| Anti-Shipping Activity Warning Messages |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 11/08/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-87 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
62 |
| Geographical Location: |
14/00/00 N 42/00/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
YACHT POLOFLAT |
| Description: |
|
| RED SEA: ERITRREA-ZUBAYR ISLANDS The
Australian-flag yacht Poloflat had been attacked by pirates while on
the Red Sea close to the Zubayr Islands. The attackers in small
boats fired at the yacht damaging its sails but did not injure any
personnel onboard. The yacht skipper defended himself with home made
Molotov Cocktails after which the attackers desisted.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 11/04/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-85 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
TANKER NORTHSEAS BELLOWS |
| Description: |
|
| STRAITS OF MALACCA The 43,398 ton Danish flag
tanker Northsea Bellows was attacked in the Singapore straits area
of the Straits of Malacca in the morning of 04 Nov 97. Three
intruders were discovered onboard and leaped overboard after doing
minor damage to the ship's accomodation and two doors. The ship was
enroute from the Arabian Gulf to Japan. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 10/26/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-86 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
TANKER ORIENTAL CITY |
| Description: |
|
| THAILAND The 192 ton Honduran flag tanker
Oriental City was seized by pirates in International waters in the
Gulf of Thailand off Songkhla on 26 Oct 97. The ship was carrying
aprox 1 million liters of diesel fuel and was located after a seven
hour search by Thai naval ships. The ship was recovered about 200
miles south east of Songkhla, Thai naval personnel arrested three
Indonesians and eight Thais who were in control of the ship.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 10/22/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-82 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
24 |
| Geographical Location: |
22/54/00 S 4/31/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
CONTAINERSHIP ZIM MONTEVIDEO |
| Description: |
|
| BRAZIL: The 15,922-ton Antigua flagged
containership (Zim Montevideo) was robbed while docked in Guanabara
Bay, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil in the early hours of 22 Oct 97. Aprox
15 men were dressed in scuba gear and armed with sub machine guns,
boarded the ship from small boats using ropes to scale the side. The
thieves took electronic equipment from a container. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 10/17/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-83 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
91 |
| Geographical Location: |
14/29/00 N 120/55/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
CONTAINERSHIP YI HE |
| Description: |
|
| PHILIPPINES The 21,609 ton Chinese flag
containership Yi He was boarded in Manilla Bay 17 Oct 97 by four
armed men operating from a small boat. The crew of 30 was held at
gunpoint while being robbed of their valuables, and an engineer was
shot & killed when he resisted. The ship's cargo was not
touched. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 09/30/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-84 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
CARGO SHIP TRONO |
| Description: |
|
| THAILAND The 10,967 ton Panamanian flag cargo
ship Trono was attacked by pirates during the night of 30 Sep 97
near Map-Ta-Phut, Thailand. Stores and money were stolen but no
injuries reported to the crew. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 09/12/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-80 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
22/16/00 N 114/12/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
BUXCROWN |
| Description: |
|
| HONG KONG The 18,000-ton German Flag container
ship (Buxcrown) was boarded by Pirates at 0305 local time on 12 Sep
97 while at anchor in 22-08N 114-09E outside Hong Kong waters
awaiting berth. The pirates opened four containers and stole cartons
from two before escaping in a small boat. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 09/09/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-76 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
63 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| SRI LANKA, PULMODDAI. LIBERATION TIGERS OF
TAMIL EELAM (LITE) ATTACKED THE 20,284 GROSS TON PANAMANIAN-FLAG,
CHINESE OWNED BULK CARRIER (CORDIALITY) ANCHORED OFF PULMODDAI, SRI
LANKA AT 0130 ON 09 SEP 97. THE REBELS ATTACKED FROM SMALL BOATS
USING MORTARS AND ROCKET PROPELLED GRENADES. THE SHIP WAS SET AFIRE
AND WAS HEAVILY DAMMAGED IN THE ACCOMMODATION AND ENGINE ROOMS. FIVE
OF THE SHIP'S CREW OF THIRTY-FOUR ARE MISSING. TWO SOLDIERS GUARDING
TTHE SHIP AND FIVE DOCK WORKERS WERE KILLED AND A FURTHER SIX
SOLDIERS WERE MISSING. SRI LANKANA NAVAL UNITS RESPONDED TO THE
ATTACK AND ENGAGED THE REBEL BOATS OF WHICH FOUR WERE DESTROYED WITH
A LOSS OF TWENTY-FIVE REBEL FIGHTERS. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 09/06/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-77 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
63 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| SRI LANKA, COLOMBO. THE 16,500 GROSS TON
GERMAN FLAGGED CONTAINER SHIP (FRESENA) WAS ATTACKED 06 SEP 97 BY
ROBBERS WHILE AT ANCHOR OFF COLOMBO, SRI LANKA. AN UNKNOWN NUMBER OF
PERSONS WERE DISCOVERED ON DECK BY THE NIGHT WATHMAN AT 0145 LOCAL
TIME. THE INDIVIDUALS, WHO WERE ATTEMPTING TO BREAK INTO A SEALED
CONTAINER, FLED WHEN THE SEARCHLIGHTS AND THE SHIP'S WHISTLE WERE
ACTIVATED. THE COLOMBO PILOT STATION WAS INFORMED AND A NAVY PATROL
VESSEL APPEARED SHORTLY AFTER. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/30/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-15 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
92 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| South China Sea-Philippines The following
report was received from law enforcement officials in the
Philippines on 1 Sep 96. On 30 Aug 96, while at sea, a man armed
with a shotgun and grenades seized a female passanger aboard the
6,823 gt Philippine-flagged Ro-Ro Cargo ferry Saint Francis Of
Assisi. Before fleeing, the man demanded 50,000 pesos ($1,925 US)
from the crew and passengers. He took the 24,000 pesos ($925 US)
that was collected, and the hostage and escaped aboard a life raft.
