MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek...

41
IFC-IOR Information Fusion Centre Indian Ocean Region MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU) Mar 2020 Collaboration for Safety and Security

Transcript of MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek...

Page 1: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

IFC-IOR

Information Fusion Centre

Indian Ocean Region

MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE

(MMSU)

Mar 2020

Collaboration for Safety and Security

Page 2: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

2

IFC-IOR is premised on mutual collaboration and cooperation and aims to advance maritime

safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region. The Centre aims to work closely with national and

regional agencies as well as like-minded organisations/ Centres to generate comprehensive

Maritime Domain Awareness. The mutual collaboration is further enhanced with the presence of

International Liaison Officers (ILOs) from partners nations positioned at the Centre. The Monthly

Maritime Security Update (MMSU) is a comprehensive effort by the Centre to generate an

overarching picture to assist the maritime community in better understanding of the maritime

challenges and threats in the region. While the various maritime security threats are monitored on

a daily basis by the integrated team with ILOs, and is disseminated through the IFC-IOR website,

the maritime security analysis culminates in the form of monthly MMSU. The maritime security

incidents for the duration of 01 Mar – 31 Mar 20 have been categorised under the following

heads:-

(a) Piracy and Armed Robbery (b) Maritime Terrorism

(c) Contraband Smuggling (d) Irregular Human Migration

(e) Illegal Unreported Unregulated (IUU) Fishing (f) Maritime Incidents

(g) Natural Events (h) Environmental Security

A total of 125 incidents were monitored in the wider Indian Ocean Region in the month of Mar 20.

Maximum number of reported incidents were maritime incidents followed by IUU fishing, Piracy

& Armed Robbery, Contraband Smuggling and Irregular Human Migration. No incident

pertaining to Maritime Terrorism was reported during the period under review.

OVERVIEW OF INCIDENTS

SCOPE

Page 3: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

3

Piracy & Armed Robbery IUU Fishing Irregular Human Migration Contraband Smuggling Maritime Incidents Maritime Terrorism

* GoG – Focus on only Piracy & Armed Robbery incidents; Mediterranean – Focus on only IHM incidents

The maritime security situation in the wider Indian Ocean region has been monitored under various maritime

security threat categories for the month of Mar 20.

Piracy and Armed Robbery incidents involved two kidnapping and one hijacking incident in the Gulf of

Guinea, two sea thefts each at anchorages in Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea & Sulu Celebes Sea, three suspicious

approaches in the Gulf of Aden/Gulf of Oman and sea thefts on vessels transiting through Straits of Malacca and

Singapore (SOMS). As compared to Feb 20, although the total number of incidents remained at similar level, there

was an overall increase in the number of incidents in GoG. Sea theft incidents in SOMS and Bay of Bengal were

lower as compared to Feb 20.

Best Management Practices to Enhance Maritime Security for Vessels & Mariners Operating Off the Coast

of West Africa including the Gulf of Guinea (BMP WA) was released on 31 Mar 20. The BMP WA has been

produced by shipping industry organisations with support from government and military organisations.

Maritime terrorism incident involving abduction of crew from a fishing boat in Sulu Celebes Sea was reported

on 17 Jan 20 and the five crew still remain in captivity. Nil incidents were reported in Mar 20.

Contraband smuggling incidents involved major drug seizures by the Sri Lankan Navy in the North Indian

Ocean involving methamphetamine, heroine and ketamine as well as seizures undertaken by deployed military

assets as well as regional maritime enforcement agencies in North Arabian Sea. Major drugs which were seized in

IOR included Hashish, Cannabis, Methamphetamine and Heroin. Other incidents involved natural resources

smuggling (Gold), fuel smuggling (petrol), wildlife (sea turtle eggs) and cigarettes.

IUU fishing incidents were reported throughout the IOR with local IUU incidents reported due to use of illegal

fishing methods by local fishermen including usage of banned nets and fishing in restricted areas. Poaching

incidents were reported in Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Seychelles.

IHM incidents were reported predominately off the east coast of Africa and in the Mediterranean. As

compared to Feb 20, there was a slight decrease in incidents which may be attributed to decreased movement and

stricter border regulations enforcement due to the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic.

Maritime incidents reported in IOR indicated a large number of SAR operations and Medevac undertaken by

the regional maritime agencies which led to rescue of 187 seafarers. One tropical cyclone was reported in the month

of Mar 20 which caused flooding in north eastern Madagascar.

Various advisories to maritime community released by IMO and India’s Director General Shipping (for

shipping in Indian Ocean) have been compiled in the last section of MMSU for the benefit of maritime community.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Page 4: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

4

PIRACY AND ARMED ROBBERY

A total of 25 piracy and armed robbery incidents (actual as well as attempted) were recorded by the Centre for the

month of Mar 20. Majority of the incidents were reported in the Gulf of Guinea.

Increase in Incidents in GoG. There was almost 60% increase in the number of incidents reported in GoG in Mar 20

(15 incidents) as compared to Feb 20 (9 incidents). While two incidents of kidnapping were reported, the first

incident of hijacking was reported in GoG for 2020. Kidnappings of a total of eight crew from two nationalities were

reported at extended ranges from the coast (45 Nm and 62 Nm). Considering the trend observed in 2020, the reach

of kidnappers has increased from close to coast kidnappings in Jan 20 to the crew getting kidnapped at greater

ranges from the coast in Feb and Mar 20. This further reiterates possibility of involvement of well-organized groups

involved in such activities supported by mother ships.

Decrease in Incidents in Bay of Bengal. Only one incident was reported in Bay of Bengal (Chittagong anchorage)

as compared to five incidents reported in Feb 20

Decrease in Sea Theft/ Robbery Incidents in SOMS. There continues to be a decrease in the number of reported

incidents of Piracy and Armed Robbery in Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) for the month of Mar 20 with

only one incident reported as compared to four incidents each reported in Jan and Feb 20

Successful Arrest of Perpetrators. Proactive actions by enforcement agencies led to two instances of successful

arrest of perpetrators in Chittagong anchorage as well as SOMS.

Suspicious Approaches in GoA/GoO. Three incidents pertaining to suspicious approaches were reported in the

GoA/GoO as compared to Gulf of Aden as compared to four and two in Fen and Jan 20 respectively. However, none

of the incidents involved any damage to the vessel or crew while one incident confirmed presence of an unmanned

craft making a suspicious approach.

Best Management Practices to Enhance Maritime Security for Vessels & Mariners Operating Off the Coast of

West Africa including the Gulf of Guinea (BMP WA) was released on 31 Mar 20.

Page 5: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

5

The following piracy and armed robbery incidents were monitored in the region in month of Mar 20:-

Suspicious Approach/ Off Oman, Gulf of Oman/ 01 Mar 20. (Gulf of Oman)

An incident of suspicious approach was reported onboard a Tanzania flagged product tanker LADY SARAH in Gulf of

Oman on 01 Mar 20. Whilst underway, the tanker was approached by five perpetrators in two high-speed motorboats.

Reportedly, a warship in the vicinity approached the vessel resulting in the skiffs aborting the approach. The vessel

and crew members were reported to be safe.

Suspicious Approach/ Off Yemen, Gulf of Aden/ 03 Mar 20. (Gulf of Aden)

An incident of suspicious approach was reported onboard Saudi Arabia flagged crude oil tanker GLADIOLUS off

Point B of IRTC on 03 Mar 20. Reportedly, the vessel was approached by three small crafts, of which one craft was

possibly unmanned. The MV followed BMP 5 procedures following which all three crafts withdrew their approach.

The vessel and crew were reported to be safe.

Attempted Boarding/ Off Lome, Gulf Of Guinea/ 04 Mar 20. (GoG)

An incident of attempted sea theft was reported onboard a Netherlands flagged cargo vessel UAL LOBITO on

04 Mar 20. Reportedly, two intruders attempted to board the ship while she was anchored at Takoradi anchorage. The

perpetrators were spotted by the Officer on Watch who raised the alarm. The intruders fled on a small wooden boat.

The crew members and vessel were reported to be safe.

Suspicious Approach/ Off Lome, Togo/ 05 Mar 20. (GoG)

An incident of suspicious approach was reported onboard a Marshall Islands product tanker STI BOSPHORUS, about

50 Nm SE of Lome, Togo on 05 Mar 20. The tanker, whilst underway, was reportedly approached by a skiff with 9-10

armed personnel onboard. The tanker undertook evasive maneouvers, increased speed, and activated the fire hoses

resulting in the skiff aborting the approach. The crew and vessel were reported to be safe.

SUMMARY OF PIRACY AND ARMED ROBBERY INCIDENTS

Analysis

Analysis of the vessel‟s movement indicates that she maintained a consistent speed of 10.9 kn throughout and did

not alter her course. The photographs which were reportedly taken from the deck of purported vessel depict a

small unmanned speed craft approaching the vessel with high speed. While the existence of unmanned skiffs has

been confirmed by pictures, the veracity, nature and intentions remain unconfirmed. If such a craft did, indeed

approach the vessel, it could probably be remote controlled.

Page 6: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

6

Piracy (Kidnap)/ Off Cotonou, Benin/ 05 Mar 20. (GoG)

A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW

of Cotonou, Benin on 05 Mar 20. Reportedly, six armed personnel boarded the underway tanker following which the

vessel activated the distress signal and informed the regional authorities. All non-essential crew was mustered in the

citadel. The Benin Navy was informed which boarded the tanker and rescued the crew. One crew member was

however, reported to be missing.

Piracy / Off Lagos, Nigeria/ 06 Mar 20. (GoG)

An incident of piracy was reported onboard a Hong Kong flagged cargo vessel HUANGHAI GLORY, about 85 Nm

south of Port Lagos, Nigeria on 06 Mar 20. The underway cargo vessel was boarded by six armed perpetrators from a

skiff. Pirates broke the glasses of the Bridge and allegedly stole the cash. The Master activated the SSAS alert and hid

in cabin with the crew. The Nigerian Navy was informed and a vessel was dispatched to investigate.

Comments. This was the third boarding incident

reported within 36 hours in close proximity of the given

area. While one of the three was a suspicious approach,

the other two were related to piracy, with one involving

kidnap of a crew member. It is appreciated that the

perpetrators of all the incidents may have been from the

same group, operating in high seas in Nigerian waters.

Sea Theft/ Off Chittagong, Bangladesh/ 06 Mar 20. (BoB)

An incident of sea theft was reported onboard an anchored Singapore flagged barge ANTARA KOH 18 off Chittagong,

Bangladesh. Reportedly, a group of perpetrators boarded the barge which was towed by an Indonesian flagged tug

boat CAPITOL T2001. The barge was installed with a crane. The perpetrators boarded the barge, cut the safety system

wiring and stole the crane data logger display, portable batteries used for machineries, diesel and hydraulic oil. The

crew of the tug contacted a passing Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) ship via VHF. The BCG apprehended the

perpetrators and escorted the barge to Chittagong anchorage. The crew was reported to be safe.

Sea Theft/ Off Abidjan Anchorage, Ivory Coast/ 07 Mar 20. (GoG)

An incident of sea theft was reported onboard an anchored Marshall Islands flagged supply ship INGRID K off

Abidjan Anchorage, Ivory Coast on 07 Mar 20. A perpetrator in a canoe approached and boarded the vessel. The alert

crew noticed the presence of the perpetrator and raised the alarm. All crew was mustered and a security search was

carried out throughout the vessel. The Port Control was informed and a security boat was sent to the location for

investigation. The crew was reported to be safe.

