Office of Naval Intelligence ONI - Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report #marsec #piracy #shipp

Office of Naval Intelligence - Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report

12 February - 14 March 2018

Table of Contents

1.Scope Note

2.Summary

3.Counter-Piracy and Maritime Crime Announcements and Advisories

4.Details: Monthly Incidents by Region

5.Appendix A: Further Contact Information and Resources

6.Appendix B: Terminology and References

1. (U) Scope Note

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

2. (U) Warnings and Advisories:

A. (U) MDAT-GOG Advisory 003/MAR/2018: Category: Suspicious Approach. Description: On 8 March 2018 at 1700 UTC, a merchant vessel was approached by three speedboats, in position 03:55N - 001:14E (155°/65NM from Takoradi, Ghana). Occupants were wearing camouflage clothing and carrying weapons. Vessels transiting the area are advised to exercise extreme caution. Source: Reported to MDAT-GoG via email. Any queries regarding this Advisory Notice ring 0033 298 22 88 88 for further information. This Advisory is not classified as a Maritime Security Event and has not been verified by MDAT-GoG. This information is provided to inform maritime situational awareness for mariners operating in the region. MDAT-GoG is not responsible for the accuracy of this reporting. MDAT-GOG Watchkeeper email: watchkeepers@mdatgog.org, emergency Tel: +33(0) 298 22 88 88.

B. (U) UKMTO ADVISORY NOTICE 002/MAR/2018: Category: Suspicious Approach. Description: On 8 March 2018 at 0920, an MV in position 12:32N - 043:27E (Bab el Mandeb Strait) was approached by 3 skiffs, 3-4 POBs each. Vsl and crew are safe. Vessels transiting the area are advised to exercise extreme caution. Source: Reported to UKMTO via email and telephone. Any queries regarding this Advisory Notice ring 0044 2392 222060 only for further information. This advisory is not classified as a Maritime Security Event and has not been verified by UKMTO. This information is provided to inform maritime situational awareness for mariners operating in the region. UKMTO is not responsible for the accuracy of this reporting. UKMTO Watchkeeper email: watchkeepers@ukmto.org, emergency Tel: +971 5055 23215 Tel: +442392222060, Fax: +971(0)43094254

3. (U) Summary

A. (U) VIETNAM: On 11 March, Vietnamese fishermen spotted a drifting, unmanned, fishing vessel in waters off Bac Lieu, south of Ho Chi Minh City.

B. (U) ARABIAN SEA: On 10 March, it was announced that HMAS WARRAMUNGA boarded her third vessel in just four days, interdicting millions of dollars’ worth of heroin.

C. (U) NIGERIA: On 9 March, a pregnant woman was injured by gunfire from armed robbers that attacked a Yenagoa bound passenger boat in the coastal area of Koluama in Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa State.

D. (U) GHANA: On 8 March, a merchant vessel was approached by three speedboats 65 nm southeast of Takoradi.

E. (U) COSTA RICA: On 7 March, a low-profile narco-submarine was abandoned by cocaine traffickers near Punta Burica.

F. (U) SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES: On 1 February, a charter yacht anchored in Canouan Charlestown Bay was boarded.

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

A. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Government of Japan convoy schedule for March 2018. To apply for JMSDF escort, visit http://www.mlit.go.jp/en/maritime/maritime_fr2_000000.html, please contact directly the Anti-Piracy Contact and Coordination Office, Maritime Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MILT), Japan: Tel: +81-3-5253-8932; Fax: +81-3-5253-1643. Email: INFO-PIRACY@mlit.go.jp. (MSCHOA)

B. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Korean Navy convoy schedule for March 2018. All merchant vessels wishing to join the convoy group must submit their application forms directly to the ROK naval warship carrying out the mission. The ROK MTG can be reached directly at 001-646-466-9522. Email: chunghae26@navy.mil. (MSCHOA)

C. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Chinese Navy convoy schedule for March 2018. For further information, please e-mail: planavy@navy.mil.cn or etg546cn@163.com, or call Tel 00870 773 120 772. (MSCHOA) D. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Indian Navy convoy escort schedule for March 2018. To register, email: gcommcentredgs@nic.in; or visit ww.dgshipping.com. Telephone numbers for contact are: 91-22-22614646 or fax at 91- 22-22613636. (MSCHOA)

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