS
KILLED IN AN APPARENT HIJACK ATTEMPT. THE BOAT WAS HIJACKED,
ACCORDING TO THE HIJACKERS' DECLARATION, BECAUSE ITS OWNER REFUSED
TO PAY PROTECTION MONEY TO THE REBELS. ON 21 OCT SEVEN OF THE
THIRTEEN HOSTAGES WERE FREED. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 10/16/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-110 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
63 |
| Geographical Location: |
9/58/00 N 98/33/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
KAREN REBELS |
| Victim: |
CHUAY MIT |
| Description: |
|
| THE MYANMAR-FLAG TANKER, CHUAY MIT, AND
MYANMAR-FLAG CARGO SHIP, KO KO TA, BOTH ASSESSED TO BE SMALL COASTAL
VESSELS, WERE DESTROYED BY EXPLOSION AND FIRE IN PORT KAWTHAUNG. TWO
CREW MEMBERS DIED AND THE SHIPS CARGOES, DESCRIBED AS SMUGGLED OIL,
SMUGGLED CEMENT, AND OTHER GOODS WERE REPORTEDLY DESTROYED. ABOUT
FIVE HOURS AFTER THE EXPLOSION, THAI POLICE STOPPED A "LONG-TAILED"
BOAT AND ARRESTED THREE ETHNIC KAREN MEN, IN POSSESSION OF DYNAMITE
STICKS, DETONATORS AND DETONATION WIRES. THE MEN ARE SUSPECTED OF
SABOTAGING THE TWO SHIPS. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 10/14/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-108 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
4/27/00 N 7/10/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
NIGERIAN TRIBAL YOUTH GANGS |
| Victim: |
DAMAS VICTORY |
| Description: |
|
| NIGERIA (BONNY RIVER): SHIPPING CONTINUES TO
BE AFFECTED BY THE INSTABILITY IN THE BONNY RIVER REGION. LOCAL
YOUTH GANGS ARE DEMANDING THAT TRANSITING SHIPS PROCURE PERMIT
"STICKERS". THE ST. VINCENT-FLAG TUG-SUPPLY BOAT, DAMAS VICTORY, WAS
SEIZED AT BONNY BECAUSE IT DID NOT DISPLAY SUCH A
"STICKER". |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 10/13/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-109 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
NIGERIAN NATIONALS |
| Victim: |
UNICORN 1 |
| Description: |
|
| THE 137-TON, NIGERIAN-FLAG FISHING BOAT,
UNICORN 1, WAS REPORTED HIJACKED BY NIGERIAN NATIONALS. THE FOUR
CREW ARE REPORTED SAFE. THE VESSEL DEPARTED PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA
ON 10 OCT BOUND FOR CONAKRY, GUINEA VIA MONROVIA AND FREETOWN. LAST
REPORTED POSITION WAS ON 10 OCT WHEN CLEARING BONNY. THE HONG KONG
OWNERS OF THE VESSEL HAD REPORTED IT OVERDUE, AND THEN SAFE 12 OCT,
BEFORE THE ATTACK OCCURRED THE FOLLOWING DAY. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 10/06/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-104 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
37 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
GREENPEACE ACTIVISTS |
| Victim: |
MSC CARMEN |
| Description: |
|
| THE 20,391-TON, PANAMANIAN-FLAG RO-RO, MSC
CARMEN, WAS BLOCKADED IN A REPAIR DOCK IN ANTWERP (51-13N 004-24E)
BY GREENPEACE ACTIVISTS, PROTESTING ITS COATING WITH A PAINT USING
THE CHEMICAL TBT WHICH IS NOT REGISTERED FOR USE IN
BELGIUM. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 10/01/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-119 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
5/16/00 N 4/1/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
THIEVES |
| Victim: |
YRIA |
| Description: |
|
| THE 15,639-TON, ST. VINCENT-FLAG BULK CARRIER,
YRIA, WAS ATTACKED AT ITS BERTH IN ABIDJAN, IVORY COAST (AT THE
BEGINNING OF OCTOBER (REPORTED 01 NOV)). THE INTRUDERS OVERPOWERED
THE SHIP'S CREW AND WATCHMEN, BROKE OPEN PADLOCKS AND STOLE PART OF
THE CARGO (BAGGED RICE) AS WELL AS SHIP'S EQUIPMENT. THE ROBBERS
RETURNED ABOUT THREE HOURS LATER, BUT WERE REPELLED BY THE CREW WHO
WERE NOW ON ALERT. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 09/25/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-103 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
63 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
LTTE TERRORISTS |
| Victim: |
YU JIA |
| Description: |
|
| THE 9,182-TON, CHINESE-FLAG FREIGHTER, YU JIA,
WAS ATTACKED WITH ROCKET PROPELLED GRENADES FIRED FROM BOATS
BELONGING TO THE LIBERATION TIGERS OF TAMIL EELAM (LTTE). THE
CHINESE SHIP SUFFERED SEVERAL HOLES NEAR THE WATERLINE AND WAS
BRIEFLY BOARDED BY LTTE FIGHTERS BEFORE SRI LANKAN NAVY UNITS
INTERVENED AND DESTROYED FOUR REBEL BOATS. THE ATTACK OCCURRED ABOUT
50 MILES OFFSHORE FROM MULLAITTIVU (09-16N 080-49E), A REBEL
STRONGHOLD. ONE CREWMEMBER WAS REPORTED INJURED ABOARD THE CHINESE
SHIP WHICH WAS ON A VOYAGE FROM AQABA, JORDAN TO MADRAS, INDIA WITH
FERTILIZER. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 09/25/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-105 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
62 |
| Geographical Location: |
26/30/00 N 56/35/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
ASPIDOFOROS |
| Description: |
|
| THE 21,030-TON, BAHAMAS-FLAG BULK CARRIER,
ASPIDOFOROS, REPORTED THAT IT WAS PURSUED IN POSITION 26 30N, 56 35
E BY TWO SPEEDBOATS, EACH CARRYING FOUR PERSONS, WHICH MADE SEVERAL
ATTEMPTS TO COME ALONGSIDE. SHIP'S GENERAL ALARM WAS SOUNDED, CREW
PUT ON HIGH ALERT WITH FIRE HOSES PRESSURIZED, AND SHIP BEGAN
ZIG-ZAG MANEUVERING. AFTER TEN MINUTES BOATS BROKE OFF PURSUIT.
