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 March - 11 April 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 Warning 001/APR/2018: Category: Attack. On 7 April 2018 at 0715Z, an MV is under attack at the following position 03:37N - 007:07E (50 nm south of Bonny River). Four armed pirates are onboard. The crew mustered in citadel, nobody is reported injured. Vessels transiting the area are advised to exercise extreme caution. Vessel subsequently boarded by Nigerian Navy personnel who escorted vessel to port. Source: Mail. Any queries regarding this Warning Notice ring 0033 298 22 88 88 for further information. MDAT-GOG Watchkeeper email: watchkeepers@mdatgog.org, emergency tel: +33(0) 298 22 88 88.

3. (U) Summary

A. (U) NIGERIA: On 11 April, the Government of India announced that three Indian citizens kidnapped by Nigerian pirates in March had been released.

B. (U) GHANA: On 9 April, the National Petroleum Authority in collaboration with national security arrested five persons suspected to be part of a cartel dealing in illegal smuggling of petroleum products.

C. (U) NIGERIA: On 7 April, four pirates in a speed boat armed with guns chased and boarded the Panama-flagged bulk UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED 2 carrier M/V DINO underway 41 nm south-southeast of Brass.

D. (U) INDONESIA: On 7 April, Indonesia, acting on a request from Interpol, seized F/V STS-50, after it evaded capture in several countries.

E. (U) SOUTH CHINA SEA: On 6 April, the Hong Kong-flagged catamaran SWISS PRESTIGE was approached to within 200 meters by an unknown vessel as it transited southbound near the Paracel Islands.

F. (U) VENEZUELA: On 6 April, four robbers boarded an anchored cargo vessel in Bahia De Barcelona Anchorage, Jose terminal.

G. (U) TUNISIA: On 6 April, authorities released the Panama-flagged cargo ship URAL after initially seizing the ship in Sfax on 15 February.

H. (U) INDONESIA: On 4 April, robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier during cargo operations in Muara Berau Anchorage, Samarinda.

I. (U) BRAZIL: On 4 April, two robbers armed with long knives boarded a bulk carrier anchored 6 nm northeast of Macapa Port.

J. (U) TRINIDAD and TOBAGO: On 29 March, an unknown vessel made a suspicious approach on a sailing vessel on a northbound night transit 6 nm south of the Hibiscus gas platform.

K. (U) BRAZIL: On 23 March, authorities intercepted a shipment of 2,052 kilos of cocaine at the port of Santos.

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

A. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Government of Japan convoy schedule for April 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 April 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 April 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 April 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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