The master followed the raft from a safe distance and reported its
movements to the Coast Guard. The raft was headed toward the Cuvo
Island group 248 miles south of Manila. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/28/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-81 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
5/31/00 N 5/44/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
CARGO SHIP FRISCHLAND |
| Description: |
|
| NIGERIA The Liberian-flag cargo 2,514-ton ship
Frischland was attacked by robbers in the Chanomi creek while
outbound from Warri, Nigeria at 1210 local time 27 Aug 97. The
attack was staged from a speedboat containing seven armed men. After
pursuing the cargo ship to a point near Bedford Point the thieves
climbed aboard using hooked poles. The attackers were armed with
clubs, guns and knives. The crew was held at gunpoint and the master
forced to open the safe which was emptied of cash, and the thieves
also ransacked the crew's cabins taking any valuables they could
find. The pilot and two crewmen on the bridge were beaten by two of
the thieves who stationed themselves there throughout the incident
during which the ship sailed for about twenty minutes with the helm
unmanned. At 1230 local time, the thieves spotted a nearby police
boat and left the ship with the patrol boat in pursuit.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/23/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-73 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
4/3/00 N 9/41/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHNANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| CAMEROON, PORT DOUALA. THE 12,445 GROSS TON
BAHAMAS-FLAG CONTAINER SHIP (CMBT EXPRESS), WAS BOARDED IN PORT AT
DOUALA, CAMEROON BY A GROUP ARMED WITH KNIVES AT 0330 23 AUG. THE
INTRUDERS OPENED FOUR TWENTY-FOOT CONTAINERS WITH MIXED CARGO AND
WERE CARRYING OFF THE CONTENTS WHEN THEY WERE CHASED BY THE SHIP'S
CREW. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/22/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-68 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
63 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka The 2,704 gross ton
North Korean flag cargo ship (Moran Bong) is to be released by Tamil
Tiger rebels which seized the ship July, 8, 1997 off Sri Lanka's
north coast. On August 22, 1997 the International Committee of the
Red Cross-Red Crescent announced the pending release and stated that
six Korean crew members would first inspect the ship to determine if
it needed to be towed or could leave the area under it's own power.
As of August 29, 1997 no release had been confirmed. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/21/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-75 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
24 |
| Geographical Location: |
23/57/00 S 46/18/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| BRAZIL, PORT SANTOS. ARMED INTRUDERS HELD TWO
CREWMEMBERS AT GUNPOINT TO GAIN ACCESS TO A SAFE ABOARD THE 11,084
PANAMANIAN FLAGGED CARGO SHIP (TIA ANGELICA) AT SANTOS. THE ATTACK
OCCURED AT 0400 ON 21 AUG 97. AT THE TIME OF THE ATTACK THE SHIP WAS
ALONGSIDE LOADING BAGGED SUGAR AT SHEDS 16-17. FOUR MASKED MEN
FORCED OPEN THE DOOR TO THE MASTER'S OFFICE AND GAINED ACCESS TO HIS
CABIN BY THREATINING TO KILL TWO CREW MEMBERS THEY WERE HOLDING AT
GUNPOINT. THE ROBBERS TOOK $12,000 (US) AND MEDICINE FROM THE SAFE.
THE FOUR ATTACKERS WERE REPORTED AS WHITE AND THEIR LEADER SPOKE
ENGLISH TO THE SHIP'S MASTER. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/20/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-72 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
93 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Thailand The 11,356 gross ton Maltese flag
bulk carrier (Aro) was boarded by approximatetly five to eight
persons while at the Laem Chabang Anchorage. The boarding occured at
0300 20AUG97 and was accomplished using a line with a grappling
hook. The intruders were seen by the watchmen and the duty officer
who sounded the ship's alarm. The thieves damaged the paint locker
and the forecastle lock and took 15 tins of paint and an Hatch
Tarpaulin. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/16/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-70 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
53 |
| Geographical Location: |
35/49/00 N 14/33/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Mediterranean Sea Malta: The Bunkering vessel
(Seagull) (NFI) was boarded in port at Hay Wharf, Marsamxett, Malta
at 1230 16Aug97 by two men who stole cash, checks and credit cards
after tying up a watchman and ransacking the vessel's safe.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/16/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-79 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
53 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
BUNKER VESSEL SEAGULL |
| Description: |
|
| MALTA - Port Hay Wharf The Bunkering Vessel
(Seagull) was boarded in Port at Hay Wharf, Marsamxett, Malta at
1230 local time 16 Aug 97 by two men who stole cash, checks, and
credit cards after tying up two watchmen and ransacking the vessel's
safe. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/15/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-71 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
22 |
| Geographical Location: |
2/12/00 S 79/53/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Ecuador The 17,367 gross ton Bahamian flagged
general cargo ship (Illapel) was boarded by two armed robbers while
it was at anchor in the outer roads of Guayaquil, Ecuador on
15AUG97. At 0120 local time two armed robbers climbed aboard the
ship from the starboard side near the forecastle. The robbers were
noticed by a watchman and the alarm was sounded. The robbers then
jumped overboard and were picked up by a waiting boat. Four
containers were unsealed but none of them opened. There were no
injuries. The local authorities were notified and four armed
watchmen were sent and arrived onboard at 0350. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/12/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-66 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
24 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Description: |
|
| Brazil In a report received August 12, 1997,
Brazilian police report that some ships have been anchoring near a
small island 20 kilometers outside the port of Rio De Janeiro while
waiting for berthing in an attempt to avoid being boarded by
pirates. They report that these precautions have proved useless
because those ships are being attacked by more sophisticated priates
using fast powerboats. The report further stated that the pirate's
main targets are ships carrying containers loaded with electronic
equipment, drinks, and canned food. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/09/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-69 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
63 |
| Geographical Location: |
23/00/00 N 70/13/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| India The 4,159 gross ton Liberian flagged
tanker (Normar Splendour) was boarded by pirates at 0100 local time
while it was in the Roads of Kandla, India on August 9, 1997. Upon
hearing the ship's alarm the pirates fled but were able to steal one
television set. There were no injuries reported. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/09/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-74 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
63 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| INDIA, ROADS OF KANDLA. THE 4,159 GROSS TON
LIBERIAN FLAGGED TANKER (NORMAR SPLENDER) WAS BOARDED BY PIRATES AT
0100 LOCAL TIME WHILE IT WAS IN THE ROADS OF KANDLA, INDIA ON 09 AUG
97. UPON HEARING THE SHIP'S ALARM THE PIRATES FLED BUT WERE ABLE TO
STEAL ONE TELEVISION SET. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/09/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-78 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
63 |
| Geographical Location: |
23/00/00 N 7/13/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
PIRATES |
| Victim: |
NORMAR SPLENDOUR |
| Description: |
|
| INDIA - ROADS OF KANDLA The 4,159 gross ton
Liberian-flagged tanker (Normar Splendour) was boarded by pirates at
0100 local time while it was in the Roads of Kandla, India on 09 Aug
1997. Upon hearing the ship's alarm the pirates fled but were able
to steal one television set. There were no injuries to the crew.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/08/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-67 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
93 |
| Geographical Location: |
13/34/00 N 100/30/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Bangkok, Thailand The 9,077 gross ton
Malaysian flagged general cargo ship (Alam Tangkas) was boarded by
two pirates on Auguest 8, 1997 while it was at the Laem Chabang
Anchorage south of Bangkok, Thailand. The pirates fled when the
ship's crew approached them. They escaped with one electric grinder.