INCIDENT REPORTED TO UAE COAST GUARD AND OTHER NEARBY
VESSELS. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 09/25/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-106 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
5/34/00 S 104/38/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
CHESAPEAKE CITY |
| Description: |
|
| THE 52,155-TON, U. S.-FLAG OIL TANKER,
CHESAPEAKE CITY, WAS BOARDED WHILE AT ANCHOR IN TELUK SEMANGKA,
INDONESIA. SIX MEN WERE SURPRISED IN VESSEL'S ENGINE ROOM AND
ASSAULTED CREW MEMBER BEFORE ESCAPING. AS VESSEL HAD BEEN BOARDED IN
SAME LOCATION MAY 98, CAPTAIN HAD SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS IN PLACE
INCLUDING LOCKING OF ACCOMMODATION BLOCK. ONLY KNOWN ACCESS TO
ENGINE ROOM WAS THROUGH SKYLIGHT AND NO EVIDENCE FOUND OF RAPPELLING
GEAR TO ACCOMPLISH FIFTY-FOOT DROP. NOTHING NOTED MISSING AND
ASSAULTED CREW MEMBER NOT INJURED. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 09/23/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-101 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
23 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
GREENPEACE ACTIVISTS |
| Victim: |
API IV |
| Description: |
|
| THE 1,819-TON, ARGENTINE FISH FACTORY TRAWLER,
API IV, WAS DISABLED WHEN DIVERS WORKING FOR GREENPEACE WRAPPED
CHAIN AROUND ITS PROPELLER TO PROTEST OVERFISHING OF HAKE IN THE
SOUTH ATLANTIC. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 09/21/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-112 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
51 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSELS |
| Description: |
|
| A SWISS-FLAG BULK CARRIER REPELLED AN APPARENT
ATTACK BY TRACKING AN APPROACHING SMALL BOAT WITH THE SHIP'S
SEARCHLIGHT AT ABOUT 0030 LOCAL TIME, WHILE AT ANCHOR OFF CONAKRY,
GUINEA (09-31N 013-43W). LATER THAT NIGHT, ANOTHER SHIP ANCHORED
ABOUT THREE MILES AWAY BROADCAST AN APPEAL FOR HELP STATING IT HAD
BEEN BOARDED BY 6 THIEVES ARMED WITH HANDGUNS AND A MACHINE GUN. THE
SECOND MATE WAS FORCED AT GUN POINT TO THE MASTER'S CABIN WHERE THE
SAFE WAS OPENED AND CASH AND CREW VALUABLES TAKEN. THE MATE WAS
INJURED AND REQUIRED TREATMENT ASHORE. PORT AUTHORITIES, NOTIFIED OF
THE ATTACK, STATED THAT NO POLICE OR NAVY PERSONNEL WERE AVAILABLE
TO ASSIST AND THAT THE SHIP SHOULD HAVE ANCHORED AT LEAST 15 MILES
OFF THE PORT AS THE PORT AUTHORITY CLAIMS IT ADVISED ON VESSEL'S
ARRIVAL. REPORTING VESSEL STATED ITS INTENT TO DRIFT 100 MILES
OFFSHORE RATHER THAN ANCHOR NEAR OTHER SHIPS AND POSSIBLY IN A
DANGEROUS AREA. NOTE: REPORTS RECEIVED BY BIMCO INDICATE THAT
REGULAR VIOLENT ATTACKS OCCURRED AT THE CONAKRY ANCHORAGE AREAS
DURING THE WEEK OF 21 THRU 28 SEP. ROBBERS, ARMED WITH HANDGUNS AND
MACHINE GUNS, MADE NOCTURNAL RAIDS ON SHIPS IN THE ANCHORAGE AREA,
ABOUT 10 MILES OFF THE COAST, AND THAT CREW HAVE BEEN BEATEN AND
INJURED DURING THESE ATTACKS. UNCONFIRMED REPORTS INDICATE THAT SOME
CREW MAY HAVE RECENTLY BEEN KILLED BY THE ATTACKERS. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 09/16/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-115 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
5/55/00 S 105/57/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
ALAM AMAN |
| Description: |
|
| INDONESIA (SELAT SUNDA): THE 16,927-TON,
MALAYSIAN-FLAG BULK CARRIER, ALAM AMAN, WAS BOARDED BY FOUR PIRATES,
ARMED WITH KNIVES, FROM A WOODEN BOAT WHILE UNDERWAY OFF EASTERN
SUMATRA. THE ROBBERS HANDCUFFED THE VESSEL'S MASTER AND CHIEF
ENGINEER AND STOLE CASH, BINOCULARS, AND VESSEL EQUIPMENT (MF/HF DSC
AND INMARSAT-C). |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 09/16/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-116 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
2/50/00 S 106/58/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
MAERSK ATLANTIC |
| Description: |
|
| INDONESIA (SELAT LEPLIA): THE 14,063-TON,
SINGAPORE-FLAG CONTAINER SHIP, MAERSK ATLANTIC, WAS BOARDED WHILE
UNDERWAY OFF EASTERN SUMATRA. THE PIRATES, ARMED WITH KNIVES,
ENTERED THE BRIDGE AND TIED UP THE MASTER, CHIEF ENGINEER AND
LOOKOUT. THE PIRATES TOOK THE MASTER, AT KNIFE POINT, TO HIS CABIN
WHERE THEY STOLE THE VESSEL'S CASH AND OTHER VALUABLES. THEY THEN
TOOK THE MASTER, AS A HOSTAGE, TO THE STARBOARD QUARTER AND ESCAPED.
NO INJURIES TO THE CREW REPORTED. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 09/09/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-117 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
6/1/00 S 106/54/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
SPIROS |
| Description: |
|
| INDONESIA (JAWA-NORTH COAST): THE 59,353-TON,
LIBERIAN-FLAG TANKER, SPIROS, WAS BOARDED WHILE AT ANCHOR AT TANJUNG
PRIOK, INDONESIA. PIRATES ENTERED THE ENGINE ROOM, TIED UP THE DUTY
OILER, AND STOLE ENGINE SPARES. WATCHMAN NOTED BOAT ALONGSIDE AND
NOTIFIED THE DUTY OFFICER ON THE BRIDGE, WHO RAISED THE ALARM AND
MUSTERED ALL CREW ON DECK, AT WHICH THE PIRATES JUMPED INTO THE
WATER AND ESCAPED. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 09/08/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-102 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
51 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
THIEVES |
| Victim: |
PINK SANDS |
| Description: |
|
| THE 22,009-TON, MALTESE-FLAG BULK CARRIER,
PINK SANDS, WAS BOARDED BY THIEVES WHILE ANCHORED OFF CONAKRY,
GUINEA (09-31N 013-43W). THE BOARDING OCCURRED AT 0220 LOCAL TIME,
DURING HEAVY RAIN, WHICH HAMPERED VISIBILITY FOR FIVE CREW ON WATCH
DUTY. THIEVES FORCED THEIR WAY INTO MASTER'S CABIN AND STOLE
PERSONAL POSSESSIONS, ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT AND SHIP'S CASH BEFORE
LEAVING AT 0410. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 09/06/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-111 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
54 |
| Geographical Location: |
44/25/00 N 12/11/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
THIEVES |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| ROBBERS BOARDED A CYPRUS-FLAG SHIP AT ITS
BERTH AT RAVENNA, ITALY BETWEEN 0100 AND 0600 LOCAL TIME. WITHOUT
BEING DETECTED, THE ROBBERS ENTERED THE CABINS OF THE MASTER, CHIEF
MATE, AND CHIEF ENGINEER AND STOLE CASH AMOUNTING TO US$
3,150. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 09/04/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-91 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
63 |
| Geographical Location: |
22/9/00 N 91/47/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
KARYA SENTOSA |
| Description: |
|
| The 4,846-ton, Indonesian-flag cargo ship
Karya Sentosa was ransacked and set afire by pirates from the
Bangladeshi village of Gahira, near Chittagong. The ship, which had
been awaiting a berth since 18 Sep 1998, developed leakage at the
hull bottom and was being moved to safety when it grounded. After
the boarding and looting of their property, the ship's crew
abandoned the vessel for quarters ashore. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/31/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-93 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
24 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ROBBERS |
| Victim: |
FISHING VESSELS |
| Description: |
|
| Authorities in Guyana reported nearly one
dozen cases of robbery from fishing boats in rivers or off the
coast, and the killing of one robber aboard a ship moored at
Georgetown (06-50N 058-10W). On a single day in August six fishing
boats working within a 50 km sq area were robbed of engines, fish
catch and equipment and left adrift while the robbers fled toward
Venezuela. The robbers reportedly work from border towns in Suriname
and Venezuela. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/30/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-100 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
72 |
| Geographical Location: |
1/21/36 S 116/58/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Indonesia (Kalimantan-East Coast): Pirates
attempted to board vessel from boats, at Balikpapan anchorage, but
police guard on board fired 3 warning shots and prevented the
boarding. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/28/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-99 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
5/31/00 S 105/18/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Indonesia (Sumatera-South Coast): Three
pirates, with long knives, boarded a vessel at Tarahan anchorage.