Update

30 Mar 20 - Owners of the vessel confirmed that the kidnapped crew (a Filipino national) was safely released from

captivity on 28 Mar 20.

Update

The ship and its 23 crew members (all Chinese nationals) were reported to have been under the siege of the pirates

for about 24 hours when the matter was reported to the Nigerian authorities. Nigerian Naval Ship NNS SPARROW

executed the rescue mission and safely brought the vessel back to Lagos.

Page 7: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

7

Attempted Sea Theft/ Santos Harbour Anchorage, Philippines/ 12 Mar 20. (Sulu Celebes Sea)

An incident of attempted sea theft was reported onboard an anchored Singapore flagged product tanker ENDEAVOUR

II in General Santos Harbour Anchorage, Philippines on 12 Mar 20. Reportedly, the duty officer and duty A/B sighted

some perpetrators at the forecastle during safety rounds. The duty officer immediately informed the Master

who activated the general alarm. Upon hearing the alarm, the perpetrators escaped in a small boat. No items were

reported stolen and the crew was reported safe.

Attempted Sea Theft/ Off Belawan, Indonesia, SOMS/ 13 Mar 20. (Malacca Strait)

An incident of attempted sea theft was reported onboard a Singapore flagged container vessel KOTA ANGGERIK,

anchored off Belawan, Indonesia on 13 Mar 20. Whilst at anchor, the duty crew member sighted an unknown person

trying to open the bolt of portside hawse pipe gate. The Duty Officer upon being alerted by the crew member

immediately sounded the whistle. The perpetrator fled the scene and escaped through the hawse pipe into a waiting

unlit wooden boat. There was no damage to the ship’s property and no items were reported stolen. The incident was

reported to the local authority.

Suspicious Approach/ Off Kwanda Anchorage, Cameroon/ 15 Mar 20. (GoG)

An incident of suspicious approach was reported onboard a ST Vincent & Grenadines flagged supply ship BOURBON

HORUS off Kwanda Anchorage, Cameroon on 15 Mar 20. Whilst at anchor, the Duty Officer noticed the two

approaching skiffs, each manned with four to six armed personnel onboard. The alert was raised and SSAS was

activated. Hearing the alarm, skiffs aborted the approach and escaped. The Kwanda port authorities were informed and

a patrol vessel was dispatched to the anchorage area to investigate. The crew and the ship were reported to be safe.

Attempted Sea Theft/ Off Pulau Karimum Kecil, SOMS, Indonesia / 16 Mar 20. (SOMS)

An incident of attempted sea theft was reported onboard an underway Liberia flagged bulk carrier SAM JAGUAR

approximately 7 Nm east of Pulau Karimum Kecil, Indonesia in the precautionary area in the SOM on 16 Mar 20.

Reportedly, three robbers armed with crowbar and pipes boarded the underway ship. The crew managed to detain the

three perpetrators, and reported the incident to Batam VTIS. Indonesian Navy boarded the bulk carrier and

apprehended the three perpetrators for investigation and prosecution. No items were reported stolen and the crew was

safe.

Sea Theft/ Pointe Noire Anchorage ,Congo/ 19 Mar 20. (GoG)

An incident of sea theft was reported onboard an anchored Hong Kong flagged container ship MAERSK TAASINGE at

Pointe Noire Anchorage, Congo on 19 Mar 20. The container ship was reportedly boarded by suspected robbers. The

perpetrators gained access to the vessel via the anchor chain and managed to steal some ship properties, including

mooring rope. The crew was reported to be safe.

Sea Theft / Lagos Secure Anchorage Area (SAA), Nigeria/ 19 Mar 20. (GoG)

An incident of sea theft was reported onboard an anchored Liberia flagged product tanker ARCHON off Lagos,

Nigeria on 19 Mar 20. It was reported that a perpetrator boarded the vessel and was spotted by the duty crew. The

alarm was raised immediately and the crew was mustered. Hearing the alarm and alert crew, the perpetrator escaped.

Comments. A decrease in the number of reported incidents of Piracy and Armed Robbery in Straits of Malacca

and Singapore (SOMS) has been observed for the month of Mar 20 with only one incident reported as compared to

four incidents each reported in Jan and Feb 20. While all other incidents were reported in the eastbound lane of

TSS in Jan and Feb 20, the only incident in Mar 20 was reported in the precautionary area in SOMS.

This was the first incident in 2020, wherein, the perpetrators were arrested by the combined efforts of the ship’s

crew as well as enforcement agencies of the littorals around SOMS.

Page 8: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

8

The port control and Nigerian navy were notified about the incident. A patrol boat was dispatched and Nigerian Naval

personnel boarded the vessel for investigations. The crew was reported to be safe.

Attempted Boarding/ Off Douala Anchorage, Cameroon/ 19 Mar 20. (GoG)

An incident of attempted boarding was reported onboard an anchored Bermuda flagged tanker STENA IMPORTANT

at Douala Anchorage, Cameroon on 19 Mar 20. During the midnight hours, the tanker was reportedly attacked by

eight armed perpetrators who came onboard a speed boat. The exchange of fire took place between the security team

and the armed pirates. The attackers fled seeing the prompt retaliation from the security team of the tanker. The crew

was reported to be safe.

Piracy (Hijack)/ Off Gentil Port, Gabon/ 21 Mar 20. (GoG)

An incident of hijacking was reported onboard Equatorial Guinea flagged ferry boat ELOBEY 6 approximately 20 Nm

west of Port Gentil on 21 Mar 20. Reportedly, the ferry boat was attacked by perpetrators onboard a speed boat. They

took the control of the vessel and reportedly, hijacked her to sail towards Nigerian waters.

Piracy (Kidnap)/Off Libreville, Gabon/ 22 Mar 20. (GoG)

An incident of kidnapping was reported onboard an underway container ship NAME WITHHELD approximately

60Nm WNW of Libreville, Gabon on 22 Mar 20. As per available information, most of crew was able to reach citadel

when pirates boarded the ship. A Gabon Navy patrol boat was dispatched to the location for assistance. The crew was

evacuated from the citadel. Investigation revealed that a seven crew members were reported missing.

Attempted Sea Robbery / Off Batangas Port, Philippines/ 22 Mar 20. (Sulu Celebes Sea)

Whilst at anchor, the duty crew noticed movement at the forecastle deck and saw a perpetrator with a knife climbing

through the starboard anchor cable of the ship. The duty crew raised the alarm and mustered the crew. Upon seeing the

approaching crew, the perpetrator jumped into the water and escaped in a small boat. No item was reported stolen

from the ship.

Hijack/ Off Mocimboa da Praia, Mozambique/ 23 Mar 20. (East Africa)

An incident of hijack was reported onboard a military Patrol vessel and a Palau flagged landing craft off the port town

of Mocimboa da Praia, Cabo Delgado on 23 Mar 20. Reportedly, few attackers arrived at the Pamunda neighbourhood

in two boats. Within hours of the attack, both the vessels stopped their AIS transmissions. The landing craft remained

in position while the high speed craft appeared to move approximately 100 meters offshore and then drifted along the

coastline before stopping transmission. The insurgents attacked by land and sea before dawn and overran the town and

its military base. As this was a hit-and-run attack suspected to free the prisoners, the armed forces reportedly regained

control of the area.

Suspicious Approach/ Off Brass, Nigeria/ 25 Mar 20. (GoG)

An incident of suspicious approach was reported onboard an underway Liberia flagged tanker CAP DIAMANT at

about 200 Nm south-west off Brass, Nigeria on 25 Mar 20. Reportedly, the tanker was approached by a black speed

boat. The suspected speed boat stopped its approach when the security vessel escorting the tanker increased its speed

and reached near the tanker approaching the suspicious speed boat. The speed boat was then seen aborting the

approach and left the area. The crew members and vessel were reported to be safe.

Update

23 Mar 20 - Ferry boat was released by the perpetrators.

24 Mar 20 - Ferry boat was escorted by the Equatorial Guinea Frigate F076 Wele Nzas and arrived safely at

Malabo.

Page 9: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

9

Suspicious Approach / Off Brass, Nigeria/ 25 Mar 20. (GoG)

An incident of attempted boarding was reported onboard an underway Greece flagged bulk carrier SCARABE

approximately 75 Nm SSW off Bayelsa, Nigeria on 25 Mar 20. Reportedly, seven armed perpetrators in a black speed

boat approached and attempted to board the underway ship. The alarm was raised and all non-essential crew mustered

in citadel. The Master activated SSAS alert, increased speed and commenced evasive manoeuvres. Perpetrators

aborted the approach seeing the evasive actions by ship. The crew and vessel were reported to be safe.

Sea Theft/ Off Alang Anchorage, India/ 25 Mar 20. (Arabian Sea)

An incident of sea theft was reported onboard a Panama flagged barge NAASHI off Alang, India on 25 Mar 20.

Reportedly, the tug BATELEUR which was towing barge NAASHI was bound for demolition at Alang when about four

perpetrators boarded the unmanned barge NAASHI from a dinghy boat. The Master of the tug boat raised the alarm

when he noticed the perpetrators with torches onboard the towed barge. The incident was reported to VTS Khambat,

which informed the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The ICG Station Pipavav directed the Marine Police, Alang to dispatch

their boats to the location of the incident for further investigation.

Suspicious Approach/ Off Cotonou, Benin/ 26 Mar 20. (GoG)

An incident of suspicious approach was reported onboard a Malta flagged product tanker PYXIS THETA off Cotonou,

Benin on 26 Mar 20. Reportedly, the tanker was approached by a suspect speed boat with four to five personnel

onboard. The tanker increased speed to evade the speed boat which led the perpetrators to abort their approach. The

crew and vessel were reported to be safe.

Attempted Boarding / Off Bonny Island, Nigeria/ 27 Mar 20. (GoG)

An incident of attempted boarding was reported onboard an underway Liberia flagged container ship LANA around

100 Nm South of Bonny Island, Nigeria on 27 Mar 20. It was reported that about ten perpetrators armed with AK-47

in a high speed skiff chased and fired upon an underway container ship. The Master of vessel raised the alarm,

activated distress alert, increased speed and took evasive manoeuvres which resulted in pirates aborting the attempted

attack. The crew and ship were reported to be safe.

Update

On 27 Mar 20, Italian Navy announced that its frigate Luigi Rizzo was undertaking a patrol off the coast of Nigeria

when it received notice of a pirate attack in progress against a cargo ship about 100 Nm away from her position.

The frigate then headed at maximum speed towards the location of the incident and immediately scrambled integral

helicopter to thwart the pirate attack. Contacted by radio, the Master of the Greek flagged vessel informed that his

ship had undergone an attempted boarding by a small fast boat with armed men on board. These intentions were

unsuccessful and the pirate boat left for the coast.

Comments. Investigation is currently underway by the Marine Police. The loss of items has been ascertained by

the investigating agencies and local agent. It is the second incident of sea theft onboard an undertow vessel being

towed by Tug BATELEUR. Earlier on 03 Oct 19, an incident of sea theft was reported onboard a supply vessel off

Gopnath point, Gujarat which was also bound for demolition. Low freeboard, slower speed, absence of

comprehensive security measures and the relatively lesser number of crew staff onboard makes such vessels a

lucrative target for perpetrators.

Comments. Two incidents of suspicious approach were reported on the same day and in close proximity of about

90Nm. The visual characteristics of the speed boat ie black colour and high speed indicate that the same boat was

involved in both the attempted actions and attackers were from the same group. The distance travelled by the speed

boat at 20 knots when corroborated with the time of attempted attacks, further indicates the possibility that the

involvement of same boat and the group in both the incidents.