There were no reports of injury to the crew. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/06/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-65 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
51 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Description: |
|
| Africa The ECOMOG peacekeeping force, a
Nigerian led Military coalition based in Liberia, warned ships and
aircraft to keep clear of Sierra Leone's territorial waters
immeditately in a report released recently. The report stated that
the coalition would start enforcing the blockade of Sierra Leone on
August 6, 1997 to force coup leaders there to relinquish power. The
military coup in Sierra Leone, which toppled elected president Ahmad
Tejan Kabbah, has been denounced by the United Nations and the
organization of African Unity. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/26/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-63 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
63 |
| Geographical Location: |
22/19/00 N 91/49/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Indian Ocean The 3,351 gross ton Denmark
flagged general cargo ship (Star Bird) was boarded by pirates during
the evening on July 26, 1997 while the ship was anchored in the
roads of Chittagong, Bangladesh. Armed pirates were discovered on
board the ship at 2255 local time and the ship's horn and piracy
alarm were sounded. The crew also chased the pirates and they
apparently fled the ship. The report stated that the boarding was
carried out by two crews operating from two boats, one forward and
one aft. Items reported to be stolen after the boarding were three
mooring ropes, a fire hose, six pairs of boots, three raincoats, one
set of heaving line, a fire nozzle, and a wrench. The Chittagong
Port Control was called but there was no reaction from the duty
office. It was further reported that two other boardings took place
the same night but no details were provided in the report.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/13/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-60 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
91 |
| Geographical Location: |
14/35/00 N 120/58/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Philippines The 40,465 gross ton German
flagged containership (Villw D'Aquarius) was boarded and robbed by
pirates on July 13, 1997 while it was at anchor in the outer roads
of Manila. The boarding took place at 0230 local time when 10 armed
persons robbed the deck watchman. His VHF radio and his wristwatch
were taken along with the anchor chain protection pipe and paint
from the Bosun's store. At 0520 hours six crew members and two
officers inspected the vessel and found that the pirates had left
the ship. Manila Radio had been contacted at 0500 hours and the
coast guard had advised that they would board the ship as soon as
possible. There were no reports of injuries. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/11/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-62 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
63 |
| Geographical Location: |
6/57/00 N 79/51/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Indian Ocean The 8,957 gross ton Malaysia
flagged containership (Bunga Mas Lima) was boarded by thieves on
July 11, 1997 while it was at anchor in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The
boarding occured between the hours of 2100 and 2300 during a period
of heavy rains and high wind. The deck had been patrolled through
the night by the ship's personnel but the intruders broke into Bay
No. 3 at the foward part of the ship while the patrol was at the aft
section of the ship. Five containers, loaded on deck, were tampered
with. Two container lashings were undone and doors were opened.
Three containers just had seals broken. It could not be ascertained
whether any contents had been removed from any of the containers.
There were no reports of confrontation or contact between members of
the crew and the intruders but it was reported that a Sri Lankan
Navy patrol vessel had occasionally passed near the ship during the
night. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/08/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-64 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
93 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| South East Asia The 23,658 gross ton Saint
Vincent flagged bulk carrier (Argonaut) was boarded and robbed by 12
armed men while it was loading coal from barges in the outer
anchorage of Hongay, Vietnam on July 8, 1997. The robbers stole 40
drums of paint but the police were able to apprehend the robbers,
arrest them and return the paint on July 9, 1997. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/07/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-58 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
63 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Indian Ocean The 2,704 gross ton North Korean
flagged general cargo ship (Mo Ban Bong) was captured by Liberation
Tigers of Tamil Eeelam (LTTE) on July 7, 1997. The ship, under the
sailing name (Mo Ran bong), was anchored five miles off Point Pedro
on the Jaffna Peninsula in Northern Sri Lanka. An LTTE represenative
made a statement on a rebel radio station announcing that a crew
member of the ship had been killed after the ship tried to escape.
The body of the crewman was handed over the International Committee
Of the Red Cross (ICRC) on July 9, 1997. Further reporting states
that the ICRC has been able to see the remaining 37 crew members and
the LTTE has given the ICRC assurance that they will be releaed
within the next few days. It was also reported that the ship has
been spotted by the Sri Lankan Navy near Chalai, which is about 25
km south of the rebel stronghold of Mullaitivu. The ship had been
charted to transport food from Colombo to civilians on the Northern
Jaffna Peninsula. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/07/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-61 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
93 |
| Geographical Location: |
20/38/00 N 106/51/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Haiphong, Vietnam The 6,974 gross ton
Panamanian flagged cargo ship (Oscar Venture) was boarded by armed
pirates while anchored at 2038N/10651E awaiting berthing in
Haiphong, Vietnam. Six armed pirates boarded the ship about July 7,
1996 at 0130 local time. The crew caught up with the pirates but did
not attempt to arrest them because they were armed. The pirates
stole one coil of mooring rope from the poop deck and then jumped
into their waiting boat and sped off. There were no injuries, no
other items were lost from the ship, and the incident was reported
to police. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/03/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-59 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
72 |
| Geographical Location: |
3/00/00 S 107/18/30 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Indonesia On July 30, 1997 at 0500 local time
the 22,135 gross ton Bahamina- Flagged bulk carrier (Leira) was
boarded and robbed by six pirates while it was manoeuvering along
the Gelasa Strait at Latitude 0300S, Longitude 10718.5E. The report
stated that the pirates went onto the bridge armed with knives and
demanded the Chief Officer to telephone the Master before they tied
him up. Some of the pirates then moved down to the Master's cabin,
tied him up and took cash and personal effects. The report further
stated that there were no injuries to the crew and no damage to the
ship. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/01/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-56 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
63 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Manner, Sri Lanka Tamil Tiger separatists
attacked a merchant vessel in Mannar, Sri Lanka on July 1, 1997 and
destroyed the vessel by setting fire to it. Mannar is in
Northwestern Sri Lanka and the merchant vessel was reported to have
been recently hired by Sri Lanka's rehabilitation ministry from a
private company to ferry refugees to the Jaffna Peninsula on the
Northernmost tip of Sri Lanka. The name of the vessel was reported
as (Misen) and was described as a passenger vessel. The report
stated that only the crew were on board when the attack took place.
