Office of naval intelligence civil maritime analysis department worldwide threat to shipping

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OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE

WORLDWIDE THREAT TO SHIPPING

MARINER WARNING INFORMATION

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POC: DAVID PEARL:

FAX (301) 669-3247

E-mail dpearl@nmic.navy.mil

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SARAH ABOUFASHA:

FAX (301) 669-3247

E-mail saboufasha@nmic.navy.mil

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1. This message provides information on threats to, and criminal

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A. To aid in our reporting, please add the Office of Naval

your normal corporate and organizational reporting requirements.

The ONI message address is ONI WASHINGTON DC//11// or, the ONI

Violence at Sea (VAS) desk may be contacted at commercial phone

(301) 669-4905 or via e-mail: dpearl@nmic.navy.mil. Report

may also be made to the National Response Center (U.S. Coast

Guard) hotline: 1-800-424-8802 or the Maritime Administration

Office of Ship Operations, MAR-613, (202) 366-5735; FAX

(202) 366-3954, e-mail: opcentr1@marad.dot.gov.

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B. This Worldwide Threat to Shipping Report is posted at the

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C. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) also publishes a

Reporting Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Each week's report is

published on Tuesday and may be accessed through

their web page http://www.icc-ccs.org/prc/piracyreport.php.

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D. Anti-piracy and crime current developments:

1. PHILLIPINES: Military troops kill suspected pirate and seize boats during a raid, 21 Oct

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2. GULF OF ADEN: Human smuggling activity leading to multiple fatalities continues 21 Oct 07, off Yemen coast. Up to 66 people drowned after being forced overboard by smugglers, according to survivors. The tragedy involved two smugglers’ boats that left the Somali coastal town of Bossaso on 20 Oct 07, with 244 people aboard, mostly Somalis and Ethiopians. The two vessels reached the Yemen coast off Hawrat Al Shatee on 21 Oct 07, the passengers were then forced into deep water and many drowned. A total of 28 bodies were buried on the beach, while 38 (29 Ethiopians and nine Somalis) remain missing. ONI Comment: Mariners in the Gulf of Aden are more likely to have encounters associated with smuggling activities during the October through November fall transition period between monsoon seasons. Mariners are advised to maintain strict vigilance and report all suspicious activity (UN News Service, ONI).

3. SOMALIA: Recent reporting indicates pirates are actively pursuing merchant vessels as

of 18 Oct 07 in the vicinity of 03:45N 051:30E, approximately 200 NM off the central east coast of Somalia. Vessels are advised to stay as far away from this location as practical. The first

indication came at 0405 UTC in location 03:54.34N 050:37.9E when a merchant vessel reported

being approached from the stern and chased by a small white speedboat for 15 minutes. Then, at

1000 UTC, a merchant vessel reported coming under gunfire in location 03:45N 051:30E.

Victim described two small speedboats, each carrying four armed men. One speedboat

approached at the bow and the other approached at the stern. The gunmen in the speedboat at the

bow started firing in the air and waving their arms signaling to stop. This was soon followed by

gunmen in both speedboats firing directly at the ship’s accommodations. One bullet hit the

bridge window. Vessel increased speed and took evasive maneuvers. After 15 minutes, the

speedboats moved away (ONI, IMB).

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4. SHATT AL ARAB: As of 16 Oct 07, there have been three reported acts of aggression

between Khorramshahr, Iran and the river’s entrance since 20 Jul 07. Based on the nature of

this recent reporting as well as past reporting from several years ago (see ONI WWTTS Message

07 Apr 04 Para 5.J.1.), mariners may be facing threats from three possible elements: 1) dedicated

criminals preying on merchant vessels in this vicinity; 2) unscrupulous fishermen or fraudsters

posing as fishermen that intentionally set nets in high traffic areas and use the excuse of net loss

to board merchant vessels and extort money from mariners; 3) legitimate fishermen aggressively

protecting their nets and seeking retribution for entangled nets (ONI).

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5. INDONESIA: Alleged GAM commander, Rusil bin Abdul Gani alias Irwansyah, was

looted many vessels in the Strait of Malacca and was on the police wanted list for the past three

years. According to police officials, Abdul Gani has an extensive networking covering Medan

and Aceh, with oil tankers, merchant vessels, and fishing boats as targets. During the raid of his

home, Abdul Gani resisted arrest and was subsequently shot and wounded before police rushed

him to a local hospital in Cirebon, West Java. Abdul Gani claimed he only attacked fishing

boats and sent the loot to GAM (LM: Jakarta Post, Antara News).