Page 10: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

10

Suspicious Approach / Off Farur Island, Iran / 27 Mar 20. (Persian Gulf)

An incident of suspicious approach was reported onboard a tanker off Farur Island, Iran on 27 Mar 20. The tanker was

approached by two skiffs with five to six personnel while transiting through Tunb-Farur Eastbound TSS. The tanker

carried out evasive maneuvers which resulted in pirates aborting the attempted attack. The crew and ship were

reported to be safe.

BMP West Africa

In a major development, Shipping Industry organisations, supported by

government and military organisations, have worked together to produce a new

publication, which was launched on 31 Mar 20. This document is aimed to help

mariners detect, deter and delay external threats to their safety. Best Management

Practices to Enhance Maritime Security for Vessels & Mariners Operating Off

the Coast of West Africa including the Gulf of Guinea (BMP WA) consolidates

and enhances existing guidance for specific threats in this region. The same may

be accessed at the following web link

http://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Security/PiracyArmedRobbery/Documents/BMP

%20West%20Africa.pdf

Page 11: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

11

CONTRABAND SMUGGLING

A total of 21 contraband smuggling incidents were recorded by the Centre for the month of Mar 20. Majority of the

incidents were related to drug smuggling followed by fuel and natural resources smuggling.

Drug Seizures – There was an increase in the number of reported drug seizures which may be attributed to calmer

seas and proactive reporting of seizures by the enforcement agencies. Major drugs seized along with quantity were

Hashish (3000 kg), Cannabis (1096 Kg), Methamphetamine (942 kg) and Heroin (461 kg). Major meth seizures were

undertaken by the Sri Lankan Navy at extended ranges from the coast while Hashish and Heroin were

predominantly seized in North Arabian Sea along the typical “hash highway” Methamphetamine (Syabu) were

seized in Malaysia and Indonesia. Seizures off Sri Lanka also included cannabis and heroin.

Fuel Smuggling – Two incidents were reported in Malaysia pertaining to petrol smuggling. The same is prevalent in

the adjoining regions to evade local taxes.

Natural Resources Smuggling – Natural resources smuggled via the sea route included Gold with a seizure of almost

15 Kg in India.

Others – Cigarette smuggling seizures were predominantly reported in Malaysia while a wildlife smuggling incident

involving sea turtle eggs was reported off Indonesia.

Page 12: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

12

Drug Smuggling/ Off Dhofar Governorate, Oman / 01 Mar 20. (Khat)

On 01 Mar 20, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) in Dhofar Governorate foiled an attempt to smuggle Khat drug inside a

fishing boat. Further investigation remains in progress.

Drug Smuggling/ Off Nagarkovil, Sri Lanka/ 02 Mar 20. (Cannabis)

On 02 Mar 20, Sri Lanka Navy recovered approximately 280 kg of Cannabis during

a patrol conducted in the seas off Nagarkovil, Jaffna During a patrol carried out in

the seas off Nagarkovil, Jaffna few parcels floating on seas were recovered. Further

search of these parcels led to recovery of huge amount of Cannabis. The recovered

stock was handed over to Police Narcotics Division in Jaffna for further action.

Natural Resources Smuggling/ Off Mandapam, India / 04 Mar 20. (Gold)

On 03 Mar 20, Indian Coast Guard, in a joint operation with Directorate of Revenue

Intelligence (DRI), recovered about 15 kg smuggled gold which was hidden on the

seabed off Mandapam, Gulf of Mannar. Indian Coast Guard and DRI team

apprehended a fishing boat and two personnel on 03 Mar 20 off Mandapam coast.

Drug Smuggling/ Off Dikovita, Sri Lanka / 05 Mar 20. (Heroin/Methamphetamine)

On 05 Mar 20, Sri Lankan Navy reported the seizure of a haul of heroin and

crystal methamphetamine worth approximately USD 31 million along with the

suspects and fishing vessels after a successful naval operation in high seas about

600 Nm away from Sri Lankan shores. The haul of drugs along with the

suspects and fishing vessels in connection to the event were escorted to Dikovita

fisheries harbor for further investigation and legal action.

SUMMARY OF CONTRABAND SMUGGLING INCIDENTS

Comments. Reports indicate that based on intelligence information received from the Police Narcotic Bureau, the

Navy deployed its Offshore Patrol Vessels „Samudura‟ and „Sayurala‟ on a long drug-busting mission over a one

month period. Accordingly, two Sri Lankan fishing vessels with over 75 Kg of heroin and 66 Kg of crystal

methamphetamine were intercepted in Southern seas along with four suspects. Subsequent to this interception, a

suspicious vessel (without Flag State) was initially seized by the Navy which was to supply narcotics to Sri Lankan

vessels at sea in the guise of fishing vessels. Upon further investigation, a similar stateless vessel was intercepted

after a four day long mission. Search of the vessels led to recovery of 329 packages of heroin and 50 packets of ICE

drug. The overall operation led to seizure of 400 kg of heroin in 397 packets and 100kg of crystal

methamphetamine in 100 packets.

Update

Interrogation revealed that the personnel were smuggling gold, and fearing the arrest, had hidden the gold on the

seabed with an intention of taking it back later. On the basis of information received, Coast Guard personnel

undertook a diving operation in the indicated area and recovered one cloth package containing five black packs

and brought it ashore. The bag was found to contain 15 kg of gold which was handed over to DRI for further

investigation.

Page 13: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

13

Drug Smuggling/ Off Trat, Thailand/ 06 Mar 20. (Methamphetamine)

On 06 Mar 20, Thai Narcotics Control Board officials recovered 71 Kg of crystal

meth from Takhian beach, Koh Kut. Reportedly, packs containing the drugs were

washed ashore on the beach and were found in packages of green tea with Chinese

and English lettering. They were well packed and bundled into white plastic

sacks. Local police commenced investigation with narcotics suppression officers

to ascertain the origin of drugs and involvement of personnel.

Cigarettes Smuggling/ Off Kuala Besar, Malaysia / 09 Mar 20. (Cigarettes)

On 09 Mar 20, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) thwarted a smuggling attempt with the seizure

of 500,000 sticks of white cigarettes, worth USD 9000 in the waters off Kuala Besar in Kota Bharu. Kelantan

Maritime officials stated that acting on intelligence information, a MMEA patrol boat was sent to the scene. A

suspicious boat, with three men onboard, was intercepted after about half an hour of pursuit. Search of the boat led to

recovery of 50 large packages containing the white cigarettes. It is speculated that the cigarettes were to be smuggled

into Kelantan for markets in Kuala Besar, Tumpat and Kota Bharu.

Drug Smuggling/ Off Oman/ 10 Mar 20. (Narcotics)

On 10 Mar 20, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) reported that the Coast Guard police boats thwarted the smuggling of a

quantity of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in waters off Musandam Governorate.

Cigarettes Smuggling/ Off Loyada, Djibouti / 11 Mar 20. (Cigarettes)

On 11 Mar 20, a Djiboutian Coast Guard team stationed in the coast of Loyada intercepted a boat carrying a large

quantity of contraband. Upon being searched, 500 cartons of cigarettes from Somalia were found.

Fuel Smuggling/ Off Sabah, Malaysia/ 13 Mar 20. (Petrol)

On 13 Mar 20, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) foiled two attempts of petrol smuggling in waters

off Sabah's Semporna and Lahad Datu that straddles with the southern Philippines.

Reportedly, MMEA enforcement officials during the dark hours intercepted a jongkong (long wooden boat) in waters

near Tanjung Pantau-Pantau, Semporna. Upon searching the boat, 180 jerrycans containing petrol were found and was

towed back to Kem Azumi jetty for further action.

Drug Smuggling/ Off Sabah, Malaysia/ 14 Mar 20. {Methamphetamine (Syabu)}

On 14 Mar 20, a drug smuggler ferrying over drugs hidden inside tyres of a boat was arrested by Malaysian Internal

Security and Public Order Department. Reportedly, a General Operation Force team in Tawau, Sabah stopped the

suspicious boat that had come from Nunukan, Indonesia. Checks on the boat led to the discovery of four tyres which

had 20 packages hidden in it. Further search revealed that the packages contained Syabu. Officials of the department

stated that around 21 kg of the drugs were seized, with an estimated value of USD 285 thousand.

Comments. As per open sources reports, a total haul of 189.5 Kg of crystal meth was seized in a span of few days.

On 05 Mar 20, 41Kg of meth was recovered from Ao Prao beach which is just adjacent to the Takhian beach.

Earlier on 03 Mar 20, 19 packs of crystal meth were found on Koh Mak beach while another 20 packets were

recovered on Koh Kut beach. Authorities have urged local residents who spot suspicious packages floating ashore

to alert local police and the Narcotics Control Board.

Page 14: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

14

Drug Smuggling/ Off Chankanai , Sri Lanka/ 14 Mar 20. (Cannabis)

On 14 Mar 20, during two search operations carried out in northern

seas, Sri Lanka Navy seized 485 kg of cannabis. Reportedly, during

a search operation in the sea area of Manalkadu, a suspicious dinghy

was intercepted by Navy patrol team and subsequently two suspects

were apprehended along with a stock of cannabis. Similarly, the

Sri Lankan Coast Guard also seized several parcels of cannabis

adrift in the sea area of Maradankeni. A total of about 485kg of

cannabis, two suspects and two dinghies were taken into custody

during these two operations.

Fuel Smuggling/ Off Kampung Kenali, Malaysia/ 14 Mar 20. (Petrol)

On 14 Mar 20, two Filipinos were arrested approximately 0.5 Nm south of Kampung Kenali off Sabah after they were

caught smuggling 980 liters of petrol in a boat. The maritime police brought over the seized contraband and boat to

Azumi camp base for further investigation.

Drug Smuggling/ Off Yemen, Gulf Of Aden/ 19 Mar 20. (Hashish & Heroin)

On 19 Mar 20, HMAS TOOWOOMBA, in support of

the Combined Maritime Forces, interdicted over 3,000

kg of illegal narcotics including hashish and heroin in

the Gulf of Aden. Reportedly, the boarding party from

the Australian frigate boarded the suspicious dhow as

part of Op MANITOU. Entire haul of the narcotics was

subsequently destroyed at sea.

Drug Smuggling/ Off Thalaimannar, Sri Lanka/ 21 Mar 20. (Cannabis)

On 21 Mar 20, the Sri Lanka Navy recovered a haul of cannabis floating in the seas

off Thalaimannar. The Sri Lankan Navy personnel on patrol spotted two suspicious

parcels floating on sea. Upon investigating, approximately 120 kg of cannabis was

found and taken into naval custody. The value of cannabis was estimated to be

around USD 125 thousand. The recovered stock of cannabis was further handed

over to Mulankavil Police for onward investigation.

Drug Smuggling/ Off Riau Island, Indonesia/ 21 Mar 20. (Methamphetamine)

On 21 Mar 20, Indonesia’s Directorate of Psychotropic Drugs and

Indonesian Police thwarted smuggling of methamphetamine off Sumpat

Island, Riau Islands. Reportedly, 27 kg of methamphetamine was being

smuggled via speed boat from neighbouring country. Police arrested three

suspects and confiscated two suspicious blue colour gallons. Upon

checking further, the 26 packs of methamphetamine weighing a total of 27

kilograms were discovered.