The crew was abducted by rebels at 0430 GMT and the rebels then set
fire to the vessel. There were no reports of injury to the crew.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 06/26/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-57 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
6/1/00 S 105/57/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Indonesia The Hong-Kong flagged 16,663 gross
ton general cargo ship (Noble Glory) was boarded and robbed by
pirates while it was at anchorage in Cigading, Indonesia on June 26,
1997. The report stated that 15 armed pirates boarded the ship from
a motor boat and overpowered the anti-piracy watch before entering
the engine room. they then assaulted several crew members and took
engine stores and spares before departing the ship. There were no
reports of injuries to the crew. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 06/16/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-53 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
24 |
| Geographical Location: |
23/57/00 S 46/18/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Brazil The 42,904 gross ton Kuwaiti-flagged
liquid gas tanker (Gas Al Burgen) was reportedly boarded by pirates
while it was berthed at the Alamoa Terminal in Santos, Brazil on
June 16, 1997. The ship was discharging its cargo of propane when,
at approximately 0550 local time, five armed men boarded the ship by
means of the ship's gangway on the port side. Two watchmen were
accosted by the pirates and the pirates demanded to be taken to the
master's cabin where they took $10,000 (US) in cash from the ship's
safe. It was further reported that at about 0605 general alarm was
sounded by the third officer who announced that there were pirates
onboard. The chief officer had made a mayday call on the VHF and had
tried to contact the terminal operators but failed. It was reported
that from the bridge he observed the pirates getting into a boat
jetty and the boat proceeding around the ship's bow and back down
river toward Santos at approximately 0620. The police came on board
at 0635. No injuries were reported. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 06/11/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-52 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
61 |
| Geographical Location: |
6/49/00 S 39/18/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Africa The 8,246 gross ton Panamanian-flagged
general cargo ship (Stella Th) was boarded by pirates while at the
outer anchorage of Dar Es Salaam, Tanazania on June 11, 1997. It was
reported that at 0230 local time 30 to 35 men armed with knives
boarded the ship, overpowered the watch, and then forced the master
to open the ship's safe. The pirates stole a large amount of money,
ship's tackle, stores, and spare parts. The pirates then made their
escape in two launches and have not been apprehended since the
incident. No injuries were reported. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 06/11/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-54 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
54 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MILITARY VESSELS |
| Description: |
|
| Mediterranean Sea Two seperate incidents on
June 11, 1997 highlight the maritime violence involving Albanians.
It was reported that an unidentified Albanian registered vessel,
carrying 700 people fired on an Italian coast guard vessel near
Durres, Albania. The Italian vessel returned fire and forced the
Albanian vessel back to port. Those aboard the Albanian vessel
denied that anyone fired on the Italian vessel. On the same day an
Albanian speedboat opened fire on a Greek Coast Guard vessel near
Igoumenitsa, Greece. The Greek vessel returned fire and those on the
boat jumped overboard and swam to nearby rocks. A subsequent search
revealed that the Albanian speedboat was carrying 300 kilograms of
Hasish, two Kalishnikov rifles, ammunition and a hand grenade.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 05/30/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-55 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
93 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| South China Sea On May 30, 1997 the 8,937
gross ton Singapore-flagged general cargo ship (Sinfa) was boarded
by pirates while it was on voyage from Singapore to Pontianak,
Indonesia. At 0330 local time on May 30, 1997 a noise was heard from
the Deck Officer's passageway and the extra third officer was found
with a gunshot wound to the arm. At 0345 the Chief Officer, Second
Officer, and Radio Officer entered the Master's cabin and found him
bound and dead from a gunshot wound to the head. The officers then
altered the ship's course and headed for Singapore. The incident was
reported to the Singapore port master and the Owner's head office.
There was no further mention of the pirates in the report.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 05/23/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-5 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
61 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Djibouti, Somalia Unidentified Somali militia
released a Russian salvage tug (SB-408, 2,050 Gross Tons) and her
crew in international waters near Dijibouti. The tug was on standby
aproximately 16 nautical miles off the Arab Bank Sandbar when she
was approached on 20 May 1996 by two patrol boats manned by Somalis,
in civilian dress, toting automatic weapons. The vessels master and
third officer were forced at gunpoint onto one of the launches while
the crew (20 personnel) and tug were escorted south toward the horn
of Africa. The captors scavenged the tug for money and supplies for
their boats. According to the tug's master, the pirates had
intimidating behavior, but did not use physical violence. During the
12 hour ordeal, the crew was unable to use the radio. The hostages
were allowed back on board the tug after the master handed over
about $8,000. (US) in cash, 10 tons of diesel fuel, two drums of
lubrication oil; and about $2,000 (US) worth of stores and
provisions. Upon release, the salvage tug had again taken up station
off Djibouti, but reportedly in a different location.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 05/18/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-49 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
24 |
| Geographical Location: |
23/57/00 S 46/18/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Brazil The 10,949 gross ton Russian flagged
merchant ship (Ilya Erenburg) was attacked by pirates armed with
guns and knives while berthed at the Alamoa Terminal in Santos,
Brazil on May 18, 1997. Six masked attackers climbed aboard the ship
from both port and starboard sides simultaneously and opened fire
with guns. An operator from the terminal was taken hostage and
brought onto the ship. General Alarm was sounded but one deck
officer and three sailors were captured on deck. All of the doors to
the outer contour bar had been locked but the pirates were able to
access the deck house. The rest of the crew were able to prevent
further access to the superstructure by closing fire doors and
holding them shut. Information was transmitted to the pilot station
via VHF communications and local police were notified. The pirates
left the vessel after 15 minutes of futile attempts to access the
ship's superstructure. After 40 minutes, local police arrived. The
report stated there were no injuries or material losses.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 05/03/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-3 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
24 |
| Geographical Location: |
22/54/00 S 43/10/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSELS |
| Description: |
|
| Rio De Janeiro, Brazil The International
Maritime Bureau received a report from the owners of the M/V san
Marino, a 14,366 gross ton, Cypriot flagged container vessel on 3
May 96. The vessel's master reports that the ship was attacked by
armed pirates on 2 May 1996, at 0200 local, while anchored in Rio De
Janeiro. The pirates approached the ship in two launches along the
forward starboard side of the vessel. Five men, armed with knives,
came on board. The pirates broke the seals on 22 containers, opened
ten, and stole boxes from two. Local authorities were informed of
the incident. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 05/01/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-46 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
4/3/00 N 9/41/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Africa On May 6, 1997 the 4,997 gross ton
Ukraine flagged general cargo ship (Rybinsk) was boarded and robbed
while it was in Port Douala, Cameroon on MAY 1, 1997. The robbers
were armed with knives and stole a television set, one telephone,
and one of the crewmen's watch. The port watchmen were reported as
absent during the attack. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 05/01/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-51 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
63 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| South East Asia, Burma An unidentified ferry
was hijakced on May 01, 1997 in Burma by bandits that were reported
as being rebels of the Knukayin National Union. The bandits robbed
the passengers and took 11 passengers hostage. They were all
released May 09, 1997 after several thousand dollars in ransom was
paid. It was reported that 20 rebels took part in the hijacking and
that they used firearms to take over the ferry. There were no
reports of injuries. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 05/01/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-47 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
96 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| China The 10,837 gross ton Bahamian flagged
general cargo ship (Silver Sky) was attacked on May 1, 1997 by
pirates while at the Xingang Anchorage in northeast China near the
Yellow Sea. It was reported that the Chief Engineer was seriously
injured and required medical assistance. The ship left the anchorage
but no further details have been reported. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 04/29/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-48 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
93 |
| Geographical Location: |
2/52/00 S 107/15/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| China On April 29, 1997 the 10,917 gross ton
Liberian flagged container ship (Cape Sable) was boarded and robbed
by pirates while underway near the Gaspar strait on April 27, 1997.