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6. INDONESIA: Indonesian authorities have detained fourteen pirates after foiling their

cooking oil, was reportedly attacked on 22 Sept 07. After sailing from the Musi River, the vessel

was approached by a group in a 200-horsepower speedboat and armed with a number of pistols

and sharp weapons. The group proceeded to climb on board waving the pistols. Based on the

ship’s tracking system, the owner estimated the hijackers were likely planning to sail the vessel

to either Singapore or Malaysia. The captain was able to send a message to the pilot station at

Tanjun Buyut in Palembang, reporting that it had been boarded by several robbers, alerting the

authorities to the situation. The tracking system enabled authorities to the situation. The

tracking system enabled authorities to search for the vessel. The hijacking was foiled two days

later on 24 Sept 07 after the Indonesian Navy deployed six warships to Indonesian waters south

of Tanjung Ayam. The Commander of the Indonesian Navy was able to overpower them

without incurring any causalities. Authorities boarded the vessel and detained all fourteen

hijackers for further investigations. All seventeen crewmembers were safe and the cargo

remained intact. One of the hijackers detained, named Setiono, was reported to have been

recruited by a Palembang mastermind identified as Zulkifli and promised 150 million Indonesian

rupiah (approx. $16,500 USD) if they sailed the tanker into Malaysian waters. Two other

hijackers, who were considered the ring leaders, identified as M Teguh and Hussen, claimed the

piracy attempt had been planned for over a month under Zulkifli’s orders. According to further

reporting from 6 Oct 07, three additional accomplices have been identified as helping organize

the hijacking. One was identified as Indonesian soldier, Lilik Suprano, and the other two

suspected individuals are Singaporean identified as Fang and A. Fong. Fang has been detained

by Indonesian authorities and confessed to providing satellite telephones for the hijacking while

the other two suspects remain at large. ONI COMMENT: This incident bears remarkable

resemblance to the incident involving the tanker (STEADFAST) in Dec 05 (see WWTTS 28

Dec 05 para 5.K.2.). With the successful apprehension of these perpetrators and their

collaborators, it is hopeful this will significantly deter future illicit operations of this nature (LM:

Jakarta Post, Menko Perekonomian, IMB, ReCAAP, ONI).

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7. BANGLADESH: Gun battle between pirates and coastguard, fisherman killed 5 Oct 07,

pirates were committing robberies. Sensing the presence of law enforcers, the bandits fired shots

at the coastguard, forcing them to retaliate. The coastguard and the robbers traded over a

hundred rounds. During the gun battle, a fisherman who was fishing in the river was struck by

a bullet in the head and died instantly. The coastguard chased the pirates and arrested two of them. They were handed over to the police (LM: The Independent, South Asian Media Net).

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E. Source codes: Information contained in this report is

agencies and commercial sources. Source codes will be added to

new reports to enable users requiring more detail to make contact.

Codes currently in use are:

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AFP, Agence France Presse

BBC, BBC News

BIMCO, Baltic and International Maritime Council, Denmark

DHS, U. S. Department of Homeland Security

DOJ, U. S. Department of Justice

DOT, U. S. Department of Transportation

FP, Fairplay, London

GP, Greenpeace

IMB, International Maritime Bureau, London and Kuala Lumpur

IMO, International Maritime Organization, London

INFO, Informa Group, formerly LLP, Llp Limited, London

LAT, Latitud38.com website

LL, Lloyd's List, daily, London

LM, local media

MARAD, Maritime Administration, US

MSC, Maritime Security Council, US

NATO, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Brussels

NGA, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Navigation

Safety System

ONI, Office of Naval Intelligence analysis and comment

Operator, owner or operator of affected vessel

OSAC, Overseas Security Advisory Council

USCG, United States Coast Guard

RAN, Royal Australian Navy

ReCAAP ISC, Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy

and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia, Information Sharing Center

REUTERS, Reuters

RNZN, Royal New Zealand Navy

SAP, Seafarers’ Assistance Program, Kenya

STATE, U. S. Department of State

TW, Tradewinds

UKMTO, United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization

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2. Designation of a high threat area is based on an assessment of

for piracy and other crime, terrorism, civil unrest or low

intensity conflict. Every effort is made to ensure that incidents

are not double-counted. In the event double counting is detected

or an event is later learned not to be as initially reported, an

explanation of the cancellation of the inaccurate report will be

made in at least one message prior to dropping the erroneous

report. Specific incidents will be reported for one month.