Drug Smuggling/ Off Ambalau, Indonesia / 23 Mar 20. (Cyanide)

On 23 Mar 20, Indonesian marine police patrol team intercepted a motor boat carrying one ton of cyanide in the

waters between Buru and Ambalau Islands, Maluku Province. The skipper of the suspected boat KLM CAHAYA

BAHARI tried to escape after officers on the police patrol boat fired the warning shots. The boat was impounded for

further legal action.

Page 15: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

15

Drug Smuggling/ Off Dhanushkodi, India / 24 Mar 20. (Cannabis)

On 24 Mar 20, Indian police recovered 96 kg of cannabis from Mukundarayar chatram near Dhanushkodi. Police

received information that a huge packet was sighted floating in the sea near a coastal village. The team visited the spot

and found the floating narcotics in 96 packets inside a bundle. A case was registered and investigation was underway

to trace the source of drugs.

Wildlife Smuggling/ Off Riau Island, Indonesia / 26 Mar 20. (Sea Turtle Egg)

On 26 Mar 20, the West Kalimantan Regional Police Headquarters thwarted smuggling of 3,270 sea turtle eggs from

the Riau Islands to Pontianak, West Kalimantan. Officials stated that the smuggling attempt was thwarted upon receipt

of information from the Pontianak Maritime and Fisheries Resources Control (PSDKP) related to the alleged shipment

of turtle eggs from Tambelan Kepri Island to Pontianak. The team apprehended the perpetrators with nine boxes

containing turtle eggs without a permit. The perpetrators were charged with the laws concerning Conservation of

Biological Natural Resources and their Ecosystems.

Drug Smuggling/ Off Male, Maldives / 26 Mar 20. (Heroin)

On 26 Mar 20, Maldives Police Service reported the seizure of 61kg of heroin and arrested 11 Maldivians related to

the smuggling. Reportedly, in a joint operation run by the Drug Enforcement Department and the Marine Police,

heroin worth around USD 467 thousand was recovered from a fishing vessel which was docked at Male.

Drug Smuggling/ Off Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean/ 28 Mar 20. (Crystal Methamphetamine/ Ketamine)

On 28 Mar 20, Sri Lankan Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS SAYURA seized a

vessel carrying a large consignment of narcotics in seas about 450 Nm off southern

coast of the island. It was reported that the Navy intercepted a state-less vessel in

international waters. Upon carrying out a search onboard the suspicious vessel, about

605kg crystal methamphetamine (Ice) and around 579kg of drugs called ketamine

were found onboard the suspicious vessel. It was also reported that 200 packets of

babul drug and another 100g of unidentified drug pills had also been found onboard.

The consignment of crystal methamphetamine has been valued at about USD 31

million. Nine Pakistani nationals onboard the state-less vessel were also taken into

custody in connection to the smuggling incident. This remains to be the biggest

haul of narcotics seized in an operation at sea till date. The Police Narcotic Bureau

commenced further investigation into the matter.

Drug Smuggling/ Off Uduththurei, Sri Lanka / 29 Mar 20. (Cannabis)

On 29 Mar 20, Sri Lankan Navy apprehended a person attempting to smuggle a stock of cannabis by sea in the seas

off Uduththurei in Jaffna. Reportedly, a suspicious dinghy had been detected in the seas off Uduththurei in Jaffna.

Upon searching the dinghy, 114kg of cannabis was found in it. In this regard, a person onboard dinghy was also taken

into custody. The accused along with the stock of Kerala cannabis and dinghy was handed over to the Palei Police for

further investigation.

Comments. As per reports, this is the third foreign vessel to be detained while transporting narcotics to

Sri Lanka, during the past three months. Prior to this incident, the SL Navy on 22 and 25 Feb 20 intercepted two

foreign vessels carrying narcotics to Sri Lanka and apprehended a Sri Lankan fishing vessel transferring narcotics

from those foreign vessels. As part of the interception, 16 foreigners and five locals involved in transfer of

narcotics at sea were also arrested in southern part of the island. It is also reported that this was the first incident

when Ketamine has been seized in Sri Lanka. In the year 2020 alone, Sri Lankan Navy has been able to seize

around 3,653kg of Kerala cannabis, 762kg of heroin and 579kg of ketamine.

Page 16: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

16

IUU FISHING

A total of 29 IUU fishing incidents were recorded by the Centre for the month of Mar 20. As compared to Feb 20,

there has been a slight increase observed in the overall number of incidents. As in Feb 20, majority of the IUU

fishing was undertaken by local fishermen followed by that undertaken by fishermen illegally in foreign waters.

Local IUU Fishing. A total of 20 IUU fishing incidents involved local fishermen in countries like Sri Lanka,

Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia and were followed by legal action on fishermen under the State Laws on

charges of using illegal methods for fishing like banned nets, explosives, compressor etc. Some fishermen were

apprehended for fishing outside the designated fishing area without license or fishing of banned species like sea

cucumber.

Foreign IUU Fishing. Arrest of foreign fishermen undertaking poaching in waters of another country were reported

in Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Seychelles.

Page 17: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

17

IUU Fishing/ Off Iranativu, Sri Lanka/ 01 Mar 20. (Local)

On 01 Mar 20, Sri Lankan Navy, during a patrol in the sea area of Iranativu,

apprehended two personnel who were engaged in fishing using unauthorized

fishing nets. Along with accused, one dinghy, eight unauthorized fishing nets,

one outboard motor and several other fishing gear were taken into naval

custody. The apprehended personnel along with the seized items were handed

over to the Kilinochchi Fisheries Inspector for onward investigation.

IUU Fishing/ Off Pattani Province, Thailand/ 03 Mar 20. (Foreign)

On 03 Mar 20, Royal Thai Navy apprehended 36 foreign fishermen onboard

six foreign fishing vessels off Pattani Province, Thailand for fishing without

license to fish in Thailand’s waters. The apprehended personnel along with

their belongings and fishing gear were handed over to the local authorities in

Pattani Province for onward action.

IUU Fishing/ Off Nicobar Island, India/ 03 Mar 20. (Foreign)

On 03 Mar 20, 12 foreign fishermen were detained by the Indian Navy in the waters off Nicobar Island in the eastern

Indian Ocean for poaching. The fishing vessel was detained about 55 Nm off Nicobar Island near the fishing

aggregating device. The court pronounced a not guilty verdict for three of the personnel who are likely to be deported

soon.

IUU Fishing/ Off Iranativu, Sri Lanka/ 04 Mar 20. (Local)

On 04 Mar 20, six personnel engaged in illegal harvesting of sea cucumber

were apprehended by Sri Lankan Navy during a patrol in seas North of

Iranathivu Island. Reportedly, 254 sea cucumber caught by them were also

taken into custody. Naval personnel also seized two dinghies, 16 oxygen tanks

and few fishing gear during the raid. The suspects along with the dinghies,

OBMs, stock of sea cucumber and fishing gear were handed over to the

Assistant Director of Fisheries-Kilinochchi for further investigation.

IUU Fishing/ Off Kalmunai, Sri Lanka/ 06 Mar 20. (Local)

On 06 Mar 20, Sri Lankan Navy apprehended two personnel for illegally harvesting

sea cucumber in the sea area Southeast of Kalmunai Point. Along with the

personnel, 602 sea cucumbers, one dinghy and diving and fishing gear were also

seized by the Navy. The suspects together with illegally harvested sea cucumber

and other fishing and diving gear were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of

Velani for onward action.

IUU Fishing/ Off Labuan Island, Malaysia/ 07 Mar 20. (Foreign)

On 07 Mar 20, malayisan Labuan Maritime Zone authorities detained a Vietnamese Fishing vessel for illegaly entering

Malaysian Maritime Zone while trawling at about 20 Nm from Tanjung Kiamsam, Labuan Island. Upon inspecting, the

skipper of the fishing vessel failed to show any license for fishing or license for boat operations.

SUMMARY OF IUU FISHING INCIDENTS

Page 18: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

18

IUU Fishing/ Off Natuna Island, Indonesia/ 08 Mar 20. (Foreign)

On 08 Mar 20, the Indonesian Maritime Ministry stated that five foreign fishing boats and 68 crew members were

apprehended after being intercepted for fishing illegaly in Indonesian waters.

IUU Fishing/ Off Selangor, Malaysia/ 08 Mar 20. (Local)

On 08 Mar 20, the officials of Malysia’s Kuala Kedah Maritime Zone detained a Class-C trawler for fishing within

15 Nm. The boat was detained with three foreign nationals onboard. All detainees have been charged for breach of the

fishing license conditions. The boat with all the detainees were taken to the Kuala Kedah Maritime Zone Jetty for

further investigation.

IUU Fishing/ Off Similan Islands, Thailand/ 09 Mar 20. (Foreign)

On 9 Mar 20, 36 foreign fishermen onboard a foreign fishing vessel were apprehended (Off Similan Islands around

25 Nm, Thailand) by the Royal Thai Navy Vessel, for engaging in illegal fishing, without a license to fish in Thailand’s

waters. The apprehended personnel along with their belongings and fishing gear were handed over to the local

authorities at Phang-Nga Naval Base for onward action.

IUU Fishing/ Off Malaysia, Malacca Strait/ 10 Mar 20. (Foreign)

On 10 Mar 20, officials from Malaysia’s Marine Resource and Fisheries Surveillance detained two illegal fishing

vessels for poaching in the Malacca Straits. 12 foreign crew members that had operated the banned trawl net were also

taken into custody and were handed over to ministry of fisheries, Aceh for further interrogation.

IUU Fishing/ Off Zambales, Philippines/ 11 Mar 20. (Local)

On 11 Mar 20, officials of Philippines Maritime CAFGU Active Auxiliary (MCAA) Zambales and Bantay-Dagat,

supervised by the Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) arrested two fishermen who were allegedly conducting illegal

fishing activity using banned nets.

IUU Fishing/ Off Kanyakumari, India/ 12 Mar 20. (Foreign)

On 12 Mar 20, 15 foreign fishermen fishing in three mechanised boats were detained by the Indian Coast Guard on

charges of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). However, the fishermen, who were to be

handed over to the Tuticorin Marine Police were reportedly handed over to the Sri Lankan enforcement officials due to

Covid-19. It is suspected that the fishermen would have accidentally crossed the IMBL while fishing. Marine police

sources added that fishermen were also not involved in smuggling or activities that posed a threat to India’s national

security following which the Coast Guard officials handed them over to the Sri Lankan Navy.

IUU Fishing/ Off Mahe Island, Seychelles/ 12 Mar 20. (Foreign)

On 12 Mar 20, a coordinated maritime patrol operation by the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) and Seychelles Air Force

(SAF) intercepted a foreign fishing vessel suspected to be engaged in illegal fishing activities. The boat with seven

fishermen on board was spotted by SAF Maritime Patrol Reconnaissance Aircraft (MRPA) in the EEZ of Seychelles

south-east of Mahe Island. Patrol ship Etoile intercepted the boat and escorted it to the Port of Victoria. The fishing

vessel was handed over to the local police.

IUU Fishing/ Off Mannar, Sri Lanka/ 12 Mar 20. (Local)

On 12 Mar 20, the SL Navy held three suspects for illegal harvesting of sea cucumbers at Konthapiddi in Mannar.

During the operation, the suspects were apprehended while they were carrying the harvested sea cucumber to the shore.

Along with the suspects, 105 illegally harvested sea cucumbers, a dinghy, and a few diving and fishing gear were

seized by the Navy. The suspects were handed over to the Assistant Director of Fisheries-Mannar for onward

investigation

Page 19: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

19

IUU Fishing/ Off Bulacan, Philippines/ 12 Mar 20. (Local)

On 12 Mar 20, 24 fishermen were arrested for illegal fishing off the coast of Paombong, Bulacan. Officials stated that

the fishermen were using a motorized push net, locally known as sudsod, off Barangay Sta, Cruz. Members of the

Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council and Bantay Dagat as well as the Paombong police

confiscated the illegally caught fish, three boats and motorized push nets from the suspects.