The ship had departed Panjang, Indonesia and was bound for Hong Kong
when it was attacked at Latitude 0252S and Longitude 10715E. The
ship was traveling at 18.5 knots when six pirates armed with knives
boarded the ship from a speedboat. One crew member was stabbed in
the arm. The pirates took about $17,666 (US) in cash, a lap-top
computer, a printer, two walkie talkies, and a video recorder. The
pirates were on board for 30 minutes before returning to their
speedboat. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 04/03/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-43 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
61 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Africa The 11,982 gross ton Malaysian flagged
containership (Nedlloyd Main) was boarded by three pirates while the
ship was at Toamasina Anchorage, Madagascar on April 3, 1997. A duty
offier spotted the pirates while they were pulling away the ship's
mooring lines. The crew was alerted and they sounded the fog horn.
The pirates escaped without incident, nothing was reported stolen
and there were no reports of injury. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 04/02/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-44 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
51 |
| Geographical Location: |
9/31/00 N 13/43/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Africa The 6,769 gross ton Cypriot flagged
cargo ship (South County) was attacked by pirates with machine guns
on April 2, 1997 near Conakry, Gutnea. The ship was waiting for
berthing instructions when a group of about 20 pirates in a canoe
attempted to board the ship. The crewmen of the ship attempted to
prevent the pirates from coming aboard and the pirates began firing
their machine guns. The master ordered the anchor up and the ship
then proceeded westwards towards open sea leaving the pirates
behind. No injuries were reported. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 03/28/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-45 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
93 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| South China Sea The 10,546 gt Danish flagged
containership (Ratana Sopa) recevied small arms fire from a fishing
vessel as it transited off the southern coast of Vietnam on March
28, 1997. None of the bullets passed through the accommodation walls
an no injuries were reported. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 03/14/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-40 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
92 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Southern Philippines, Basilan Island The
passenger vessel (Rakam) was fired upon by heavily armed members of
a muslim extremist group while it was transiting off the coast of
the southern Philippine Island of Basilan on March 13, 1997. Two
passengers were killed and several others were wounded. No further
information is currenly available. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 03/09/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-41 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
24 |
| Geographical Location: |
22/54/00 S 43/10/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| South America The 14,866 gt container ship
(Libra Buenos Aires) was boarded by approximately ten heavily armed
bandits at midnight on March 9, 1997 while the ship was at anchor in
the outer roads of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. The bandits boarded the
ship using a grappling hook. Five crew members were locked in one
room while the other crew members remained in their respective
cabins. The master was physically assaulted and forced to open the
ship's safe. The bandits took $24,700 (US) in cash, personal
belongings of the crew, six pallets of typewriters, and other
valuables from other containers. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 03/09/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-42 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
25 |
| Geographical Location: |
18/25/00 N 70/1/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Caribbean An unidentified Bahamian-flagged
general cargo ship was boarded and robbed on March 9, 1997 while it
was in port Rio Haina, Dominican Republic. One of the ship's crewmen
spotted one of the thieves plundering safety equipment from one of
the ship's lifeboats. The thief was lowering the items to two
accomplices in a motorboat that had pulled alongside. When the
thieves were approached by three crewmen they drew knives to avoid
apprehension, but then escaped in their motorboat. The thieves were
able to steal flares, binoculars, walkie-talkies, and safety
equipment from the bridge and first aid kits, food rations, and
flares from two life boats. The incident was reported to the harbor
master via the port agents. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 03/07/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-38 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
61 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Africa The 3,016 gt merchant tanker (Helena)
was approached by two fishing vessels while it was transiting off
the coast of Somalia on March 7, 1997. One of the fishing vessels
reportedly fired a grenade at the tanker that fell short. The
fishing vessels also indicated that they wanted the tanker to stop,
but the tanker increased it's speed. The fishing vessels eventually
stopped and the tanker was able to escape. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 03/05/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-39 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
93 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| South China Sea The 746 ton Belize Glagged
cargo ship (Wint Thai No. 1) was hijacked in the South China Sea off
Malaysia on March 5, 1997 by about 10 armed pirates and held for six
days. The pirates approached the ship in a speed boat and fired
shots in the air, then boarded the ship. They handcuffed the crew,
beat them, and one crew member was later treated for a gunshot
wound. They stole the ship's cargo of cigarettes worth $3,500,000
(US). They also took the ship's charts, documents, books, the crew's
passports, and the ship's radio equipment. One radio was missed by
the pirates, and the crew was able to alert officals at the IMB
Piracy center once they were released. The ship arrived in Singapore
on March 14, 1997 where it was quarantined by Singapore Immigration
Officials and the injured crew members were taken to a local
hospital. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 02/18/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-37 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
61 |
| Geographical Location: |
6/49/00 S 39/18/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Africa On February 18 , 1997, an unknown
merchant vessel was boarded by 10- 15 thieves while at anchor in the
Dar Es Salaam Roads. The thieves attacked a watchman and stole his
walki-talkie. The incident was reported to port control, but no
action was taken by the authorities. The vessel then moved 12
nautical miles off the coast. No further information was reported.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 02/09/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-36 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
91 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Manila, Philippines Six pirates boarded the
13,512 deadweight ton Ukrainia-registered ship (Jakov Bondarenko) on
February 9, 1997 while the ship was off Breakwater port in Manila,
Philippines. The second mate was tied up in the forecastle and the
pirates took money, paint, personal possesions of the crew, and
radio equipment. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 02/05/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-50 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
51 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSELS |
| Description: |
|
| Europe On May 30, 1997, the yacht "Fair Lady"
was reported stolen. The theft occured February 5, 1997 at the
Peniche Marina, Portugal. The ship is valued at $160,000 (US) and
it's home port is Freeport, Bahamas. Also reported stolen on May 30,
1997 was a yacht named "Feeling." The yacht was charted in Workum,
Netherlands and has not been seen since May 05, 1997. The hull No.