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3. This week's highlights:

A. PHILLIPINES: Military troops kill suspected pirate, seize vessels during a raid, 21 Oct

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B. Tragedies due to human smuggling continues 21 Oct 07, off Yemen coast, Gulf of Aden

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C. Chemical tanker boarded 19 Oct 07, while at berth in Safi port, Morocco (Para 5.F.1.).

D. Cargo vessel (OPNOR) seized by police along with crewmembers 19 Oct 07, off the

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E. Floating Production Storage and Offloading (MYSTRAS) attacked, hostages kidnapped 26

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F. Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel attacked, support vessel

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G. General cargo vessel boarded 18 Oct 07, Bonny Inland anchorage, Nigeria (Para 5.G.5.).

H. Vessel reported suspicious approach 24 Oct 07, Gulf of Aden (Para 5.H.2.).

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I. Vessel reported suspicious approach 22 Oct 07, Gulf of Aden (Para 5.H.3.).

J. General cargo vessel (JAIKUR II) fired upon 21 Oct 07, approximately 60NM off the coast

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K. General cargo vessel (ALMARJAN) hijacked 17 Oct 07, approximately 10-20NM from

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L. Fishermen reportedly attacked, robbed 21 Oct 07, near Katchatheevu, Gulf of Mannar (Para

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M. Product tanker boarded, robbed 18 Oct 07, at Kandla outer Tuna buoy India (Para 5.H.13.).

N. Container ship reported suspicious approach 19 Oct 07, northwest of Pulau Perak,

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O. Container ship boarded, robbed 17 Oct 07, Manila anchorage, Philippines (Para.5.K.4.).

4. Contents and summary of threat areas detailed in paragraph 5:

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A. NORTH AMERICA:

B. CENTRAL AMERICA-CARIBBEAN:

1. Vessels boarded, robbed 10 Oct 07 at sector B and sector J Port Au Prince anchorage,

Haiti.

1. General Cargo Vessel boarded, robbed 1 Oct 07 at Callao anchorage no.1, Peru.

D. ATLANTIC OCEAN AREA:

1. No current incidents to report.

E. NORTHERN EUROPE-BALTIC:

1. No current incidents to report.

F. MEDITERRANEAN-BLACK SEA:

1. Chemical tanker boarded 19 Oct 07, while at berth in Safi port, Morocco.

G. WEST AFRICA:

1. Cargo vessel (OPNOR) seized by police along with crewmembers 19 Oct 07, off

2. Bulk Carrier boarded, robbed 3 Oct 07, Conakry anchorage, Guinea.

3. Floating Production Storage and Offloading FPSO (MYSTRAS) attacked, hostages

kidnapped 26 Oct 07, shortly before dawn, 20 miles south of Bonny Island oil and gas

export complex, Lagos, Nigeria.

4. Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel attacked, support vessel

5. General cargo vessel boarded 18 Oct 07, Bonny Inland anchorage, Nigeria.

6. Product tanker boarded 10 Oct 07, Bonny Island anchorage, Nigeria

7. Passenger boats boarded, robbed, personnel attacked 3 Oct 07, Bonny channel, Nigeria.

H. INDIAN OCEAN-EAST AFRICA:

1. Bulk carrier reported suspicious approach 4 Oct 07, approximately 12.5 NM from the

Iranian Coastline, Gulf of Oman.

2. Vessel reported suspicious approach 24 Oct 07, Gulf of Aden.

3. Vessel reported suspicious approach 22 Oct 07, Gulf of Aden.

4. Vessel reported suspicious approach 29 Sept 07, Gulf of Aden.

5. General cargo vessel (JAIKUR II) fired upon 21 Oct 07, approximately 60NM off the

coast near Baraawe, Somalia.