However, duty watchmen detected the pirates and and alerted the crew
by sounding the ship's horn and alarm. The pirates escaped in a
speed boat. A padlock to the steering gear room was found
broken. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/27/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-98 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
91 |
| Geographical Location: |
18/38/00 N 119/26/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| South China Sea: Pirates approached vessel,
with intent to come alongside and board, in an 8 meter rusted speed
boat carrying a gun mounted on the fore deck. The vessel sounded fog
horn and alerted all vessels in vicinity, via VHF channel 16, of
pirate boat and position. After a few minutes, the pirate boat
altered course and gave up chase. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/24/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-97 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
72 |
| Geographical Location: |
1/21/00 S 116/59/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Indonesia (Kalimantan-East Coast): Pirates,
armed with knives and firearms, attempted to board vessel from two
boats at Balikpapan anchorage, but alert crew foiled the
attempt. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/19/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-92 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
26 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
CAP ORTEGAL |
| Description: |
|
| The 25,500-ton, German-flag container ship Cap
Ortegal was boarded while at anchor at Kingston, Jamaica (17-57N
076-47W). When preparing to weigh anchor and move to its berth a
mate reported from the forecastle that a liferaft was missing, the
paint locker had been ransacked and emptied, and the ship's mooring
lines were dangling over the side with one missing. Four of the
ship's containers were later found to have been broached and cartons
of vegetables taken from two of them. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/19/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-96 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
5/46/12 S 108/44/12 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Indonesia (Jawa-North Coast): Pirates, armed
with guns, boarded vessel from a boat while underway. The duty
officer on bridge noticed the pirates on the bridge wing. The
pirates fired three shots, which shattered the windows. The duty
officer, who was armed with a gun, crouched down and fired eight
shots in return. No injuries were reported. All pirates
escaped. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/16/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-95 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
72 |
| Geographical Location: |
00/14/00 S 117/33/30 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Indonesia (Kalimantan-East Coast): Pirates
boarded vessel, at Muara Berau anchorage, and broke forecastle store
and stole 22 drums of paint. When spotted by the crew, they escaped
via a small wooden boat with powerful outboard motor. There were
about 12 persons onboard the boat. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/15/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-94 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
72 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Indonesia (Kalimantan-East Coast): About 7
pirates armed with long knives boarded vessel vicinity Muara Berau,
Samarinda, and tied-up one ab on deck and robbed him of personal
valuables. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/10/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-90 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
72 |
| Geographical Location: |
1/42/00 S 116/38/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Indonesia (Kalimantan-East Coast): About four
pirates armed with knives boarded vessel, off the entrance to Teluk
Adang, and attempted to steal from forecastle store, but alert crew
deterred them. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/09/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-80 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
24 |
| Geographical Location: |
32/3/00 S 52/5/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
EMILIA THERESA |
| Description: |
|
| The 3,356-ton, Isle of Man-flag chemical
tanker, Emilia Theresa, was attacked and boarded by six armed
robbers while at anchor, awaiting berthing at Rio Grande, Brazil.
The robbers ransacked the master's cabin and took about $23,000 in
crew wages, equipment and other valuables. Two crew were assaulted
in the attack before the robbers fled in their speedboat, after
locking the master and some of the crew in a cabin. The Brazilian
Coast Guard, and other unnamed authorities, were reportedly alerted
but did not react with any urgency. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/09/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-89 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
82 |
| Geographical Location: |
9/25/00 S 159/57/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Solomon Islands (Guadalcanal): Members of the
revolutionary army boarded vessel, at Honiara, but crew repulsed the
attack. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/08/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-73 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
5/55/00 S 105/59/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
UNIDENTIFIED |
| Description: |
|
| A vessel reported an act of robbery at 082100Z
Aug while in Selat Sunda, in the vicinity of the port of Merak,
Indonesia. No other details provided. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/08/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-88 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
3/54/48 N 98/45/16 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Indonesia (Sumatera-East Coast): Pirates armed
with knives boarded vessel, at Belawan anchorage, and stole 160
liters of paint. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/08/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-75 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
24 |
| Geographical Location: |
10/15/00 N 64/35/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
NORDANA ADVISOR |
| Description: |
|
| The 13,315-ton, Liberian-flag container ship,
Nordana Advisor, was boarded by armed robbers while at its berth at
Guanta, Venezuela. Five thieves boarded at 0200 and held the crew at
bay with knives. About thirty pieces of plywood, used as dunnage,
were thrown into the water and were recovered by the thieves,
assisted by three men in two boats. During the incident, the ship
attempted to contact Coast Guard by VHF but the calls were not
answered. In addition to the theft of the plywood, the seal on one
container was reported to have been broken. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/06/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-72 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
3/47/00 N 98/41/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
AYIA MARKELLA |
| Description: |
|
| A BIMCO report states: A 37,000 dwt Greek
bulker, Ayia Markella, was boarded by thieves while anchored off
Belawan, Indonesia. At about 0230 hours one small boat was seen
approaching the vessel near her bow. The deck watchmen shouted at
the people on the boat to move away from the ship, however at the
same time two more boats approached, and many thieves carrying
knives and pistols boarded the vessel using ropes and grappling
hooks. The thieves cornered the deck watchman and demanded that he
give them the keys to the forecastle storage locker. When he told
them that he was not carrying the keys, the thieves searched him,
taking his watch, cigarettes and lighter. Then they attempted to
break into the forecastle, however these attempts failed. Throughout
the time the thieves were on board, they tried to avoid detection
from the bridge by keeping very quiet. Frustrated by their failed
attempts to open the forecastle locker, they eventually left the
vessel, leaving the watchman unharmed. The Master reported the
incident to the agent on berthing on the morning of 8 Aug. According
to the agent, two other ships had been attacked recently at the
harbor and the thieves stole the life raft from one of the ships and
a mooring rope from the other. The Master of Ayia Markella has
secured the life rafts with wires and weldings in order to prevent
any theft, which will be removed before sailing. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/31/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-76 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
62 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
UNKNOWN |
| Victim: |
SABRINA I |
| Description: |
|
| The 11,748-ton, Panamanian-flag cargo ship,
Sabrina I, has been reported missing by its owners and may be the
victim of a hijack or mutiny by the crew. Ship left Tanjong Priok,
Indonesia (06-06S 106-53E) 17 Jul with a cargo of bagged cement
bound for Al Mukalla, Yemen (14-30N 049-09E). The ship reported a
leak in a cargo hold 31 Jul at which time the Captain stated he was
taking the ship to Mogadiscio outer anchorage, to await a tug
dispatched from Kenya. The ship did not make rendezvous and owners
suspect ship is now under control of Filipino crew. Alternatively,
the ship may be in a Somali port under warlord
control. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/29/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-87 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
6/6/00 S 106/53/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Indonesia (Jawa-North Coast): About 8 pirates
boarded vessel, at Jakarta anchorage, and stole engine
spares. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/28/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-78 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
DOLPHINE 4 |
| Description: |
|
| The fishing boat Dolphine 4, flag unknown, was
stormed by youths off Pennington Island (Niger Delta). The captain
and crew were assaulted during the attack. The boat, robbed of
"goods" and communication equipment, was vandalized and had to be
towed in the following day. At least six fishing boats have been
attacked recently in the Niger Delta, in conjunction with communal
violence ashore. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/28/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-86 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Indonesia (Selat Gelasa): Four pirates armed
with knives boarded vessel and threatened the captain in Selat
Gelasa, the strait lying between the islands of Bangka and Belitung.
The captain sustained an injury on his hand. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/25/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-68 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
63 |
| Geographical Location: |
8/33/00 N 81/13/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
LTTE TERRORISTS |
| Victim: |
NEWCO ENDURANCE |
| Description: |
|
| The 300-ton, Sri Lankan-flag intracoastal
ferry, Newco Endurance, was sunk in Trincomalee harbor. The vessel,
which can accommodate up to 310 people, had no passengers onboard at
the time of the attack. One crewman was killed and another injured.
Authorities believe the explosion was caused by a bomb planted by
two LTTE scuba divers. This is the first major, sophisticated
maritime attack by the LTTE on a non-military target since the Aug
1998 hijack of the cargo ship Princess Kash (see ASAM Reference No.