is BAV-DE-LD2A292. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 02/01/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-34 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
61 |
| Geographical Location: |
2/2/00 N 45/21/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Africa Eight Somali gunmen in speedboats
seized the Kenyan registered ship (Clove) on 01 Feb 96 off the coast
of Somalia near Mogadishu. The gunmen are demanding money for the
release of the vessel and reports state that they are demanding as
much as $100,000,000 (US). The ship has a crew of 20 and is carrying
consumer goods from Mombasa to Kismayo. The gunmen reportedly posed
as Coast Guard personnel to board the ship and they have been in
contact with the vessel's owner. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 02/01/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-35 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
93 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| South China Sea The 916 gross ton tanker
(Lungshan No. 8) was seized by a dissident Cambodian Navy vessel in
the gulf of Thailand on 01 Feb 97. The ship departed Bangkok
carrying 1,000 tons of gas oil and was destined for Sihanoukville.
The Cambodian vessel was reported as a small fishing vessel that
fired a machine gun in the air. Crewmen of the fishing vessel
reportedly took over the ship and sailed to Kaoh Rong Island (1043N
10211E) and were awaiting an agent to bring money and documents. On
February 2, 1997 the ship was taken to Rondes Island and was guarded
by more dissident Cambodian Navy fishing boats because three regular
Cambodian Navy gunboats had arrived to rescue the ship. The ship was
freed on February 3, 1997 after negotiations between the two
Cambodian factions. No casualties were reported. The dissident Navy
members that boarded the ship took binoculars, life jackets, a
handphone and crew personal belongings. Some of the ship's cargo was
also taken for the dissident navy vessels. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 01/27/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-31 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
91 |
| Geographical Location: |
14/35/00 N 120/58/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Manila, Philippines. It was reported on
January 27, 1996 that the containership vessel Eagle Prosperity was
boarded by pirates while anchored at Manila's North Harbour in the
Philippines. The crew of the ship was able to prevent theft by
sounding the alarm. There were no injuries reported. The pirates
escaped in a speedboat. Port Authorities and the Coast Guard were
informed of the incident. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 01/22/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-32 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
22 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| South America The 14 passenger cruise vessel
"Rio Amazonis" was boarded by bandits on Janury 22, 1997 while
transiting the Amazon River between Peru and Colombia. The bandits
came alongside the cruise vessel in a speed boat and crawled through
an open window in the ship's galley. The bandits, armed with
pistols, terrorized the crew and passengers and took about $20,000
(US) in cash and jewelry. They stole the ship's radio, fuel
reserves, and food. None of the passengers or crew were seriously
injured. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 01/14/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-28 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
93 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| South China Sea It was reported on January 14,
1997 that the two crewmembers from the hijacked tanker "Suci" were
released unharmed while the ship remains at large. The crewmembers
told Indonesian officals that the ship was being operated by a full
crew of 19, and that ship still had 3,000 tons of oil onboard. The
"Suci" was orginally hijacked on Nov 22 1996. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 01/10/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-33 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
55 |
| Geographical Location: |
41/1/00 N 28/58/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Mediterranean Sea A Bomb was found on an
unidentified ferry in Bakirkoy, Istanbul in Turkey on 10 Jan 97 but
was successfully defused. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 01/01/1997 |
Reference Number: 1997-30 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
22 |
| Geographical Location: |
2/44/00 S 79/53/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| South America An unidentified containership
was attacked on January 1, 1997 by eight armed men while anchored in
Guayaquil, Ecuador. Once onboard ship, the thieves captured the
watchman and stole the contents of several containers. The watchman
was later released after suffering minor injuries. After the attack,
the Guayaquil Port Authority responded to the vessel's request for
assistance. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 12/22/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-29 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
24 |
| Geographical Location: |
6/25/00 N 58/37/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| South America An unidentified reefer vessel
was attacked on December 22, 1996 by five armed men while anchored
in Georgetown, Guyana. After being spotted by the crew, the thieves
left the vessel and escaped in a motorboat. No property was stolen,
no injuries were reported. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 12/15/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-27 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
93 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| South China Sea On Dec 15, 1996, six armed men
boarded a container barge off the coast of China. The robbers gagged
and blindfolded the watchman and escaped with five containers of
poultry goods valued at $325,000 (US). |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 12/08/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-26 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
51 |
| Geographical Location: |
8/30/00 N 13/14/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Africa On Dec 8 1996, fifteen men boarded
Altair 1 (BHS Flag, 22,116 GT) as it arrived at Freetown, Sierre
Leone. The pirates stayed onboard for thirty minutes and departed
with an undetermined amount of cash and valuables. Two watchmen on
deck were bound and beaten. Attempts to contact port authorities and
vessels were unsuccessful. After they left, the Altair 1 immediately
heaved up the anchor and sailed away to open sea. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 11/19/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-25 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
93 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| South China Sea On Nov 19 1996, the Malaysian
gasoil tanker "Suci" was boarded by six armed pirates near Horsburgh
Lighthouse, East of Singapore. Of the seventeen crew, fifteen were
blindfolded and set adrift in a life boat. The crew was later
rescued by a fishing vessel and taken to Batam island. The remaining
two members are still believed to be on the ship. The tanker has
onboard approximately 3,000 metric tons of gasoil. The pirates also
painted over the name "Suci" and renamed the tanker "Glory II",
which is registered in San Lorenzo, Honduras. There were no injuries
reported. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 11/15/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-24 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
24 |
| Geographical Location: |
22/54/00 S 43/7/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Rio De Janeiro, South America The
containership San Marino (CYP), was boarded by ten gunmen on 15 Nov
96. The ship was preparing to depart Rio De Janeiro when the attack
took place. Once onboard ship, the armed gunmen demanded money and
the ship' stowage plans. After a thorough search of the ship, the
gunmen found more than $8,400 (US) and boxes of computer hardware
equipment. They also seized all of the VHF equipment. After the
pirates departed, the master contacted the pilot station for
assitance and was told no assitance was available. No crew members
were hurt during the attack. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 10/27/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-22 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
93 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| South China Sea On 27 Oct. 96, the LPG carrier
Norgas Energy was attacked by pirates while underway from Merak and
sailing for Pasir Gudang. At least three persons boarded the ship,
forcing the third mate to call the master of the ship to the bridge.