6. General cargo vessel (ALMARJAN) hijacked 17 Oct 07, approximately 10-20NM from

7. Bulk carrier reported being fired upon 18 Oct 07 200 NM off the Somali coast.

8. Vessel reported suspicious approach 18 Oct 07, 155 miles off the Somali coast.

9. Vessel reported suspicious approach 14 Oct 07, 312NM off Mogadishu, Somalia.

10. Vessel boarded, robbed 30 Sept 07, Dar es Salaam anchorage, Tanzania.

11. Container ship boarded 24 Sept 2007 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

12. Fishermen reportedly attacked, robbed 21 Oct 07, near Katchatheevu, Gulf of Mannar.

13. Product tanker boarded, robbed 18 Oct 07, at Kandla outer Tuna buoy India.

14. Bulk Carrier boarded, robbed 10 Oct 07, Kakinada anchorage, India.

15. Vessel boarded, robbed 8 Oct 07, in Panaji off the Yermal coast in Udupi district of

Karnataka, India.

16. Sri Lanka Navy apprehends LTTE vessels and terrorists 18 Oct 07 in Mannar in

northwest of Sri Lanka.

17. Sea battle between Sri Lankan military and LTTE, vessels sunk 13 Oct 07, off Jaffna

peninsula, Sri Lanka.

18. LTTE vessels apprehended by naval troops 11 Oct 07, 5km north of Talaimannar, Sri

Lanka.

19. LTTE vessel (MATSUSEEMA) reportedly sunk by Sri Lankan Navy 7 Oct 07, Sri

20. Sri Lankan Army sinks LTTE vessel 3 Oct 07, off Kokkuthudai in Pulmudai, Sri Lanka.

21. General cargo vessel boarded, robbed 12 Oct 07, TSP Jetty, Chittagong port, Bangladesh.

I. RED SEA:

1. No current incidents to report.

J. PERSIAN GULF:

1. Container ship boarded, robbed, attacked 16 Oct 07, inside Shatt Al Arab River.

2. Container ship boarded 12 Oct 07, near No. 5 buoy at entrance to Shatt al Arab,

Northern Persian Gulf.

K. SOUTHEAST ASIA:

1. Bulk Carrier reported suspicious approach 7 Oct 07, off Bitan Islands, Indonesia.

2. Tanker (KRATON) hijacked, 22 Sept 07, approximately 40NM southeast of Bintan

Island, Indonesia, rescued 24 Sept 07.

3. Container ship reported suspicious approach 19 Oct 07, northwest of Pulau Perak,

4. Container ship boarded, robbed 17 Oct 07, Manila anchorage, Philippines.

L. NORTH ASIA:

1. No current incidents to report.

M. PACIFIC OCEAN AREA:

1. No current incidents to report.

N. ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC NON-STATE ACTIVIST GROUPS:

1. Cargo Vessel (FINNWOOD) blocked by Greenpeace activists 13 Oct 07, Terneuzen port,

130 miles south of Amsterdam.

2. Vessel (ATLANTIC OSPREY) boarded, environmentalist arrested 5 Oct 07, off the coast

of Sweden.

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5. DETAILS: There is reported active violence against shipping,

direct threat to the safety of shipping in the following areas:

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A. NORTH AMERICA: No current incidents to report.

B. CENTRAL AMERICA-CARIBBEAN:

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1. HAITI: Refrigerated cargo vessel boarded, robbed 10 Oct 07 between 2200 and 2300 local time, in position 18:33.4N-072:23.1W, at sector B and sector J Port Au Prince anchorage. Three perpetrators reportedly boarded the two vessels by climbing up with long poles with hooks at the bow. While on board, they stole two new ropes (600 feet in length). No injuries to crew. The authorities have been advised, but no action has been taken. The Master observed that the anchorage area is not patrolled by the Haitian Coast Guard at night. He noted all vessels at anchorage in the evening do so at their own risk (Operator, IMB).

C. SOUTH AMERICA:

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1. PERU: General Cargo Vessel boarded, robbed 1 Oct 07 at 2230 local time at Callao

the watch raised the alarm. The ship’s whistle sounded and the crew rushed to forward. Upon

seeing the crew, the robbers jumped overboard and escaped in a waiting boat. The crew

searched the area and found some ship’s stores missing (IMB).

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D. ATLANTIC OCEAN AREA: No current incidents to report.

E. NORTHERN EUROPE-BALTIC: No current incidents to report.

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F. MEDITERRANEAN-BLACK SEA:

1. MOROCCO: Chemical tanker boarded, 19 Oct 07 at 0230 local time, while at berth in

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G. WEST AFRICA:

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2. GUINEA: Bulk Carrier boarded, robbed 3 Oct 07 at 0300 UTC, Conakry anchorage.

alarm was raised and the whistle sounded. The crew mustered and directed the ships search

lights towards the robbers. The robbers escaped. Vessels in the vicinity were informed. All

calls to port authorities were futile (IMB).

