Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships: Icc International Maritime Bureau

ICC IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships – 2018 Annual Report
ICC INTERNATIONAL MARITIME BUREAU
PIRACY AND ARMED ROBBERY

AGAINST SHIPS
REPORT FOR THE PERIOD
1 January – 31 December 2018
WARNING
The information contained in this document is for the internal use of the recipient only.
Unauthorised distribution of this document, and/or publication (including publication on a
Web site) by any means whatsoever is an infringement of the Bureau’s copyright.
ICC International Maritime Bureau

Cinnabar Wharf
26 Wapping High Street
London E1W 1NG
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 207 423 6960

Fax: +44 207 423 6961
Email: imb@icc-ccs.org
Web: www.icc-ccs.org
January 2019

INTRODUCTION
The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) is a specialised division of the International Chamber
of Commerce (ICC). The IMB is a non-profit making organisation, established in 1981 to act as a
focal point in the fight against all types of maritime crime and malpractice. The International Maritime
Organization (IMO) in its resolution A 504 (XII) (5) and (9) adopted on 20 November 1981, has inter
alia, urged governments, all interests and organizations to co-operate and exchange information with
each other and the IMB with a view to maintaining and developing a coordinated action in combating
maritime fraud.
This report is an analysis of world-wide reported incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships
from 1 January to 31 December 2018.
Outrage in the shipping industry at the alarming growth in piracy prompted the creation of the IMB
Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) in October 1992 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The key services of the PRC are:
 Issuing daily status reports on piracy and armed robbery to ships via broadcasts on the
Inmarsat-C SafetyNET service
 Reporting piracy and armed robbery at sea incidents to law enforcement and the IMO
 Helping local law enforcement apprehend pirates and assist in bringing them to justice
 Assisting shipowners whose vessels have been attacked or hijacked
 Assisting crewmembers whose vessels have been attacked
 Providing updates on pirate activity via the Internet
 Publishing comprehensive quarterly and annual reports detailing piracy statistics
The services of the PRC are provided free of charge to all ships irrespective of their ownership or flag.
The IMB also locates ships seized by pirates and recovers stolen cargoes on a chargeable basis.
The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre can be contacted at:
ICC International Maritime Bureau (Asia Regional Office)

PO Box 12559, 50782 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel +60 3 2078 5763
Fax +60 3 2078 5769
E-mail: imbkl@icc-ccs.org
24 Hours Anti Piracy HELPLINE Tel: ++ 60 3 2031 0014
Piracy report on the Internet: The IMB posts updates of attacks at www.icc-ccs.org. By posting the
information on the internet, ship owners and authorities ashore as well as ships at sea can access these
updates regularly and make informed decisions and assess associated risks with certain sea areas.
Sometimes, incidents occurring in the previous quarter(s) are reported to the PRC after a time lag. This
late reporting of incidents results in changes to the figures in the tables. The PRC has, as at 31
December 2018, received reports of 201 incidents but may receive details of more in the coming
months relating to the same period.
Due to the continued debate concerning the Malacca Straits, these incident narrations are shown
separately. Similarly, because of the vast area affected by Somali pirates, these incidents are grouped
together with the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea in the narrations section.

DEFINITIONS OF PIRACY & ARMED ROBBERY
Piracy is defined in Article 101 of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
(UNCLOS) and Armed Robbery defined by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in its 26th
Assembly session as Resolution A.1025 (26).
Article 101 of UNCLOS defines Piracy as:
Definition of Piracy consists of any of the following acts:
a) any illegal acts of violence or detention, or any act of depredation, committed for private ends by
the crew or the passengers of a private ship or a private aircraft, and directed-
(i) on the high seas, against another ship or aircraft, or against persons or property on board such
ship or aircraft;
(ii) against a ship, aircraft, persons or property in a place outside the jurisdiction of any State;
(b) any act of voluntary participation in the operation of a ship or of an aircraft with knowledge of
facts making it a pirate ship or aircraft;
(c) any act of inciting or of intentionally facilitating an act described in subparagraph (a) or (b).
The IMO defines Armed Robbery in Resolution A.1025 (26) “Code of Practice for the Investigation
of Crimes of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships” as:
Armed robbery against ships” means any of the following acts:
.1 any illegal act of violence or detention or any act of depredation, or threat thereof, other than an
act of piracy, committed for private ends and directed against a ship or against persons or property
on board such a ship, within a State’s internal waters, archipelagic waters and territorial sea;
.2 any act of inciting or of intentionally facilitating an act described above

COMMUNITY of REPORTING for the Gulf of Guinea
Piracy and Armed Robbery as a crime, continues to be a concern to the shipping industry. A structured
response by governments and their response agencies is critical to address this crime. At the same time,
however, the shipping industry needs to be comfortable to report incidents and be confident that their
reports will be actioned. Unfortunately, the latter has not been forthcoming, especially from the Gulf
of Guinea region for several years. To address this the IMB, along with Oceans Beyond Piracy, have
conceptualised ‘Community of Reporting’. This endeavour encourages all agencies, governmental and
non-governmental, response agencies, commercial operators, etc. to share reports available to them
with the IMB – in confidence. The IMB has undertaken to collate and present these figures in its
reports.
As different agencies define and categorise incidents differently the IMB proposes to collate these
under three generic levels – I, II, III. The types of incidents which will fall under these headings, will
be defined by the effect the incident has on the crew, vessel and cargo.
Level I: Any incident which has a direct impact on the crew. To include:
a. Crew being taken hostage, injured, killed, kidnapped, missing, threatened;
b. A hijacking where the command of the ship is taken over by those boarding;
c. An incident where the crew retreats into the citadel.
Level II: To include a vessel being fired upon, security teams firing on approaching threat, robbers /
pirates identified with weapons of any type (violence is offered) whether boarded or otherwise.
Level III: To include an incident that does not fall into either Level I or Level II
Table 10 shows the level of under reporting by comparing figures available from the Community of
Reporting as compared with those reported directly to the IMB.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
FUNDING
The Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC), funded purely on donations, wishes to thank the following
organisations that have financially contributed towards the Centre’s 24-hour manned service:
 ANIA
 Assuranceforeningen Skuld
 Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association Limited
 Collecte Localisation Satellites - CLS
 Gard AS
 Japan P&I Club
 Justships Ltd
 Merchant Shipping Cyprus
 Standard Steam Ship Mutual P&I Association
 Steam Ship Insurance Management Services Limited
 The North of England P&I Association Ltd
The PRC is additionally non-financially supported by:
 ExactEarth (www.exactearth.com)
 Vesseltracker (www.vesseltracker.com)
 CLS Maritime Intelligence platform powered by Orbcomm AIS data ( www.cls.fr and
www.orbcomm.com )
The PRC thanks the below organisations for contributing to the Community of Reporting:
 Africa Risk Compliance Ltd (ARC)
 Bergen Risk Solutions
 Centre Interregional De Coordination (CIC)
 Control Risks
 EOS Risk Group
 Stable Seas (a program of One Earth Future)

TABLE 1: Locations of ACTUAL and ATTEMPTED attacks, January – December: 2014 – 2018
Location 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

S E ASIA Indonesia 100 108 49 43 36
Malacca Straits 1 5
Malaysia 24 13 7 7 11
Philippines 6 11 10 22 10
Singapore Straits 8 9 2 4 3
Thailand 2 1
EAST ASIA China 4 7 2 3
South China Sea 1
Vietnam 7 27 9 2 4
INDIAN SUB Bangladesh 21 11 3 11 12
CONTINENT India 13 13 14 4 6
SOUTH AMERICA Brazil 1 4
Colombia 2 5 4 6 1
Ecuador 2 4
Guyana 1 2 1 2
Haiti 2 4 1 3
Mexico 1
Peru 11 2 4
Venezuela 1 1 5 12 11
AFRICA Angola 1 2 1
Benin 1 5
Cameroon 1 1 7
Dem. Republic of Congo 1 3 2 1
Dem. Rep. of Sao Tome & Principe 1 1
Egypt 1
Gabon 1
Ghana 4 2 3 1 10
Guinea 3 3 2 3
Gulf of Aden* 4 1 3 1
Ivory Coast 3 1 1 1 1
Kenya 2 2 1
Liberia 1 2
Morocco 1 1
Mozambique 1 1 1 2 2
Nigeria 18 14 36 33 48
Red Sea* 4 1
Senegal 1
Sierra Leone 1 4
Somalia* 3 1 5 2
South Africa 1
Tanzania 1
The Congo 7 5 6 1 6
Togo 2 1 1
REST OF Oman 2 1
WORLD Papua New Guinea 1
Yemen 1 3
Total at year end 245 246 191 180 201
All incidents with * above are attributed to Somali pirates

CHART A: The following seven locations recorded around 69% attacks from a total of 201
reported attacks for the period.
CHART B: Monthly comparison of incidents during January – December 2018
30
27
25
23
22
20 20
20 19
17
15 14
13
12
10
10
5 4
0
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Chart C: Total incidents as per region of the world January – December 2018
100
90 87
80
70
60
60
50
40
29
30
18
20
10 7
0
EAST ASIA INDIAN SUB AMERICAS SE ASIA AFRICA
CONTINENT

TABLE 2: ACTUAL and ATTEMPTED attacks by location, January – December 2018
ACTUAL ATTACKS ATTEMPTED ATTACKS

Location Boarded Hijacked Fired Upon Attempted
S E ASIA Indonesia 29 7
Malaysia 8 1 2
Philippines 6 1 3
Singapore Straits 3
EAST ASIA China 1 2
Vietnam 4
INDIAN Bangladesh 10 2
SUB CONT India 5 1
SOUTH Brazil 4
AMERICA Colombia 1
Ecuador 1 3
Guyana 2
Haiti 3
Peru 4
Venezuela 8 3
AFRICA Benin 3 2
Cameroon 6 1
Democratic Republic of Congo 1
Ghana 8 1 1
Guinea 2 1
Gulf of Aden 1
Ivory Coast 1
Mozambique 1 1
Nigeria 29 1 12 6
Somalia 2
The Congo 3 2 1
Togo 1
Sub total 143 6 18 34
Total 201

TABLE 3: Ports and anchorages, with three or more reported incidents.

January – December 2018
Country Location 1.1.2018 to 31.12.2018

Bangladesh Chittagong / Kutubdia Island 12
Benin Cotonou 5
Brazil Macapa 3
Ecuador Guayaquil 4
Ghana Takoradi 7
Guinea Conakry 3
Haiti Port Au Prince 3
Indonesia Merak 3
Indonesia Muara Berau / Samarinda 16
Indonesia Off Pulau Bintan 3
Indonesia Tanjung Priok / Jakarta 3
Nigeria Apapa / Lagos 23
Peru Callao 4
Philippines Tabangao / Batangas 5
Venezuela Puerto Jose 6
Venezuela Puerto La Cruz 5
Vietnam Campha 3
The Congo Pointe Noire 3
TABLE 4: Status of ships during ACTUAL attacks, January – December 2018
Location Berthed Anchored Steaming Not Stated

S E ASIA Indonesia 1 24 4
Malaysia 2 1 5
Philippines 1 4 1
Singapore Straits 3
EAST ASIA China 1
Vietnam 4
INDIAN Bangladesh 10
SUB CONT India 4 1
SOUTH Brazil 4
AMERICA Colombia 1
Ecuador 1
Guyana 1 1
Haiti 3
Peru 4
Venezuela 8
AFRICA Benin 5
Cameroon 5 1
Ghana 1 7 1
Guinea 2
Ivory Coast 1
Mozambique 1
Nigeria 8 14 8
The Congo 3 2
Sub Total 16 102 30 1
Total 149
10

TABLE 5: Status of ships during ATTEMPTED attacks, January – December 2018
Location Berthed Anchored Steaming

S E ASIA Indonesia 7
Malaysia 3
Philippines 1 1 2
EAST ASIA China 2
INDIAN Bangladesh 2
SUB CONTINENT India 1
SOUTH Ecuador 3
AMERICA Venezuela 3
AFRICA Cameroon 1
Ghana 1
Guinea 1
Gulf of Aden 1
Mozambique 1
Nigeria 2 16
Somalia 2
The Congo 1
Togo 1
Sub Total 3 19 30
Total 52
TABLE 6: Types of arms used during attacks, January – December 2014 – 2018
Types of Arms 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Guns 62 33 48 52 56
Knives 83 97 44 44 36
Not stated 93 108 96 80 104
Other weapons 7 8 3 4 5
Total 245 246 191 180 201
TABLE 7: Comparison of the type of attacks, January – December 2014 – 2018
Category 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Attempted 28 27 22 22 34
Boarded 183 203 150 136 143
Fired upon 13 1 12 16 18
Hijack 21 15 7 6 6
Total 245 246 191 180 201
TABLE 8: Types of violence to crew, January – December 2014 – 2018
Types of Violence 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Assaulted 1 14 5 6
Hostage 442 271 151 91 141
Injured 13 14 8 6 8
Kidnap/Ransom 9 19 62 75 83
Killed 4 1 3
Missing 1
Threatened 9 14 10 10 9
Total 479 333 236 191 241
11

TABLE 9: Type of violence to crew by location, January – December 2018
Location Hostage Threatened Assault Injured Kidnap Killed

S E ASIA Indonesia 3 3
Malaysia 2 1 5
Philippines 3 1
Singapore Straits 1
EAST ASIA Vietnam 1
INDIAN SUB CONT Bangladesh 1 3
SOUTH AMERICA Peru 1
Venezuela 1 1
AFRICA Benin 46 2
Cameroon 21
Ghana 44 3
Guinea 3
Nigeria 17 4 40
The Congo 20 1 12
Sub total 141 9 8 83

Total 241
TABLE 10: Total incidents received by IMB v/s Community of Reporting (CoR) incidents for
Gulf of Guinea Region, January – December 2018 (without local passenger boat incidents)
Period Level I Level II Level III Total % Underreporting

IMB 2018 (Jan – Dec) 31 20 28 79
48%
CoR 2018 (Jan – Dec) 17 11 45 73
TABLE 11: Types of arms used by geographical location, January – December 2018
Location Guns Knives Other Not Stated

S E ASIA Indonesia 1 10 25
Malaysia 5 2 4
Philippines 2 1 1 6
Singapore Straits 1 2
EAST ASIA China 3
Vietnam 2 2
INDIAN Bangladesh 1 5 2 4
SUB CONT India 1 5
SOUTH Brazil 1 3
AMERICA Colombia 1
Ecuador 2 2
Guyana 2
Haiti 1 2
Peru 3 1
Venezuela 1 5 1 4
AFRICA Benin 5
Cameroon 6 1
Ghana 1 1 8
Guinea 2 1
Gulf of Aden 1
12

Ivory Coast 1
Mozambique 1 1
Nigeria 23 1 24
Somalia 2
The Congo 3 1 1 1
Togo 1
Sub total 56 36 5 104
Total 201
TABLE 12: Types of vessels attacked, January – December 2014 – 2018
Type 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Accommodation Barge 1
Bulk Carrier 55 86 52 38 59
Cable Ship 1
Cement Carrier 1 1
Container 20 30 10 23 18
Dhow 3
Dredger 1
Drilling Rig 1
FPSO / FSO 2
General Cargo 14 15 11 12 6
Heavy Lift Vessel 4 1
Heavy Load Carrier 1 1
Hopper Dredger 1
Landing Craft 1
Livestock Carrier 1
Offshore Processing Ship 1
Ore Carrier 1 1 1
Passenger 1 1
Pipe Layer Barge 1 4
Pipe Layer Crane Vessel 1
Refrigerated Cargo 3 1 2 6
Research Ship 2 2 2
RORO 2 2
Supply Ship 3 2 4 8 5
Support Ship 1 1 2 2
Tanker Asphalt /Bitumen 4 1 1 1
Tanker Bunkering 2 1 1
Tanker Chem / Product 86 62 56 42 50
Tanker Crude Oil 24 20 13 19 16
Tanker LNG 1 1 3 2
Tanker LPG 13 4 10 11 6
Trawler/Fishing 3 2 1 1 12
Tug / Offshore Tug 7 10 14 11 11
Vehicle Carrier 2 1 2 1
Water barge 1
Wood Chips Carrier 2
Yacht 1
Total at year end 245 246 191 180 201
13

CHART D: Type of vessels attacked January – December 2018
BULK CARRIER 59
PRODUCT TANKER 47
CONTAINER 18
TANKER 16
FISHING VESSEL 12
TUG 11
GENERAL CARGO 6
LPG TANKER 6
REFRIGERATED CARGO SHIP 6
OFFSHORE SUPPLY SHIP 5
CHEMICAL TANKER 3
RO‐RO CARGO SHIP 2
OFFSHORE SUPPORT VESSEL 2
LNG TANKER 2
ORE CARRIER 1
VEHICLE CARRIER 1
ASPHALT TANKER 1
DRILLING RIG 1
LANDING CRAFT 1
HEAVY LIFT VESSEL 1
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
14

TABLE 13: Nationalities of ships attacked, January – December 2014 – 2018
Flag State 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Antigua and Barbuda 5 9 3 2
Australia 1
Bahamas 4 5 5 6 9
Bangladesh 1
Barbados 2
Belgium 3
Belize 1 1
Bermuda 1 1 1
Cameroon 5
Chile 1
China 1 2
Comoros 1
Cook Islands 1 1 1
Croatia 1
Curacao 1 2
Cyprus 2 7 3 4 3
Denmark 4 3 1 1
Dominica 1
Egypt 1
Ethiopia 1
France 1
Ghana 1 1 2
Gibraltar 1 1
Greece 4 3 2
Honduras 2
Hong Kong (SAR) 16 19 9 6 16
India 4 2 3 4 1
Indonesia 2 2 4 1 1
Iran 1 1
Isle of Man 3 3 3 3 3
Italy 7 3
Japan 1 1
Kiribati 1
Korea South 1 1 1
Liberia 20 28 17 26 19
Luxemburg 2 1 2
Madeira 1
Malaysia 9 12 6 4 7
Malta 6 11 5 8 7
Marshall Islands 36 40 36 29 39
Mauritius 1
Mongolia 2 1
Netherlands 7 1 2 1 3
Nigeria 3 2 4 2 1
Norway 4 1 3 4 1
Panama 44 38 46 27 27
Papua New Guinea 1
Philippines 3 1 2 2
Portugal 1
Russia 1
Saudi Arabia 2 1 2 2 1
Sierra Leone 1 1
15