Once there, the master was forced into his cabin. The thieves stole
about $10,000 (US) from the safe and fled. There were no injuries
reported. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 10/24/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-21 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
62 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Persian Gulf Armed Iraqis gunmen stormed a
Kuwaiti fishing vessel on 24 Oct 96, killing one fisherman and
wounding another. The attack took place north of Kuwaiti territorial
waters. After robbing the vessel and leaving it disabled, the gunmen
fled. The crew was eventually rescued by the Kuwaiti Coast Guard and
taken to the hospital where one man died from his injuries. It is
not known whether the gunmen were members of the Iraqi armed forces.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 10/24/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-23 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
62 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSELS |
| Description: |
|
| Persian Gulf Three Kuwaiti fishing boats were
attacked in Northern Persian Gulf near international waters south
east of Bubiyan Island on 24 Oct 96. The attackers siezed two of the
boats and transfered the two two-man crews to the third boat. The
third boat was stripped of its radio and electronic equipment. One
Kuwaiti fisherman was killed and another seriously wounded by the
attackers who opened fire on the stranded vessel during their
retreat. The fishing boat was left drifting and was eventually
rescued by the Kuwaiti coast guard. Reports by the surviving
crewmembers speculated to the authorities that the nationality of
the attackers could be Iraqi. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 10/10/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-20 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
51 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Africa, Sierra Leone. The following report was
received from the master of the Alex III on 14 Oct 96: Hooded
pirates firing AK-47 automatic rifles attacked the 560 gt, Greek
flagged Alex III on 10 Oct 96. Eleven pirates, wearing army
fatigues, came within close range of the Alex III located off the
coast of Sierra Leone. The pirates opened fire wounding some crew
members before boarding. Other crew members including the master
were clubbed to the deck with rifle butts. Personal items of the
crew were taken in addition to the fish and shrimp caught that day.
Value of missing catch is several thousand dollars. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 09/24/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-18 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
5/15/00 N 4/1/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Abidjan, Ivory Coast The following report was
received from the master of the Finnsnes on 25 Sep 96. On 24 Sep 96,
while located 15 nautical miles off Abidjan, Ivory Coast, armed
pirates boarded the Cyprus flagged M bulk carrier Finnsnes. The
pirates ransacked the forward paint and rope storerooms. They took
1,900 liters of paint, 60 kilograms of grease, one coil of 16
millimeter rope, jet chisels and strippers, shovels and buckets. The
master attempted to contact local authorities ashore but received no
answer. The master made changes to his course and speed moving
further off shore and the pirates jumped into the sea. No injuries
to the crew were reported. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 09/22/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-19 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
93 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| South China Sea The following report was
recived from the master of Britoil-15 on Sep 24, 1996. On 22 Sep 96,
while passing the Tawitawi Island, the 177 gt Singapore flagged tug
Britoil-15 was robbed by armed gunmen. Three gunmen boarded the
vessel from a high speed craft and took almost everything on board.
The items stolen include: Binoculars, calculator, typewriter,
breathing apparatus, television and video equipment, two fire
extinguishers, the remainder of the ship's food allowance, personal
items from the crew, and the tug's radar and vhf equipment. There
were no injuries reported. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 09/16/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-17 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
3/47/00 N 98/41/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Belawan, Sumatera The following report was
received from The International Maritime Bureau at Barking Essex on
17 Sep 96. On 16 Sep 96 at 0220, the Liberian-flagged M Tanker Iver
Pride was lying at anchor in Belawan, Sumatera. The second officer
observed movement on the forecastle and determined it was not the
patrolling watchmen. He sounded the vessel's general alarm. Two
small craft with approximately 10-12 persons on board were observed
with a searchlight moving away from the vessel. An invesitigation
found the locks to the paint store and Bosun's store forced open.
The intruders had taken approximately 500 liters of paint and one
fireman's outfit. No injuries reported. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 09/15/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-16 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
71 |
| Geographical Location: |
6/6/00 S 106/53/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Tangjung Priok, Jawa The following report was
received from the Regional Piracy Center at Kuala Lumpur on 17 Sep
96. On 15 Sep 96, while anchored at Tanjung Priok Anchorage in Jawa,
the Malaysian flagged M bulk carrier Bunga Kesidang was boarded by
three pirates. Engine spare parts were discovered missing. The
watchman was threatened with knives by the three intruders before
their escape. No injuries to the crew were reported. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/20/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-12 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
53 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Mediterranean Sea - Southern Italy A group of
pirates attacked a private yacht moored near the village of Scilla,
in southern Italy. A few hours after reaching it's anchorage, the
British-registered yacht Renalo was boarded by a group of men, one
armed with a pistol, from a small motorboat. They forced the crew
and six Frenchwomen (passengers) on board to hand over jewelry and
money before making their escape. The estimated value of the foreign
currency and jewels taken was $2,600 (US). There were no injuries.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/15/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-13 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
93 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| South China Sea, Hong Kong On 15 Aug 1996,
while anchored 2.5 miles off Lamma Island, Hong Kong, 1.5 coils of
poly rope were taken by three pirates from Philippine flagged LPG
carrier Islas Gas. The pirates cut the rope from the second coil and
jumped into the water when they were discovered by the crew on the
forecastle. The pirates had a high speed boat waiting for their get
away. The master's report indicated that several sightings of
unmarked, grey colored high speed boats had been made in the
northern South China Sea between 14 and 22 degrees north.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/09/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-11 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
63 |
| Geographical Location: |
8/33/00 N 81/13/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Tricomalee, Sri Lanka An Explosion badly
dammaged a Japanese merchant ship and injured nine Stevedores. The
Princess Wave, a Philippine-flagged, M bulk carrier was moored at
Pulmodai in the eastern port district of Tricomalee, Sri Lanka when
the underwater device detonated. The ship was involved in cargo
handling, loading a cargo of mineral sand, when the explosion
occured. There were nine Stevedores injured from the blast, all of