IUU Fishing/ Off Sumatra, Indonesia/ 13 Mar 20. (Local)

On 13 Mar 20, Indonesia’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP)

arrested a foreign fishing boat for poaching in Malacca Strait. Reportedly, MV

PKFB 422 was arrested by a patrol boat for fishing illegally in Malacca Strait. The

vessel was operating trawl fishing equipment and was manned by five foreign

nationals.

IUU Fishing/ Off Tanjung Tavajun, Malaysia/ 13 Mar 20. (Local)

On 13 Mar 20, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) intercepted and seized a fishing boat at Tanjung

Tavajun. The suspicious vessel was spotted by the enforcement personnel and was apprehended. Inspection of the boat

led to seizure of 50 kilograms of fish that were believed to have been caught with explosives.

IUU Fishing/ Off Labuan, Malaysia/ 14 Mar 20. (Foreign)

On 14 Mar 20, Malaysia’s Labuan marine police arrested seven foreigners, including two undocumented Filipinos, for

fishing illegally in Malaysian territory. Sabah marine police Region Four commander reported that the fishermen were

detained in Labuan waters, in an integrated operation dubbed “OP GELORA”.

IUU Fishing/ Off Norway Island, Sri Lanka/ 14 Mar 20. (Local)

On 14 Mar 20, Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 17 personnel for fishing without valid license, during the two different

search operations. Reportedly, the officials apprehended 11 personnel engaged in illegal fishing in the seas South west

of Norway island on three trawlers and six personnel who engaged in fishing without pass, in Poduwakattu sea area in

three dinghies. The suspects were handed over to the Assistant Director of Fisheries and Fisheries Inspector of

Kuchchaweli for onward action.

IUU Fishing/ Off Jaffna, Sri Lanka/ 16 Mar 20. (Local)

On 16 Mar 20, Sri Lankan Navy apprehended a person for illegal harvesting of sea cucumber in the sea area of

Vinayasodi, Jaffna. Along with the suspect, 175 illegally caught sea cucumbers, one dinghy and several other fishing

gear were also taken into naval custody. The suspects together with illegally caught sea cucumber and other fishing

gear were handed over to the Jaffna Fisheries Inspector's Office for further investigation.

IUU Fishing/ Off Manapla, Philippines/ 18 Mar 20. (Local)

On 18 Mar 20, two fishing vessels were apprehended in the municipal waters of

Manapla, Negros Oriental for allegedly being involved in illegal fishing. Reportedly,

vessels had a trawl fishing gear inside their fishing boat. The violation involved the use

of an active fishing gear within the municipal waters. After the inspection, the two

vessels were handed over to the municipal government through the Municipal

Agriculture Office for appropriate action.

Page 20: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

20

IUU Fishing/ Off Mannar, Sri Lanka/ 18 Mar 20. (Local)

On 18 Mar 20, Sri Lankan Navy nabbed three personnel for engaging in illegal fishing in the seas South of Mannar. Sri

Lanka Navy ship RATHNADEEPA in the seas South of Mannar searched few suspicious dinghies engaged in fishing

and found a dinghy which was fishing without valid pass. Accordingly, three personnel onboard and the dinghy were

apprehended. The suspects together with the seized dinghy and fishing gear were handed over to the Fisheries

Inspector-Mannar for onward action.

IUU Fishing/ Off Erakkandi, Sri Lanka/ 25 Mar 20. (Local)

On 25 Mar 20, Sri Lankan Navy seized a dingy filled with 30kg of illegally caught fish using blast fishing in the beach

area of Erakkandi, Trincomalee. The seized stock of fish, explosives, dinghy and other fishing gear were subsequently

handed over to the Kuchchaveli Police for further investigations.

IUU Fishing/ Off Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines/ 25 Mar 20. (Local)

On 25 Mar 20, officials of Philippine Coast Guard apprehended seven crew

members of an illegal fishing boat JORDAN-7 during an intensified maritime

patrol in the waters of Basilan Strait, Zamboanga Peninsula. The vessel

allegedly violated the directive concerning the prohibition of all land, air, and

sea travels to Zamboanga Peninsula since 17 Mar 20 as a precautionary

measure against the COVID-19 threat. The crew and fishing boat was brought

to the Coast Guard Sub-Station in Kawit, Zamboanga City for proper

disposition and adjudication.

IUU Fishing/ Off Pudumathalan, Sri Lanka/ 27 Mar 20. (Local)

On 27 Mar 20, the Sri Lankan Navy held 14 personnel who were engaged in illegal fishing using unauthorized nets.

The apprehended personnel along with seized fishing gear were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries-

Mulativu for onward action.

IUU Fishing/ Off Kinatarcan Island, Philippines/ 28 Mar 20. (Local) On 28 Mar 20, the joint enforcement team of Bantay-dagat

of Santa Fe and PNP apprehended FB Marivic in Kinatarcan

on charges of illegal fishing and use of prohibited trawling

gear.

IUU Fishing/ Off Barangay Sucat, Philippines/ 31Mar 20. (Local)

On 31 Mar 20, Philippine Coast Guard arrested six fishermen who were

engaged in illegal fishing. While conducting the patrol, the Coast Guard sighted

an unmarked motorbanca using an illegal fishing gear commonly known as

suro. During the inspection, the team discovered that the suspects, aside from

engaging in illegal fishing, were also using methamphetamine, commonly

known as shabu during fishing operations.

Page 21: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

21

IUU Fishing/ Off Arisimale, Sri Lanka/ 31 Mar 20. (Local)

On 31 Mar 20, Sri Lankan Navy apprehended a group of people for engaging in illegal fishing, during a patrol carried

out in the seas off Arisimale in Pulmudai. During the routine patrol, Navy personnel carried out a search onboard a

suspicious dinghy. It was revealed that they didn’t have a valid pass for fishing. Accordingly, six personnnel, dinghy

and few other fishing gear were taken into naval custody. The suspects together with the seized dinghy and other

fishing gear were handed over to the Pulmudai Police for onward investigation.

IUU Fishing/ Off Paduwakattu, Sri Lanka/ 31 Mar 20. (Local)

On 31 Mar 20, during a search conducted in the beach area of Poduwakattu,

Sri Lankan Navy apprehended a person in possession of explosives used for

illegal fishing. Reportedly, the Navy had detected a suspicious dinghy in the

beach area of Poduwakattu and apprehended a person in possession of 43g of

cannabis in 38 small packets, three water gel sticks, safety fuses and three non-

electric detonators. The suspect together with the belongings was subsequently

taken into naval custody.

The entry into force of IMO's Cape Town Agreement on fishing vessel safety will be

crucial for improved safety at sea for fishers and will support the fight against

illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. During a European Union High-

level Ministerial Maritime Conference in Opatija, Croatia held on 10-11 Mar 20,

participants highlighted the urgent need to bring the Cape Town Agreement into

force. The treaty will enter into force 12 months after at least 22 States, with an

aggregate 3,600 fishing vessels of 24 meters in length and over operating on the

high seas have expressed their consent to be bound by it. To date, 14 countries have

ratified the Agreement. The entry into force is expected to improve safety at sea in

the fisheries sector worldwide. It will also be a useful tool in combating illegal,

unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and reducing pollution from fishing

vessels, including marine debris.

Page 22: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

22

IRREGULAR HUMAN MIGRATION

A total of 17 IHM incidents were recorded by the Centre for the month of Mar 20. As compared to Feb 20, while

there was a slight decrease in incidents, majority of these were reported in Mediterranean followed by the coast of

East Africa. The decrease may be attributed to decrease in the movement and stricter border regulations

enforcement due to the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic.

Off East Africa. The IHM incidents were reported off Mayotte which involved detaining of traditional local boats

“kwassa” along with arrests of smugglers and detaining of migrants. All these boats were intercepted with the help

of AEM HQ, Mayotte. There was a reduction in incidents as compared to Feb 20.

Mediterranean. Majority of the incidents reported in Mediterranean were off Turkey, Libya, Spain and Cyprus. UN

International Organisation for Migration (IOM), WHO and UNHCR released a joint statement regarding the

protection of rights and health of Refugees, Migrants and Stateless in COVID-19 Response. The detailed statement

can be accessed at https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/31-03-2020-ohchr-iom-unhcr-and-who-joint-press-

release-the-rights-and-health-of-refugees-migrants-and-stateless-must-be-protected-in-covid-19-response

Page 23: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

23

Irregular Human Migration / North Al Batinah, Oman / 01 Mar 20.

On 01 Mar 20, the Royal Oman Police represented by Coast Guard Police arrested 19 personnel from a boat who were

trying to enter Oman illegally. The arrests were made at Shinas in North Al Batinah. Reportedly, all 19 people arrested

were of Asian nationalities and legal proceedings were initiated against them.

Irregular Human Migration / Off Turkey/ 04 Mar 20.

On 04 Mar 20, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 93 irregular migrants from two boats, off Turkey's southwestern coast

in the Aegean Sea. Reportedly, Greek Coast Guard forces allegedly pushed the boats carrying 74 Afghan and 19 Syrian

irregular migrants, including 28 children and 10 women, back to Turkey. They were rescued off the coast of Aydin

province.

Irregular Human Migration / Off Sandakan, Malaysia / 04 Mar 20.

On 04 Mar 20, Marine police nabbed two Filipino nationals ferrying 12 passengers in waters off Sandakan. They were

brought to the Maritime Jetty for further inspection under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Sabah Port and

Harbour Enactment 2002. Investigation revealed that all the passengers were coming from Philippines and had paid

around USD 474 per passenger to the skipper.

Irregular Human Migration / Off Malaga, Spain / 07 Mar 20.

On 07 Mar 20, a boat carrying up to 113 migrants from Africa to Europe

was intercepted off the coast of Spain as it attempted to cross the

Mediterranean Sea. The sub-Saharan migrants disembarked at a port in

Malaga, southern Spain after they were picked up as they attempted to

cross the Mediterranean in a dinghy.

Irregular Human Migration / Off Tanjung Pengelih, Malaysia / 09 Mar 20.

On 09 Mar 20, Marine police nabbed five undocumented immigrants trying to sneak out of the country with two locals

who were assisting them. Marine Police patrol boat spotted two boats behaving suspiciously near the Tanjung Pengelih

area. After inspecting the beach area of Tanjung Pengelih, the police found two fibre glass boats along the shore. Upon

inspecting the nearby jungle area, they stumbled upon two local men aged between 22 and 31 as well as four

Indonesian women and one Indonesian man, aged between 25 and 43.

SUMMARY OF IRREGULAR HUMAN MIGRATION INCIDENTS

Comments. It was not immediately clear exactly where the migrants had set sail from. A day earlier, two NGOs -

Alarm Phone and Walking Borders – stated that 14 migrants including two children had died near the coast of

Morocco when their boat sunk whilst en route to the Canary Islands. As per reports, in 2018, Spain was the main

point of entry for migrants to cross into Europe but the number of arrivals halved last year to 26,168. However,

there has been a recent increase in the number of boats heading towards the Canary Islands, which lie in the

Atlantic Ocean near Africa's northeastern coast. Total arrivals to Canary Island, Spain through Mediterranean in

year 2020 have been 3,803 with a total of 219 deaths.