Singapore 32 32 21 31 29
Spain 1
Sri Lanka 1
St. Kitts & Nevis 1
St. Vincent & Grenadines 2
Switzerland 1 2
Thailand 6 5 3
Turkey 1
Tuvalu 1
United Kingdom 1 2 2 2
USA 2
Vanuatu 2 1 1 1
Vietnam 5 1 2 3
Not Stated 1 1 1
Total year end 245 246 191 180 201
CHART E: Flag States whose ships were attacked 12 times or more, January – December 2018
45
40 39
35
30 29
27
25
20 19
16
15
10
0
HONG KONG LIBERIA PANAMA SINGAPORE MARSHALL ISLANDS
16

TABLE 14: Countries where victim ships controlled / managed, January – December 2018
Country No of Ships
Belgium 2
Cameroon 1
Canada 1
Chile 1
China 4
Croatia 1
Cyprus 4
Denmark 5
France 2
Germany 14
Ghana 2
Greece 34
Hong Kong 15
India 8
Indonesia 1
Iran 1
Isle of Man 1
Italy 4
Japan 5
Korea South 2
Lithuania 1
Malaysia 11
Monaco 2
Netherlands 5
Nigeria 2
Norway 3
Peru 1
Philippines 3
Poland 1
Portugal 1
Singapore 41
Switzerland 1
Taiwan 1
Thailand 1
Turkey 4
UAE 2
United Kingdom 8
USA 2
Not Stated 3
Total 201
17

CHART F: Managing countries whose ships were attacked 12 times or more, January –
December 2018
45
41
40
35 34
30
25
20
15
15 14
10
0
GERMANY HONG KONG GREECE SINGAPORE
18

OFF SOMALIA / GULF OF ADEN / RED SEA ATTACK FIGURES UPDATE
From 1 January to 31 December 2018, the IMB PRC has received three attempted incidents off
Somalia and Gulf of Aden where vessels have been fired upon.
The international navies patrolling these waters continue to coordinate and liaise with merchant
and fishing fleets to identify and apprehend pirate action groups.
All vessels are advised and encouraged to adhere to the BMP5 recommendations while transiting
these waters. Vessels employing Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel (PCASP) should
be cautious and not mistake fishermen for pirates in some heavy fishing areas.
As the IMB PRC continues to monitor the situation in the region, it cautions ship owners and
Masters’ against complacency. Somali pirates still have the capability and capacity to carry out
attacks.
The IMB PRC supports and compliments the role of the international navies, by relaying all
reports received to the response agencies, as well as by broadcasting alerts to ships via the
INMARSAT Safety Net Service
19

PIRACY AND ARMED ROBBERY PRONE AREAS AND WARNINGS

Mariners are warned to be extra cautious and to take necessary precautionary measures when
transiting the following areas:
SOUTH EAST ASIA AND INDIAN SUB CONTINENT
Bangladesh: Robbers continue to target ships at anchor. Most attacks reported at Chittagong
anchorages and approaches. Attacks in Bangladesh have fallen significantly over the past few years
because of the efforts by the Bangladesh Authorities. Recently, however it appears that attacks are
increasing.
Indonesia: Tanjung Priok – Jakarta, Batu Ampar / Batam, Bintan Island, and Muara Berau anchorage
and surrounding waters. Pirates / robbers are normally armed with guns / knives and / or machetes.
Generally, be vigilant in other areas. Many attacks may have gone unreported. Pirates / robbers normally
attack vessel during the night. When spotted and alarm sounded, the pirates / robbers usually escape
without confronting the crew.
The Indonesian Marine Police have advised all ships intending to anchor to do so at / near the following
areas where patrols are conducted for greater protection.
1. Belawan: 03:55.00N-098:45.30E
2. Dumai: 01:42.00N-101:28.00E
3. Nipah: 01:07.30N-103:37.00E
4. Tanjung Berakit/Bintan: 01:23.30N - 104:42.30E
5. Tanjung Priok: 06:00.30S-106:54.00E
6. Gresik: 07:09.00S-112:40.00E
7. Taboneo: 03:41.30S-114:28.00E
8. Adang bay: 01:40.00S-116:40.00E
9. Muara Berau: 00:17.00S-117:36.00E
10. Balikpapan: 01:22.00S-116:53.00E
Ships are advised to maintain strict anti-piracy watch and measures and report all attacks and suspicious
sightings to the local authorities and IMB Piracy Reporting Centre. The IMB PRC will also liaise with
the local authorities to render necessary assistance.
Malacca Straits: Although the number of attacks has dropped substantially (2016, 2017 and 2018
recorded zero attacks) due to the increased and aggressive patrols by the littoral states authorities since
July 2005, ships are advised to continue maintaining strict anti-piracy / robbery watches when transiting
the Straits. Currently, there are no indications as to how long these patrols will continue or reduce. In
some cases, attacks may have gone unreported.
Malaysia: In / off Eastern Sabah – Militant activities resulting in several tugs / barges / fishing boats /
ships being attacked and crews kidnapped. These activities had stopped since 23 March 2017 but a
recent attack on 10 September 2018 resulted in two crew being kidnapped. In view of this latest incident,
the local Authorities have increased patrols.
Ships are advised to take precautionary measures and maintain strict anti-piracy watch and measures.
Vessels transiting these waters should refer to the Sabah Notice to Mariners NTM 14 of 2017 on the
Ship Reporting System. Vessels are also urged to monitor the IMB PRC Warnings on potential attacks
locations issued by the Philippines Intel.
Philippines: Pirates / militants in the southern Philippines conduct attacks on vessels in / off Sibutu
passage / off Sibutu island / Tawi Tawi / Sulu sea / Celebes sea / off eastern Sabah. They attack tugs /
barges / fishing vessels / yachts / merchant ships to rob and kidnap crews for ransom.
20

These kidnappings by militants have stopped since March 2017 but recently on 10 September 2018,
two crews were kidnapped off Sabah. These kidnappers are believed to be affiliated to the ASG.
Vessels are advised to take precautionary measures and maintain strict anti-piracy watch and measures.
Vessels transiting these waters should refer to the Sabah Notice to Mariners NTM 14 of 2017 on the
Ship Reporting System. Vessels are also urged to monitor the IMB PRC Warnings on potential attacks
locations issued by the Philippines Intel.
Batangas and Manila – Be vigilant. A number of past and recent attacks / robberies.
Singapore Straits: Vessels are advised to remain vigilant and to continue maintaining adequate anti-
piracy / robbery watch and measures. Pirates / robbers attack ships while underway or while at anchor
especially during the night.
South China Sea: Although attacks have dropped significantly in the vicinity off Tioman / off Pulau
Aur / off Anambas / Natuna / Mangkai islands / Subi Besar / Merundung areas, vessels are advised to
continue to remain vigilant especially during the night. In the past, a number of hijackings of small
product tankers occurred off the coast of Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and in the South China Sea
area. This trend started in April 2014, but the hijackings had stopped abruptly in late 2015. The IMB is
monitoring the situation. It has been reported that some criminals have been arrested by local
Authorities both in Malaysia and in Indonesia. In 2017 two tankers were hijacked off Kuantan / Off
Pulau Aur / East coast Malaysia.
AFRICA AND RED SEA
Africa:-
Benin (Cotonou): Attacks have increased at Benin anchorage. Early this year, within a period of several
weeks, five attacks were reported at Benin anchorage. Ships especially gas oil tankers are targeted and
forced to sail out of Benin anchorage. These tankers were hijacked and later released days after. It is
believed that ransom was paid for their release.
Past attacks showed that the pirates / robbers in this area are well armed and are violent and in some
incidents ships have been fired upon. The pirates forced Masters to sail to unknown location where
ship’s properties and sometimes part cargo is stolen (gas oil). Crewmembers have been injured in the
past.
Ghana: Takoradi
Guinea: Conakry
Ivory Coast: Abidjan: Attacks dropped but remains risky.
Nigeria (Lagos): Pirates / robbers are often well armed, violent and have attacked, hijacked and robbed
vessels / kidnapped crews along the coast, rivers, anchorages, ports and surrounding waters. In the past,
attacks reported up to about 170nm from coast. In many past incidents, pirates hijacked the vessels for
several days and ransacked the vessels and stole part cargo, usually gas oil. A number of crewmembers
were also injured and kidnapped in past attacks. Generally, all waters in/off Nigeria remain risky.
Vessels are advised to be vigilant, as many attacks may have gone unreported. Attacks continue to rise
substantially.
Off Bayelsa / Brass / Bonny Island / Port Harcourt: Recently, there has been an increase in the number
of reported attacks / hijackings / kidnapping of crews off these areas. Vessels are advised to take
additional measures in these high-risk waters.
21

Togo (Lome): Attacks have reduced but the area remains one of concern and risk. In the past, pirates /
robbers in this area are well armed, violent and dangerous. Attacks can occur at anchorages and off the
coast and usually at night. Some past attacks resulted in vessels being hijacked for several days and
ransacked with part cargo stolen (gas oil).
Red Sea / Gulf of Aden / Somalia / Arabian Sea / Indian Ocean: In 2018, three vessels have reported
being fired upon in this region. Although the opportunity for attacks has reduced, the Somali pirates
continue to possess the capability and capacity to carry out attacks. All merchant ships are advised to
adhere to the latest recommendations in BMP5, while transiting these waters. The IMB PRC will
continue to alert and broadcast information to all ships in the region via Inmarsat EGC Safety Net.
The threat of these attacks still exists in the waters off southern Red Sea / Bab el Mandeb, Gulf of Aden
including Yemen and the northern Somali coast, Arabian sea / off Oman, Gulf of Oman and off the
eastern and southern Somali coast. In the past vessels have been attacked off Kenya, Tanzania,
Seychelles, Madagascar, Mozambique as well as in the Indian ocean and off the west and south coasts
of India and west Maldives.
Somali pirates tend to be well armed with automatic weapons, RPGs and sometimes use skiffs launched
from mother vessels, which may be hijacked fishing vessels or dhows. Masters and ship owners are
encouraged to register and report their vessels as per the BMP5 procedures and ensure that their vessel
is hardened prior to entering the high-risk area. While transiting through these waters it is essential to
maintain a 24-hour visual and radar watch. Keeping in mind the warnings and alerts for the area, an
early sighting / detection of an approaching skiff will enable an accurate assessment, allowing the
Master and PCASP to make informed decisions to keep clear of small boats, dhows, fishing vessels and
if necessary take evasive actions and request assistance as needed.
Masters are reminded that fishermen in this region may try to protect their nets by attempting to
aggressively approach merchant vessels. Some of the fishermen may be armed to protect their catch
and they should not be confused with pirates.
SOUTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN WATERS
Ecuador: Guayaquil. Ships advised to be vigilant.
Haiti: Port Au Prince
Peru: Callao
Venezuela: Puerto La Cruz / Puerto Jose. Attacks are increasing. Ships are reminded to maintain strict
anti-piracy watch and measures especially at anchor.
Reporting of incidents
Ships are advised to maintain strict anti-piracy / robbery watches and report all attacks (actual or
attempted) and suspicious sightings to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tel: +60 3 2078 5763 Fax: +60 3 2078 5769 E-mail: imbkl@icc-ccs.org
The Centre’s 24 Hours Anti-Piracy HELPLINE is: +60 3 2031 0014
22

IMB Maritime Security Hotline

The International Maritime Bureau’s (IMB) dedicated hotline allows for seafarers, port workers,
shipping agents, shipyard personnel, brokers, stevedores, and all concerned parties to report any
information that they may have seen / heard / known relating to any maritime crime including terrorism,
piracy or any other illegal activity.
All information received will be treated in strict confidence and will be passed on to relevant Authorities
for further action. Maritime crime and security concerns us all and with your help, we can try to
minimize the risks and help save lives and property.
The Maritime Security Hotline can be contacted 24 hours every day at:
Tel: +60 3 2031 0014 Fax: +60 3 2078 5769 E-mail: imbsecurity@icc-ccs.org
REMEMBER: Your information may save lives. All information will be treated in strict
confidence.
23

OBSERVATIONS
Narrations of the 201 attacks for 01 January to 31 December 2018 are listed on pages 30 to 64. The
following serious incidents, in chronological sequence are described in more detail.
Benin:
On 10 January 2018, a Marshall Islands flagged product tanker MT Barrett was attacked and hijacked
by armed persons while anchored at Cotonou Anchorage, Benin. The owners lost communications with
their tanker and notified the IMB PRC who informed and liaised with both Benin and Nigerian
Authorities. Other regional Authorities were also notified. A search was carried out and on 16 January
2018, owners reported that the tanker and her 24-crew arrived safely in Lagos, Nigeria after successful
negotiations with the hijackers.
On 01 February 2018, a Panamanian flagged product tanker MT Marine Express was attacked and
hijacked by 13 armed persons while anchored at position Latitude 06:16 North and Longitude 002:31
East, Cotonou Anchorage, Benin at approximately 0748 UTC. The IMB PRC received a missing vessel
report from owners who advised that they had lost contact with their tanker laden with gasoline. The
IMB PRC immediately notified and liaised with local and regional Authorities including international
warships in the Gulf of Guinea and a search was carried out. The IMB PRC broadcast a missing vessel
message to all ships in the region to lookout for the missing tanker. On 06 February 2018, the Owners
confirmed that the tanker was released. During the time of hijack, crews were beaten and personal
belongings and cash were stolen.
On 26 February 2018, a Luxembourg flagged product tanker MT ST Marseille was attacked by five
armed persons while anchored at position Latitude 06:16.31 North and Longitude 002:29.24 East,
Cotonou Anchorage, Benin at approximately 2330 UTC. While boarding the tanker, the armed persons
commenced firing and injured one Benin naval guard. All crew except the D/O retreated into the citadel.
As the armed persons made their way to the bridge, they continued firing their weapons and injured
another naval guard. They took the D/O hostage and demanded the Master, Chief Officer and Chief
Engineer emerge from the citadel and come to the bridge. The armed persons instructed the Master to
heave up the anchor. When they were told that the tanker was in ballast, they stole crew properties, and
kidnapped the Master and one Engineer and left the tanker in the tanker’s rescue boat. The Benin Navy
was notified to medivac the injured guards. Once the armed persons, in the rescue boat, were safely
ashore, they released the Master and Engineer who were able to make contact with the local police and
later re-joined the tanker.
Cameroon:
On 09 February 2018, a Chinese flagged fishing vessel Luwen-Yu 2 was attacked and boarded by armed
persons at position Latitude 04:06 North and Longitude 008:51 East, around 10nm SW of Idenao,
Cameroon at approximately 1245 UTC. They kidnapped three crew members and escaped. The
Cameroon Authorities notified.
On 23 November 2018, five Cameroon flagged Fishing Vessels (Chanlong 2, Chanlong 7, Haiying 7,
Haiying 9 and Renouveau 6) were attacked by armed persons while underway at position Latitude
04:18.31 North and Longitude 008:47.63 East, around 13nm WNW of Idenao, Cameroon, at
approximately 0200 UTC. They kidnapped a total of 18 crew members from these five fishing vessels
and escaped. The remaining crew members sailed the vessels back to a safe port.
Congo:
On 29 October 2018, a Singapore flagged offshore supply vessel was attacked and hijacked by armed
pirates while underway at position Latitude 04:57.56 South and Longitude 010:43.11 East, around 68nm
west of Pointe Noire, Republic of The Congo at approximately 0330 UTC. All the crew was taken
hostage and made to lie on the deck while the pirates ransacked and stole crew and vessel’s properties.
24

The pirates then kidnapped four crew members and escaped. The remaining crew members sailed the
vessel to a safe port. One crew was reported to be injured. The bridge equipment was also damaged
during the attack.
Ghana:
On 26 March 2018, a Ghanaian flagged fishing vessel was attacked and hijacked by armed pirates at
position Latitude 05:20.0 North and Longitude 000:51.4 East, around 27nm south of Anloga, Ghana.
The owners of the fishing vessel reported the incident to the IMB PRC who immediately contacted and
liaised with the Ghana Navy Ops Centre. As the fishing vessel moved from Ghanaian waters into Togo
and Benin waters the PRC continually updated the respective neighbouring and regional naval
authorities. Naval boats were deployed by the respective navies within their waters to look for the
fishing vessel. On 28 March 2018, the owners confirmed that the fishing vessel had been released. Three
crew members were reported kidnapped. All navies were informed accordingly.
Guinea:
On 17 September 2018, a Marshall Islands flagged product tanker was attacked by armed pirates while
anchored at position Latitude 09:20.8 North and Longitude 013:43.3 West, Conakry Anchorage, Guinea
at approximately 0300 UTC. Four armed persons in a small craft attacked and boarded the tanker loaded
with gas oil. Master raised the alarm, locked the accommodation and all 23 crews mustered in the
citadel. The armed robbers fired at the bridge windows and gain access into the accommodation. They
ransacked all the crew cabins and escaped with crew personal belongings and cash. A Navy boat arrived
at the location to provide assistance. All crew reported safe.
Malaysia:
On 08 May 2018, a Malaysian flagged fishing vessel was attacked by armed persons while underway
at position Latitude 04:55.12 North and Longitude 119:06.70 East, around 10nm SSE of Felda
Sahabat, Sabah, Malaysia, at approximately 1800 UTC. Armed persons in a boat approached a group
of fishing vessels at high speed. A Malaysian Marine Police patrol boat in the vicinity noticed the
approach and chased the suspect boat resulting in the persons on the suspect boat firing upon the Marine
Police patrol boat. In the ensuing exchange of fire, four armed persons / suspects were killed. The
Malaysian Marine Police later indicated that the intentions of the armed suspects were to kidnap the
fishermen for ransom.
On 31 May 2018, a Mongolia flagged product tanker MT Lee Bo was boarded whilst underway by 14
armed persons at position Latitude 02:18.2N and Longitude 104:15.7E, around 6.6nm East of Pulau
Tinggi, Mersing, Johor, Malaysia at approximately 1900 UTC. After realising the tanker was in ballast
the armed persons stole crew personal belongings and disembarked. The Malaysian Maritime
Enforcement Agency (MMEA) received information of the incident and deployed assets, which spotted
a tanker drifting suspiciously. A special forces team from the MMEA boarded the suspected tanker and
detained the 14 persons on board, after finding weapons and the stolen items belonging to the tanker
attacked earlier. In collaboration with the Indonesian Enforcement Authorities, two suspects were later
arrested.
On 10 September 2018, a fishing vessel FV Dwi Jaya 1 was attacked by armed persons while underway
at position Latitude 04:40.36 North and Longitude 118:43.12 East, around 3nm NNW of Pulau Gaya,
Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia, at approximately 1800 UTC. Two armed persons in a speed boat
approached and boarded the fishing vessel underway and kidnapped two crew members. The remaining
crew managed to retreat to a safe location. Once the armed persons left the vessel, the remaining crew
sailed the vessel to a safe port. Incident reported to the local police.
On 05 December 2018, a Malaysian Fishing Vessel SN 259/4/F was attacked by armed persons while
underway off Kinabatangan, Sabah, Malaysia at approximately 1200 UTC. The owners of the fishing
25