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3. NIGERIA: Floating Production Storage and Offloading FPSO (MYSTRAS) attacked,

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4. NIGERIA: Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels attacked, support

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5. NIGERIA: General cargo vessel boarded 18 Oct 07 at 0200 local time in position

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6. NIGERIA: Product tanker boarded 10 Oct 07 at 2202 local time, Bonny Island

on his routine anti-piracy rounds and tied him up. However, before the robbers tied up the

bosun, he managed to alert the others on the walkie-talkie. The alarm was raised and the crew

mustered. The port authorities were contacted, but no response. The robbers escaped (IMB).

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7. NIGERIA: Passenger vessels boarded, robbed, personnel injured 3 Oct 07 at

mangrove and targeted four passenger boats. While some of the pirates boarded the vessels at

the jetties as passengers, their collaborators were said to have waited at a midway point and

apparently attacked the boats when signaled. The boats, which were heading towards Bonny

from Port Harcourt, were taken to one area and dumped there until other boats were able to

rescue them. The wounded were rushed to clinics in Bonny. One of the passengers, who asked

to not have his name in print, said they were stopped in the middle of the river and threatened

with automatic weapons, which made even the uniformed men among them to comply with the

demands of the hoodlums. After dispossessing them of their valuables, the pirates were said to

have unleashed a volley of shots in the air before speeding into one of the channels from where

they disappeared into the creeks. Confirming the story, Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs.

Ireju Barasua said the incident was unfortunate but assured that they were doing everything to

ensure that the channel was safe for law abiding citizens. Ireju said of the attack “the gunmen

intercepted the boats and dispossessed the passengers of their valuables. They also assaulted

some of them before kidnapping two yet to be identified persons.”. She assured that they have

already started investigations into those behind the constant attacks on the channel which

boasts of high level traffic (LM: thisdayonline.com).

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H. INDIAN OCEAN-EAST AFRICA:

1. GULF OF OMAN: Bulk carrier reported suspicious approach 4 Oct 07 at 1040 local

time/0640 UTC while underway in position 25:22N-058:05E, approximately 12.5 NM from the

Iranian coastline. The vessel was approached by three suspicious high speed craft. Two crossed

the bow at a standoff of 2NM and stopped. The other one was observed at the starboard quarter

about 1NM away. Each boat was fiberglass and each carried three people with firearms and

wearing what was described as masks. Upon detection by the officer on watch and the Master

from the bridge, the Master raised the alarm and notified all crewmembers and took maximum

precautions. All crew alerted and posted forward and aft stations with pressured fire hoses. This

continued for about two hours before the small craft moved away (Operator, IMB, UKMTO).

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2. GULF OF ADEN: Vessel reported suspicious approach 24 Oct 07 at 0730 UTC, while

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3. GULF OF ADEN: Vessel reported suspicious approach 22 Oct 07 at 0350 UTC while

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4. GULF OF ADEN: Vessel reported suspicious approach 29 Sept 07 at 1458 UTC while

distance of 7.2NM via radar. The master altered course and increased speed. The suspicious

craft altered its course to continue following the ship. The master alerted the crew, and took

anti-piracy measures. The crew directed searchlights in the direction of the boat. At 1546 UTC

the craft altered its course and stopped following the ship (IMB).

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5. SOMALIA: General cargo vessel (JAIKUR II) fired upon 21 Oct 07 at 1250 local time

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6. SOMALIA: General cargo vessel (ALMARJAN) hijacked 17 Oct 07 at 1830 local time,

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7. SOMALIA: Bulk carrier reported being fired upon 18 Oct 07 at 1000 UTC while

speedboats disguised as fishing vessels, each carrying four armed men approached the vessel,

one at the bow and the other at the stern, increased its speed and proceeded towards the ship.

The gunmen in the speedboat at the bow started firing in the air and waving their arms signaling

to stop. This was soon followed by gunmen in both speedboats firing directly at the ship’s

accommodations. One bullet hit the bridge window. Vessel increased speed and took evasive

maneuvers. After 15 minutes, the speedboats moved away (Operator, IMB, UKMTO, IMB)

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8. SOMALIA: Vessel reported suspicious approach 18 Oct 07, 0805 local time in position

directly towards the vessel from astern. Two Somali gunmen onboard the ship fired warning

The vessel maneuvered and was chased for approximately 15 minutes. The suspicious craft later

moved away (Operator, IMB, UKMTO).