Update

The two locals were reported to be the skippers of the boat, and the Indonesians admitted that they were trying to

return to their country. Items including boat and mobile phone worth RM 35,800 (around USD 9,000) were seized.

The immigrants, along with the two locals, were being investigated under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in

Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Atipsom) Act 2007.

Page 24: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

24

Irregular Human Migration / Off Mayotte/ 09 Mar 20.

On 09 Mar 20, the AEM HQ in Mayotte coordinated the interception of a kwassa-type boat, with a total of seven

irregular migrants, and one presumed smuggler.

Irregular Human Migration / Off Mayotte/ 10 Mar 20.

On 10 Mar 20, the AEM HQ in Mayotte coordinated the interception of a kwassa-type boat with a total of two irregular

migrants and two presumed smugglers.

Irregular Human Migration / Off Libyan Coast/ 14 Mar 20.

On 14 Mar 20, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that 300 illegal immigrants were rescued

by the Libyan Coast Guard off Libyan coast. Most of the rescued migrants were taken to detention, while some

managed to escape the disembarkation point. Immigrant shelters in Libya are crowded with thousands of immigrants

either rescued from the sea or arrested by the Libyan security forces, despite international calls to close them.

Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mayotte, East Africa/ 15 Mar 20.

On 15th of Mar 20, the EMEA HQ in Mayotte coordinated the interception of a kwassa-type boat with a total of four

irregular migrants and one suspected smuggler.

Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mayotte, East Africa/ 15 Mar 20.

On 15 Mar 20, the EMEA HQ in Mayotte coordinated the interception of 01 kwassa-type boat, with a total of 17

irregular migrants, and one suspected smuggler.

Irregular Human Migration/ Off Cape Greco, Cyprus / 20 Mar 20.

On 20 Mar 20, a boat carrying around 100 illegal migrants was refused entry into territorial waters of Cyprus. The boat

was spotted approaching the coast of Cyprus, some 10 Nm off Cape Greco by Coast Guard authorities. In line with the

measures recently adopted by the government, a police vessel stopped the vessel before anyone could disembark. The

illegal migrants were instructed to change their course and set sail for another destination. They also refused to take

essential food and water supplies provided by the authorities.

Irregular Human Migration/ Off Libya Coast/ 23 Mar 20.

On 23 Mar 20, the UN migration agency reported that the Libyan Coast Guard apprehended 81 migrants off the coast

of Libya and returned them to Tripoli. The International Organization for Migration stated that the Coast Guard picked

the migrants, including 18 women and four children, from the Mediterranean on 23 Mar 20. The migrants were offered

emergency medical assistance by the agency.

Irregular Human Migration/ Off Aegean Coast, Turkey/ 26 Mar 20

On 26 Mar 20, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 34 asylum seekers off the Aegean coast. The Turkish team rescued the

group of people, who were in rubber boats. Turkey has been a key transit point for asylum seekers aiming to cross into

Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.

Comments. The U.N. refugee agency reported last week that the total number of migrants intercepted by the

Libyan Coast Guard in the past month rose 121% from the same period last year. Libya, which sits on Africa's

Mediterranean coast, has become a major conduit for migrants seeking refuge in Europe from war and poverty

in Africa and the Middle East. The European Union, looking to keep the migration crisis off its shores, trains and

funds Libyan Coast Guard to catch the jam-packed boats and return them to the country, where migrants often land

up in detention centers run by the interior ministry of Libya's U.N.-backed government.

Page 25: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

25

Irregular Human Migration/ Off Aegean Coast, Turkey/ 26 Mar 20.

On 26 Mar 20, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 21 irregular migrants off the

Aegean Sea. The group, consisting of 21 Syrian nationals, was onboard a

rubber boat that were reportedly pushed to Turkish territorial waters by the

Greek Coast Guard assets.

Irregular Human Migration/ Off Aydin, Turkey/ 28 Mar 20. On 28 Mar 20, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued nine irregular migrants in the

Aegean Sea pushed back by Greece. Reportedly, a boat carrying nine Syrian

nationals, including three children, was pushed back towards Turkey by the

Greek Coast Guard off the coast of Aydin in southwest Turkey.

Irregular Human Migration/ Off Aydin, Turkey/ 28 Mar 20. On 28 Mar 20, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 26 irregular migrants off the

coast of Izmir. The inflatable boat had 11 Congolese, 6 Syrian, 3 Gambian, 2

Somalian, 2 Central African, 1 Tunisian and 1 Palestinian onboard.

Irregular Human Migration/ Off Aydin, Turkey/ 31 Mar 20. On 31 Mar 20, it was reported that a group of irregular migrants on board two

life boats were pushed back towards Turkish territorial waters by Greek Coast

Guard assets. The life boats were detected by Turkish Coast Guard and 19

Somalian, 11 Syrian, 6 Congolese, 2 Yemeni and 1 Guinean, totally 39

irregular migrants onboard (20 men, 12 women and 7 children) were rescued.

Comments. Turkey has been a key transit point for asylum seekers aiming to cross into Europe to start new lives,

especially those fleeing war and persecution. Since 01 Jan 20, Turkish Coast Guard officers have intercepted 5,780

illegal migrants in the Aegean Sea and the vast Aegean coastline, stretching from Muğla in the south to Çanakkale

in the north. In January alone, 4,062 migrants were stopped in 112 incidents. Late last month, Turkey announced

that it would no longer stop asylum seekers from reaching Europe via land as it accused the European Union of

failing to keep its promises under a 2016 migrant deal. Turkey currently hosts over 3.7 million Syrians, making it

the world's top refugee-hosting country.

Page 26: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

26

A total of 33 maritime incidents were recorded by the Centre for the month of Mar 20. Majority of the incidents

were related to Search and Rescue followed by Medevac and Collisions. However, as compared to Feb 20, there was

an increase in SAR operations undertaken by various maritime agencies.

SAR Operations. A total of 16 SAR operations and six Medevac undertaken by various maritime agencies were

monitored for the month of Mar 20 which involved rescue of personnel at sea. A total of 187 seafarers were rescued

as part of these operations.

Unauthorised Anchoring. No incident pertaining to unauthorised anchoring was reported in Malaysia in the month

of Mar 20 as compared to Feb 20. It further reiterates the effective monitoring and strict compliance being

undertaken by the Malaysian law enforcement agencies, particularly the MMEA, for vessels anchoring without

permit in the country‟s waters.

MARITIME INCIDENTS

MARITIME INCIDENTS

Page 27: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

27

SAR/ Off Negros, Philippines/ 01 Mar 20.

On 01 Mar 20, The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued two jail officers and two boat operators after their motor

boat capsized in the waters off Barangay 3, San Carlos City, Negros. Reportedly, the personnel onboard had gone for

fishing. However, strong winds and big waves hit their boat. All personnel remain unharmed during the incident.

SAR/ Off Mbouini, Mayotte/ 02 Mar 20.

On 02 Mar 20, AEM HQ in Mayotte was informed of the sinking of a Kwassa boat in the area of the Mbouini islet

following the recovery of six people by the sailing vessels GADIAMB and LA REINETTE. A major aerial search was

carried out and the position of the capsized Kwassa was located. A total of 15 people were rescued, one was declared

dead and 9 others went missing.

Medevac/ Off Grand Baie, Mauritius/ 04 Mar 20.

On 04 Mar 20, the skipper of a pleasure craft VAVA VOOM reported that one woman onboard was suffering from

respiratory problem and requested personnel of Grand Bay NCG cast off to provide assistance to the casualty. The sick

passenger was reportedly a 39 yrs lady of South African Nationality who had breathing difficulty but was found

responsive and conscious. NCG immediately brought back to Grand Bay NCG post and admitted her to the hospital.

SAR/ Off Kurong Tengar, Malaysia/ 04 Mar 20.

On 04 Mar 20, a fiber boat with registration number PSS 1316, with four local

fishermen was reported adrift and rescued by the Malaysian Maritime

Enforcement Agency (MMEA) approximately 6Nm South-West of Kurong

Tengar. A Malaysian Maritime Patrol boat was deployed to the scene for the

search and rescue after receiving information about the incident. The boat and

all the survivors were rescued without any injuries. MMEA provided assistance

by taking the boat to the Kurong Tengar fishing pier and handed them over to

their family members.

Aground/Off Ha Tinh Province, Vietnam/ 05 Mar 20.

On 05 Mar 20, general cargo vessel DUC MINH 555, which was enroute to the port of Quang Ngai, Vietnam with nine

crew members and carrying a cargo of limestone onboard ran aground after she encountered a storm in the waters off

Ha Tinh province in the Gulf of Tonkin. However, the vessel was half submerged in water due to waves. No crew was

reported missing or injured.

SAR/Off Cap Vidal, South Africa/ 07 Mar 20.

On 07 Mar 20, the NSRI lifeboat was diverted after being alerted to rescue the occupants of a capsized fishing vessel

off Cap Vidal. The two crew members of the wrecked boat were rescued and brought back to the beach. The boat was

towed to safety to the Cap Vidal Bay.

SAR/Off Cempedak Island, Indonesia/ 08 Mar 20.

On 08 Mar 20, a fisherman was reportedly missing while fishing in Cempedak Island

waters. The victim was found dead approximately 2 Nm from the location of the

accident. Tanjung Pinang Kansar Rescue Team together with other combined SAR

teams succeeded in finding victims in a mike delta condition.

SUMMARY OF MARITIME INCIDENTS

Page 28: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

28

Collision/Off Mumbai, India/ 08 Mar 20.

On 08 Mar 20, a crane boom collapsed on a pipe layer vessel LTS 3000 off Mumbai. Two workers were injured and a

platform jacket plunged into the sea. One of them suffered a broken a leg, while the other’s injury was not specified.

Both were airlifted to hospital. The collapsed crane was a 3,000 ton PC-42 HVY crane with 80 metre boom, capable of

handling its maximum capacity at 25 metres radius. A failure in the boom hoist rope or winch occurred, which allowed

the boom to drop with the load on the hook. The jacket has remained buoyant and has been towed towards a yard in the

Mumbai area for salvage.

Medevac/Off Manila Bay, Philippines/ 08 Mar 20.

On 08 Mar 20, Philippine Coast Guard evacuated a Filipino crew member

who suffered a second-degree burns due to an accident onboard a cruise

ship. The Bahamas flagged cruise ship QUANTUM OF THE SEAS

requested immediate assistance for an Engine Cadet who had suffered

second-degree burns on his left arm and right leg reportedly causing almost

25% damage to his body. The rescue team immediately brought the victim

to the Manila Hospital for medical attention where the Cadet was declared

in stable condition.

Collision/ Port Of Bakauheni, Indonesia/ 09 Mar 20.

On 09 Mar 20, vessel came in contact with gangway at port of Bakauheni in Lampung, Indonesia, 09 Mar 20.

Reportedly, the Master lost control of vessel due to strong winds & large waves. No injuries to any personnel were

reported.

Aground/Off Naradhoo Island, Maldives/ 09 Mar 20.

On 09 Mar 20, a fishing boat was extensively damaged after wrecking on

the seawall of Naradhoo Island. According to officials, the boat was

attempting to enter the Naradhoo channel although it remained unclear what

caused it to wreck on the seawall. Reportedly, the beacon light on the sea

wall had been out of service for the past four months which makes the entry

into the Narudhoo channel after daylight hours precarious. There were four

people onboard the boat when the incident took place, some of whom

sustained minor injuries in their effort to rescue the boat.

Medevac/Off Palawan, Philippines/ 10 Mar 20.