them were involved in cargo handling operations. The Sri Lankan Navy
is assisting in efforts to keep the Princess Wave afloat. It is
suspected that the Tamil separatist rebels are responsible for
planting and detonating the underwater device. No claim has been
made. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/03/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-14 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
94 |
| Geographical Location: |
22/8/00 N 114/7/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Tawain Strait The following report was
received from the master of the Singapore flagged M bulk carrier
Maritime Grace, dated 3 Aug 1996 at 2200 local time: On 3 Aug 1996,
anchored at latitude 22:08N, longitude 114:07E near the Taiwan
Strait. Pirates attempted to board the vessel via the anchor chain
pipe. They tried to open the hawe pipe lid, but the crew scared them
away. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 08/02/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-10 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
61 |
| Geographical Location: |
6/45/42 S 39/20/34 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania The following report
was received from the master of Singapore flagged M tanker Mimosa
Aug 2, 1996 in the outer anchorage of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania at
0734 August 1, 1996: At 0230 on 2 August 1996, port control advised
that vessel was boarded by four pirates who climbed the anchor chain
and entered through the hawse pipe access unnoticed. The crew was
alerted but the four pirates made their getaway on a motorized
speedboat. Two lengths of mooring rope each measuring 7 inches in
diameter and 220 feet in length were taken, no other stores were
stolen. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 07/03/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-9 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
6/24/00 N 3/24/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Lagos, Nigeria A report on July 3, 1996
indicated that an unidentified vessel was hijacked in June at
Apapa/Lagos. Shortly after the mooring to offload salt, the vessel,
with a crew of 22, was boarded and occupied by a group of more than
100 angry men carrying iron bars, wooden clubs, stones, and steel
bolts. The gang appeared to be union Stevedores demonstrating over
the charterer's and/or receiver's arrangement of non-union labor to
offload the vessel. Two europeans representing the charterers and
the receivers, and two clerks from the local agents were taken
hostage. The crew avoided capture by barricading themselves in the
aft accommodation. The group's leader warned the master not to allow
non-union Stevedores aboard or the vessel would be set ablaze. The
stand off lasted two days, during which both the Navy and Police
attempted to approach the ship only to be repelled by the group. On
the third day of the siege, the hostages were freed. The leader
ordered the gang to depart on the following day; yet reiterated to
the master his earlier warning of not permitting non-union
Stevedores aboard. On the fith day, the parties reached a
compromise, allowing both union and non-union Stevedores to off load
cargo. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 05/31/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-7 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
22 |
| Geographical Location: |
3/54/00 N 77/5/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Buenaventura, Columbia On May 18, the
India-Flagged M Bulk carrier Holck-Larsen was anchored at the inner
anchorage, awaiting berthing to unload it's cargo of wheat at
Buenaventura, Columbia. Two shore watchmen were employed and were on
round-the-clock duty on board. In addition, two of the ship's
crewmen were assigned anti-piracy patrols aboard the vessel during
the night. On May 31, 1996, $2,000 (US) was found missing from the
Radio Officer's cabin, and a briefcase was missing from the second
officer's cabin. Local agents, Police, and the manager of the
security company were informed immediately. The briefcase was found
in the officer's laundery, but it's contents of cash worth $3,400
was missing. The money taken from the Radio Officer's cabin was not
recovered. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 05/08/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-4 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
22 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Callao Anchorage, Peru M/V Isla Bartolome,
Bahamian flagged, 13,237 gross tons, general cargo, arrived at
Callao Anchorage on 8 May 1996 0130 local and was anchored as per
agent's instructions waiting for authorities. The crew of the vessel
established the security watch as required by local regulation. At
0220 local four men were found on the forecastle deck stealing a
coil of mooring rope. When the crew was alerted, the thieves jumped
overboard with the rope. Port authorities were notified immediately
by VHF radio. The patrol boat arrived at 0330 and the ship's master
protested to the local authorities handling of the matter.
|
|
| Date of Occurrence: 05/02/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-2 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
24 |
| Geographical Location: |
32/3/00 S 52/5/00 W |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSELS |
| Description: |
|
| Rio Grande, Brazil The International Maritime
Bureau received a report from the operators of the M/V Nema, a
36,741 gross ton, Greek flagged bulk carrier on 8 May 1996. While
topping off at the grain terminal in Rio Grande, Brazil, on 2 May
1996, at about 0400, loading operations were temporarily suspended.
Aproximately 30 minutes later the vessel was boarded from the sea by
a gang of seven heavily armed raiders wearing balaclava style
helmets and armed with automatic weapons. The raiders proceeded to
round up the room and lock them in the officer's smoke room. The
raiders ransacked the vessel's accomodations for cash, valuables and
electronics goods. No shots were fired during the incident; however,
two crew members sustained minor injuries. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 04/24/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-8 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
57 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Nigeria Seven Nigerian thieves, armed with
guns and long knives, boarded a vessel (NFI) in river transit from
the port of Warri, Nigeria to the sea, on April 24, 1996. The master
started the emeregency alarm upon detecting the bandits; however,
some of the crew locked themselves inside in quarters and the
master, second mate and helmsman stayed on the bridge and locked the
doors. After absconding with six mooring ropes, a winch drum and six
life rings, the thieves jumped into the water where they met an
accomplice in a speedboat. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 04/14/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-6 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
72 |
| Geographical Location: |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Jakarta, Indonesia Five armed thieves attacked
Liberian-Flagged, 15,274 GT, Bulk carrier Southgate on 14 April
between 0130 and 0150 at Jakarta Anchorage. The robbers went into
the engineroom, stole new diesel generator spare parts and left
after threatening the second engineer and motorman with knives.
During the attack, the vessel kept a night watch of two men on deck
and two in the engineroom. The accomodation and pilot ladders were
inside and the vessel was properly lit. |
|
| Date of Occurrence: 03/04/1996 |
Reference Number: 1997-1 |
| Geographical Subregion: |
93 |
| Geographical Location: |
10/27/00 N 103/45/00 E |
| Aggressor: |
ASSAILANTS |
| Victim: |
MERCHANT VESSEL |
| Description: |
|
| Gulf Of Thailand While enroute Sihanoukville,
the Bahamian-flagged, 2,854 GT, General cargo vessel Mint Zoom came
under fire by an unknown craft, believed to be a fishing vessel. The
4 March 1996 incident occurred at about local time. A bullet broke a
window on the port side of the master's bedroom. |
|