1998-50). |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/24/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-85 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
3/55/00 N 98/46/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Indonesia (Sumatera-East Coast): Four persons
armed with knives and steel bars attacked deck watchman doing
routine rounds, at Belawan anchorage. No items reported missing, but
one crewman injured. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/22/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-69 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
93 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
KENDURI |
| Description: |
|
| The 2,581-ton, Panamanian-flag cargo ship,
Kenduri, was reported missing 22 Jul. The vessel sailed Bangkok 11
Jun after loading 3,200 tons of steel and departed Ko Si Chang on 16
Jun for Vietnam. The vessel never reached its discharge port and its
fate is unknown. The transit route is well-known as the operating
grounds of several Chinese pirate gangs. The vessel is suspected to
have been hijacked and may be in use as a "phantom
ship". |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/20/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-64 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
KILCHEM OCEANIA |
| Description: |
|
| A group of about twenty armed men boarded the
4,497-ton Bahamas-flag tanker, Kilchem Oceania, off Lagos (06-24N,
003-24E), Nigeria. After stealing numerous items from the vessel,
the attackers forced two Russian seafarers, the ship's third officer
and an oiler, to join them as they left the ship. The attackers also
demanded that the vessel return to the same spot, in two days, to
exchange additional goods as ransom for the safe release of the two
seafarers. Attempts are being made to contact the attackers in order
to negotiate the safe release of the hostages. A 01 Sep 1999 report
states that the two Russians taken hostage were released at Port
Harcourt on 26 Aug 1999, following extensive
negotiations. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/20/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-84 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
3/55/00 N 98/46/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Indonesia (Sumatera-East Coast): Eight pirates
boarded vessel through anchor chain, at Belawan anchorage, and stole
ship's equipment. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/20/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-83 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
91 |
| Geographical Location: |
14/35/00 N 120/58/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Philippines: At the port of Manila, berth no.
13, pirates boarded vessel and robbed master and crew of cash and
valuables worth $17,900. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/18/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-74 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
63 |
| Geographical Location: |
24/46/00 N 67/20/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
YANG PU |
| Description: |
|
| The 3,512-ton Panamanian-flag tanker, Yang Pu,
was attacked by a group of dock laborers in Port Muhammed Bin Qasim,
Pakistan, between 18 Jul and 21 Jul. The attack reportedly damaged
the ship's discharge gear, delivery pipes, and gangway. The violence
appears to have been provoked when the tanker began to discharge its
cargo of palm oil in a berth location designated for use by carriers
off-loading cargoes other than edible oil. The situation was
resolved when the tanker changed its berthing
location. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/16/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-63 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
NORDISLE |
| Description: |
|
| The 57,148-ton Cypriot flag tanker, Nordisle,
was boarded by 5 armed men at an offshore oil terminal at Abidjan
(05-15N, 004-01W), Ivory Coast. Crew detected the intruders and
sounded the ship's alarm. The pirates lowered 2 ropes and escaped in
waiting motorboats. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/16/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-79 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
63 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
KARIN CAT |
| Description: |
|
| Bangladesh: The 1,501-ton, Danish-flag
freighter, Karin Cat, was reportedly attacked by a group of persons
while the vessel was waiting to take a berth. Ship was carrying
defense supplies. No loss or damage was reported. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/16/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-82 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
3/54/6 N 98/46/48 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Indonesia (Sumatera-East Coast): Pirates
boarded vessel, at Belawan anchorage, and stole 770 liters of paint
from forward store. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/13/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-66 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
51 |
| Geographical Location: |
10/32/00 N 16/51/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
GUINEA-BISSAU GOVERNMENT FORCES |
| Victim: |
UNIDENTIFIED |
| Description: |
|
| A small bitumen tanker, navigating off the
Guinea-Bissau coast, was intercepted by a launch, equipped with a
large gun on her aft deck, and forced to stop in international
waters by threat of arms from government forces. The ship was then
boarded and ordered to sail to Bissau. The vessel was accused of
violating pollution regulations and held in port for a week while
the charges were processed. In order to secure the ship's release, a
negotiated settlement was reached and the local authorities agreed
to accept a payment of $150,000 (reduced from the original fine of
$1 million). |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/13/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-81 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
72 |
| Geographical Location: |
00/15/42 S 117/36/37 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Indonesia (Kalimantan-East Coast): Pirates
boarded vessel, at Samarinda anchorage, and stole some
paint. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/11/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-65 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
5/37/00 N 5/15/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
NIGERIAN MILITARY FORCES |
| Victim: |
VEGA |
| Description: |
|
| The 3,172-ton Lithuanian-flag reefer ship was
strafed by high-calibre machine guns as the vessel navigated on the
Escravos River, Nigeria at 0930 local time. The vessel was
approached by a speedboat whose occupants, clad in military
uniforms, attempted to stop the ship. The Master, following the
advice of the pilot, chose not to stop the vessel. The aggressors
eventually abandoned their pursuit, but only after firing heavily at
the ship with their weapons. The Master was slightly wounded during
the attack by flying debris. The ship sustained considerable damage
including more than fifty bullet holes which pierced the
accommodation, damaged aerials, damaged radio units, broken windows
on the bridge, broken portholes, broken radar, broken floodlights,
and damage to cables and dents and scratches to the ship's
superstructure. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/07/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-71 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
22 |
| Geographical Location: |
3/53/00 N 77/5/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| A BIMCO report states: A 22,076 gross ton
Panamanian bulk carrier was boarded by armed robbers while at the
Buenaventura, Columbia anchorage. At 0420 hrs the forward lookout
spotted the robbers boarding on the ship's port side, and informed
the bridge by walkie-talkie. Of the five that boarded the ship,
three of the thieves were carrying firearms while the remaining two
were carrying large knives. When the ship's alarm was sounded and
her crew mustered, the thieves escaped on their speedboat.
Inspections revealed that no ship's items had been stolen during the
incident. The Coast Guard was informed of the event, but no action
was taken by them. The Master reports that during the previous night
a Coast Guard cutter made frequent patrols in the vicinity of the
vessel. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 06/24/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-59 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
62 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
YACHT |
| Description: |
|
| Somali Salvation Democratic Front militiamen,
operating from a speedboat, kidnapped four German tourists from a
yacht off the north coast of Somali, about 100 miles east of
Boosaaso (11-17N, 049-11E). The kidnappers took the hostages to the
coastal village of Bolimog, where they are being held for $50,000
ransom. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 06/16/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-70 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
5/18/00 N 4/00/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| A BIMCO report states: A 57,148 gross ton
Cypriot tanker was boarded by five armed robbers at the Abidjan
offshore terminal "CBM-SIR-1". The robbers boarded the ship at her
forecastle at 0115 hrs. They were carrying long knives and spears.
Once the thieves were detected the ship's alarm was sounded. The
thieves then lowered two ropes into motorboats awaiting alongside
before escaping. Abidjan police arrived at the vessel at 0215 hrs.
to investigate the incident and take statements, leaving again at
0300 hrs. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 06/09/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-58 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
5/45/00 N 5/00/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
UNIDENTIFIED |
| Description: |
|
| A BIMCO owner member reported that one of
their reefer ships was subjected to hostilities near the entrance to
the Benin River while navigating from Warri to Koko. Local tribesmen
opened fire on the ship with automatic weapons. The ship suffered
several broken portholes as a result. The ship's speed was increased
to 21 knots in order to escape. None of the crew were
injured. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 06/08/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-57 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
2/20/00 N 104/15/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
SIAM XANXAI |
| Description: |
|
| The 1,247-ton Thai-flag tanker, Siam Xanxai,
was attacked and hijacked by pirates near midnight while off the
Malaysian island of Tioman (Pulau Tioman). The tanker was on a
voyage from Singapore to Songkhla, Thailand with a cargo of 2,060
tons of gas oil. Fifteen of the tanker's 16-man crew were held for
two days in the ship's cabins before being cast adrift in a faulty
motorboat. One Thai national, an oiler, was held on board, allegedly
because he knew how to operate the ship's valves. The crew in the
motorboat had drifted for 14 hours before being found by a passing
ship. A 28 Jul 1999 report states that the Siam Xanxai was located.