On 10 Mar 20, a crew of a bulk carrier MV BANTRY suffered a head injury after falling from a portable ladder. The

crew member was reportedly working in the cargo hold. The injured crew was evacuated by Philippine Coast Guard

vessel BRP Sindangan off Tubbataha Reef in Palawan.

SAR/Off Bandar Penawar, Malaysia/ 11 Mar 20.

On 11 Mar 20, a Liberian-flagged container vessel MSC CARLA3 intimated MRCC Singapore that they had rescued

three crew members of a sunken Indonesian fishing boat in SCS, 40 Nm northeast of Bintan Island. MRCC Singapore

initiated safety broadcast and notified the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) of the

incident.

Page 29: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

29

Aground/Karachi Coast, Pakistan/ 11 Mar 20.

On 11 Mar 20, a vessel carrying coal cargo ran aground near Mubarak Village off

Karachi coast. Big waves in the sea steered the coal cargo ship from its route towards

the beach which grounded at the rocky surface of the beach. The coal cargo of the ship

belongs to a power company based in Balochistan. Local residents have expressed

apprehensions about spread of pollution after grounding of the coal ship.

SAR/ Off Eydhafushi Island, Maldives/ 12 Mar 20.

On 12 Mar 20, three children who drowned off the western beach of Baa Atoll on Eydhafushi Island were rescued

according to information received by the police. One of them was critical and was transported to the capital for more

intensive treatment.

Collision/ Off Haldia, India/ 12 Mar 20.

On 12 Mar 20, a Bangladeshi cargo vessel carrying fly ash sank in the

Hooghly river after colliding with a Kolkata Port Trust ship. All 13 crew

members of the Bangladeshi ship MAMATAMOYEE MAA were rescued.

Following the damage, the Bangladeshi ship's sailors brought it close to the

jetty at Maheshtala and even tried to tie it to a tree to prevent it from going

down. However, the tree got uprooted due to high tide and the ship started

sinking. An official stated that there was a mechanical failure onboard and a

crack in the hull following the collision. The KoPT ship RAVINDRA also

suffered partial damage.

Collision/ Off Mumbai, India/ 12 Mar 20.

On 12 Mar 20, a private shipping vessel MV HALAMI STAR drifted after its

anchor broke and collided with an Indian Navy jetty in Mumbai. The ship’s

engines or motors weren’t operational. The boat drifted towards the breakwater

of the Navel jetty. The crew raised an alarm when the incident occured. A check

of the ship by Mumbai Port Control and Marine Police did not reveal anything

suspicious.

Update

As reported by Indian Navy, towing of vessel was attempted on 13 Mar 20. The attempt was unsuccessful due to

snapping of towing rope and water ingress in underwater compartments. Upon inspection of the compartment,

naval divers found that plugging of hole and pumping out of water was not feasible due to non availability of power

supply and fuel onboard. Pumping out and arresting of leakage was commenced post availability of power and fuel

onboard. Repairs and hot-work were undertaken onboard to cease the water ingress. On 24 Mar 20, the vessel was

moved out to Reti Bandar, off Mumbai using four tugs.

Comments. Earlier on 26 Oct 18, an oil slick near Charna Island was spotted by locals when the high sea tides left

black “globs” behind on the beach, making the residents worry about the potential damage to the island‟s flora

and fauna. Investigation report brought out that the oil spill at Mubarak Village was caused by a ship and not by

the oil pipeline. Also, samples were tested which revealed that spill was of bunker oil used by ships as fuel. A ship

was suspected in this regard which had arrived Gadani ship breaking yard which might have dumped the oil into

sea as there is a ban on emptying fuel tank at the breaking yard.

Page 30: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

30

Fire/ Off Sarikei, Malaysia/ 12 Mar 20.

On 12 Mar 20, three crew members of an express boat escaped unhurt when their express

boat caught fire in Sarikei. The trio included the skipper and two crew members.

According to reports, they had just refueled the boat and were on their way to the Sarikei

express boat terminal two when suddenly the boat was engulfed in flames. At the time of

the fire, there were no passengers on board.

Sunk/ East Kalimantan, Indonesia/ 13 Mar 20.

On 13 Mar 20, SINAR ABADI-1 was towing a tugboat when it started listing & sank in Balikpapan Bay in East

Kalimantan, Indonesia. Four crew on board safely evacuated. Local authorities were planning for salvage of the vessel.

SAR/ Off Franskraal, South Africa/ 13 Mar 20.

On 13 Mar 20, the NSRI deployed its lifeboat ROTARIAN BURNETT following receiving the request for rescue of two

personnel from a capsized vessel at Franskraal, near Gansbaai. Upon arrival at the scene, reportedly, the two men were

recovered and brought ashore by a kayaker.

Medevac/ Off Durban, South Africa/13 Mar 20.

On 13 Mar 20, the sea rescue boat ALICK RENNIE and an Oryx helicopter from 15 Air Force Squadron were deployed

to a bulk carrier off the port of Durban to evacuate a crew member suffering from a medical emergency. After medical

treatment by the rescuers onboard the ship, the critically ill patient was boarded in the helicopter and transported to

hospital for further treatment.

Sunk/ Off Mandawa, India/ 14 Mar 20.

On 14 Mar 20, a ferry boat carrying 88 passengers capsized near Mandwa island in the

Arabian Sea. All passengers were rescued and no one was hurt in the incident.

Reportedly, a boat named AJANTA hit a rock soon after leaving Mandwa Island in

Raigad district of Maharashtra. As the boat started sinking, an alert was issued to the

Marine Police and other agencies. They were saved with the assistance of two

lifeguards on the boat and quick response by Raigad coastal police team patrolling in

the sea.

Medevac / Off Reunion Island / 14 Mar 20.

On 14 Mar 20, the Bahamas flagged passenger ship NORWEGIAN SPIRIT reported that one of its passengers had a

heart condition and requested a medical evacuation from CROSS Réunion. After a medical conference and a

favourable opinion from the Regional Health Agency, the passenger was disembarked using an SNSM boat and

transferred to the Saint-Paul hospital centre for further treatment.

Sunk/ Off Maluka, Indonesia/ 15 Mar 20.

On 15 Mar 20, a government owned boat carrying 15 people sank in waters off

Indonesia's eastern province of Maluku. Rescue team immediately headed to the

scene after obtaining a report from the head of local fishery office about the

accident. The poor weather condition hampered the rescuers to reach the site of the

mishap. The rescue mission was halted due to extreme weather, huge waves with

height of more than two meters high and strong winds

Page 31: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

31

SAR/ Off Arnala, India/ 15 Mar 20.

On 15 Mar 20, a family of four on a fishing boat was rescued by a police patrol boat after their boat capsized mid-sea at

Arnala in Virar, off Mumbai. Three Palghar district policemen were patrolling at sea moving towards Arnala fort. They

spotted vessel SAI ICHHA partially tilted in the water. The two women onboard were brought onto the police boat first

followed by other personnel. Reportedly, the four personnel belonged to the local fishermen's community, and had

ventured into sea for fishing.

SAR/ Off Palawan, Philippines/16 Mar 20.

On 16 Mar 20, 35 passengers onboard a local passenger vessel SEAN HANNA were rescued by Coast Guard

Sub-Station Puerto Bay SAR team after the propeller shaft of their boat was broken off Barangay Bagong Silang,

Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

SAR/ Off Roche Noire, Mauritius/18 Mar 20.

On 18 Mar 20, a SAR operation was carried out by Grand Bay NCG personnel to rescue four fishermen after they

suffered an engine break down while fishing onboard a pirogue off Roche Noire in the eastern part of Round Island.

They were towed safely to Cap Malheureux lagoon. The fishermen were reported to be safe.

SAR/ Off Massim, Philippines/ 18 Mar 20.

On 18 Mar 20, three fishermen were rescued after their fishing boat OLIMPUG SAN JUAN capsized due to big waves

30Nm off Maasim, Sarangani. Based on the report, Coast Guard Sub-Station Maveas received information from

Littoral Monitoring Station (LMS) Balut that three fishermen from a capsized fishing boat were rescued by a Panama

flagged cargo vessel MV NEW TAKATSUKI. Following this information, rendezvous was done near Balut Island by

Coast Guard Station Davao Occidental SAR team which safely brought the fishermen to Mabila Port.

SAR/ Off Culasi Port,Philippines/ 21 Mar 20.

On 21 Mar 20, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Station in Capiz rescued 15 fishermen

from a distressed fishing vessel along the vicinity waters off Culasi Port, Roxas City,

Capiz. According to the reports, fishing vessel EDSA-107 encountered an engine trouble

due to ingress of water through its stuffing box, which eventually caused electrical

shortage and shutdown of main engine. The rescued individuals were brought to Libas

Fish Port for further investigation. F/V EDSA-107was safely towed at the shoreline of

Libas Fish Port for safekeeping. All personnel evacuated were in good physical condition

and safe.

SAR/ Off Tanjung Sedili, Malaysia/ 22 Mar 20.

On 22 Mar 20, a 35 year old fisherman fell from a fishing trawler off Tanjung Sedili and was found by another

fisherman on 23 Mar 20 about three Nm east of Sedili Besar. The fisherman then informed the Malaysian Maritime

Enforcement Agency (MMEA). He was found in a weak condition and was immediately brought to the Tanjung Sedili

maritime office, and transferred to a nearby clinic for treatment.

Medevac/ Off Cape Town, South Africa/ 23 Mar 20.

On 23 Mar 20, the crew of the NSRI in Table Bay was alerted by the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) for a

medical assessment of a patient onboard a bulk carrier suffering from a medical emergency. The vessel had departed

Table Bay earlier and the alarm was raised at around 20 Nm southeast of Cape Town. The vessel turned around to

return to Table Bay. The lifeboat, accompanied by two first-aid attendants and a doctor, joined the vessel about 10 Nm

from Table Bay harbour. Two rescue swimmers and an EMS paramedic boarded the vessel and medical treatment was

administered, stabilizing the patient. He was later transferred to the rescue boat and was transported to the hospital by

ambulance for further medical treatment.

Page 32: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

32

SAR/ Off Vaavu Atol, Maldives/ 24 Mar 20.

On 24 Mar 20, MNDF stated that the Coast Guard Marine Rescue Section received a report of the missing fishing

vessel ALMAS that went for reef fishing. The last location of the boat was known to be at the lagoon area of Vaavu

Atoll. The vessel is reportedly about 35 feet in length, painted with green with a red stripe and with a white shed.

MNDF also requested to assist in getting information about the Dhoni boat and provide any information that the public

might have regarding the Dhoni.

SAR/Off Brunei, Malaysia/ 29 Mar 20.

On 29 Mar 20, three local fishermen found drifting in the vicinity of Maharaja Lela

oilfield were safely rescued by Royal Brunei Navy ship KDB DARULEHSAN after

fishing boat experienced engine failure. KDB DARULEHSAN was on patrol when it

received the report of the stranded boat and instantly activated a Search and Rescue

mission. The boat were successfully located and all three local fishermen were found

safe and in good health when rescued. The boat was towed back to Brunei bay where

it was handed over to the Marine Police, Royal Brunei Police Force.

Comments. Dhoni or Doni (pronounced Dōni) is a multi-purpose sail boat with a motor or lateen sails that is used

in the Maldives. It is handcrafted and its use within the multi-island nation has been very important. A dhoni

resembles a dhow.

Page 33: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

33

Cyclonic Storm “Herold” Over Southern Indian Ocean.