vessel lost contact with the crew and notified and lodged a police report. A search was conducted, and
the fishing boat was located drifting without any crew. The Authorities are investigating the
disappearance of the crews who are believed to have been kidnapped.
On 05 December 2018, a Tug Boat TB Magtrans II was attacked by armed persons while underway at
position Latitude 05:38 North and Longitude 118:57 East, around 12nm NE of Sabah, Malaysia, at
approximately 1030 UTC. Four armed persons wearing black attire and masks in a speed boat
approached and fired upon the tugboat towing an unladen barge resulting in the Master being shot in
the leg. The alarm was raised and distress message broadcast on VHF CH16. The Malaysian Authorities
responded and intercepted the tug and rescued the crews. They took the injured Master to hospital.
Investigations are ongoing.
Nigeria:
On 09 February 2018, a Bahamas flagged refrigerated cargo ship was attacked, fired upon and boarded
by eight armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 03:40 North and Longitude 006:45 East,
around 48nm SSW of Bonny Island, Nigeria at approximately 0600 UTC. One crew was injured due to
the firing. The pirates stole ship’s properties, cash and kidnapped four crew members prior to escaping.
The remaining crew sailed the ship to open seas.
On 22 March 2018, a Chinese flagged fishing vessel FV Luronyuanyu 216 was attacked and hijacked
by armed pirates while anchored at position Latitude 06:01.0 North and Longitude 003:12.0 East,
around 30nm SSE of Badagry, Nigeria at approximately 1000 UTC. The pirates forced the crew into
Benin waters where they kidnapped two crew members before releasing the fishing boat.
On 07 April 2018, a Panamanian flagged bulk carrier was attacked by armed pirates while underway at
position Latitude 03:44 North and Longitude 006:37 East, around 41nm SSE of Brass, Nigeria at
approximately 0430 UTC. Four pirates armed with guns in a speed boat attacked and boarded the ship
underway. Alarm was raised, and all 19 crews mustered in the citadel. The IMB PRC liaised with the
Nigerian Navy and Owners to request for immediate assistance. The Nigerian Navy dispatched a patrol
boat to the location. The pirates fired upon the ship and damaged the ship’s equipment and
accommodation. They stole ship’s cash and properties and escaped before the Navy patrol boat arrived.
Naval personnel boarded the ship, rescued the crew and escorted the ship to a safe port.
On 21 April 2018, a Dutch flagged general cargo ship MV FWN Rapide was attacked by armed pirates
while underway at position Latitude 03:48.0 North and Longitude 006:50.0 East, around 38nm SSW of
Bonny Island, Nigeria at approximately 0534 UTC. Armed pirates attacked and boarded a ship enroute
from Takoradi, Ghana to Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The pirates kidnapped 11 crew members and escaped.
The incident was reported to the Nigerian Navy and a patrol boat was dispatched to the location. Naval
personnel boarded and searched the ship. A total of three crew members were found safe onboard. The
ship then sailed under naval escort to a safe location. On 25 May 2018, the Owners confirmed that the
11 kidnapped crew members had been released safely on 20 May 2018.
On 22 September 2018, a Switzerland flagged bulk carrier was attacked by armed pirates while
underway at position Latitude 03:40 North and Longitude 006:40 East, around 51nm SW of Bonny
Island, Nigeria, at approximately 0500 UTC. Around 17 armed pirates in a craft attacked and boarded
the bulk carrier underway. They kidnapped 12 crew members and escaped. The IMB Piracy Reporting
Centre liaised with the Nigerian Navy who dispatched a naval vessel to assist the ship. The remaining
seven crew members sailed the vessel under naval escort to a safe anchorage.
On 27 October 2018, a Liberia flagged Container ship MV Pomerenia Sky was attacked by armed
pirates while underway at position Latitude 03:21 North and Longitude 006:32 East, around 71nm SW
of Bonny Island, Nigeria, at approximately 0300 UTC. Pirates successfully attacked and boarded the
ship and kidnapped 11 crew members and escaped. The incident was reported to the Nigerian Navy
who dispatched a patrol boat to the location. The Nigerian Navy then escorted the remaining crew and
26

ship to a safe anchorage. On 19 December 2018, the IMB PRC received confirmation from the ship
owners that the 11 kidnapped crew members had been released safely and repatriated back to their
home.
On 04 December 2018, a Vanuatu flagged Offshore supply vessel MV Saavedra Tide was attacked by
armed pirates while underway at position Latitude 03:08 North and Longitude 006:20 East, around
70nm South of Brass, Nigeria, at approximately 1800 UTC. Around nine armed pirates in a speedboat
chased and successfully boarded the vessel. All crews mustered in the citadel. The Nigerian Navy
dispatched a patrol boat and intercepted the vessel. Upon arriving at the vessel’s location, the Navy
opened fire resulting in the pirates escaping with stolen personal belongings. The vessel was then
escorted to a safe port. All crews reported safe.
Philippines:
On 16 February 2018, a Philippines flagged general cargo ship MV Kudos 1 was attacked by armed
persons while underway at position Latitude 06:44.21 North and Longitude 122:23.50 East, off Sibago
Island, Philippines during night hours. Alarm raised and distress signal activated. The Philippines Coast
Guard (PCG) immediately responded by dispatching its patrol boats. As the armed persons attempted
to board the ship, the crew poured hot water on the perpetrators who fired upon the ship, injuring one
crew before aborting the attack. The PCG boarding team provided medical assistance to the injured
crew.
27

CONTINUED COOPERATION
The positive information sharing, actions and cooperation between the Indonesian Marine Police
(IMP) and the IMB PRC has resulted in an overall decrease in the number of incidents in the 10
safe designated areas except for Muara Berau, as reported by ships. Actions by the IMP has
resulted in a sharp decline in attacks on ships in this area. The IMB PRC is monitoring the
situation and liaising closely with the IMP.
All ships intending to anchor, waiting for berth or drift should do so at the designated areas where
IMP patrol boats would be stationed to enable them to maximize their resources to provide
greater protection to ships.
Ships are advised to cooperate by maintaining strict anti-piracy and robbery watches and report
all attacks and suspicious sightings to the local Authorities / IMP and also to the IMB PRC as per
IMO Cir 1334. The IMB PRC will also liaise with local and regional Authorities to render
necessary assistance.
In line with the Road Map Program Police Reforms Wave III, the Indonesian Authorities will
continue to allocate and position resources and assets in key 10 designated areas of concern to
prevent sea robbery and piracy in and around Indonesian waters until 2019.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The IMB appreciates the assistance and vital cooperation provided by the Coalition naval forces
/ EU naval force (EUNAVFOR ATALANTA) / MSCHOA / US Navy / French Alindien / NATO /
UKMTO / Indian Navy / Iranian Navy / Malaysian Navy / Russian Navy / Chinese Navy / South
Korean Navy / Japanese Maritime SDF/ Singapore Navy/ Royal Thai Navy / and Yemeni Coast
Guard and Navy for assisting the many vessels that have been attacked recently and in the past
by suspected Somali pirates both in the Gulf of Aden and off eastern / southern Somali coast,
Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and other areas. The positive actions by the Navies including pre-
emptive and disruptive counter piracy tactics had resulted in the drop in the number of attacks.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The IMB PRC appreciates the strong cooperation from the West African Authorities in the Gulf
of Guinea. A special thanks to the Nigerian Authorities who have continued to provide prompt
information, actions and valuable cooperation between Agencies. The IMB PRC looks forward
to the continued cooperation from the West African Authorities.
28

TRENDS
A total of 201 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships have been reported to the IMB Piracy
Reporting Centre (PRC) in 2018 up from 180 in 2017.
The figures include 143 vessels boarded, 34 attempted attacks, 18 vessels fired upon and six vessels
hijacked. The effects on the safety of the crew continues to be a cause for concern. One hundred and
forty-one crew were taken hostage. A further 83 crew were kidnapped, with 44 crew kidnapped in Q4.
Eight crew were also reported injured.
Seventy-nine incidents were reported from vessels within the Gulf of Guinea and its neighboring
countries – more than twice as many recorded in 2017. Nigerian pirates have demonstrated their
capability by hijacking a tanker underway 100nm off Point Noire, Congo. All six vessel hijackings and
13 of the 18 vessels fired upon globally occurred in this region. Furthermore, 78 crew were kidnapped
in the Gulf of Guinea – with 41 in the last quarter – further evidencing the continued levels of violence
and threats to seafarers in these waters and a spike towards the end of the year.
A Suezmax tanker was reported fired upon in the Gulf of Aden. A product tanker and a capesize bulk
carrier were fired upon approximately 315nm and 340nm respectively east of Somalia. These incidents
continue to demonstrate the Somali pirate capability and intent to launch attacks hundreds of miles from
their coastline. This also highlights the requirement for the continued presence of the EU and
international navies in this region. Masters are urged to continue to maintain high levels of vigilance
when transiting these waters and to follow the recommendations within the latest version of the BMP.
Patrols by the Indonesia Marine Police have seen the number of incidents drop for the third successive
year. The majority of the 36 Indonesian reports were low level opportunistic thefts. Six crew, however
were taken hostage and threatened indicating the need to be vigilant and report incidents.
Incidents off eastern Malaysia, Sabah continue to be a cause of concern with five crew from two fishing
boats reported as kidnapped. A tug also reported being fired upon resulting in the Master being injured.
Ten incidents have been reported from the Philippine islands – down from 22 in 2017. Batangas
anchorage accounts for five of these. A general cargo ship was fired upon by suspected militants. The
prompt action of the crew and the Philippine Coast Guard resulted in the vessel being safe – a
crewmember was however injured due to the firing. The alerts broadcasted by the PRC on behalf of the
Philippine authorities provides valuable information to Masters’, CSOs and assisting in the prevention
of successful attacks by the militants.
Since 1991 the IMB PRC’s 24-hour manned centre, has provided the maritime industry, governments
and response agencies with timely and transparent data on piracy and armed robbery incidents –
received directly from the Master of the vessel or its owners. The IMB PRC’s prompt forwarding of
reports and liaison with response agencies, its broadcasts to shipping via Inmarsat Safety Net Services
and email alerts to CSOs, all provided free of cost, has helped the response against piracy and armed
robbery and the security of seafarers, globally.
IMB strongly urges all shipmasters and owners to report all actual, attempted and suspected piracy and
armed robbery incidents to the IMB PRC. This first step in the response chain is vital to ensuring that
adequate resources are allocated by authorities to tackle piracy. Transparent statistics from an
independent, non-political, international organization can act as a catalyst to achieve this goal.
29

NARRATIONS OF ATTACKS
ACTUAL ATTACKS
SOUTH EAST ASIA (EXCLUDING MALACCA STRAITS)
Ref Date Name of Ship Position Narration

Time Type/Flag/Grt/
IMO Number
1. 01.01.2018 Polar Ecuador 14:33.5N – Around seven robbers boarded an
0300 LT Container 120:54.7E, anchored ship, stole ship’s properties
Anchored Liberia Manila South and escaped. The Master reported the
Boarded 43628 Harbour incident to the Port Authorities who
9786774 Anchorage, notified the Coast Guard. A patrol boat
Philippines was dispatched resulting in the robbers
being apprehended and the stolen
properties recovered.
2. 03.01.2018 Name Withheld 01:33.1N – While at anchor, duty watchkeeper
2158 UTC Tanker 104:47.0E, spotted five robbers boarding the ship
Anchored Singapore Around 22nm from the stern. Alarm raised and crew
Boarded 30965 NNE of Tanjung proceeded to the citadel. Later, a search
- Berakit, was carried out and no robbers were
Pulau Bintan, found onboard. Nothing reported
Indonesia stolen.
3. 20.01.2018 Athos 00:15.8S – Two robbers boarded an anchored ship,
2135 UTC Bulk Carrier 117:35.3E, stole ship’s properties and escaped. The
Anchored Barbados Muara Berau theft was noticed by crew on routine
Boarded 32478 Anchorage, rounds. Port control informed.
9761334 Samarinda,
Indonesia
4. 18.02.2018 Name Withheld 01:09.7N – During routine rounds onboard an
1900 UTC Tug 103:56.4E, anchored offshore tug, the bosun
Anchored Norway Around 3nm reported the lock to the engine room
Boarded 7473 West of Batu hatch broken. Investigations revealed
- Ampar Port, several foot prints on the aft deck and a
Batam, large number of spare parts missing.
Indonesia
5. 03.03.2018 Alerce N 06:02.9S – Duty Motorman onboard an anchored
1545 UTC Bulk Carrier 106:53.4E, ship noticed two robbers on the aft deck
Anchored Chile Tanjung Priok and raised the alarm. Seeing the alerted
Boarded 17979 Anchorage, crew, the robbers escaped in a waiting
9250323 Jakarta, boat. On searching the ship nothing
Indonesia reported stolen.
6. 07.03.2018 La Solognais 00:15.1S – Unnoticed robbers boarded an anchored
2110 UTC Bulk Carrier 117:37.7E, ship, stole two mooring ropes and
Anchored Malta Muara Berau escaped. The theft was noticed during
Boarded 24725 Anchorage, routine rounds.
9733258 Samarinda,
Indonesia
7. 20.03.2018 GH Rich Wall 03:42.6S – Around six robbers armed with knives
1530 UTC Bulk Carrier 114:28.2E, boarded an anchored ship. Duty crew
Anchored Marshall Islands noticed the robbers and informed the
30

Boarded 36291 Taboneo D/O. Alarm raised, crew mustered and

9735804 Anchorage, port control notified. Seeing the alerted
Indonesia crew, the robbers escaped empty
handed.
8. 27.03.2018 Captain Vangelis L 00:16.5S – Four robbers in a small boat approached
2230 UTC Bulk Carrier 117:41.5E, an anchored ship. Two robbers boarded
Anchored Liberia Muara Berau while the remaining two stayed in the
Boarded 88420 Anchorage, boat. Duty crew on routine rounds
9450868 Samarinda, noticed the robbers and immediately
Indonesia raised the alarm. Seeing the alerted
crew, the robbers escaped empty
handed.
9. 04.04.2018 Name Withheld 00:15.41S – The crew of an anchored ship spotted a
2005 UTC Bulk Carrier 117:34.18E, boat nearby the ship. OOW was
Anchored Singapore Muara Berau informed and general alarm raised. On
Boarded 34769 Anchorage, searching the ship, some ship’s stores
- Samarinda, items were found missing. It is
Indonesia suspected that the robbers got onboard
and breached the ship via the anchor
chain through the hawse pipe and
removed the razor wires and hawse pipe
cover. All crew are safe.
10. 10.04.2018 Dian Pacific Off Batam, Unnoticed, robbers boarded the barge,
1900 UTC Offshore Tug Indonesia stole its properties and escaped. The
Steaming Indonesia theft was noticed during routine rounds.
Boarded 573
9564841
Limin 2803
Barge
Indonesia
2523
-
11. 18.04.2018 PPS Luck 00:15.29S – Unnoticed, robbers boarded an
1800 - 2200 Bulk Carrier 117:36.70E, anchored ship, stole ship store’s and
UTC Singapore Muara Berau escaped. The theft was discovered
Anchored 30811 Anchorage, during routine rounds.
Boarded 9407524 Samarinda,
Indonesia
12. 21.04.2018 Katerina 01:15.9N – Duty crew onboard the ship underway
1545 UTC Bulk Carrier 104:08.6E, noticed unauthorized persons in the
Steaming Cyprus Around 4.7nm engine room and raised the alarm.
Boarded 40002 NE of Nongsa, Hearing the alarm the persons escaped.
9256884 Pulau Batam, On searching the ship nothing reported
Indonesia stolen.
13. 28.04.2018 Apollo Troth 00:14.9S – Duty AB on routine rounds onboard an
1430 UTC General Cargo 117:32.7E, anchored ship was threatened by four
Anchored Panama Muara Berau robbers armed with knives. The AB
Boarded 6925 Anchorage, managed to escape and raised the alarm.
9550931 Samarinda, Seeing the alerted crew the robbers
Indonesia escaped in two boats. Nothing reported
stolen.
14. 28.04.2018 Kirana Tritya 05:30.13S – While at anchor, DO noticed a fishing
2000 UTC Product Tanker 105:18.13E, boat approaching the tanker. DO
Anchored Singapore ordered the duty AB to check the
31

Boarded 13203 Panjang fishing boat’s activity. The AB noticed

9279678 Anchorage, three robbers on board the tanker and
Indonesia notified the DO who raised the alarm
and alerted all crew via the PA
system. Seeing the alerted crew, the
robbers escaped in their boat.
15. 29.04.2018 Bigroll Beaufort 01:24.7N – Unnoticed, robbers boarded an
1600 – 2300 Heavy Lift Vessel 104:46.8E, anchored ship. While carrying out
UTC Netherlands Around 16nm routine deck work the next day, the
Anchored 23134 NE of Tanjung Bosun noticed that the paint store
Boarded 9766841 Berakit, padlock was broken and the door left
Pulau Bintan, opened. Further investigation showed
Indonesia that the padlocks to the Garbage room,
Oxygen locker, Acetylene locker and
the Bunker station were also broken
into and the doors left open. On
investigating nothing reported stolen.
16. 05.05.2018 Erik Spirit 01:27.4N – Unnoticed, robbers boarded an
0800 UTC Tanker 104:36.3E, anchored tanker, stole ship’s properties
Anchored Bahamas Around 12nm and escaped. The theft was noticed
Boarded 62929 NNE of Tanjung during routine emergency drill.
9292515 Berakit,
Bintan Island,
Indonesia
17. 15.05.2018 Kirana Santya 01:06.25N – Unnoticed, robbers boarded an
2045 UTC Product Tanker 104:11.17E, anchored tanker, stole ship’s properties
Anchored Singapore Tanjung Uban and escaped. The theft was noticed
Boarded 13201 Anchorage, during routine rounds.
9667277 Indonesia
18. 18.05.2018 Front Ull 01:10.0N – Six robbers boarded the tanker
1801 UTC Tanker 103:27.0E, underway. Duty Engineer noticed the
Steaming Marshall Islands Around 2.5nm robbers, informed the Master who
Boarded 81670 ENE of Pulau raised the alarm. Seeing the crew
9600932 Karimun Kecil, alertness, the robbers escaped empty
Indonesia handed.
19. 18.05.2018 Wangaratta 05:32.0S – Five robbers armed with knives
1935 UTC Bulk Carrier 105:18.8E, boarded an anchored ship using a rope.
Anchored Panama Tarahan They took hostage the duty AB, tied
Boarded 43012 Anchorage, him up and threatened him with knives.
9461166 Indonesia The robbers stole ship’s properties and
engine spares and escaped. The AB
managed to free himself and raised the
alarm. OOW sounded the ship’s horn
and crew mustered. A search was
carried out throughout the ship.
20. 19.05.2018 Budget 19 01:12N – Robbers in six boats boarded the
0700 UTC Tug 103:34E, unmanned barge under tow. They stole
Steaming Malaysia Singapore the barge cargo of scrap metal and
Boarded 140 Straits escaped. Incident reported to the
9515369 Singapore Marine Police.
Budget 29
Barge
Malaysia
2127
32