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9. SOMALIA: Vessel reported suspicious approach 14 Oct 07 at 2335 UTC in position

officer spotted a target on the radar. The target was three points on the port bow about 8NM off

course, traveling at 6kts. At 2337 UTC the second officer noticed that the target suddenly altered

its course and headed towards the vessel and he immediately called the Master. At 2338 UTC the

Master was present on the bridge and noticed the fairly big vessel heading on a converging

course. The speed was increased to 12kts and the range was 7.2NM. At one stage the suspicious

vessel’s seed was at 15kts. At 2339 UTC the general emergency alarm was raised. The vessel

altered its course and increased its speed to 19.8kts. At 2342 UTC all the ship’s company

mustered at the emergency stations. The suspicious boat continued to maintain on a converging

course until 2345 UTC and the range was 5.2NM. At 2345 UTC the suspicious boat reduced its

speed and moving away. No further action was taken. At 2355 UTC the vessel continued on its

passage (Operator, IMB, UKMTO).

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10. TANZANIA: Vessel boarded, robbed 30 Sept 07 at 0530 local time at 06:46.4S-

discovered the forward AB tied up near the bunker station. He informed the duty officer who

raised the alarm and mustered the crew. The crew noticed that two containers had been broken

into and some ships stores were missing. The released AB said that during his rounds on the

main deck, two robbers armed with knives attacked him and tied him up. He said that he had

noticed six robbers wearing only shorts. Port Authorities informed (IMB).

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11. TANZANIA: Container ship boarded 24 Sept 2007 at 0145 local time while adrift, in

onboard the vessel noticed three robbers on the port side deck. The alarm was sounded and the

robbers disembarked into a small boat alongside the ship. The bridge directed a search light

towards the small boat and observed a 25ft wooden craft with a blue stripe, center console, and

outboard engine slowly moving away. The boat had about 15-20 individuals onboard and a

ladder. The individuals were dressed only in shorts. A search of the vessel found no other

robbers onboard the vessel. However, a container seal was broken and some of the cargo was

removed and left on deck. In addition, a forward store room lock was found damaged. The port

authorities were notified (IMB).

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12. GULF OF MANNAR: Fishermen reportedly attacked, robbed by Sri Lankan Navy

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13. INDIA: Product tanker boarded, robbed 18 Oct 07 at 0200 local time in position

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14. INDIA: Bulk Carrier boarded, robbed 10 Oct 07 at 0130 local time in position

grappling hooks. The duty AB spotted them and informed the officer on watch. The alarm was

raised and the crew mustered. The robbers stole from the ship’s stores and escaped. The port

authorities were informed. No damage to the ship and no injuries to the crew (IMB).

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15. INDIA: Vessel boarded, robbed 8 Oct 07, in Panaji off the Yermal coast in Udupi

carrying six scientists from the Waltair-Vishkhapatnam based regional centre National Institute

of Oceanography (NIO) and attempted to take away scientific instruments after a brief scuffle

with the scientists, according to NIO sources. All six scientists are reportedly safe, however it is

unclear whether the persons who boarded the boat took away the instruments or threw them into

the sea. The scientists had geophysical survey instruments on their rented boat and were sailing

in shallow water when the group came on their boat. The scientists were on a sponsored project

to the West coast to conduct research on sea variations and tsunami alerts. There have been

instances in the past when fishermen have objected to NIO scientists carrying out routine marine

surveys near their fishing zones. The incident is currently being investigated (LM:

timesofindia.com, The Telegraph).

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16. SRI LANKA: Sri Lanka Navy apprehends LTTE vessels and terrorists 18 Oct 07, early

Pesalai north from Vidattalitivu in Mannar. The Navy ships patrolling the coastal waters

detected the vessels through strong echoes on radar displays and intervened quickly, according

the Navy. As a result, the LTTE boats were forced to flee leaving a boat with four slain bodies

and three survivors behind. That boat was seized by the Navy and the three survivors were

handed to the Mannar Police for further investigation (LM: The Hindu).