The vessel, operating under the name Auo Me 2, was detained and
arrested on 18 Jul in Guangdong Province (southern China) for
smuggling. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 06/05/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-67 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
GALAXY I |
| Description: |
|
| The Malaysian-flag tug Galaxy I and barge
Galaxy II were reported missing from their anchorage at Kota
Kinabalu (05-59N 116-04E), Malaysia on 05 Jun. Vessels are suspected
to have changed name, color, and flag, and may be used for piracy
attack and armed robbery. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 06/01/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-56 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
24 |
| Geographical Location: |
23/57/00 S 46/18/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
THIEVES |
| Victim: |
JORK |
| Description: |
|
| The 12,029-ton Antigua-flag container ship,
Jork, was boarded at the Tecon Terminal, Santos, Brazil by 10 armed
robbers. The ship's crew and stevedores were kept at bay as the
robbers opened a supposedly empty container, from which they removed
"many" cartons. The cartons were loaded onto a speedboat and the
robbers made their escape. The container had been loaded and
declared as an empty at Puerto Cabello, Venezuela. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 05/31/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-51 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
28 |
| Geographical Location: |
20/33/00 N 87/00/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
MEXICO I |
| Description: |
|
| The ferry Mexico I, carrying 253 passengers,
was attacked at night by a half-dozen hooded pirates brandishing a
grenade and firing assault rifles into the air. The ferry was
returning from the Caribbean resort isle of Cozumel enroute to Playa
del Carmen. The pirates robbed the passengers of money and
valuables, threw two security guards overboard (drowning one), and
beat a crew member before speeding off in another boat. A 02 June
1999 report states that only money from an armored car aboard the
ferry was taken. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 05/31/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-61 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
5/50/00 N 118/7/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
UNIDENTIFIED |
| Description: |
|
| Pirates boarded a vessel and stole ship's
property at the port of Sandakan, Malaysia. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 05/27/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-62 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
2/49/48 S 107/17/18 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
UNIDENTIFIED |
| Description: |
|
| Six pirates armed with long knives boarded a
vessel in Selat Baur, off the west coast of Belitung Island, and
held the master as hostage. They stole $18,700 from the ship's safe
and $8,000 cash and valuables from the master before escaping on a
small open craft. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 05/25/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-54 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
63 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
SIK YANG |
| Description: |
|
| The 2,818-ton Malaysian-flag cargo ship, Sik
Yang, has been reported missing. The ship, suspected of being
hijacked, sailed from Tuticorin, India 25 May with a cargo of bagged
salt and was due 31 May at the Malaysian port of Malacca. The fate
of the ship's crew of 15 is unknown. The ship may be employed as a
phantom vessel stealing further cargoes. A 30 June 1999 report
states that the ship may have been captured by guerrillas from the
Sri Lankan rebel group, LTTE (Tamil Tigers). |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 05/12/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-50 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
93 |
| Geographical Location: |
20/39/40 N 106/52/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
THIEVES |
| Victim: |
UNIDENTIFIED |
| Description: |
|
| A vessel reported an act of robbery at 122015Z
May while in the approaches to the port of Hai Phong, Vietnam. No
other details provided. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 05/06/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-60 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
52 |
| Geographical Location: |
35/49/00 N 5/50/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
MOROCCAN NAVAL FORCES |
| Victim: |
LEADER A II |
| Description: |
|
| A Moroccan Navy gunboat attacked the
Cyprus-flag bulk carrier, Leader A II, using a light deck gun and
small arms fire. The attack occurred about 2 miles west of Tangier,
after the ship, damaged by a fire earlier in the day, defied the
gunboat's order to take a tow into port and drifted into Moroccan
territorial waters. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 05/02/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-49 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
24 |
| Geographical Location: |
10/15/00 N 64/35/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
THIEVES |
| Victim: |
UNIDENTIFIED |
| Description: |
|
| At 2345 local time, a 7,167-ton
Netherlands-Antilles-flag container ship was boarded by armed
thieves as the vessel was loading alongside the container berth at
Guanta, Venezuela. Approximately fifteen thieves, in three
speedboats, approached the vessel from the sea-side . Within a
period of ten minutes they boarded the vessel, opened two
containers, and tossed several packages into their boats. The police
were informed and arrived to investigate the thefts. No injuries
were reported during the incident. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 05/01/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-47 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
62 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
YACHT |
| Description: |
|
| Somali gunmen kidnapped two Finnish tourists
from a yacht off Bosaso (Boosaaso) on Somalia's Gulf of Aden coast.
The Somali Salvation Democratic Front has claimed responsibility for
the hostage taking. No ransom demands have been reported.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 04/29/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-52 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
THIEVES |
| Victim: |
STRONGHAND |
| Description: |
|
| The 497-ton Nigerian-flag tanker, Stronghand,
was abandoned after being attacked and stripped by local youths. The
vessel had run aground off Madangho, Nigeria in the Escavros River.
Three crewmembers, who had been seized following the grounding, were
released on payment of ransom by the vessel's owners. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 04/28/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-48 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
SIDRELA |
| Description: |
|
| The 22,009-ton Bahamas-flag bulk carrier,
Sidrela, was boarded while underway at full speed (approx. 16 knots)
in Selat Bangka off Sumatera, Indonesia. The attackers attempted to
stop the ship and, when the attempt failed, left with $10,000 from
the ship's safe. The next day, another attempt at an illegal
boarding was repelled by the crew, using fire hoses. No serious
injuries were reported from either attack. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 04/26/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-42 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
93 |
| Geographical Location: |
13/10/00 N 100/49/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
MONTERREY |
| Description: |
|
| A Panamanian bulk carrier container ship was
robbed while at anchor off Ko Sichang in the northern part of the
Gulf of Thailand. The theft was discovered by the watchman at 1935
who found the forecastle store forced open. About 50 turnbuckles
were reported missing and the thieves had already left the vessel.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 04/26/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-43 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
2/56/00 N 106/58/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
RATHROWAN |
| Description: |
|
| A Norweigan-flag bitumen tanker was boarded by
armed theives while underway off Lepar Island, Indonesia. Six men
with heavy knives entered the bridge through the only unlocked door
and forced the Bosun to take them to the Master's cabin. The master
barricaded himself in his cabin but slipped the key to the ship's
safe under the door when the intruders threaten to kill the Bosun.
The robbers ransacked the ship's office, stealing valuables and
$3,500. The Bosun and the Second Mate suffered wrist abrasions and
shock from being tied up. The Bosun also suffered a small knife
wound in the arm and was punched by the thieves. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 04/22/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-38 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
5/22/00 N 5/26/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
UNIDENTIFIED |
| Description: |
|
| A standby tug serving Nigeria's Forcado Oil
Terminal was attacked by an armed gang. Nigerian military forces
intervened to stop the attack but all loading at the terminal was
suspended temporily in fear of a a revenge strike by the same gang.
Nigerian oil terminals and production fields have experienced
significant violence during the past year from local tribes and
townspeople seeking greater share in proceeds from oil exploration
and production. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 04/11/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-40 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
61 |
| Geographical Location: |
7/18/48 N 49/54/36 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
KARIN S |
| Description: |
|
| An Antigua-flag container ship was
intercepted, fired upon with light weapons, and pursued off
Somalia's east coast. The attack was made from one of two boats
which approached from shoreward as the KARIN S passed another ship.