-
21. 19.05.2018 Clover Colossus 05:52.3S – Three robbers armed with knives,
1925 UTC Bulk Carrier 106:04.8E, boarded an anchored ship and
Anchored Singapore Merak threatened the Duty AB on routine
Boarded 31545 Anchorage, rounds. The robbers entered the engine
9748758 Indonesia room, stole ship’s spares and escaped.
22. 31.05.2018 Lee Bo 02:18.2N – Fourteen armed persons boarded the
1900 UTC Product Tanker 104:15.7E, tanker underway. After realising the
Steaming Mongolia Around 6.6nm tanker was in ballast the armed persons
Boarded 881 East of Pulau stole crew personal belongings and
9230397 Tinggi, disembarked. The Malaysian Maritime
Mersing, Enforcement Agency (MMEA)
Johor, received information of the incident and
Malaysia deployed assets, which spotted a tanker
drifting suspiciously. A special forces
team from the MMEA boarded the
suspected tanker and detained the 14
persons onboard, after finding weapons
and the stolen items belonging to the
tanker attacked earlier. In collaboration
with the Indonesian Enforcement
Authorities, two suspects were later
arrested.
23. 03.07.2018 Sung Fatt 31 01:12N – Ten robbers in small boats approached
0510 UTC Tug 103:33E, and boarded a barge being towed by the
Steaming Malaysia 3.6nm SSW of tug. The crew contacted VTIS
Boarded 133 Singapore Singapore and a police boat was
8984446 Island, dispatched to the location. As the
Singapore robbers saw the police boat
Straits approaching they escaped from the
barge. Once the police boat had left the
location they re-embarked and stole the
cargo being carried by the barge.
24. 05.07.2018 Innovator 13:45.44N – During routine rounds, duty crew
1640 UTC LNG Tanker 121:00.82E, onboard an anchored tanker noticed an
Anchored Isle of Man Batangas unauthorized person on the forecastle
Boarded 93498 Anchorage, deck. He immediately informed the
9238040 Philippines duty officer. Alarm raised, crew
mustered and a search was carried out.
Upon checking, ship’s stores were
reported as missing. No other
unauthorized persons found onboard.
Incident reported to local Authorities.
25. 10.07.2018 Maersk Cancun Sandakan Port, Unnoticed robbers boarded the berthed
0600 UTC Product Tanker Sabah, tanker, stole ship’s properties and
Berthed Singapore Malaysia escaped. The theft was noticed by the
Boarded 29816 duty crew on routine rounds. Incident
9786138 reported to the local agent who
informed the port police and PFSO.
Local police boarded the tanker for
investigation.
26. 20.07.2018 Capt Stefanos 00:17.3S – Duty officer onboard an anchored ship
2220 UTC Bulk Carrier 117:40.6E, noticed suspicious movement on the
Anchored Bahamas Muara Berau forecastle deck and raised the alarm.
Boarded 39035 Anchorage, The crew rushed forward and noticed a
33

9227194 Samarinda, small boat with four persons onboard

Indonesia moving away from the ship’s side with
stolen ship's stores.
27. 31.07.2018 Achilleas S 00:14.2S – During security rounds, duty personnel
1915 UTC Bulk Carrier 117:33.7E, onboard the anchored ship noticed five
Anchored Liberia Muara Berau robbers on the forecastle deck armed
Boarded 32839 Anchorage, with knives and immediately informed
9490789 Samarinda, OOW. Alarm raised. Seeing the alerted
Indonesia crew approach the forecastle deck, the
robbers escaped with stolen ship’s
stores.
28. 02.08.2018 SFL Tyne 06:02.2S – Unnoticed, robbers boarded an
2000 UTC Bulk Carrier 106:53.4 E, anchored ship, stole engine spares and
Anchored Hong Kong Tanjung Priok escaped. The theft was noticed during
Boarded 19998 Anchorage, routine rounds and a search throughout
9594535 Jakarta, the ship was carried out.
Indonesia
29. 04.08.2018 Tesai 03:24.5N – Five robbers armed with knives and
1500 UTC Tanker 112:54.5E, handgun boarded the tanker underway.
Steaming Malaysia Around 11nm After realising the tanker was in ballast,
Boarded 187 NW of Tanjung the robbers stole crew personal
- Kidurong, belongings and disembarked. Incident
Bintulu, reported to local police.
Sarawak,
Malaysia
30. 10.08.2018 Ever Alpha Off Tambisan Several persons in speed boats boarded
1000 UTC Tug Island, the tug towing a barge underway. The
Steaming Malaysia NE of Sabah, Crew locked all access into the tug and
Boarded 272 Malaysia contacted the local authorities who
9552757 dispatched a security boat. Due to the
hardening of the tug the persons were
unable to enter the accommodation and
escaped when they noticed the security
boat approaching. The tug continued
her voyage to the next port. Crew
reported safe.
31. 10.09.2018 Dwi Jaya 1 04:40.36N – Two armed persons in a speed boat
1800 UTC Fishing Vessel 118:43.12E, approached and boarded the fishing
Steaming - Around 3nm vessel and kidnapped two crew. The
Boarded - NNW of Pulau remaining crew managed to retreat to a
- Gaya, safe location. Once the armed persons
Semporna, left the vessel, the remaining crew
Sabah, sailed the vessel to a safe port. Incident
Malaysia reported to the local police.
Investigations on going.
32. 10.09.2018 NCC Haiel Jetty No.2, Duty AB, on routine rounds, onboard
2030 UTC Product Tanker Tarahan Port, the berthed tanker noticed two robbers
Berthed Saudi Arabia Indonesia on deck and raised the alarm. Seeing the
Boarded 29575 alerted crew, the robbers escaped empty
9335068 handed.
33. 11.09.2018 Hako 05:48.5N – A robber boarded the berthed ship via
2015 UTC Bulk Carrier 118:04.9E, the anchor chain. Alert duty crew
Berthed Malta Sandakan Port, stationed on the forecastle deck spotted
Boarded 35873 Sabah, the robber and immediately notified the
9691814 Malaysia Master and D/O. Alarm raised and the
34

crew made their way to the forward

deck to investigate. Hearing the alerted
crew, the robber escaped with his
accomplices in their speed boat.
Incident reported to local authority.
34. 18.09.2018 Pindos 00:14.2S – Robbers armed with knives boarded an
1915 UTC Bulk Carrier 117:34.9E, anchored ship twice in three hours. On
Anchored Barbados Muara Berau both occasions, the duty watchman
Boarded 32478 Anchorage, noticed the robbers on the forecastle
9761322 Samarinda, deck and raised the alarm resulting in
Indonesia the robbers escaping with stolen ship's
stores.
35. 18.09.2018 Maregas 01:14.7N – Three robbers armed with knives
2045 UTC LPG Tanker 103:57.5E, boarded the tanker underway. They
Steaming Panama Singapore confronted and injured a duty crew and
Boarded 4200 Straits stole his personal belongings. Alarm
9007087 raised, and crew mustered resulting in
the robbers escaping. Incident reported
to Singapore VTIS.
36. 26.09.2018 Ocean Rover 01:20.02N – Two men armed with swords boarded
0330 UTC Drilling Rig 104:14.81E, the vessel and robbed two onboard
Anchored Marshall Islands Around 1.5nm security guards. The robbers tied up the
Boarded 18871 SE of Tanjung security guards and managed to rob
8753225 Bulat, personnel items and communications
Johor, equipment before departing the vessel.
Malaysia The security guards were released by
shore based staff after a few hours after
they failed to radio in.
37. 03.10.2018 NA 10:19.48N – Three robbers armed with a rifle and
1300 UTC Fishing Vessel 122:51.00E, pistols boarded the fishing boat and
Steaming Philippines Around 0.29nm stole the fishing catch and valuables.
Boarded - West of Negros The skipper notified the local
- Island, authorities and two patrol vessels were
Philippines dispatched to search for the robber’s
boat. The Coast Guard also warned all
fishing boats in the area to be cautious
and lookout for and report any
suspicious boats or activity to the local
authorities.
38. 17.10.2018 Super Caroline 00:15.0S – Two robbers armed with a knife
1730 - 1830 Bulk Carrier 117:35.8E, boarded an anchored ship. Duty AB
UTC Marshall Islands Muara Berau noticed the robbers on the forecastle
Anchored 21192 Anchorage, deck and immediately informed the
Boarded 9316983 Samarinda, D/O. Alarm raised. Crew mustered and
Indonesia proceeded to the forward deck to
investigate. On conducting a search,
ship’s stores were reported stolen.
Incident reported to local authorities.
39. 20.10.2018 Searacer Tabangao During routine rounds, duty crew
1700 UTC Tanker Anchorage, onboard an anchored tanker noticed two
Anchored Malta Batangas, robbers armed with knives on the
Boarded 84598 Philippines forecastle deck. Duty officer notified,
9227443 alarm raised and crew mustered. Seeing
the crew alertness, the robbers escaped.
35

On conducting a search, ship's

properties were reported stolen.
40. 24.10.2018 Lotus Gas JG Summit Robbers in a small bamboo boat
1400 UTC LPG Tanker Terminal Jetty approached the berthed tanker during
Berthed Panama 1, cargo operations. One robber managed
Boarded 45811 Batangas, to board the tanker. Duty crew spotted
9405887 Philippines the robber and raised the alarm resulting
in the robber escaping. Crew directed
flashlights towards the boat as it moved
away. A search was carried out and
ship’s properties were reported stolen.
41. 31.10.2018 Name Withheld 05:53.2S – Unnoticed, robbers managed to board
1900 UTC Product Tanker 105:59.7E, an anchored tanker, stole engine spare’s
Anchored Singapore Merak and escaped. The theft was noticed
Boarded 43188 Anchorage, during routine rounds when the ship’s
- Indonesia crew noticed the store room door was
opened and engine spares were missing.
42. 03.11.2018 Northern Defender 13:43.38N – Duty watchman onboard an anchored
1720 UTC Container 121:02.39E, ship noticed two robbers on deck and
Anchored Liberia Tabangao notified the Second Officer. Alarm
Boarded 35975 Anchorage, raised, PA announcement made and all
9329643 Batangas, crew mustered. Seeing the crew
Philippines alertness, the robbers escaped with
stolen ship’s properties. Coast Guard
was immediately notified via VHF.
They arrived at the location and
managed to apprehend the robbers and
recover the stolen items.
43. 04.11.2018 TN Sunrise 00:56.5N – Five robbers armed with knives
2035 UTC Bulk Carrier 105:06.8E, boarded the ship underway. They
Steaming Marshall Islands Around 11nm threatened the Master, stole his personal
Boarded 34349 East of Pulau effects and money from the ship’s safe
9729348 Merapas, and escaped. SSAS activated. Incident
Indonesia reported to local authority.
44. 03.12.2018 Eco Lucidity 05:52.1S – Three robbers armed with guns and
1900 UTC LPG Tanker 106:04.7E, knives boarded an anchored tanker. The
Anchored Marshall Islands Merak robbers took hostage two crew
Boarded 3992 Anchorage, members and tied them up. They then
9733624 Indonesia entered the engine room, stole engine
spare parts and escaped.
45. 05.12.2018 SN 259/4/F Off The owner of the fishing trawler lost
1200 UTC Fishing Vessel Kinabatangan, contact with the crew and notified the
Steaming Malaysia Sabah, police. A search was carried out and the
Boarded - Malaysia fishing trawler was found drifting
- without any crew. Authorities are
investigating the disappearance of the
crew who are believed to have been
kidnapped.
46. 09.12.2018 Navios Amarillo 06:00S – Duty watchman onboard an anchored
1916 UTC Container 106:54E, ship noticed three robbers on the aft
Anchored Marshall Islands Tanjong Priok deck and notified the OOW. Alarm
Boarded 39906 Anchorage Area raised, announcement on PA system
9324849 “ECHO”, made and all crew mustered on the
Indonesia bridge. Master contacted the pilot
station and agents. Authorities boarded
36

the ship to render assistance and

investigate.
EAST ASIA

Time Type/Flag/Grt/
IMO Number
1. 01.01.2018 Alentejo 20:57.08N – A robber boarded an anchored ship
0030 UTC Bulk Carrier 107:19.33E, during cargo operations and escaped
Anchored Singapore Cam Pha with stolen ship’s properties. The theft
Boarded 24166 Loading was noticed by crew during routine
9626118 Anchorage, rounds.
Vietnam
2. 31.01.2018 Globe Explorer 10:39.0N – Two robbers armed with knives
1910 UTC Bulk Carrier 107:00.9E, boarded an anchored ship. They took
Anchored Panama Godau Port, hostage the Bosun, threatened and
Boarded 17027 Vietnam injured him with a knife and then tied
9675561 him up. The Bosun managed to free
himself and informed the Master who
then raised the alarm and crew
mustered. A search was carried out and
ship’s stores were reported missing.
Incident reported to Port Authorities
who boarded the ship for investigation.
The Bosun was sent ashore for medical
treatment.
3. 03.10.2018 Mount Apo 38:49.2N – During morning routine rounds onboard
2330 UTC Bulk Carrier 118:14.5E, an anchored ship, the Master noticed a
Anchored Liberia Tianjin diesel oil tank manhole opened and
Boarded 91792 Anchorage, traces of oil leading towards the
9493755 China shipside. Investigations indicated that
robbers had boarded the ship and stole
oil from the tank and escaped
unnoticed.
4. 17.10.2018 Alpha Bulker 20:53.4N – Unnoticed, robbers pretending to be
0001 UTC Bulk Carrier 107:16.8E, stevedores, boarded an anchored ship
Anchored Panama Campha during cargo operations, stole ship’s
Boarded 19885 Anchorage, stores and escaped. The theft was
9336763 Vietnam noticed during routine rounds after
departure. Incident reported to local
agent.
5. 09.12.2018 Glovis Maple 20:55.12N – During routine rounds, duty crew
2310 UTC Bulk Carrier 107:17.41E, onboard the anchored ship noticed
Anchored Bahamas Campha robbers armed with knives and bamboo
Boarded 32545 Anchorage, stick on the forward deck. Duty officer
9607019 Vietnam notified, alarm raised and crew
mustered. Seeing the crew alertness, the
robbers escaped in a wooden boat.
Upon investigation, ship’s stores were
reported stolen. Local agents and
authorities informed.
37

INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT

Time Type/Flag/Grt/
IMO Number
1. 07.01.2018 ASL Scorpio 21:12.60N – Three robbers boarded a tanker under
0738 UTC Tug 072:12.79E, tow by a tug. Alarm raised and crew
Steaming Singapore 11nm South of mustered. Seeing the crew alertness, the
Boarded 1730 Alang, robbers escaped with ship’s stores and
9422952 Gujarat, engine spares. Incident was reported to
India Indian Coast Guard. The three robbers
Ship Ocean I were later arrested by the marine police
Chemical Tanker and the stolen items recovered.
Tuvalu
19081
8916243
2. 26.01.2018 Baltic Panther 22:10N – During routine rounds, duty AB found
2200 UTC Bulk Carrier 091:42E, three lub-oil drums on deck and
Anchored Marshall Islands Chittagong B suspecting something amiss, informed
Boarded 31117 Anchorage, the D/O who alerted the Master and
9387346 Bangladesh Chief Engineer. On investigating the
shore watchmen admitted to have
drained the lub-oil from the anchor
windlass feed tank into the
drums. Local agents informed.
3. 30.01.2018 Port Hainan 21:48N – Five robbers armed with knives
2200 UTC Bulk Carrier 091:48E, boarded an anchored ship. They
Anchored Hong Kong Kutubdia threatened the Duty AB, who managed
Boarded 33036 Anchorage, to escape and raise the alarm. Seeing the
9456422 Bangladesh alerted crew, the robbers escaped with
stolen ship’s stores. The incident was
reported to Bangladesh Coast Guard
who boarded the ship for investigation.
Later, the Coast Guard managed to
recover the stolen stores and delivered
them to the ship.
4. 06.02.2018 BBC Amber 22:08.6N – Four robbers armed with guns boarded
1715 UTC General Cargo 091:44.0E, an anchored ship and threatened the
Anchored Antigua and Chittagong duty watchman who managed to
Boarded Barbuda Anchorage C, escape. Alarm raised, PA
12838 Bangladesh announcement made and crew
9563706 mustered. Seeing the crew alertness, the
stores. Incident reported to the Coast
Guard.
5. 12.04.2018 Bertina 22:12.86N – Three robbers in small boat boarded an
1635 UTC Product Tanker 091:44.54E, anchored tanker. Alarm raised and crew
Anchored Bahamas Chittagong mustered. The robbers armed with an
Boarded 8545 Anchorage, iron rod, injured the local watch keeper,
9352133 Bangladesh stole ship’s properties and escaped.
Incident reported to Bangladesh Coast
Guard who dispatched a patrol boat to
search the area.
6. 17.04.2018 IDM Doodle 22:11.3N – Six robbers in a black boat tried to
1915 UTC General Cargo 091:42.1E, board an anchored ship from astern.
38

