Merchant shipping is advised that recent piracy attacks have occurred outside the current pirate activity area which is bordered by 60 East and 10 South.  Some attacks have been successfully averted by the vessels complying with the industry Best Management Practices (BMP), proper use of Self Protection Measures, and utilising the usual good practice of seamanship.  In view of the vast area bounded by 60 East and 10 South it is imperative that Merchant Shipping comply with the BMP, in order to prevent piracy attacks as much as possible. Regular reporting of ships' positions to UKMTO Dubai ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) when entering the reporting area bound by Suez, 10S and 78E will improve the situational awareness of the military forces.  It is essential that ships harden themselves against attacks, and maintain 24/7 piracy watches throughout their voyage through the Indian Ocean. Therefore the best advice is to be vigilant and to act promptly when approached by small craft. The BMP can be accessed via any shipping association web site.

Recent News - Attacks and Seizures

Merchant vessels attacked at 050900ZMAR10 posn 0259S 04550E Shots fired. Vessel is still under attack. Coalition forces responding. Temporary high risk area established. Vessels are warned that if passing within 100nm of this area to exercise extreme caution.

20100305 : Merchant vessels attacked at 050639ZMAR10 posn. 0434S 04809E Shots fired. Vessels evaded attack coalition forces responding. Temporary high risk area established. Vessels are warned that if passing within 100nm of this area to exercise extreme caution

20100302 : AL NISR AL SAUDI  Merchant vessels was pirated  on leaving the port of ADEN . Temporary high risk area established. Vessels are warned that if passing within 100nm of this area to exercise extreme caution.

20100117 : Merchant vessels attacked at 171630ZJAN 10 posn 1239N 04733E Shots fired. Vessels evaded attack coalition forces responding. Temporary high risk area established. Vessels are warned that if passing within 100nm of this area to exercise extreme caution.

20100116 : Merchant vessel attacked at 160455ZJAN10 posn 1301N 04846E Shots fired. Vessel evaded attack coalition forces responding. Temporary high risk area established. Vessels are warned that if passing within 100nm of this area to exercise extreme caution.

20100102  : At 020021Z UTC a merchant vessel is currently under attack by pirates in position 1048N 06154E. MSCHOA advises all vessels navigating in the Indian Ocean to consider keeping East of 60E when routing North/South and to consider routing East of 60E and South of 10S when proceeding to and from ports in South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya. Vessels are also advised not to approach closer than 100 miles from the position given in this report and maintain maximum CPA with any ship acting suspiciously. While navigating in the region vessels are urged to operate at a heightened state of readiness, maintaining strict 24 hour anti-piracy visual and radar watches, actively implement recommended anti-piracy measures and regularly report their position/course/speed to UKMTO. Merchant vessels are requested to report any suspicious activity to UKMTO Dubai (+97 1505523215 – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or IMB PRC (+60 320310014 – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ). Reports can also be relayed to MSCHOA ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

20091201 : Attack : On 1st December at 0550 UTC a crude oil tanker (Skinios) came under attack by pirates in 1 mothership and 1 skiff in position 11 45N 063 32E. There were 6 pirates on board of the skiff. Weapons were fired.MSCHOA advises all vessels navigating in the Indian Ocean to consider keeping East of 60E when routing North/South and to consider routing East of 60E and South of 10S when proceeding to and from ports in South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya. 
Vessels are also advised not to approach closer than 100 miles from the position given in this report and maintain maximum CPA with any ship acting suspiciously.

20091120 : Attack and possibly, Hijack : Bulk Carrier - Nov 21 -- Bulk carrier Red Sea Spirit (10968 gt, built 1978) sent a distress signal on Nov 20, reporting that the vessel had been attacked by pirates about 35 miles from Balhaf. [The coordinates of Balhaf in Yemen - 13.58.0N / 48 10 60 E]

Intercargo Policy

• To work within the Round Table and the IMO / United Nations to end  piracy in the Gulf of Aden and elsewhere.
• To receive reports from members on their response to the situation, including possible operational responses such as routing via the Cape and BMP practices designed to deter attacks.
• To impress on all authorities, the need to maintain sufficient naval capability to support the UN objectives of stabilising the region and supporting the World Food Programme, where Intercargo members have a strong involvement in securing humanitarian aid to the region.
• To seek every available means to secure a safe release of all  seafarers held hostage and to bring the pirates to justice.
• The safety of seafarers remains Intercargo’s prime concern.

Intercargo is pleased to assist any Dry Bulk Shipowner, irrespective of Association Membership, who would like information about the latest version of the Industry Best Management Practices guidance.