One of the attacking boats was described as wood with an outboard
motor while the second was steel hulled. The attack began at 0135
when 6 or 7 armed men waved their weapons as a signal to the ship to
stop. The ship's master altered course to seaward and increased
speed. After about three minutes pursuit during which shots were
fired, the boats gave up chase. Damage was reported to bridge
windows and deck crane but no crew were injured. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 04/11/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-41 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
92 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
FISHERMEN |
| Description: |
|
| Three fishermen were killed in an attack on
their boat anchored off Basilan Province near the Basilan
Straits(07-10S 122-00E) in the Southern Philippines. The attackers
stole the boat's engine and other equipment. The governor of
Balsilan Province has ordered increased military and police patrols
in the area which is plagued by armed separatist groups.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 04/09/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-35 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
5/49/00 S 13/27/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
ORIONAS |
| Description: |
|
| A Lithuanian-flag refrigerated cargo ship was
attacked by armed intruders after sailing from Matadi, Congo
Republic. Two speedboats opened fire and at 1530 the vessel was
stopped. Fifteen men boarded taking about $5,000 cash and other
valuables and stores. Attackers left the vessel at 1625. No injuries
were reported. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 04/06/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-34 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
51 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
UNIDENTIFIED |
| Description: |
|
| About 60 people are reported to have been shot
to death or drowned when rebels opened fire on two river
passenger-cargo boats on the Mabang River, Sierra Leone. The cargo
was also reported stolen. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 04/05/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-44 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
61 |
| Geographical Location: |
9/10/24 N 51/9/36 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
UNIDENTIFIED |
| Description: |
|
| Pirates pretending to be fishermen approached
a vessel at 0900 20 to 25 miles off the Somali coast. They opened
fire using machine guns. They were unable to board the vessel due to
its high freeboard. After a pursuit lasting about 30 minutes they
gave up their chase. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 04/04/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-46 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
51 |
| Geographical Location: |
9/28/00 N 13/43/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
SAAD III |
| Description: |
|
| A Belize-flag general cargo ship was boarded
at 0200 GMT by 20 to 25 men from a canoe while at anchor in Conakry,
Guinea. The second mate was taken captive as they boarded. Six had
automatic weapons and on their way around the ship they beat several
crew members with their gun belts, particularly on the feet and
ankles. In the master's cabin they held a knife to his throat and
other body parts and shot into the deckhead while demanding $50,000
USD. He was threatened with a gun and was also beaten with a gun
butt. A number of the intruders seemed to speak good English. The
whole incident took about one hour. Port Control was called via VHF;
however, it is not a 24 hour port and no assistance was received
until 0600 when they were put through to the ship's agents. The
vessel berthed later in the morning. Eight crew members received
medical assistance, no major injuries reported. The pirates made off
with computers, walkie talkies, money, and crew possessions.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 04/04/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-53 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
51 |
| Geographical Location: |
9/31/00 N 13/43/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
SAAD III |
| Description: |
|
| The 3,493-ton Belize-flag cargo ship, SAAD
III, was attacked at Conakry, Guinea by a group of about 25 armed
men. In the hour-long incident the Syrian and Egyptian crew were
threatened with guns and knives, and some were struck with rifle
butts. There is no report of stolen items from the
ship. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 04/02/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-39 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
5/36/00 N 00/5/12 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
UNIDENTIFIED |
| Description: |
|
| An unnamed containership (assessed to be the
Antigua-flag P&O NEDLLOYDS LAGOS) was boarded while at anchor
4.4 miles off the Tema breakwater. The contents of two containers
were partialy pilfered. The deck watchman spotted the intruders who
fled after the ship's alarms were sounded. The ship left the
anchorage area and moved 12 to 15 miles offshore. A knife, steel
pipe, and rope were left behind. No description of the stolen items
has been provided. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 03/28/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-31 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
5/54/00 N 5/41/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
FIONE |
| Description: |
|
| A Panamanian-flag cargo ship was boarded as it
approached the pilot station at Escravos Bar off Saples, Nigeria.
The ship previously minimized exposure to attack by drifting at sea
rather than anchoring prior to pilot pick up. Vessel was boarded at
0200 by six masked individuals armed with axes, hammer and machine
guns, from a speed boat. The master and crew were ordered to the
bridge where the attackers demanded money. When informed that no
money was available the attackers became violent, striking the
master and some crew as well as smashing navigation and radio
equipment on the bridge. One crew member suffered a skull fracture,
and the captain suffered injuries to his arm after being hit with a
hammer trying to protect the equipment. An armed guard was hired to
accompany the ship to its berth and was also on board during outward
transit. (See ASAM 990032) |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 03/22/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-26 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
63 |
| Geographical Location: |
6/55/00 N 79/50/52 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
UNIDENTIFIED |
| Description: |
|
| A Cypriot-flag container ship was boarded by
about 15 thieves while anchored in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The thieves
boarded from four speed boats at 2200 and proceeded to open four
containers, tossing their contents into the water. When the ship's
alarm was sounded they left the ship but returned almost immediately
in three boats to collect floating cartons. A Sri Lankan naval
launch escorted the ship into port. The type of cargo stolen has not
been reported. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 03/21/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-28 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
2/00/00 S 106/58/30 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
UNIDENTIFIED |
| Description: |
|
| A cargo ship was reportedly boarded from
Jarkata to Singapore. The boarding took place at 2105 in light rain
as the mate and AB on watch monitored a small group of fishing
boats. Five masked men armed with knives appeared suddenly on the
bridge. They tied the crew members' hands with plastic cord when
seven more masked men entered the bridge. The mate was taken to his
cabin and the captain's cabin where various items were stolen,
including US$1,000. The mate was taken by the pirates to where two
boats were tied when he escaped and was attempting to untie the AB.
He was retaken and later found unconscious, but otherwise unhurt on
deck. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 03/17/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-37 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
63 |
| Geographical Location: |
9/10/00 N 97/10/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
MARINE MASTER |
| Description: |
|
| A Panamanian-flag cargo ship was attacked and
hijacked at 0200 in the Indian Ocean-Andaman Sea. The Master and 20
crew were placed on nine small inflatable rafts 21 March and rescued
on 27 March by a passing Thai fishing boat. The hijacked ship was
carrying a cargo of bagged soda ash from Nantong, China to Calcutta,
India. A 21 Jul 1999 report states that the Nuevo Tierra was
detained in Fangcheng, China on 20 Jul by port officials. It is
believed that the Nuevo Tierra is in fact the Marine Master. Nuevo
Tierra was last reported discharging a cargo of soda ash in Shantou,
China. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 03/16/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-23 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
61 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
WORLD KINSHIP |
| Description: |
|
| A Greek-flag tanker was approached by three
vessels while steaming off the eastern Somali coast. An immediate
order to stop and prepare for boarding was sent via VHF chanel 16 to
the World Kinship. At the same time gunmen began firing on the ship.
The master increased speed and the three vessels did not pursue. The
only damage sustained was several bullet holes. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 03/16/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-24 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
24 |
| Geographical Location: |
10/15/00 N 64/35/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
pirates |
| Victim: |
CIELO DEL VENEZUELA |
| Description: |
|
| A German-flag cargo ship was attacked while at
berth at Guanta, Venezuela. A crew member was attacked by four or
five thieves who boarded from small boats while wielding knives.
Police were notified and found no trace of the attackers.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 03/15/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-36 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
61 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
SALWAH |
| Description: |
|
| Two fishing vessels were hijacked off the
Somali eastern coast near Eli Town. Over 30 Taiwanese, Ugandan,
Tanzanian and Indian nationals on a Taiwanese-flag fishing vessel
were captured in the first incident. During the second incident, a
Ukrainian-flag fishing vessel was hijacked and the crew of one
Somali and about 20 Ukrainian crewmen were taken hostage. On 25
March one of the seized ships was apparently identified as the
5,916-ton Belize-flag cargo ship, Salwah, which was reported stopped
14 March in 08-14.5N 050-40.4E (about 33 miles offshore) at 1443
after being fired upon. Vessel was chased from 08-19.5N 050-39.5E
(about 25 miles offshore). Ship's 19 Ukrainian crew members were
being held for undisclosed ransom by 27 persons in 07-56.1N
049-53.2E. BIMCO and other maritime authorities reiterate their
advice that all ships stay at least 50 miles offshore from Somalia.
A 30 June 1999 report states that the Salwah was apparently released
and has resumed trading. There is no information on whether ransom
was paid or how the release of the ship was achieved. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 03/14/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-45 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
61 |
| Geographical Location: |
8/19/30 N 50/39/30 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
UNIDENTIFIED |
| Description: |
|
| An unidentified 6,380 dwt vessel is under
control of Somali pirates who boarded the vessel 25 miles offshore.
At 1400 the vessel altered course to avoid four other approaching
vessels. At 1443 the four vessels closed in and began to open fire.
At 1510 the efforts to evade were aborted and the pirates boarded
the vessel now 33 miles offshore. Initially 17 pirates came on
board. This group was later joined by an additional ten. The pirates
are now reportedly demanding a large ransom for the safe return of
the vessel and crew. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 03/11/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-25 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
22 |
| Geographical Location: |
12/3/00 S 77/10/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
UNIDENTIFIED |
| Description: |
|
| A refrigerated cargo chip was boarded while
waiting for a pilot at the Callao anchorage area in Peru. The vessel
was boarded at 2015 LMT by way of the bow. A crowbar and metal saw
were used to remove locks securing heaving and mooring lines, which
were stolen. When spotted by crew members the thieves fled leaving
behind the crowbar. The attack was reported to authorities but no
subsequent action has been taken. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 03/08/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-27 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
72 |
| Geographical Location: |
00/53/00 S 117/15/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
UNIDENTIFIED |
| Description: |
|
| A Liberian-flag bulk carrier was boarded by
eight thieves while at anchor at Maura Jawa, Samarinda, Indonesia.