Anchored Panama Chittagong The crew noticed the robbers and raised
Boarded 9992 Anchorage, the alarm. One robber managed to
9112557 Bangladesh board the ship and threatened the crew
by showing a knife. Hearing the alarm
and seeing the alerted crew, the robber
escaped without stealing anything. All
crew reported safe.
7. 03.07.2018 Medi Firenze 22:19.45N – Eight robbers armed with knives
2200 UTC Bulk Carrier 091:43.67E, boarded an anchored ship using ropes
Anchored Hong Kong Chittagong attached to hooks. The robbers took
Boarded 32379 Anchorage, hostage and tied up the deck watchman,
9386407 Bangladesh stole the aft mooring ropes and escaped.
Incident reported to local agent.
8. 19.07.2018 Ocean Nhava 22:02.8N – Unnoticed robbers boarded an anchored
1700 UTC Sheva 091:46.5E, ship, stole three mooring ropes and
Anchored Container Chittagong escaped. On noticing the theft, the crew
Boarded Panama Outer notified the Bangladesh Coast Guard
17280 Anchorage, who dispatched a patrol boat to the
9470765 Bangladesh location. They searched the waters
around the area and were able to
identify the robber's boat and recover
the stolen mooring ropes, which were
returned to the ship.
9. 02.08.2018 Name Withheld 22:01N – Six robbers in a small boat boarded the
1730 UTC Tanker 091:46E, anchored tanker using a hook attached
Anchored Marshall Islands Off Kutubdia with a rope. They stole ship’s stores
Boarded 60007 Anchorage, and properties and escaped. The
- Bangladesh incident was reported to the Bangladesh
Coast Guard who searched the area.
10. 10.08.2018 Stargate 21:41.60N – Duty crew onboard an anchored ship
2055 UTC Bulk Carrier 088:01.35E, noticed six robbers stealing the mooring
Anchored Liberia Sagar Inner ropes and raised the alarm. Seeing the
Berthed 17025 Anchorage, alerted crew, the robbers escaped with
9493212 India stolen ship’s stores. Incident reported to
local authority.
11. 16.08.2018 MCC Ningbo 22:06.7N – Unnoticed, four robbers boarded an
1935 UTC Container 091:44.7E, anchored ship and escaped with stolen
Anchored Hong Kong Chittagong ship’s stores. The theft was noticed
Boarded 31649 Outer during routine rounds. Incident reported
9761011 Anchorage, to Chittagong Port Control.
Bangladesh
12. 16.08.2018 West Scent 22:12.02N – During anchoring operations, Master
2105 UTC Container 091:44.20E, and Second Officer noticed three
Anchored St Vincent and Chittagong robbers on the poop deck. Alarm raised
Boarded Grenadines Outer and crew mustered. Second Officer
11875 Anchorage, proceeded to the poop deck and was
9132703 Bangladesh threatened with a knife. Seeing the
remaining crew approach, the robbers
escaped with stolen ship’s stores. Port
Control and Coast Guard informed via
VHF.
13. 10.10.2018 Berlian Ekuator 22:48.1N – Unnoticed, robbers boarded an
1730 UTC LPG Tanker 069:59.3E, anchored tanker, stole ship’s stores and
Anchored Panama Deendayal escaped. The theft was noticed by ship's
Boarded 22209 Anchorage,
39

9265548 Kandla, crew during routine stowaway search.

India Incident reported to Port Control.
14. 11.10.2018 Gas Odyssey 22:49N – Duty crew onboard an anchored tanker
0230 UTC LPG Tanker 070:02E, noticed several footprints on the main
Anchored Liberia Kandla deck. Upon checking, several ship’s
Boarded 9160 Anchorage, properties were found missing. Incident
9545211 India reported to local authorities.
15. 17.11.2018 Name Withheld 17:02.4N – Unnoticed, robbers boarded an
2215 UTC Product Tanker 082:26.1E, anchored tanker, stole ship’s stores and
Anchored Marshall Islands Kakinada escaped. The theft was noticed during
Boarded 29708 Anchorage, routine rounds. Port control and agents
- India informed.
AMERICAS

Time Type/Flag/Grt/
IMO Number
1. 11.01.2018 Name Withheld 18:34.34N – Unnoticed a robber boarded an
0800 UTC Asphalt Tanker 072:22.87W, anchored tanker, stole ship’s properties
Anchored Marshall Islands Port Au and escaped. The theft was discovered
Boarded 6457 Prince by duty crew during routine rounds.
- Anchorage,
Haiti
2. 27.01.2018 CMB 12:01.67S – Three robbers armed with knives in a
0550 UTC Yasmine 077:12.10W, boat boarded an anchored ship. They
Anchored Bulk Carrier Callao tied up one crew in the forward store.
Boarded Hong Kong Anchorage, Alarm raised and crew mustered. The
23432 Peru robbers escaped with stolen ship’s
9474242 stores and crew personal belongings. A
search was carried out. Incident reported
to Port Authorities and the local agents.
3. 27.01.2018 Silver Ervilia 18:34N – Unnoticed robbers boarded an anchored
1255 UTC Product Tanker 072:24W, tanker, stole two mooring ropes and a
Anchored Marshall Islands Port Au Prince messenger rope and escaped. The theft
Boarded 29375 Inner was noticed during routine rounds.
9718404 Anchorage, Local Authorities notified.
Haiti
4. 31.01.2018 Stenaweco Caterina 10:16.5N – Seven robbers armed with knives
0050 UTC Corrado 064:42.3W, boarded an anchored tanker and took
Anchored Chemical Tanker Puerto La Cruz hostage the duty AB on routine rounds.
Boarded Bahamas Anchorage, They threatened him with a knife, tied
29846 Venezuela him up to the windlass rail and stole his
9688427 safety shoes and portable UHF radio.
Another crew near the accommodation
noticed the robbers and raised the alarm.
Crew mustered and a search was carried
out and the duty AB was released. The
paint store was found broken into and
ship’s stores stolen. Attempts to contact
the port control were futile.
5. 06.02.2018 Emerald Spirit 10:10.6N – Four robbers boarded an anchored
0212 UTC Tanker 064:47.7W, tanker. Duty AB on routine rounds
40

Anchored Bahamas Puerto Jose noticed the robbers and immediately

Boarded 60185 Anchorage, notified the D/O, who raised the alarm
9422005 Venezuela and crew mustered. Seeing the alerted
crew, the robbers escaped in a small
boat with stolen ship’s properties.
Incident reported to Port Authorities.
6. 15.02.2018 Rio Apure 10:14.2N – Three robbers armed with knives
0112 UTC Tanker 064:44.2W, boarded an anchored tanker. Duty AB
Anchored Marshall Puerto La on routine rounds saw the robbers and
Boarded Islands Cruz notified the D/O. The robbers threatened
81384 Anchorage, the AB. Alarm raised and crew
9589748 Venezuela mustered. Seeing the alerted crew, the
stores. Incident reported to the Puerto
La Cruz VTS. A Coast Guard patrol
boat was dispatched to investigate.
7. 15.02.2018 Name Withheld Macapa The D/O onboard an anchored ship
0525 UTC Bulk Carrier Anchorage, noticed the forecastle door open and
Anchored Liberia Brazil robbers on the forward deck. Alarm
Boarded 44200 raised and crew mustered. Seeing the
- alerted crew, the robbers escaped. On
searching the ship, ship’s stores were
reported stolen. Port Authority notified
via local agent.
8. 22.02.2018 Maersk Maya 18:34.15N – Duty AB on routine rounds onboard an
0525 UTC Product Tanker 072:24.29W, anchored tanker noticed robbers armed
Anchored Singapore Port Au Prince with guns on the forecastle deck. Alarm
Boarded 26900 ‘H’ Anchorage, raised and crew mustered. Seeing the
9367750 Haiti alerted crew, one of the robbers fired a
warning shot and escaped. Crew and the
tanker reported safe. Incident reported
to Port Authorities.
9. 25.02.2018 Celina Star 02:21.3S – Duty AB on routine rounds onboard an
0842 UTC Container 079:59.7W, anchored ship was confronted by five
Anchored Liberia Guayaquil robbers on the aft deck. One robber,
Boarded 37113 Inner with a gun was seen near the entrance to
9210086 Anchorage, the steering gear room. The AB
Ecuador immediately retreated and informed the
Duty Officer. Alarm raised and port
control notified. A coast guard boat was
sent to the ship. All crew safe. Nothing
reported stolen.
10. 15.03.2018 Eco Splendor 12:01.8S – Four robbers armed with knives boarded
0530 UTC Bulk Carrier 077:11.2W, an anchored ship. Alarm raised and
Anchored Hong Kong Callao crew mustered. The robbers escaped
Boarded 23749 Anchorage, with stolen ship’s stores. A search was
9659189 Peru carried out. Incident reported to the
local agents.
11. 24.03.2018 Silver Point 10:17.0N – Robbers armed with guns boarded an
0142 UTC Product Tanker 064:42.5W, anchored tanker. Duty crew on routine
Anchored Malta Puerto La Cruz rounds noticed the robbers on the
Boarded 29717 Anchorage, forecastle deck and immediately raised
9510462 Venezuela the alarm. Seeing the alerted crew, two
robbers were seen escaping. On
conducting a search, the forecastle store
41

padlock was reported broken and ship’s

properties stolen. Port Control notified
via Vhf Ch. 16/13. The Coast Guard
later dispatched a vessel to search the
anchorage waters around the vessel.
12. 04.04.2018 Name Withheld 00:03.88N – Two robbers armed with long knives
0650 UTC Bulk Carrier 050:58.34W, boarded an anchored ship. Duty AB
Anchored Marshall Islands Around 6nm noticed the robbers and immediately
Boarded 41725 NE of Macapa informed D/O who raised the alarm,
- Port, sounded the ship’s whistle and alerted
Brazil the crew on the PA system. Seeing the
alerted crew, the two robbers escaped in
their speed boat. On searching the ship,
nothing reported stolen.
13. 05.05.2018 Nord Seoul 12:01.4S – Three robbers in a wooden boat with an
0530 UTC Bulk Carrier 077:10.7W, outboard engine approached and
Anchored Singapore Callao boarded an anchored ship using a hook
Boarded 22683 Anchorage, attached to a rope. Duty lookout noticed
9544736 Peru the robbers, raised the alarm and crew
mustered. OOW sounded the ship’s
whistle and notified the Port
Authorities. Seeing the crew alertness,
the robbers escaped with stolen ship’s
stores.
14. 01.07.2018 Green Magic 06:59.0N – Unnoticed an anchored ship was
0500 UTC Refrigerated Cargo 058:02.0W, boarded by robbers who stole ship’s
Anchored Ship Georgetown stores and escaped. The theft was
Boarded Bahamas Outer noticed during routine rounds. Incident
5103 Anchorage, reported to local agent.
8822583 Guyana
15. 25.07.2018 Maersk Matsuyama 10:19.3N – Duty officer onboard an anchored
0735 UTC Product Tanker 075:31.7W, tanker noticed the locking device on the
Anchored Panama Mamonal forward store cut and ship's stores
Boarded 26911 Anchorage, missing. On investigating, it was
9367736 Colombia noticed that the robbers had gained
access via the anchor chain. Incident
reported to the local agent who informed
the local police.
16. 26.07.2018 Toronto Trader Georgetown Unnoticed robbers boarded the berthed
0500 UTC Container Port, ship, stole ship’s stores and escaped.
Berthed Singapore Guyana The theft was noticed during routine
Boarded 9932 rounds. Incident reported to port
9675822 control.
17. 05.08.2018 Jumeirah Beach 00:04.0N – Unnoticed robbers boarded the
0500 UTC Bulk Carrier 050:58.5W, anchored ship, stole ship’s stores and
Anchored Hong Kong Macapa escaped. The theft was noticed during
Boarded 20969 Anchorage, routine rounds. Incident reported to
9642045 Brazil local agent.
18. 12.08.2018 Grande Francia 24:05.9S – Around four robbers boarded an
0622 UTC Ro-Ro Cargo Ship 046:17.4W, anchored ship using a rope attached to a
Anchored Italy Santos hook and started opening the containers
Boarded 56738 Anchorage, on deck. Duty crew noticed the robbers
9246592 Brazil and raised the alarm and notified the
authorities. Hearing the alarm, the
robbers escaped without stealing
42

anything. After berthing, the local

police and customs boarded for
investigation.
19. 25.09.2018 Name Withheld 10:16.4N – Two robbers boarded an anchored
0510 UTC Product Tanker 064:42.8W, tanker. The alert watchkeeper noticed
Anchored Marshall Islands Puerto La Cruz the robbers, raised the alarm and crew
Boarded 29940 Anchorage, mustered. Seeing the alerted crew, the
- Venezuela robbers escaped without stealing
anything. Master contacted the IMB
Piracy Reporting Centre which
immediately relayed the incident
information to the authorities. A coast
guard patrol boat was dispatched and the
officers boarded the tanker for
investigations.
20. 10.10.2018 Elbhoff 10:13N – Duty watchman onboard an anchored
0230 UTC Tanker 064:50W, tanker was overpowered by five robbers
Anchored Hong Kong Puerto Jose armed with large knives. The robbers
Boarded 160462 Anchorage, tied up and threatened to kill the duty
9770646 Venezuela crew if he made any noise. The robbers
then, opened the ship’s store, stole
ship’s properties and the emergency
food supplies from the forward life raft
and escaped. The incident was reported
to local authorities.
21. 24.11.2018 Lyra Leader 12:01.4S – During routine rounds, duty crew
0505 UTC Vehicle Carrier 077:11.3W, onboard the anchored ship noticed a
Anchored Japan Callao masked robber on the forecastle deck
Boarded 62623 Anchorage, and immediately informed the bridge.
9284752 Peru Alarm raised, ship’s whistle sounded
and crew mustered. Port control
informed via VHF. Upon investigation,
22. 01.12.2018 Klara Puerto La Cruz Two robbers boarded the anchored
0630 UTC Product Tanker Anchorage, tanker and attempted to open the
Anchored Panama Venezuela forward store. Duty watch keeper
Boarded 29433 spotted the robbers and raised the alarm.
9405904 Hearing the alerted crew, the robbers
escaped without stealing anything.
Incident reported to local authorities.
23. 14.12.2018 Blackcomb Spirit 10:11.86N – Four robbers were sighted on the
0810 UTC Tanker 064:46.90W, forecastle deck of an anchored tanker.
Anchored Bahamas Puerto Jose The ship's crew later searched the entire
Boarded 60185 Anchorage, tanker. Nothing was reported stolen.
9417335 Venezuela Incident reported to Puerto Jose VTS
through the ship's agent resulting in a
patrol boat responding by carrying out a
check of the surrounding waters.
43

AFRICA (EXCLUDING SOMALIA / GULF OF ADEN / RED SEA)

Time Type/Flag/Grt/
IMO Number
1. 05.01.2018 Meridian Express 06:17.8N – Duty crew onboard a tanker carrying out
0615 UTC Product 003:19.7E, STS operations spotted two robbers near
Anchored Tanker Around 6.24nm the forecastle. Alarm raised and crew
Boarded Panama South of Lagos, mustered. Seeing the crew alertness, the
29289 Nigeria robbers escaped empty handed. Incident
9596272 reported to the Nigerian Navy.
2. 08.01.2018 Mount Express 06:19.15N – Two robbers boarded an anchored
2305 UTC Product Tanker 003:20.35E, tanker engaged in STS operations. Upon
Anchored Liberia Around 5.6nm being noticed by the crew, the robbers
Boarded 23313 SW of Lagos, jumped overboard and escaped. On
9470985 Nigeria searching the tanker, the crew found a
hose near a cargo oil tank and concluded
that the robbers had boarded to steal
cargo. Incident reported to the naval
patrol boat. All crew are safe. No cargo
reported stolen.
3. 10.01.2018 Barrett Cotonou The Owners of an anchored tanker
- Product Anchorage, informed the IMB PRC that they had
Anchored Tanker Benin lost communications with their tanker.
Hijacked Marshall Islands The IMB PRC notified the Nigerian and
8482 Benin navies. A search was carried out.
9351749 On 16 January 2018, owners reported
that the tanker and her crew arrived
safely in Lagos, Nigeria after successful
negotiations with the hijackers.
4. 13.01.2018 Name Withheld Congo A robber, armed with a knife, boarded
1945 UTC Product Tanker Terminal, an anchored tanker via the anchor chain
Berthed Marshall Islands Ango-Ango, and started stealing the ship’s mooring
Boarded 30095 Democratic ropes. Noticing the Chief Officer on the
- Republic of forecastle deck, the robber threatened
Congo him with the knife. As the Chief Officer
retreated to the accommodation he
raised the alarm. Seeing the alerted
crew, the robber escaped with stolen
ship’s stores.
5. 27.01.2018 Atlantic Crown 06:18.23N – Duty AB onboard an anchored tanker
0001 UTC Product Tanker 003:20.11E, noticed some suspicious movement on
Anchored Hong Kong Lagos STS the forecastle and immediately informed
Boarded 29266 Anchorage, the D/O who noticed a person hiding
9332169 Nigeria behind the mooring winches. Alarm
raised, PA announcement made, ship’s
horn continuously blown, crew
mustered and a Nigerian Navy patrol
boat notified. The patrol boat arrived
and searched the waters around the
tanker. Crew searched the tanker.
Nothing reported stolen.
6. 31.01.2018 Jennings Bay Lagos Duty AB on routine rounds onboard an
2206 UTC Chemical Tanker Anchorage, anchored tanker noticed two small boats
Anchored Marshall Islands Nigeria tied up to the anchor chain and one
44