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17. SRI LANKA: Sea battle between Sri Lankan military and LTTE, vessels sunk 13 Oct

traveling to Poonaryn area when they were detected by troops on surveillance patrol. According

to the military, an Army patrol craft deployed in restricted waters off Gurunagar after detecting

suspicious boat movements. Two boats had separated from fishing clusters off the restricted

waters and began making its way to Poonaryn beachhead despite continuous warnings and alerts

from troops. The troops immediately retaliated after the suspicious boats directed medium range

gunfire, while attempting to evade the patrol boats. Five more LTTE boats launched from

Poonaryn were also detected spearing in assistance of the suspicious LTTE movement. Five

rebel boats attacked two army patrol crafts. Soldiers on shore sank one rebel boat with an

artillery barrage, killing three rebels, while one army boat was also destroyed in the attack.

Three soldiers are reportedly missing. There was no immediate comment from the LTTE rebels

(LM: lankaweb.com, AP).

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18. SRI LANKA: LTTE vessels apprehended by naval troops 11 Oct 07 at 0500 local time,

aircraft”, following an attack on two “small size logistics boats” of the LTTE. As per the

Defence Ministry, Inshore Patrol Craft (IPCs) confronted two small size LTTE logistic boats and

seized two remote-controlled aircraft along with many other sophisticated military equipment

destined for delivery for terrorists. The navy targeted the suspicious boats when they fired on the

IPCs on being challenged to prove their identity. The navy believes the four LTTE cadres on the

boats were killed in the incident. Inside the boats, the navy found the two remote-controlled

aircraft, one fixed wing aircraft with about 6ft wingspan and the other in a miniature helicopter

about 11ft in length. Other items found include four radio communication sets, 10 handheld

Global Position Systems (GPS), four satellite phones, 45 radio antennas, 100 electronic circuit

boards, battery charges and 300 liters of hydraulic oil. It is immediately not clear if the aircraft

and the military equipment seized was being transported to strengthen the nascent air wing of the

LTTE (LM: The Hindu, army.lk).

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19. SRI LANKA: LTTE vessel (MATSUSEEMA) reportedly sunk by Sri Lankan Navy 7

was allegedly used to smuggle weapons. According to the SLN, this is the last of the 10 ships

operated by the LTTE and now they do not have the capability to smuggle weapons using their

own ships. The vessel was approximately 70 meters long and allegedly capable of carrying

3,000 tons of cargo. The vessel was reportedly carrying military equipment such as

communication equipment, radars, high powered outboard motors and jet skis (LM:

efluxmedia.com).

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20. SRI LANKA: Sri Lankan Army sinks LTTE vessel 3 Oct 07, between 1200 and 0330

following a three-hour artillery and mortar battle with a group of LTTE vessels. Approximately

15-20 LTTE vessels were said to be heading towards Tricomalee and were launched from the

south of Pulmudai. Upon initial detection, the ground troops launched heavy artillery, mortar

and small arms attack at the cluster of boats. The LTTE boats tried to continue their passage, but

were forced to abandon their attempts as Sri Lankan naval troops also surrounded them. The sea

tiger boat, which was destroyed, is believed to have been laden with explosives (LM: RTT News,

Sri Lanka MOD www.defence.lk).

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21. BANGLADESH: General cargo vessel boarded, robbed 12 Oct 07, TSP Jetty,

watchman and stole from the ship’s stores. The duty officer raised the alarm and the robbers

escaped. The port control and coast guard were informed (IMB).

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I. RED SEA: No current incidents to report.

J. PERSIAN GULF:

.

1. SHATT AL ARAB: Container ship boarded, robbed, shots fired 16 Oct 07 at 0145 local

approached by a speedboat while enroute to Khoramshahr Port in Iran. The duty AB on the

piracy watch on deck spotted the vessel by spot light. At that time a gun was pointed at the Duty

AB and two pirates armed with AK-47’s boarded the vessel. The Master, Chief Engineer, Second Officer and pilot were all held hostage. The Chief Officer discovered the intruders and raised the alarm. They shot at the Chief Officer, but the CO jumped to main deck and hid inside a container row. They robbed all the crew of their cash and properties and then escaped at 0300

local time. The Master and pilot informed the port control, Coast Guard and the CSO (Operator,

IMB).