The ship was boarded at 0300 and the thieves broke the lock to the
bosun's store and removed mooring line, a liferaft, tools, and
safety equipment. The deckwatchman was assaulted and robbed.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 03/08/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-30 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
8/48/00 S 13/15/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
UNIDENTIFIED |
| Description: |
|
| A Panamanian flag LPG tanker was boarded while
at anchor in Luanda Bay, Angola, about 0.6 miles north of the gas
terminal. Eight or nine thieves boarded the ship at about 0315 from
three motorboats. Three of them held the night watchman hostage at
knifepoint while the others pilfered items from the forecastle and
accommodation areas. The thieves fled after an attack lasting about
15 minutes after being spotted by the crew. Crew was mustered to
ensure no one was missing or injured and stowaway search conducted.
Master radioed local authorites and other vessels. Two armed guards
were placed on board that evening by port authorities.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 03/02/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-55 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
1/4/00 N 103/44/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
CHAUMONT |
| Description: |
|
| The 131,654-ton French-flag tanker, Chaumont,
was attacked in the Phillip Channel, in Indonesian waters, near
Singapore. The attackers threatened the watch officer with a machete
and bound his hands. The tanker reportedly wandered off course while
under the attackers control. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 02/22/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-22 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
51 |
| Geographical Location: |
9/31/00 N 13/43/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
pirates |
| Victim: |
FLINT |
| Description: |
|
| A Cyprus-flag general cargo ship was boarded
in Conakry Roads, Guinea at about 0230. While on board the intruders
fired rounds from automatic weapons at the bridge and stole mooring
lines, tools, televisions, walkie talkies, and personel items before
leaving at about 0330. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 02/19/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-33 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
51 |
| Geographical Location: |
14/41/00 N 17/26/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
UNIDENTIFIED |
| Description: |
|
| A Antiguan-flag container ship is reported to
have been boarded after sailing from Dakar, Sengal. The ship sailed
at 0500 and was off Cap Manuel when a motorboat came alongside. The
master raised the alarm to muster the crew by which time one
attacker gained access to the ship using a grappling hook. When
approached by the crew the attacker fled to the speedboat which
abandoned pursuit. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 01/29/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-16 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
6/24/00 N 3/24/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
pirates |
| Victim: |
IZMAYLOVO |
| Description: |
|
| A Liberian-flag tanker was boarded at 0420 LMT
in Lagos Roads, Nigeria. The intruders used a six-meter hooked
bamboo pole to climb aboard and stole three mooring lines and safety
equipment. Other vessels were warned by VHF radio. The signal
station responded after 20 minutes advising ship to seek safer
waters in the open sea. No injuries were reported. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 01/15/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-6 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
pirates |
| Victim: |
SHORYU EMMY |
| Description: |
|
| A Panamanian chemical tanker was boarded while
underway at 0450 LMT off Riau Island (01-03N 103-38E). The master
was attacked in his cabin by an unstated number of assailants with
long knives who tied him up and searched his cabin. The vessel's
cash and other valuables were stolen. Vessel was enroute to Pasir
Gudang, Malaysia. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 01/15/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-7 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
5/42/30 S 105/24/48 E |
| Aggressor: |
pirates |
| Victim: |
VIRA BHUM |
| Description: |
|
| A Singapore-flag container vessel was boarded
at 0200 LMT by 5 pirates armed with knives and wearing masks while
underway in the southern Java Sea off the SE tip of Sumatra. The
vessel had departed Panjang, Indonesia earlier that day and was
enroute to Singapore. The pirates entered the bridge, tied up the
duty officer and an able body seaman who was then taken to the
master's cabin and took $2,348 U.S. dollars and other valuables. The
master was held hostage while the chief officer, second engineer,
fourth engineer and cadet were robbed of cash and valuables worth
$2,500. Two walkie talkies and two binoculars were taken before the
attackers left. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 01/15/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-18 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
4/3/00 N 9/41/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
pirates |
| Victim: |
BRITTA |
| Description: |
|
| A Antigua-flag cargo ship was boarded at 0340
LMT while in the port of Douala, Cameroon. Several drums of paint
were stolen from the forecastle locker. Watchmen abandoned their
post without explanation between 2000 and 0430. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 01/15/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-14 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
51 |
| Geographical Location: |
33/43/00 N 7/37/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
pirates |
| Victim: |
UNIDENTIFIED |
| Description: |
|
| An unidentified cargo vessel was boarded
mid-January by armed stowaways in Casablanca, Morocco. Despite
hiring of watchmen it took the efforts of the entire crew to prevent
further boardings and to remove an additional five armed men hiding
in a cargo hold. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 01/15/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-20 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
51 |
| Geographical Location: |
9/31/00 N 13/43/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
pirates |
| Victim: |
UNIDENTIFIED |
| Description: |
|
| A vessel reports that operations at Conakry,
Guinea are being adversely affected by the conflict in Sierra Leone.
After a mid-January arrival the vessel was harassed over minor
paperwork deficiencies, and "advised" to buy port-supplied handbooks
and forced to work under armed supervision. The master reports
suspicion that armed guards were responsible for cargo pilferage.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 01/14/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-32 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
5/54/00 N 5/41/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
BACO LINER 3 |
| Description: |
|
| A German barge carrier was attacked by six
individuals in a similar incident as the Panamanian-flag cargo ship
FIONE off Sapele, Nigeria. (See ASAM 990031) |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 01/07/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-13 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
93 |
| Geographical Location: |
22/16/00 N 113/57/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
apparent chinese customs officials |
| Victim: |
FU YUNG SHAN and HUNG FUNG |
| Description: |
|
| A Hong Kong-flagged bunker barge and its crew
were seized by armed men while moored off southern Lantau Island.
Armed men in blue uniforms claiming to be Chinese Custom Officials
came alongside in a high-speed boat marked "China Customs" in
Chinese. The master was forced at gunpoint to steer the barge into
mainland Chinese waters where all seven Hong-Kong Chinese
crewmembers were safe on board the barge at Nam Shan Guan in Panyu,
Guangdong Province and are being held for suspected trafficking of
oil. Hong Kong's marine police had received calls for help when the
armed men boarded the barge. Chinese customs confiscated the cargo
of 300 tons of diesel fuel and are seeking payment of a HK$360,000
(U.S. $46,500) fine. The armed men had also boarded and seized her
sister ship Hong-Kong flagged barge HUNG FUNG but were prevented
from doing so by Hong Kong police. The master of the HUNG FUNG has
stated that both barges were about 1.5 NM inside Hong Kong's special
administrative region waters. Mainland officials are stating that it
was in Chinese waters when boarded. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 01/07/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-15 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
51 |
| Geographical Location: |
33/43/00 N 7/37/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
pirates |
| Victim: |
ANNA THERESA |
| Description: |
|
| A Cyprus-flag chemical-oil tanker was boarded
in Casablanca, Morocco by five teenagers armed with knives. They
threatened the chief mate and cut the tarpaulin of a lifeboat in an
attempt to steal the equipment. Despite the master having requested
gangway watchmen, none were present at the time of the incident. A
watch was posted in the wheelhouse and no further problems occured.
There were no crew injuries. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 01/01/1999 |
Reference Number: 1999-10 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
22 |
| Geographical Location: |
2/12/00 S 79/53/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
pirates |
| Victim: |
WISIDA NORDIC |
| Description: |
|
| A Bahamian-flag reefer vessel was boarded by
five or six thieves armed with rifles while at anchor in Guayaquil,
Ecuador. Paint and fire equipment were stolen. The master reported
the incident to the local authorities who failed to respond.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 12/31/1998 |
Reference Number: 1999-11 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
24 |
| Geographical Location: |
23/1/00 S 44/2/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
pirates |
| Victim: |
MARSHELL KONEV |
| Description: |
|
| A Malta-flag ore carrier was boarded while
alongside the ore berth at Sepetiba, Brazil. The thieves armed with
pistols and knives boarded the ship at 0140 LMT and two crew members
were taken hostage. The thieves forced their way into the
accomodation area and removed the master's safe from his cabin.