Boarded 29735 robber on the forecastle deck. D/O

9717773 notified. Alarm raised and fog horn
sounded. Seeing the alerted crew, the
robber escaped. Nigerian Navy patrol
boat notified. The patrol boat arrived
and searched the waters around the
tanker. Nothing reported stolen.
7. 01.02.2018 Marine Express 06:16N – The IMB PRC received a missing vessel
0748 UTC Product Tanker 002:31E, report from the Owners of an anchored
Anchored Panama Cotonou tanker awaiting berthing instruction.
Hijacked 28054 Anchorage, The Owners reported that they had lost
9403322 Benin contact with their tanker laden with
gasoline. The IMB PRC immediately
notified all the Regional Authorities and
the international warships in the Gulf of
Guinea. A search was carried out. The
IMB PRC broadcast a message to all
ships in the region to look out for the
missing tanker. On 06 Feb 2018, the
Owners confirmed that the tanker was
released. The crew and cargo safe.
8. 02.02.2018 Name Withheld 04:54.4N – Two robbers boarded an anchored
0245 UTC Offshore Supply 001:43.1W, offshore supply ship. Duty watchman
Anchored Ship Takoradi noticed the robbers and raised the alarm,
Boarded Singapore Anchorage, resulting in the robbers escaping with
4566 Ghana stolen ship’s stores. The OOW
- contacted the Naval base via VHF. A
patrol boat was dispatched to the
location.
9. 09.02.2018 Sierra Leyre 03:40N – Heavily armed pirates attacked, fired
0600 UTC Refrigerated Cargo 006:45E, upon and boarded the ship underway. A
Steaming Ship Around 48nm crew member was injured due to the
Boarded Bahamas SSW of Bonny firing. The pirates kidnapped four crew
5100 Island, members, stole ship’s property and cash
9135822 Nigeria and escaped. The remaining crew sailed
the ship to open seas. On 27 Feb 2018,
the four kidnapped crew members were
released.
10. 09.02.2018 Luwen-Yu 2 04:06.0N – Persons armed with AK47 assault rifles
1245 UTC Fishing Vessel 008:51.0E, boarded the fishing vessel, kidnapped
Not Stated China Around 10nm three crew members and escaped.
Boarded - SW of Idenao, Cameroonian Authorities notified.
- Cameroon
11. 17.02.2018 Sea Emperor 06:17.9N – D/O onboard an anchored tanker
2250 UTC Product Tanker 002:30.3E, noticed three armed persons on deck and
Anchored Marshall Islands Cotonou immediately raised the alarm. SSAS
Boarded 8503 Anchorage, activated and all crew retreated to the
9383601 Benin citadel. The CSO notified the IMB PRC
who immediately informed the Benin
Authorities. Three patrol boats were
dispatched to the location. They
searched the waters around the tanker. A
navy team boarded the tanker. On
confirmation from the navy team that
the tanker was clear of pirates, the
45

Master and crew emerged from the

citadel. On investigating, the ship’s
office port hole was damaged due to a
gunshot and other ship’s property found
damaged.
12. 20.02.2018 Green Sky 06:17N – Duty AB onboard an anchored tanker
0145 UTC Product Tanker 003:13E, noticed six robbers boarding and
Anchored Liberia Lagos notified the D/O. Master informed,
Boarded 30263 Anchorage, ship’s horn sounded, alarm raised and
9676515 Nigeria crew mustered in the citadel. The
onboard Safety Advisor established
communication with the Nigerian Navy
patrol boat in the secure anchorage area
and requested for immediate assistance.
Upon hearing the alarm, the robbers
escaped in their small black skiff. The
patrol boat proceeded towards the
tanker and tried to chase the speed boat.
The crew emerged from the citadel.
Upon investigation, the ullage caps of
some oil tanks were found opened.
13. 26.02.2018 ST Marseille 06:16.31N – Five armed persons approached an
2330 UTC Product Tanker 002:29.24E, anchored tanker in a speed boat. As they
Anchored Luxembourg Cotonou boarded the tanker, they commenced
Boarded 5218 Anchorage, firing and injured one of the Benin navy
9367358 Benin guards onboard the tanker. All crew
except the D/O on the bridge retreated
into the citadel. As the armed persons
made their way to the bridge, they fired
upon and injured another Navy
Guard. They took hostage the D/O and
demanded that the Master, Chief Officer
and Chief Engineer come to the bridge.
The armed persons then instructed the
Master to heave up anchor but when
they were told that the tanker was in
ballast, they stole crew properties,
kidnapped the Master and one engineer
and escaped using the rescue boat. The
Benin Navy was notified to medivac the
injured guards. Once the armed persons
were safely ashore they released the
Master and engineer who made contact
with the local police and later re-joined
their tanker.
14. 02.03.2018 Pamyat Kirova Berth No. 14, Eight robbers boarded the berthed ship,
0540 UTC Refrigerated Cargo Lagos Port, stole ship's stores and escaped. The theft
Berthed Ship Nigeria was noticed during routine rounds.
Boarded Russia Incident reported to local agent.
12403
8701040
15. 06.03.2018 Scot Munchen 04:05N – Pirates, armed with guns, boarded the
1000 UTC Product Tanker 006:57E, tanker approaching Bonny Fairway
Steaming Malta Buoy. Alarm raised, SSAS activated
46

Boarded 5145 Around 21nm and all crew mustered in the citadel.
9255816 SW of Bonny Nigerian Navy notified and patrol boats
Island, were immediately deployed to assist the
Nigeria tanker. As all crew were secure in the
citadel, the pirates were unable to take
any hostages. Before escaping they
damaged some navigation and
communication equipment. Later, the
Master and crew emerged from the
citadel and took back control of their
tanker and sailed to a safe port. All crew
safe.
16. 16.03.2018 MSC Maria 03:57.0N – Armed pirates attacked and boarded the
0800 UTC General Cargo 006:42.5E, ship underway. Alarm raised and all
Steaming Panama Around 36nm crew retreated into the citadel. The
Boarded 8721 SW of Bonny Owners contacted the IMB PRC and
9067544 Island, requested for assistance. The Centre
Nigeria immediately informed the Nigerian
Navy who dispatched patrol boats to
assist the ship. The IMB PRC liaised
with the Owners and the Navy on the
incident. The Naval personnel boarded
the ship. No pirates found onboard. The
crew emerged from the citadel and
sailed the ship to a safe port under Naval
escort.
17. 16.03.2018 Dong-A Krios 06:17.8N – Armed guards onboard an anchored
2240 UTC Product Tanker 003:25.1E, tanker noticed three unauthorised
Anchored Panama Around persons onboard the tanker and fired a
Boarded 28160 13.55nm SSE warning shot. One person managed to
9694191 of Lagos, escape in a small boat while the
Nigeria remaining two were captured and
handed over to Nigerian Navy.
18. 22.03.2018 Isleman 06:15.4N – Eight persons in a small boat, armed
0115 UTC Refrigerated Cargo 002:30.5E, with guns and knives boarded an
Anchored Ship Around 7.5nm anchored reefer ship. They demanded
Boarded Panama SE of Cotonou, the crew start the main engine and sail.
4579 Benin As the engines were unable to start, they
8814902 stole crew and ship's property and
escaped. Incident reported to Benin
Navy who dispatched a naval vessel to
investigate.
19. 22.03.2018 Luronyuanyu 216 06:01.0N – Pirates in a speed boat hijacked the
1000 UTC Fishing Vessel 003:12.0E, fishing boat and forced it to sail into
Anchored China Around 30nm Benin waters. They kidnapped two crew
Hijacked - SSE of members before releasing the fishing
- Badagry, boat.
Nigeria
20. 26.03.2018 Name Withheld 05:20.0N – Armed pirates attacked and hijacked the
1720 UTC Fishing Vessel 000:51.4E, fishing vessel underway. The Owners of
Steaming Ghana Around 27nm the fishing vessel reported the incident
Hijacked 454 South of to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre
- Anloga, (PRC) who immediately contacted and
Ghana liaised with the Ghana Navy Ops
Centre. As the fishing vessel moved
47

from Ghanaian waters into Togo and

Benin waters the PRC continually
updated the respective naval authorities.
Naval boats were deployed by the
respective navies within their waters to
look for the fishing vessel. On 28 Mar
2018, the Owners confirmed that the
fishing vessel has been released and it is
sailing to a safe port. Three crew
members were reported missing. All
navies were informed accordingly. On
30 Apr 2018, the Owners confirmed that
the three kidnapped crew members were
released safely on 27 April 2018.
21. 28.03.2018 Lafayette Bay MRS Terminal, Two robbers boarded the berthed tanker.
0400 UTC Product Tanker ALPHA-Jetty, Duty watchman spotted the robbers
Berthed Marshall Islands Lagos Port, hiding near a forward cargo tank dome
Boarded 29735 Nigeria with a flexible hose. D/O notified.
9717785 Alarm raised and crew mustered. Upon
hearing the alarm and seeing the crew
alertness, the robbers escaped. Two
skiffs with eight robbers were seen
moving away from the tanker. The
Terminal Watchman and Jetty Duty
Officer immediately boarded and
searched the tanker. Nothing reported
stolen.
22. 07.04.2018 Name Withheld 03:44N – Four pirates in a speed boat armed with
0430 UTC Bulk Carrier 006:37E, guns chased and boarded the ship
Steaming Panama Around 41nm underway. Alarm raised and all crew
Boarded 21192 SSE of Brass, mustered in the citadel. The IMB PRC
- Nigeria liaised with the Nigerian Navy and the
Owners. The Navy dispatched a patrol
boat to the location. The pirates fired
upon and damaged the ship’s equipment
and parts of the accommodation. They
stole ship’s cash and properties and
escaped. Naval personnel boarded the
ship, rescued the crew and escorted the
ship to a safe port.
23. 13.04.2018 Arkas Africa Berth No. 17, Four robbers in a skiff boarded the
0230 UTC Container Apapa Port, berthed ship shortly after mooring
Berthed Antigua and Lagos, operations. Duty crew on routine rounds
Boarded Barbuda Nigeria noticed the robbers and raised the alarm.
40541 Seeing the alerted crew, the robbers
9431719 escaped. On searching the ship, the
bosun store padlock was found broken
and ship’s stores and properties missing.
24. 21.04.2018 FWN Rapide 03:48.0N – Armed pirates boarded a ship enroute
0534 UTC General Cargo 006:50.0E, from Takoradi, Ghana to Port Harcourt,
Steaming Netherlands Around 38nm Nigeria, kidnapped 11 crew members
Boarded 7767 SSW of Bonny and escaped. The incident was reported
9320520 Island, to the Nigerian Navy and a patrol boat
Nigeria was sent to the location. Naval
personnel boarded and searched the
48

ship. A total of three crew members

were found safe onboard. The ship
sailed under the escort of the patrol boat
to a safe location. On 25 May 2018, the
Owners confirmed that the 11
kidnapped crew members were released
safely on 20 May 2018.
25. 24.04.2018 Asia Ruby I 06:26.82N – Four robbers boarded the berthed ship,
0315 UTC Bulk Carrier 003:22.58E, took hostage and threatened the duty
Berthed Singapore Berth No. 8, watchman and stole his mobile phone
Boarded 36427 ENL Terminal, and VHF radio. As all the stores were
9669378 Apapa Port, secured, the robbers were unable to steal
Lagos, anything and escaped. The duty
Nigeria watchman shouted and called for
assistance. Incident reported to Apapa
FPSO. A search was carried out around
the area.
26. 29.04.2018 Nord Colorado 04:54.0N – Crew on board an anchored ship noticed
0400 UTC Bulk Carrier 001:41.0W, a robber on the poop deck and raised the
Anchored Singapore Takoradi alarm. Seeing the alerted crew, the
Boarded 34241 Anchorage, robber escaped without stealing
9805661 Ghana anything.
27. 03.05.2018 Name Withheld 04:54N – Two robbers boarded an anchored
0030 UTC Offshore Supply 001:42W, supply ship. Duty watchman noticed the
Anchored Ship Takoradi robbers and raised the alarm resulting in
Boarded Singapore Anchorage, the robbers escaping. The crew noticed
3585 Ghana the padlock for the paint locker broken.
- On searching the locker no items
reported stolen. Port Control informed.
28. 19.05.2018 Mount Travers 06:26.18N – Seven robbers in a speed boat
0202 UTC Bulk Carrier 003:23.42E, approached and came alongside an
Berthed Hong Kong Lagos Port, anchored ship. Two robbers managed to
Boarded 16978 Nigeria board the ship using a hook attached to
9263772 a rope. While the remaining five were
attempting to board the duty crew
noticed the robbers, raised the alarm and
alerted the onboard shore security
watchmen who notified the local
authorities. Seeing the alerted crew, the
robbers escaped in their boat. Nothing
reported stolen.
29. 23.05.2018 Maersk Tangier 06:15.9N – Duty crew onboard an anchored tanker
2310 UTC Product Tanker 003:12.2E, noticed robbers onboard the tanker and
Anchored Singapore Lagos raised the alarm, resulting in the robbers
Boarded 29445 Anchorage, escaping empty handed.
9726451 Nigeria
30. 25.05.2018 Seabreeze 06:18.0N – Two robbers in a small boat approached
2335 UTC Product Tanker 003:20.2E, and boarded an anchored tanker during
Anchored Malta Lagos STS operations. Duty watchman noticed
Boarded 31433 Anchorage, the robbers near the forward cargo oil
9343986 Nigeria tanks with a hose and raised the alarm.
OOW immediately sounded the ship’s
horn and crew mustered. Seeing the
crew alertness, the robbers aborted their
attempt to steal cargo and escaped. The
49

Nigerian Navy boat patrolling the

anchorage was notified. Nothing
reported stolen.
31. 26.05.2018 Grande Congo Lagos Port, Seven robbers boarded the berthed ship.
0115 UTC Ro-Ro Cargo Ship Nigeria They took hostage the duty crew, tied
Berthed Italy him up, took his UHF radio and asked
Boarded 47658 for the location of the paint store and
9437921 then stole ship’s stores. The duty crew
managed to free himself and raised the
alarm resulting in the robbers escaping.
A search was carried out. PFSO and
local agents informed.
32. 01.06.2018 Seaspan Saigon Apapa Port, Robbers boarded the berthed ship and
0230 UTC Container Lagos, tried to steal ship’s properties. The duty
Berthed Hong Kong Nigeria OS intervened and the robbers assaulted
Boarded 39941 and injured the OS. Medical treatment
9301809 was provided to the OS and he was later
repatriated from the next port for full
recovery.
33. 03.06.2018 HTC Charlie 06:17N – Two robbers boarded an anchored ship
0230 UTC Bulk Carrier 003:21E, using a hook attached to a rope. The
Anchored Marshall Islands Lagos Duty Officer and the armed security
Boarded 32987 Anchorage, guard noticed the robbers on the
9670846 Nigeria forecastle deck. The armed guard fired a
warning shot resulting in the robbers
escaping. On conducting a search,
MRCC Nigeria informed.
34. 09.06.2018 Brent 06:27.3N – Seven robbers in a small boat came
0330 UTC Product Tanker 003:22.3 E, alongside the berthed tanker. One
Berthed Marshall Islands NOJ Terminal, robber managed to board the tanker and
Boarded 8539 Apapa Port, started lowering a rubber hose into one
9340350 Lagos, of the cargo tanks. Duty AB spotted the
Nigeria robber and raised the alarm resulting in
the robber jumping overboard and
escaping.
35. 13.06.2018 Name Withheld 04:53.6N – Watchmen onboard an anchored
0245 UTC Offshore Supply 001:42.3W, offshore supply ship noticed a small
Anchored Ship Takoradi boat approaching the vessel. As the
Boarded Singapore Anchorage, watchmen made their way aft, the
4566 Ghana robbers boarded the vessel. Alarm
- raised. Seeing alerted crew the robbers
escaped.
36. 03.07.2018 BW Petrel 06:16N – Duty AB on routine rounds onboard an
0029 UTC Product Tanker 003:11E, anchored tanker noticed a boat tied up to
Anchored Singapore Lagos Secure the anchor chain and alerted the bridge.
Boarded 29751 Anchorage The AB sighted a robber approaching
9706073 Area, him and retreated into the
Nigeria accommodation and secured the doors.
Master raised the alarm, SSAS
activated, distress message sent, patrol
boats informed via VHF, crew mustered
and ship’s whistle sounded. Upon
hearing the alarm, the robber escaped.
50

Two patrol boats responded to the calls

and searched the area.
37. 22.07.2018 BW Tiger 05:11.45N – Three robbers in a small boat
0005 UTC Product Tanker 004:04.27W, approached and boarded the anchored
Anchored Singapore Abidjan tanker. Duty watchman noticed the
Boarded 29737 Anchorage, robbers near the port quarter and raised
9635846 Ivory Coast the alarm resulting in the robbers
escaping with three mooring ropes.
38. 26.07.2018 Name Withheld 14:32.27S – Three robbers in a small boat
0218 UTC Product Tanker 040:40.15E, approached the berthed tanker during
Berthed Marshall Islands Port of Nacala, discharging operations. Using a bamboo
Boarded 29826 Mozambique pole attached with hook and a portable
- wooden ladder, one robber managed to
board the tanker. The duty deck watch
crew noticed the robber and
immediately informed the OOW who
raised the alarm. Upon hearing the
alarm, the robber escaped with his two
accomplices. A search was made
throughout the tanker. It was reported
that ship’s properties were stolen.
Incident reported to Port Authorities
through the local agents.
39. 07.09.2018 Name Withheld 04:55N – One robber boarded an anchored tug and
0300 UTC Tug 001:43W, managed to steal a high-pressure
Anchored Singapore Takoradi washer. Two crew members noticed the
Boarded 2147 Anchorage, robber and tried to stop him. The robber
- Ghana waved a knife towards the crew and
escaped in a boat. Port control informed
via VHF. A security boat responded and
caught the robber.
40. 17.09.2018 Name Withheld 09:20.8N – An anchored tanker was boarded by four
0300 UTC Product Tanker 013:43.3W, armed robbers. Master raised the alarm,
Anchored Marshall Islands Conakry locked the accommodation and all crew
Boarded 24162 Anchorage, mustered in the citadel. The armed
- Guinea robbers fired at the bridge windows and
gained access into the accommodation.
They ransacked all crew cabins and
escaped with crew personal belongings.
A navy boat arrived at the location to
provide assistance. All crew reported
safe.
41. 21.09.2018 BW Puma 06:16.51N – Duty AB on routine rounds onboard an
0001 UTC Product Tanker 003:13.15E, anchored tanker noticed two boats close
Anchored Singapore Lagos Secure to the anchor chain. He immediately
Boarded 29737 Anchorage notified the OOW and tried to chase
9635810 Area, away the boats. As the AB approached
Nigeria the No. 1 Cargo Tank he noticed two
robbers hiding on deck. The AB raised
the alarm and shouted at the robbers
resulting in the robbers jumping
overboard and escaping. A search was
made throughout the tanker. The razor
wire abreast the forward cargo tank was
51