2. NORTHERN PERSIAN GULF: Container vessel boarded 12 Oct 07 at 0225 local

time/2225 UTC while at anchor in position 29:52.0N-048:41.4E, near No. 5 buoy at entrance to

Shatt al Arab. One small boat (about 7m) came along the starboard side. Four persons were in

the boat, two of them climbed on deck. The Duty AB noticed them and warned the duty officer

on the bridge. According to the Duty AB, the perpetrators were armed with guns. The Duty

officer immediately sounded the general alarm and ship’s typhoon while, at the same time,

switching off the lights for a moment. That action distracted the pirates and they ran away in

ESE direction. The incident was reported immediately to a coalition warship via VHF. The

Master noted that the inner anchorage off the Shatt al Arab river entrance should be avoided and

that the outer anchorages under control of the Coalition Forces should be used instead (Operator,

IMB, UKMTO).

.

K. SOUTHEAST ASIA:

1. INDONESIA: Bulk Carrier reported suspicious approach 7 Oct 07 at 0210 local time

while underway in position 01:14.2N-104:59.3E, off Bitan Islands. The alarm was raised and the

ship whistle sounded. After mustering the crew, the boat moved away. The Singapore port

control was informed (IMB).

.

2. INDONESIA: Tanker (KRATON) hijacked, 22 Sept 07 at 2050 local time in position

1950 local time the vessel was enroute from Palembang to Cilacap, with a cargo of vegetable oil

before it was hijacked by pirates. Based on the ship’s tracking system, the ship’s owner believed

that the robbers were sailing the vessel to either Singapore or Malaysia. The incident was

reported to the authorities of three littoral states of Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. On 24

Sept 07 at 0930 local time, the Indonesian Navy fired at the vessel in the Malacca Strait to scare

the pirates and successfully foiled the pirate hijacking. Six Indonesian warships were involved

in the operation. With only one shot fired by the pirates, the Navy managed to overpower them

without causing any casualties. They have detained the fourteen robbers that were found

onboard the vessel for further investigation. All seventeen crewmembers are safe and the cargo

of vegetable oil remains intact on board the ship. A captured pirate later told authorities he had

been recruited to sail the vessel into Malaysian waters (IMB, ReCAAP, TW, LM).

.

3. STRAIT OF MALACCA: Container vessel reported suspicious approach 19 Oct 07 at

.

4. PHILIPPINES: Container ship boarded, robbed 17 Oct 07 at 0230 local time at Manila

.

L. NORTH ASIA: No current incidents to report.

M. PACIFIC-ANTARCTIC OCEAN: No current incidents to report.

.

N. ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC NON-STATE ACTIVIST GROUPS:

1. GREENPEACE: Cargo Vessel (FINNWOOD) blocked by Greenpeace activists 13 Oct

07, Terneuzen port, Netherlands. Greenpeace activists used inflatable boats to prevent the vessel

from unloading what they claimed was newsprint paper made from trees felled in Canadian

forests. They said they were preventing the ship from unloading its cargo at the port, and were

daubing a slogan on its side calling for newspapers not to use paper made from old established

forests. Ten activists had clambered onto the 560 foot ship and were hanging in front of its

unloading doors to prevent the paper being unloaded. Another ten protesters were in rubber

boats circling the ship. Greenpeace claimed that the paper on board the ship was from Canadian

forest products company Abitibi-Consolidated LLC and is used by all of the Netherlands’ major

newspaper publishers. The company’s website said that its newsprint is made of up to 100

percent recycled paper, but Greenpeace claimed samples they have tested contained up to 90

percent new wood fibers (AP).

.

2. GREENPEACE: Vessel (ATLANTIC OSPREY) boarded, environmentalist arrested 5

activists were arrested by police special forces unit for illegally boarding the vessel. Four

inflatable boats containing 15 Greenpeace activists had been sent out from Ystad. The proximity

of the rubber boats to a fishing boat meant the activists went undetected and three of them were

able to climb aboard the vessel. The three Greenpeace members chained themselves to the

vessel’s stern ramp. The Greenpeace members demanded the vessel turn back to Studsvik with

what they claimed was highly dangerous cargo. The vessel left Studsvik in Sweden, transporting

5.3 tons of spent fuel and 2.65 pounds of plutonium for reprocessing destined for Sellafield plant

in England. Once treated in Sellafield, it will be returned to Sweden for final storage (LM, AP).

.

6. Originator of this WWTTS report requests consumer feedback.

against the maritime industry into this weekly message where

appropriate. The Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) can be contacted

via message traffic at ONI WASHINGTON DC//11// or, the ONI

violence at sea (VAS) desk may be contacted at comm. phone

(301) 669-4905 or via e-mail at dpearl@nmic.navy.mil.