Radios and crew belongings were also taken. No crew injuries
reported. The master notified port authorities and warned other
ships in the area via VHF. Sepetiba is near Rio De Janeriro which,
with Santos, reports the majority of incidents of maritime crime in
Brazilian waters. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 12/29/1998 |
Reference Number: 1999-9 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
22 |
| Geographical Location: |
2/12/00 S 79/53/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
pirates |
| Victim: |
UNIDENTIFIED |
| Description: |
|
| Ten armed thieves boarded a cargo vessel in
Guayaquil, Ecuador. Five local police officers who had been hired to
protect the vessel in port detected the thieves. A gunfight ensued
in which the thieves jumped over the side into the water. No
injuries were sustained by the crew or police officers.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 12/28/1998 |
Reference Number: 1999-2 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
3/00/00 S 107/19/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
PATROCLUS |
| Description: |
|
| A MALTESE-FLAG BULK CARRIER WAS BOARDED BY
PIRATES WHILE UNDERWAY OFF BELITUNG ISLAND IN THE NORTH JAVA SEA
ENROUTE TO SINGAPORE. THE SHIP WAS APPROACHED BY A SPEEDBOAT WITH
TEN PEOPLE AT 2015 LMT. THREE PIRATES BOARDED USING LINES AND
GRAPPLING HOOKS BUT ALL WERE REPELLED BY CREW ACTION. FUTHER
BOARDING ATTEMPTS WERE ABORTED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND NO
OBJECTS WERE REPORTED MISSING. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 12/28/1998 |
Reference Number: 1999-8 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
25 |
| Geographical Location: |
18/25/00 N 70/1/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
pirates |
| Victim: |
GINA |
| Description: |
|
| A Norweigian-flagged chemical tanker was
boarded by three thieves alongside a berth at Rio Haina, Dominican
Republic. The intruders boarded from the sea side using hooked
bamboo poles armed with survival knives. As the thieves attemted to
break down a door, they were discovered by a deck watchman. The
alarm was sounded and the crew mustered on deck. The thieves jumped
into the water leaving behind a knive. No injuries were sustained or
items stolen. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 12/26/1998 |
Reference Number: 1999-19 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
93 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
pirates |
| Victim: |
HONG PENG |
| Description: |
|
| A 3,113-ton cargo ship disappeared after
departing Hong Kong enroute to Taizhong, Taiwan with a cargo of clay
and a crew of 20. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has
announced a reward of up to U.S. $50,000 for information leading to
the location and recovering of the ship and or cargo. In view of the
hijack and murder of the crew of the CHEUNG SON (see ASAM 980068),
this disappearance of a ship with a similarly low value cargo raises
fears that yet another crew may have been murdered and another ship
taken for use as a phantom vessel. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 12/24/1998 |
Reference Number: 1999-3 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
61 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
SEA JOHANNA |
| Description: |
|
| A Belize-flag cargo ship has been reported
hijacked off southern Somalia and is being held about 70 miles NE of
Lamu Island (01-24N 041-51E) near the Somali boarder with Kenya.
About 15 members of the predominantly Pakistani crew are reported
being held ashore. Owners report that the attack was carried out by
terrorists associated with the Jaamatul Ihtizam group which has
demanded a ransom variously reported as $200,000 or 6.5 million. The
ship has been trading coastwise between Tanzania, Kenya and Somalia
and was reportedly intercepted while working close inshore in Somali
waters. A 12 May 1999 report states that the vessel was recovered by
the Kenyan Navy drifting in Kenyan waters 27-28 March. The ship's
owner is trying to raise the $60,000 ransom to free the crew which
is still being held in Somalia. A 19 May 1999 report states that on
11 May all remaining crew were released by their captors. No ransom
was paid. The militia responsible for the kidnapping reportedly were
tired of waiting for payment. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 12/23/1998 |
Reference Number: 1999-4 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
72 |
| Geographical Location: |
7/12/00 S 112/44/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
pirates |
| Victim: |
HANDY SILVER |
| Description: |
|
| A Philippine-flagged bulk cargo ship was
boarded by 9 armed thieves posing as stevedors while at berth at
Surabaya, Indonesia. When the real stevedors left, three of the
thieves approached the duty officer and a crewman on watch and held
them at knifepoint as the remaining thieves entered the vessel's
accommodation using the master key. No injuries were sustained;
however, a substantial quantity of engine spares were taken.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 12/23/1998 |
Reference Number: 1999-5 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
pirates |
| Victim: |
FISHING BOAT |
| Description: |
|
| A fishing boat was stolen about 7 miles off
Kuala Trusan, Sarawak (04-57N 115-11E) by three attackers operating
from a speedboat. A Malaysian fisherman was killed in the attack and
thrown overboard along with an injured crewmember. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 12/21/1998 |
Reference Number: 1999-12 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
93 |
| Geographical Location: |
21/12/00 N 110/24/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
SANEI 1 |
| Description: |
|
| The Panamanian-flag cargo ship "TENYU"
reported missing 10/13/98 was found in the Chinese port of
Zhanjiang, South China, renamed SANEI 1. SEE ASAM 980061.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 12/07/1998 |
Reference Number: 1999-1 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
73 |
| Geographical Location: |
8/21/00 S 123/47/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
pirates |
| Victim: |
LAMBERT MARU |
| Description: |
|
| A 98,661-TON ORE CARRIER WAS BOARDED IN THE
ALOR STRAIT, EAST OF TIMOR. THE INTRUDERS ENTERED FROM A SMALL BOAT
THROUGH A SMALL OPENING AT THE STERN. THE ONLY LOSSES WERE PRIVATE
BELONGINGS TO A CREW MEMBER. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 12/01/1998 |
Reference Number: 1999-21 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
61 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
militiamen |
| Victim: |
BAHARIHNDI |
| Description: |
|
| A Kenya-flag trawler and its crew of 33 who
were held for ransom in southern Somalia by militiamen followers of
Mohammed Said Hersi who hold the port of Kismayu (00-22S 042-33E),
were released 19 Feb 99 at Eyl, Somalia after paying a fine of U.S.
$230,000. The trawler and crew arrived in Mombasa, Kenya 21 Feb. The
trawler was arrested in early December 1998 and the crew charged
with multiple violations of Somali sovereignty. A ransom of $500,000
had been demanded. According to press accounts the same vessel was
held in the same area for 50 days during April and May 1998 for a
ransom of $200,000 before being released. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 09/01/1998 |
Reference Number: 1999-29 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
91 |
| Geographical Location: |
13/2/00 N 118/2/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
LOISHAN |
| Description: |
|
| The International Maritime Bureau (IMB)
reported 15 March 99, that a Panamanian flag ship with 7000 ton of
palm stearine disappeared off the Philippines in Sept 98. The ship
had a Indonesian crew. Circumstances of the reported disappearance
suggest that the IMB may believe the ship is being used as a
"phantom" vessel to steal legitimately consigned cargoes.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/22/1998 |
Reference Number: 1999-17 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
pirates |
| Victim: |
SIR RAPHAEL |
| Description: |
|
| A Belize-flag anchor-handling supply tug was
hijacked and held for ransom near Kaudama, Nigeria. The master was
forced at gunpoint to take the tug up the Fishtown River in northern
Nigeria. The crew were held for more than two weeks before being
repatriated. Negotiations to free the tug were unsuccessful and an
attempt to tow it free with another chartered tug ended in failure
when SIR RAPHAEL touched a sand bar carrying away the towline. The
following morning the tug had been beached by high tide and was
overrun and vandalized with all equipment stolen or destroyed. The
tug had been working off the Nigerian and Cameroon coasts since 1996
and apparently fell victim to the long-running violence which has
plagued oil industry workers caught between Nigerian government and
tribal chiefs struggling for shares of oil revenue. This incident
was not reported until the end of January 1999, when the tug was
declared a constructive total loss. |
|