found to have been bent allowing access

to deck. Nigerian navy informed. A
patrol boat came and searched the area.
42. 22.09.2018 Name Withheld 03:40N – Armed pirates boarded the ship
0500 UTC Bulk Carrier 006:40E, underway, kidnapped 12 crew members
Steaming Switzerland Around 51nm and escaped. Incident reported to the
Boarded 27011 SW of Bonny Nigerian Navy who dispatched a naval
- Island, boat to assist the ship. Remaining crew
Nigeria sailed the ship under naval escort to a
safe anchorage. On 28.10.2018, the 12
kidnapped crew members were released
safely.
43. 30.09.2018 John Ernest Aidoo 04:54.10N – Two robbers boarded an anchored tug
0402 UTC Tug 001:41.17W, via the anchor chain. Alert crew noticed
Anchored Ghana Takoradi the robbers and raised the alarm,
Boarded 294 Anchorage, resulting in the robbers escaping
9793105 Ghana without stealing anything.
44. 09.10.2018 Name Withheld 04:54.28N – Duty AB on routine rounds onboard an
0315 UTC Bulk Carrier 001:39.57W, anchored ship noticed a robber on the
Anchored Switzerland Takoradi deck. He immediately informed 2/O,
Boarded 27011 Anchorage, who informed the Master accordingly.
- Ghana Alarm raised, public announcement
made, and crew mustered. Hearing the
alarm and seeing the crew alertness, the
robber escaped empty handed. A search
was made and found the anchor chain
grating cover was removed and
forecastle padlock was broken into. Port
control informed.
45. 14.10.2018 Maersk Tacoma 06:17.20N – Two robbers boarded the anchored
0045 UTC Product Tanker 003:13.87E, tanker. Duty watchman noticed the
Anchored Singapore Lagos Secure robbers, raised the alarm and sounded
Boarded 29445 Anchorage ship’s horn resulting in the robbers
9708617 Area, jumping overboard and escaping. A
Nigeria search was made throughout the tanker.
Incident reported to local authorities
who dispatched a patrol vessel. Upon
investigation, nothing reported stolen.
46. 20.10.2018 Merlin III Pointe Noire Duty crew onboard an anchored landing
2315 UTC Landing Craft Anchorage, craft noticed two robbers armed with
Anchored St Vincent and Republic of long knives lowering mooring ropes to
Boarded Grenadines The Congo their accomplice in a wooden boat.
498 Alarm raised and crew alerted, resulting
9325740 in the robbers escaping in their boat.
Master contacted port control via VHF
to request for assistance. Upon
checking, several mooring ropes were
found missing from the poop deck.
47. 22.10.2018 DHT Lion 04:46.7S – Duty AB on routine rounds onboard an
2310 UTC Tanker 011:47.0E, anchored tanker noticed three armed
Anchored Hong Kong Pointe Noire robbers on the forecastle deck. Alarm
Boarded 154180 Anchorage, raised and crew mustered. Seeing the
9722895 Republic of crew alertness, the robbers escaped. A
The Congo search was made throughout the tanker
52

and ship’s properties were reported as

missing. Incident reported to the port
control who dispatched a police boat
which searched the waters around the
tanker.
48. 27.10.2018 Pomerenia Sky 03:21N – Pirates boarded the ship underway,
0300 UTC Container 006:32E, kidnapped 11 crew members and
Steaming Liberia Around 71nm escaped. Incident reported to the
Boarded 26435 SW of Bonny Nigerian Navy who dispatched a patrol
9339583 Island, boat and escorted the ship to a safe
Nigeria anchorage. On 19.12.2018, the Owners
confirmed the release of the crew.
49. 28.10.2018 Skandi Skansen 04:56.4N – Unnoticed, a robber managed to board a
0230 UTC Offshore Supply 001:42.0W, berthed AHTS vessel, steel ship’s
Berthed Ship Sekondi Port, properties and escape. During routine
Boarded United Kingdom Ghana rounds, crew noticed the padlock to the
8222 container damaged. The theft was
9459759 identified from the CCTV recording.
50. 29.10.2018 Name Withheld 04:57.56S – An offshore supply vessel was boarded
0330 UTC Offshore Supply 010:43.11E, and hijacked by armed pirates. All crew
Steaming Ship Around 68nm taken hostage and made to lie on deck
Hijacked Singapore West of Pointe while the pirates, ransacked and stole
2310 Noire, crew and ship’s properties. The pirates
- Republic of kidnapped four crew and escaped. The
The Congo remaining crew sailed the ship to a safe
port. One crew reported injured. Bridge
equipment reported damaged during the
attack.
51. 29.10.2018 Name Withheld 04:47S – Armed pirates in a speed boat attacked
1212 UTC Product Tanker 010:08E, and hijacked the tanker carrying out
Steaming Panama Around 102nm bunkering operations. All crew taken
Hijacked 6952 West of Pointe hostage. The IMB Piracy Reporting
- Noire, Centre received information from the
Republic of Owners and alerted the relevant
The Congo authorities in the Gulf of Guinea. On 02
November 2018, the Owners confirmed
the tanker was released around 50nm
SW of Bayelsa, Nigeria. Eight crew
members are reported missing. The
remaining crew members sailed the
tanker to a safe port.
52. 21.11.2018 British Seafarer 06:21.4N – Duty crew onboard the tanker noticed
2118 UTC Product Tanker 003:19.3E, two robbers boarding the tanker using a
Anchored Isle of Man Lagos rope. Alarm raised and non-essential
Boarded 30948 Anchorage, crew retreated to the citadel. Hearing the
9724609 Nigeria alerted crew, the robbers escaped empty
handed.
53. 21.11.2018 Beks Cenk 09:19.8N – Eight robbers armed with guns and
0300 UTC Bulk Carrier 013:44.1W, knives boarded an anchored ship. They
Anchored Marshall Islands Conakry took hostage the duty AB and forced
Boarded 33329 Anchorage, him, with a knife on his throat, to take
9625815 Guinea them to the bridge. The armed robbers
then took the 2nd Officer and the AB to
the Master’s cabin, where they hit the
53

Master and threatened to shoot the 2nd

Officer before stealing cash from the
ship’s safe and other personal
belongings. The robbers kept the three-
crew hostage until they disembarked in
waiting boats. Port control informed.
54. 23.11.2018 Chanlong 2 04:18.31N – Armed persons boarded the fishing
0200 UTC Fishing Trawler 008:47.63E, trawler underway, kidnapped three crew
Steaming Cameroon Around 13nm members and escaped. The remaining
Boarded - WNW of crew sailed the vessel to a safe port.
- Idenao,
Cameroon
55. 23.11.2018 Chanlong 7 04:18.31N – Armed persons boarded the fishing
0200 UTC Fishing Trawler 008:47.63E, trawler underway, kidnapped five crew
- Idenao,
Cameroon
56. 23.11.2018 Haiying 7 04:18.31N – Armed persons boarded the fishing
0200 UTC Fishing Trawler 008:47.63E, trawler underway, kidnapped five crew
- Idenao,
Cameroon
57. 23.11.2018 Haiying 9 04:18.31N – Armed persons boarded the fishing
0200 UTC Fishing Trawler 008:47.63E, trawler underway, kidnapped three crew
- Idenao,
Cameroon
58. 23.11.2018 Renouveau 6 04:18.31N – Armed persons boarded the fishing
0200 UTC Fishing Trawler 008:47.63E, trawler underway, kidnapped two crew
- Idenao,
Cameroon
59. 04.12.2018 Saavedra Tide 03:08N – Nine pirates in a speedboat chased and
1800 UTC Offshore Supply 006:20E, successfully boarded the vessel
Steaming Ship Around 70nm underway. All crews mustered in the
Boarded Vanuatu South of Brass, citadel. The Nigerian Navy dispatched a
3927 Nigeria patrol boat to intercept the vessel. Upon
9697090 arriving at the vessel's location, the navy
opened fire, resulting in the pirates
escaping. The vessel was escorted to a
safe port. All crew reported safe. Crew
personal belongings stolen.
60. 22.12.2018 Ocean Promise 04:44.9S – Four armed robbers boarded an
0059 UTC Container 011:45.4E, anchored ship. General alarm raised,
Anchored United Kingdom Pointe Noire crew mustered in citadel and rocket
Boarded 26718 Anchorage, flares fired resulting in the robbers
9215892 Republic of escaping. Upon investigation, ship’s
The Congo stores were reported stolen. Incident
reported to Pointe Noire Port Control
via VHF.
54

ATTEMPTED ATTACKS
SOUTH EAST ASIA (EXCLUDING MALACCA STRAITS)

Time Type/Flag/Grt/
IMO Number
1. 03.01.2018 Tiberius 02:27.4N – D/O noticed a speed boat with five
0600 UTC Bulk Carrier 101:39.11E, masked persons, holding a long hook,
Steaming Marshall Around 9nm approaching the ship. Alarm raised and
Attempted Islands WSW of Port crew mustered with fire hoses. Seeing
21163 Dickson, the crew alertness, the speed boat
9665841 Malaysia moved away.
2. 05.01.2018 Asali 00:16.22S – Five robbers in a small boat approached
1830 UTC Bulk Carrier 117:36.11E, an anchored ship and attempted to board
Anchored Cyprus Muara Berau via the anchor chain. Alert duty crew
Attempted 33338 Anchorage, noticed the robbers and shouted at them
9461805 Samarinda, resulting in the robbers retreating and
Indonesia moving away.
3. 08.01.2018 Name Withheld 00:16.15S – Ship’s crew noticed robbers attempting
2300 UTC Bulk Carrier 117:43.01E, to board the ship via the anchor chain
Anchored Marshall Islands Muara Berau and informed the D/O who sounded the
Attempted 33032 Anchorage, fog horn. Seeing the alerted crew, the
- Samarinda, robbers aborted the attempt and escaped
Indonesia in a small boat.
4. 16.02.2018 Kudos 1 06:44.21N – Armed persons in a boat approached the
Night hours General Cargo 122:23.50E, ship underway. Alarm raised and
Steaming Philippines Off Sibago distress calls broadcast. The Philippines
Fired upon 499 Island, Coast Guard (PCG) immediately
9133044 Philippines responded by dispatching its patrol
boats. As the armed persons attempted
to board the ship, the crew poured hot
water on the perpetrators who fired upon
the ship, injuring one crew, before
aborting the attack. The PCG boarding
team provided medical assistance to the
injured crew.
5. 20.04.2018 Alkyonis 00:14.33S – Robbers in a wooden boat tried to board
1900 UTC Bulk Carrier 117:35.07E, an anchored ship via the anchor chain.
Anchored Liberia Muara Berau The crew noticed the boat and raised the
Attempted 23266 Anchorage, alarm. Seeing the crew alertness, the
9709465 Samarinda, robbers aborted the attempted boarding
Indonesia and escaped.
6. 21.04.2018 Alkyonis 00:14.33S – Robbers in a boat approached an
1300 UTC Bulk Carrier 117:35.07E, anchored ship and attempted to board
Anchored Liberia Muara Berau via the anchor chain. Duty crew directed
Attempted 23266 Anchorage, lights towards the robbers and raised the
9709465 Samarinda, alarm. Seeing the alerted crew, the
Indonesia robbers aborted their attempt and
escaped in their boat.
7. 24.04.2018 Berge K2 04:58.25N – While transiting the Sibutu passage, two
0617 UTC Ore Carrier 119:37.90E, high speed crafts were sighted
55

Steaming Isle of Man Around 6nm approaching the ship underway. As the
Attempted 134693 WSW of boats closed to the ship, the crew could
9709506 Bongao Island, see a blue coloured boat with two
Philippines persons wearing face masks and a white
coloured boat with one person wearing
a face mask. Two Philippine Naval
patrol vessels contacted the ship via vhf
channel 16. The high-speed boats closed
to three cables from the ship, noticed the
hardening, crossed the ship’s stern and
moved away. The ship had received
cautionary advice from the Philippine
Navy and Coast Guard Coast Watch as
they were transiting the Sibutu passage.
8. 06.05.2018 Baltic Scorpion 00:13.8S – Duty AB on routine rounds onboard an
1530 UTC Bulk Carrier 117:33.8E, anchored ship heard noise coming from
Anchored Marshall Islands Muara Berau the hawse pipe and sighted somebody
Attempted 36353 Anchorage, trying to remove the hawse pipe
9729477 Samarinda, protection cover. OOW immediately
Indonesia informed, alarm raised and ship’s
whistle sounded. Upon hearing the
alarm, the robbers aborted their
attempted boarding and escaped. Crew
mustered and a search was carried out.
Nothing reported stolen. SSO tried to
call the port control on VHF but
received no response.
9. 08.05.2018 NA 04:55.12N – Armed persons in a boat approached a
1800 UTC Fishing Vessel 119:06.70E, group of fishing vessels at high speed. A
Steaming Malaysia Around 10nm Malaysian Marine Police boat in the
Attempted - SSE of Felda vicinity noticed the approach and
- Sahabat, chased the boat resulting in the persons
Sabah, firing upon the Marine Police boat. In
Malaysia the ensuing exchange of fire four armed
persons were killed. The Malaysian
Marine Police indicated the intentions
of the armed persons was to kidnap the
fishermen for ransom.
10. 26.05.2018 Name Withheld 00:02.4S – Duty AB on routine rounds noticed
2115 UTC Bulk Carrier 117:34.9E, robbers attempting to board the ship via
Anchored Marshall Islands Around 5nm the hawse pipe. Alarm raised and crew
Attempted 44200 SE of Bontang, mustered. Seeing the alerted crew, the
- Indonesia robbers aborted their attempt and
retreated to their boat.
11. 28.07.2018 Mykonos 13:44.4N – During routine rounds, duty crew
1440 UTC Bulk Carrier 121:01.9E, onboard an anchored ship noticed an
Anchored Marshall Islands Batangas unauthorized person attempting to board
Attempted 23456 Anchorage, the ship from a small boat using a hook
9450791 Philippines attached with a rope. Duty crew
informed the bridge and SSO. Alarm
activated and crew mustered. Seeing the
crew alertness, the person aborted the
boarding attempt and escaped. Incident
was reported to the local agent and the
Coast Guard.
56

12. 27.08.2018 Red Lily 00:15.52S – Two robbers attempted to board the
1254 UTC Bulk Carrier 117:41.96E, anchored ship via the anchor chain
Anchored Panama Muara Berau during cargo operations. Alert duty crew
Attempted 43036 Anchorage, stationed on the forecastle deck spotted
9758442 Samarinda, the robbers and immediately notified the
Indonesia Master and D/O. Alarm sounded and
crew members made their way to the
forward deck. Hearing the alerted crew
members approaching, the robbers
aborted the attempt and escaped in their
boat. Incident reported to the agent.
13. 27.08.2018 Maersk Mishima 07:06.9N – Four robbers in a boat attempted to
2015 UTC Product Tanker 125:39.5E, board the berthed tanker. Duty crew
Berthed Panama Insular Oil noticed the robbers and raised the alarm.
Attempted 28049 Terminal, Seeing the crew alertness, the robbers
9450789 Davao, aborted the boarding attempt and
Philippines escaped. Coast Guard informed.
14. 05.12.2018 Magtrans II 05:38N – Four armed persons in a speed boat
1030 UTC Tug 118:57E, approached and fired upon the tug
Steaming Malaysia Around 12nm towing an unladen barge resulting in the
Fired upon 363 NE of Sabah, Master being shot in the leg. Alarm
9594652 Malaysia raised, and distress message sent on
VHF Ch 16. The Malaysian Authorities
responded and intercepted the tug and
rescued the crews. They took the injured
Master to hospital. Investigations are
ongoing.
EAST ASIA

Time Type/Flag/Grt/
IMO Number
1. 17.03.2018 Helen N 38:51.2N – Three robbers, in a small boat,
1640 UTC Bulk Carrier 118:36.6E, approached an anchored ship and
Anchored Liberia Caofeidian attempted to board using ropes attached
Attempted 151448 Anchorage, with hooks. The crew noticed the
9479163 China robbers, informed the Master and raised
the alarm. Seeing the alerted crew, the
robbers aborted the attempted boarding
and escaped empty handed.
2. 24.03.2018 Berge Atlas 38:43.9N – Two robbers in a wooden boat came
1515 UTC Bulk Carrier 118:32.6E, alongside an anchored ship. Duty crew
Anchored Panama Caofeidian noticed the robbers attempting to board
Attempted 90092 Anchorage, the ship using a ladder and immediately
9439113 China informed the D/O who raised the alarm.
Crew mustered. Seeing the alerted crew,
the robbers fled.
57

INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT

Time Type/Flag/Grt/
IMO Number
1. 09.02.2018 Team Challenge 22:11.56N – Duty AB on routine rounds onboard an
1930 UTC Bulk Carrier 088:09.59E, anchored ship heard an unusual sound
Anchored Marshall Islands Diamond coming from the anchor chain. Upon
Attempted 17679 Harbour checking, he noticed one robber
9282780 Anchorage, climbing the anchor chain. He also saw
Kolkata, two more persons waiting in a small
India boat. The duty AB shouted at the robber
resulting in the robber escaping.
2. 11.02.2018 Tiberius 22:07.70N – Five robbers in a small boat, armed with
2120 UTC Bulk Carrier 091:43.41E, knives attempted to board an anchored
Anchored Marshall Islands Chittagong ship using ropes attached with hooks.
Attempted 21163 Anchorage, The crew noticed the robbers, notified
9665841 Bangladesh the Master and prepared the fire hoses to
stop the robbers. Seeing the alerted crew,
the robbers escaped empty handed.
3. 06.05.2018 Vela Ocean 22:15.0N – Seven robbers in a wooden boat with an
1525 UTC Bulk Carrier 091:44.9E, outboard engine approached and
Anchored Singapore Chittagong attempted to board an anchored ship
Attempted 30006 Alpha using a hook attached to a rope. The crew
9480966 Anchorage, noticed the robbers and raised the alarm.
Bangladesh Seeing the crew alertness, the robbers
aborted the boarding attempt. Local
Authorities informed.
AMERICAS

Time Type/Flag/Grt/
IMO Number
1. 03.01.2018 Nestor I 10:12N – Five robbers in a small boat, armed with
0700 UTC Bulk Carrier 064:51W, knives attempted to board an anchored
Anchored Liberia Puerto Jose ship via the anchor chain. Duty AB
Attempted 20969 Anchorage, noticed the robbers and reported to D/O,
9599016 Venezuela who raised the alarm. Seeing the alerted
crew, the robbers abort the attempted
boarding and escaped. Master contacted
port control but did not receive a reply.
2. 28.04.2018 Name Withheld 10:09.69N – During routine rounds onboard an
0345 UTC Bulk Carrier 064:48.49W, anchored ship crew noticed robbers
Anchored Marshall Islands Puerto Jose trying to access the ship via the hawse
Attempted 36449 Anchorage, pipe. Alarm raised and crew mustered.
- Venezuela Seeing the alerted crew, the robbers
escaped empty handed.
3. 23.05.2018 Jag Punit 10:11.34N – A white skiff with three robbers onboard
0700 UTC Product Tanker 064:47.74W, came alongside an anchored tanker.
Anchored India Puerto Jose They tried to board the tanker via the
Attempted 29967 Anchorage, poop deck. Duty crew spotted the
58

9709984 Venezuela robbers and raised the alarm resulting in

the robbers aborting the attempted
boarding and moving away.
4. 14.08.2018 Maersk Niamey 02:25S – Six persons in a small boat approached
0935 UTC Container 080:01W, the ship underway during pilotage.
Steaming Hong Kong Off Punta Master raised the alarm and crew
Attempted 26836 Tambulinero, directed flash lights and search lights
9434917 Guayaquil towards the boat. The boat closed in to a
Approaches, distance of five meters from the ship and
Ecuador aborted the attempted boarding after
seeing the alerted crew.
5. 20.08.2018 Maersk Nienburg 02:22.3S – Two persons in a small skiff came
1551 UTC Container 080:00.9W, alongside the ship underway. The
Steaming Hong Kong Estero Salada onboard security guards spotted the
Attempted 26836 Passage, persons, raised the alarm and switched
9446104 Guayaquil, on all deck lighting. Seeing the crew
Ecuador alertness, the persons aborted the
attempted boarding and moved away.
Incident reported to Guayaquil Port
Control.
6. 28.08.2018 Maersk Niteroi 02:30.9S – Three persons armed with handguns, in
0935 UTC Container 080:05.1W, a small skiff came alongside the ship
Steaming Hong Kong Around 16nm underway. One person attempted to
Attempted 26836 SW of board the ship. The crew spotted the
9434943 Guayaquil, attempted boarding and raised the alarm.
Ecuador Upon hearing the alarm, the persons
aborted the attempted boarding and
moved away. Incident reported to
Guayaquil Port Control and Ecuador
Coast Guard.
AFRICA (SOMALIA/GULF OF ADEN)

Time Type/Flag/Grt/
IMO Number
1. 22.02.2018 Leopard Sun 03:28.1N – Two skiffs chased and fired upon the
2030 UTC Product Tanker 050:27.8E, tanker underway. Alarm raised and crew
Steaming Singapore Around 315nm mustered. The tanker increased speed
Fired upon 29939 ENE of and the armed guards onboard the tanker
9635781 Mogadishu, returned fire resulting in the pirates
Somalia aborting the attack.
2. 31.03.2018 Kriti Spirit 13:58.1N – Two skiffs with two armed pirates in
0520 UTC Tanker 051:25.3E, each skiff chased the tanker underway.
Steaming Liberia Gulf of Aden Alarm raised and crew mustered. When
Fired upon 83724 the skiffs closed to around 100m the
9207027 pirates fired upon the tanker. The armed
guards onboard the tanker returned fire,
resulting in the pirates aborting the
attack and moving away. All crew safe.
Vessel sustained minor damage due to
the firing. Ladders sighted in the skiffs.
3. 16.10.2018 KSL Sydney 00:49.0N – Four armed pirates in a speed boat
1238 UTC Bulk Carrier 050:53.0E, approached and fired upon the ship
59

Steaming Hong Kong Around 341nm underway. Master raised the alarm,
Fired upon 94528 ESE of contacted local authorities, activated
9683269 Mogadishu, SSAS and all crew mustered in the
Somalia citadel. The armed guards onboard the
ship returned fire, resulting in the pirates
aborting the attack and moving away.
All crew safe.
AFRICA (EXCLUDING SOMALIA / GULF OF ADEN / RED SEA)

Time Type/Flag/Grt/
IMO Number
1. 15.01.2018 Seaways Ariadmar 06:18.05N – Ship’s crew preparing for STS cargo
0300 UTC Products 003:23.61E, operations onboard an anchored tanker
Anchored Tanker Lagos Outer noticed robbers attempting to board the
Attempted Marshall Anchorage, and informed the D/O who raised the
Islands Nigeria alarm. All crew mustered on the bridge.
30018 Ship’s whistle continuously sounded,
9273624 and search lights directed towards the
robbers. Crew secured all access to the
accommodation. Seeing the alerted
crew, the robbers aborted the boarding
and moved away.
2. 21.01.2018 Anna B 04:00.8N – Two robbers attempted to board the
0001 UTC Offshore Support 009:40.3E, berthed vessel via the scaffolding
Berthed Vessel Douala Port, installed at the stern. The Duty
Attempted Luxembourg Cameroon Watchman noticed the robbers and
2411 informed the security guard on board
9339002 who fired a warning shot, resulting in
the robbers aborting the attempted
boarding and escaped. Port Authority
informed.
3. 23.01.2018 Konrad 09:30N – Crew on routine rounds onboard an
0530 UTC Schulte 013:43W, anchored ship noticed two persons
Berthed Container Conakry Port attempting to climb onboard using the
Attempted Cyprus Terminal, ship’s line. Alarm raised and crew
18334 Guinea mustered. Seeing the alerted crew, the
9292125 intruders aborted and moved away.
4. 24.01.2018 Thor Infinity 03:38N – While underway, two skiffs with two to
0515 UTC Bulk Carrier 006:37E, three armed pirates in each skiff chased
Steaming Singapore Around 45nm and fired upon the ship underway. Ship
Fired upon 30303 SE of Brass, increased speed, crew mustered in a safe
9238466 Nigeria place and the armed guards were on
standby. Due to the ship hardening
measures the pirates were unable to
access the ship and aborted the attempt.
5. 24.01.2018 Ebunola 03:30N – Armed pirates chased and attacked the
0900 UTC Product Tanker 006:20E, tanker underway. The presence of
Steaming Nigeria Around 48nm armed naval team onboard the tanker
Attempted 5245 South of Brass, resulted in the pirates aborting the
9014511 Nigeria attack.
6. 03.02.2018 Biskra 03:29.40N – Around 10 to 12 armed pirates in a high-
1639 UTC Product Tanker 006:36.42E, speed boat, chased and fired upon a
60

Steaming Panama Around 60nm tanker underway. Alarm raised and non-
Fired upon 8744 SW of Bonny essential crew retreated to the citadel.
9030709 Island, Due to the Master’s evasive manoeuvres
Nigeria and the presence of the onboard Naval
armed team the pirates aborted and
moved away. Incident was reported to
Nigerian navy. All crew was safe.
7. 15.02.2018 Lutetia 03:42.59N – Four pirates in a speed boat chased and
1850 UTC Container 007:05.59E, fired upon the ship underway. Master
Steaming Liberia Around increased speed and started evasive
Fired upon 35881 40.62nm SSW manoeuvres. Due to the presence of a
9246695 of Bonny, Nigerian Naval escort boat the pirates
Nigeria aborted and moved away. Crew and ship
reported safe.
8. 18.02.2018 Belema Light 03:41.5N – A speed boat with six to seven armed
1845 UTC Crude 006:37.5E, pirates chased and fired upon the tanker
Steaming Tanker Around 42nm underway. Alarm raised, crew
Fired upon Panama SE of Brass, mustered, evasive manoeuvres started
156809 Nigeria and Nigerian authorities contacted. Due
9079066 to the tanker’s hardening measures the
pirates were unable to board and moved
away. The tanker was escorted to Bonny
anchorage by two Navy vessels. All
crew safe. The tanker sustained minor
damage due to being fired upon.
9. 19.02.2018 Interim 04:02.66N – Six pirates armed with guns in a black
0824 UTC Tanker 006:34.33E, hull speed boat approached and tried to
Steaming Panama Around 25nm board the tanker underway. Master
Fired upon 25060 SE of Brass, raised the alarm, activated SSAS,
9039121 Nigeria transmitted distress message, increased
speed, took evasive manoeuvres and
crew secured all access doors. The
pirates made several attempts to hook an
aluminium ladder on the tanker’s railing
but were unsuccessful due to the evasive
manoeuvres. They then fired at the
tanker and moved away. A Nigerian
Navy boat was in contact with the tanker
and arrived at the location.
10. 24.02.2018 Kota Sahabat 03:33.8N – Around eight armed pirates in a speed
1016 UTC Container 007:02.7E, boat chased the ship underway. Alarm
Steaming Singapore Around raised, SSAS activated, speed increased
Attempted 41567 50nm SSW and all non-essential crew retreated to
9645463 of Bonny the citadel. Nigerian navy contacted,
Island, who informed the Master to rendezvous
Nigeria with their naval vessel in the vicinity. As
the pirate boat closed in the Master
commenced evasive manoeuvres. Due
to the hardening measures, the pirates
were unable to hook their ladder onto
the ship and moved away.
11. 24.02.2018 China Frost 03:38.1N – Around 10 pirates in a speed boat,
1520 UTC Refrigerated 006:42.0E, armed with automatic weapons, chased
Steaming Cargo Ship Around and fired upon the ship underway. The
Fired upon Cook Islands armed guards onboard the ship returned
61

4999 40nm SSW of fire, resulting in the pirates aborting the

8410914 Bonny attack and moving away. All crew safe.
Fairway The ship sustained minor damage due to
Buoy, the firing.
Nigeria
12. 16.03.2018 Biskra 03:57.31N – Eight armed pirates in a small high-
0810 UTC Product Tanker 006:52.39E, speed boat approached and fired upon
Steaming Panama Around 29nm the tanker underway. Master notified the
Fired upon 8744 SW of Bonny onboard naval armed team, commenced
9030709 Island, evasive manoeuvres and all non-
Nigeria essential crew retreated to the citadel.
Seeing the tanker hardening the pirates
aborted and moved away. Nigerian
Navy notified.
13. 22.03.2018 Name Withheld 03:35.0N – Pirates in a small speed boat chased and
2129 UTC Tanker 006:44.0E, fired upon the tanker underway. Alarm
Steaming Liberia Around 53nm raised and crew mustered. The armed
Fired upon 29335 SW of Bonny guards onboard returned fire resulting in
- Island, the pirates aborting the attack. All crew
Nigeria safe.
14. 08.05.2018 Eleni M 03:37.2N – Six pirates in a speed boat approached
0920 UTC Bulk Carrier 006:16.4E, and came alongside the ship underway.
Steaming Malta Around 41nm They hooked a ladder on the ship’s
Attempted 28718 South of Brass, railing and attempted to board. Master
9228033 Nigeria raised the alarm, activated SSAS,
increased speed, took evasive
manoeuvres and non-essential crew
mustered in the citadel. Due to the
hardening measures taken by the
Master, the pirates aborted the
attempted attack and moved away
leaving their ladder hanging on the
ship’s side.
15. 22.05.2018 Name Withheld 03:46N – Seven pirates in a skiff came alongside
0004 UTC Product Tanker 001:30E, the drifting tanker and tried to board via
Steaming Marshall Islands Around 140nm the poop deck. Alert duty crew spotted
Attempted 23248 South of Lome, the pirates and raised the alarm resulting
- Togo in the pirates aborting the boarding
attempt and the skiff moving away. All
crew safe. Master reported a suspicious
vessel in the vicinity from which the
pirates could have approached his
tanker.
16. 01.07.2018 Frio Nagato 04:06.4N – While steaming, a refrigerated cargo
1030 UTC Refrigerated Cargo 006:55.9E, ship was fired upon by seven pirates in
Steaming Ship Around 18.7nm a blue coloured speed boat. Master
Fired upon Panama SW of Bonny raised the alarm, contacted local
7367 Island, authorities, activated SSAS, increased
9227596 Nigeria the ship’s speed and all crew mustered.
A naval warship responded and escorted
the ship to a safe anchorage. Ship’s
superstructure damaged by the gun
shots. All crew reported safe.
17. 03.07.2018 Coastal Vanguard 01:49.9N – Duty officer onboard the vessel noticed
1920 UTC Tug 003:12.1E, a fishing boat lowering a long skiff into
62

Steaming Netherlands Around 220nm the water. The skiff with four to five
Attempted 327 SW of Bayelsa, persons onboard started approaching the
9591569 Nigeria vessel and closed in to a distance of
0.5nm. Master raised the alarm,
increased speed and headed into the
swell. Several attempts were made by
the skiff to get closer to the vessel, but
failed due to the rough weather. After
following the vessel for over five hours
the skiff moved away.
18. 22.07.2018 Toscana 01:30.1N – Duty officer onboard the tug underway,
1350 UTC Tug 001:15.7E, noticed a fishing boat lowering two
Steaming Italy Around 257nm skiffs into the water. As the skiffs closed
Attempted 431 SSE of Accra, in to the tug, the Master raised the alarm,
9807827 Ghana increased speed and took evasive
manoeuvres. Due to the hardening
measure taken by the tug, the skiffs
aborted the attempted attack and
returned to the fishing boat.
19. 25.09.2018 Name Withheld 02:45.6N – Six armed pirates in a speed boat
1142 UTC Tanker 006:39.1E, approached the tanker underway.
Steaming Marshall Islands Around 100nm Master raised the alarm, increased
Fired upon 81186 SSW of Bonny speed, started evasive manoeuvres,
- Island, contacted the escort vessel and the non-
Nigeria essential crew mustered in the citadel.
The pirates fired towards the tanker and
then moved away when they saw the
escort vessel approaching. All crew safe
and no damages reported.
20. 17.10.2018 STI Osceola 06:15.9N – Duty AB on routine rounds onboard the
0155 UTC Product Tanker 003:13.3E, anchored tanker noticed a speed boat
Anchored Marshall Islands Lagos Secure alongside the anchor chain. Around five
Attempted 29785 Anchorage persons armed with guns and hooks
9707807 Area, were noticed attempting to board the
Nigeria tanker. The AB shouted at the intruders
and informed the bridge. Alarm raised
and fire pump activated. Upon hearing
the alarm, the persons aborted and
moved away. Incident reported to local
authorities who dispatched a patrol
vessel which searched the waters around
the tanker. A search was made
throughout the tanker. Nothing reported
stolen.
21. 29.10.2018 BW Frigg 04:46.7S – Pirates in a speed boat approached and
1210 UTC LPG Tanker 010:08.3E, fired upon the tanker carrying out
Steaming Marshall Islands Around 101nm bunkering operations. Emergency stop
Fired upon 47384 West of Pointe and cast off initiated. Speed increased.
9733337 Noire, The tanker made evasive manoeuvres
Republic of and escaped. All crew reported safe.
The Congo
22. 29.10.2018 UACC Sound 14:22.75S – During security rounds, duty crew
1830 UTC Product Tanker 040:42.05E, onboard the anchored tanker noticed a
Anchored Panama Nacala Outer boat tied to the anchor chain and a
Attempted 28059 Anchorage, robber was seen trying to board the
63

9272395 Mozambique tanker. Alarm raised and all crew

mustered. Hearing the alarm, the robber
aborted the attempted boarding and
escaped. A search was carried out.
23. 06.11.2018 LNG River Niger 03:57.37N – While underway, the LNG tanker was
0612 UTC LNG Tanker 006:50.59E, chased by nine pirates in a speed boat.
Steaming Bermuda Around 30nm Emergency alarm raised, all non-
Fired upon 115993 SW of Bonny essential crew mustered in the citadel.
9262235 Island, SSAS activated. The pirates approached
Nigeria and fired upon the tanker several times
but were unsuccessful due to the
increase in speed and manoeuvring.
They later aborted the attack and moved
away. Tanker and all crew safe.
24. 14.12.2018 Camden 04:39.9N – Seven armed pirates, in a speed boat,
2335 UTC Chemical Tanker 004:01.0E, approached and fired upon the tanker
Steaming Marshall Islands Around 93nm underway. Alarm sounded and all crew
Fired upon 8539 West of mustered in the citadel. The onboard
9435557 Bayelsa, armed security guard returned fire
Nigeria resulting in the pirates aborting the
attack and moving away. All crew safe.
64

IMB Piracy Report – January to December 2018
Total number of attacks - 201

Total attacks Indian Sub-Continent – 18

Total attacks East Asia & SE Asia – 67
Total attacks attributed to Somali piracy – 3

Total attacks Gulf of Guinea and neighbouring countries – 79

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ICC IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships – 2018 Annual Report

ICC INTERNATIONAL MARITIME BUREAU

PIRACY AND ARMED ROBBERY

REPORT FOR THE PERIOD

1 January – 31 December 2018

ICC International Maritime Bureau

Tel: +44 207 423 6960

The key services of the PRC are:

The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre can be contacted at:

ICC International Maritime Bureau (Asia Regional Office)

DEFINITIONS OF PIRACY & ARMED ROBBERY

Article 101 of UNCLOS defines Piracy as:

Definition of Piracy consists of any of the following acts:

Armed robbery against ships” means any of the following acts:

.2 any act of inciting or of intentionally facilitating an act described above

COMMUNITY of REPORTING for the Gulf of Guinea

 Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association Limited

 Collecte Localisation Satellites - CLS

 Japan P&I Club

 Merchant Shipping Cyprus

 Standard Steam Ship Mutual P&I Association

 Steam Ship Insurance Management Services Limited

 The North of England P&I Association Ltd

The PRC is additionally non-financially supported by:

 Africa Risk Compliance Ltd (ARC)

 Bergen Risk Solutions

 Centre Interregional De Coordination (CIC)

 EOS Risk Group

 Stable Seas (a program of One Earth Future)

Location 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

All incidents with * above are attributed to Somali pirates

CHART B: Monthly comparison of incidents during January – December 2018

TABLE 2: ACTUAL and ATTEMPTED attacks by location, January – December 2018

ACTUAL ATTACKS ATTEMPTED ATTACKS

TABLE 3: Ports and anchorages, with three or more reported incidents.

Country Location 1.1.2018 to 31.12.2018

TABLE 4: Status of ships during ACTUAL attacks, January – December 2018

Location Berthed Anchored Steaming Not Stated

TABLE 5: Status of ships during ATTEMPTED attacks, January – December 2018

Location Berthed Anchored Steaming

Types of Arms 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

TABLE 7: Comparison of the type of attacks, January – December 2014 – 2018

Category 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

TABLE 8: Types of violence to crew, January – December 2014 – 2018

Types of Violence 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

TABLE 9: Type of violence to crew by location, January – December 2018

Location Hostage Threatened Assault Injured Kidnap Killed

Sub total 141 9 8 83

Period Level I Level II Level III Total % Underreporting

Location Guns Knives Other Not Stated

TABLE 12: Types of vessels attacked, January – December 2014 – 2018

Type 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

CHART D: Type of vessels attacked January – December 2018

TABLE 13: Nationalities of ships attacked, January – December 2014 – 2018

Flag State 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

OFF SOMALIA / GULF OF ADEN / RED SEA ATTACK FIGURES UPDATE

PIRACY AND ARMED ROBBERY PRONE AREAS AND WARNINGS

SOUTH EAST ASIA AND INDIAN SUB CONTINENT