Tropical Cyclone HEROLD formed in the Indian Ocean near the coast of Madagascar on 13 Mar 20, causing severe

flooding in the northeastern part of the country which resulted in one fatality. Till 15 Mar 20, it was Severe Tropical

Storm maintaining off the North East coast of Madagascar and later turned into a Tropical Cyclone on 15 Mar 20. On

16 Mar, the center of the cyclone was located about 440 km (270 miles) East of Antalaha, Madagascar. On 17 Mar 20,

the cyclone passed approximately 130 km south of Rodrigues Island, Mauritius. HEROLD inundated the northeastern

part of Madagascar, affecting the cities of Maroantsetra and Antalaha the most. While it did not make

landfall, it passed near the Malagasy coast, bringing strong winds and heavy rains that lasted for days. In Maroantsetra,

more than 3 095 people were affected by flooding. 13 out of the 20 areas in the district were submerged in water,

including Mahavelona, Andranofotsy, and the worst-hit Anjanazana, where floodwaters reached up to 2 m (6.6 feet).

Reportedly, winds up to 194 km/h (120 mph) hit the islands.

NATURAL EVENTS

Page 34: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

34

Suspicious approaches in Gulf of Aden/ Gulf of Oman.

A total of three suspicious approaches were reported in the Gulf of Aden/ Gulf of Oman. While two incidents were

reported in the Gulf of Oman/ Persian Gulf region, one was reported in Gulf of Aden. The details have been covered in

the first section of the MMSU.

Gulf of Aden/ Gulf of Oman Update

On 01 Mar 20, a tanker was approached by five perpetrators in two high-speed motorboats in Gulf of Oman. A

warship in the vicinity approached the vessel resulting in the skiffs aborting the approach. The vessel and crew

members were reported to be safe.

On 03 Mar 20, a merchant vessel was reportedly approached by three small crafts. One of these craft was unmanned

(refer figure above) and approached the vessel to extreme close quarters. However, this approach caused no damage

or crew members were also reported safe.

On 27 Mar 20, a tanker was approached by two suspicious skiffs with five to six POB off Farur Island, Iran in

Persian Gulf. The evasive maneuvers by tanker resulted in skiffs aborting the approach. The crew and ship were

reported to be safe.

Analysis of Suspicious Approaches

A total of nine incidents of suspicious approach were reported in Gulf of Aden/Gulf of Oman during the period Jan

– Mar 20 as compared to two incidents in the last quarter of 2019 (Oct-Dec 19). It is pertinent to mention that

majority of incidents continue to be reported in Gulf of Aden, along the IRTC or in the vicinity of Bab-el-Mandeb.

Nil incidents were reported in Gulf of Oman/ Persian Gulf in last quarter of 2019 while two incidents were reported

in Mar 20. The increase in number of incidents in Gulf of Oman/ Persian Gulf may also be attributed to proactive

reporting due to increased naval presence like Op Sankalp, EMASOH and Op Sentinel.

However, none of the incidents involved any damage to the vessel or crew. Most of the incidents involved small

boats approaching the vessels but none showed any serious threat intent like firing or attempting to board. Ladder

sighting also remains predominantly unconfirmed. Most of the cases may be attributed to the normal pattern of life

and routine movement of fishing vessels in the area. Thus, while there is increased reporting of incidents in 2020 so

far as compared to last quarter of 2019, the same may not be seen as a reemergence of significant maritime security

threat. However, the Masters and crew of the vessels are strongly advised to exercise vigilance, maintain constant

lookout for suspicious boats in the vicinity and adhere to BMP5 when transiting the area.

Page 35: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

35

Workshop on information sharing to boost maritime security in Western Indian Ocean.

An IMO-led regional workshop on information sharing in the Western Indian

Ocean and the Gulf of Aden was held on 03-05 Mar 20 which brought together

participants from 14 signatory States to the Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC)

and its Jeddah Amendment, which aims to counter and suppress crime in the

maritime domain. Participants discussed how best to set up National Maritime

Information Sharing Centres and agreed on the need to establish legal

frameworks at national level, to ensure coordination and full participation of all

agencies. Recommendations from the workshop will be fed into the next Jeddah

Amendment high-level workshop, scheduled to be held later this year. The

workshop was held at the Djibouti Regional Training Centre (DRTC), Djibouti,

and attended by 24 participants from Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Jordan, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius,

Mozambique, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania (United Republic of), and Yemen.

International Liaison Officer (ILO) from US joins IFC -IOR.

On 05 Mar 20, International Liaison Officer (ILO) from US joined IFC-IOR.

Commander John Heavrin from US Navy was welcomed into the IFC-IOR team

in the presence of members from US embassy as well as from Indian Navy and

IFC-IOR.

India Admitted As Fifth Observer To Indian Ocean Commission.

India was admitted to the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC: Commission de l'Océan Indien, COI) on 06 Mar 20 as an

observer after it applied last month to be considered for observer status.

The decision was taken at the meeting of the IOC Conference of ministers in Seychelles on Friday making India the

fifth observer. The other four observers China, Malta, European Union and International Organisation of La

Francophonie (OIF).

INS Shardul Provides Relief Material in Madagascar.

Indian Naval Ship Shardul entered Port Antsiranana, Madagascar on 10 Mar 20. The ship

was carrying 600 tonnes of rice to deliver quick relief to the victims of Madagascar floods.

An official ceremony for handing over the rice from the Government of India to

Government of Madagascar was held onboard INS Shardul on 12 Mar 20. The ceremony

was attended by the Madagascar Foreign Minister and various high ranking officials from

the Madagascar Defence forces and civilian organizations. The Indian side was represented

by the Ambassador of India to Madagascar and the ship’s Commanding Officer. The rice

will be distributed to the people affected by cyclone DIANE that hit Madagascar coast in

month of Jan 2020. This is the second delivery of relief materials for Madagascar flood

victims and is largest humanitarian aid ever from India to Madagascar. This is also the

biggest relief load ever carried by any Indian warship, loaded, transported and unloaded in

record time, for quick relief assistance.

Somalia's Maritime Development Boosted With Completion Of Shipping Code.

Maritime development in Somalia has moved a significant step forward with the completion of the Somali Shipping

Code. During a ceremony in Mogadishu on 09 Mar, the Minister of Ports and Marine Transport in the Federal

Government of Somalia, received a copy of the finalized Code (in the Somali language) from IMO's Regional

Coordinator for Eastern and Southern Africa. The Code is the culmination of some six years of work, supported by

Events of Interest

Page 36: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

36

IMO and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), to build Somalia's capacity to grow and sustain

a burgeoning blue economy and to ensure the necessary legal and administrative processes are in place. The process of

developing it has seen a Somali Maritime Administration established. IMO and UNSOM have worked with Somalia to

deliver legal and technical training to support core administrative and legal functions, including induction training for

maritime administration officials during a workshop in Jan 20 at the Djibouti Regional Training Centre, Djibouti.

Stable Seas releases a report on Maritime Security Situation in Bay of Bengal.

On 16 Mar 20, Stable Seas released a report on the maritime security situation in Bay of Bengal. This report

examines maritime security and governance in the Bay of Bengal across nine issue areas including the blue economy,

coastal welfare, rule of law, piracy and armed robbery, illicit trades, maritime mixed migration, fisheries, maritime

enforcement capacity, and international cooperation. The report looks at progress being made across these issue areas

as well as the challenges that remain to sustainable maritime security in the region. It also suggests several areas of

policy prioritisation that could have positive impacts across issue areas and help establish a self-reinforcing, positive

cycle of maritime security in the Bay of Bengal.

US Department of Transport Issues Advisory over GPS Interference.

On 25 Mar 20, US Department of Transport issued Maritime Security Communications with Industry (MSCI) advisory

mentioning the instances of significant GPS interference worldwide in the maritime domain by vessels operating both

in-port and underway. Over the last year, areas from which multiple instances have been reported include the eastern

and central Mediterranean Sea, the Persian Gulf, and the Port of Shanghai, PRC. It is advised to vessels to exercise

caution when operating underway and in-port prior to underway. The advisory recommends reporting of such incidents

in real time; noting critical information such as the location (latitude/longitude), date, time, and duration of the

outage/disruption; and providing photographs or screen shots of equipment failures experienced to facilitate analysis to

NAVCEN on https://go.usa.gov/xQBaw for further dissemination to the NATO Shipping Center.

Additional GPS interference information provided by US Transportation Command can be accessed at

https://go.usa.gov/xdSpq

Somali Shipping Code

The Somali Shipping Code is the blueprint for the country to adopt relevant international maritime conventions, to

enable it to discharge its responsibilities as a flag, port and coastal State. At more than 3,300 km, Somalia's

coastline is the longest and perhaps the most geographically significant in the Horn of Africa. It has four main

commercial seaports and several minor ports. The development of the Code was instigated in 2014, when Somalia

requested IMO to help revise its previous (1959) maritime code. The country was emerging from more than two

decades of internal conflict and concerted international efforts to suppress and reduce acts of piracy off its long

coastline. The revised Shipping Code reflects the most up-to-date best practices and developments in international

maritime law.

The text of the Shipping Code will now undergo the necessary parliamentary processes for enactment into

Somali national law.

Report Summary shared with IFC-IOR by Stable Seas team

The author of the report, Mr Jay Benson from Stable Seas shared a summary of the report with IFC-IOR and the

same is reproduced below:-

Bay of Bengal examines maritime security and governance in the Bay of Bengal across nine issue areas including

the blue economy, coastal welfare, rule of law, piracy and armed robbery, illicit trades, maritime mixed migration,

fisheries, maritime enforcement capacity, and international cooperation. The report looks at progress being made

across these issue areas as well as the challenges that remain to sustainable maritime security in the region. It also

suggests several areas of policy prioritization that could have positive impacts across issue areas and help establish

a self-reinforcing, positive cycle of maritime security in the Bay of Bengal. Some suggested areas of policy

prioritization include: port security and governance, maritime domain awareness, stateless communities, and

greater resourcing for regional organizations addressing shared maritime challenges.

The detailed report may be accessed at https://stableseas.org/publications/stable-seas-bay-bengal-maritime-

security

Page 37: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

37

Maritime Community Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak. Various advisories to maritime community

have been released by IMO and India’s Director General Shipping in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. IFC-IOR has

compiled various references below for the benefit of maritime community particularly operating in Indian Ocean.

Gen for Mariners

Advisories related to Novel Coronavirus for Maritime Community

IMO Circular dated 02 Mar 20 on Operational Considerations for Managing COVID-19 Cases/Outbreak

Onboard Ships can be accessed at

http://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Documents/Circular%20Letter%20No.4204-Add.3.pdf

DG Shipping – India‟s DG Shipping MS Notice No. 06 of 2020 dated 03 Mar 20 titled “Maritime advisory

No. 3 on new coronavirus ” may be accessed at

https://www.dgshipping.gov.in/writereaddata/ShippingNotices/202003051043036893103MS_Notice_06of2020_NT.

pdf

IMO Circular dated 05 Mar 20 on International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Guidance for ship operators for the protection of the health of seafarers can be accessed at

http://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Documents/Circular%20Letter%20No.4204-Add.4.pdf

DG Shipping – India‟s DG Shipping DGS Order No. 02 of 2020 dated 16 Mar 20 titled “Instructions on

dealing with novel coronavirus (COVID-19)” relating to Shipping Companies and Ships, Maritime Training

Institutes, Recruitment & Placement Service (RPS) Providers, Sea Farers and Competency Examinations may be

accessed at

https://www.dgshipping.gov.in/writereaddata/ShippingNotices/202003171037069878304DGS_order_02of2020.pdf

DG Shipping – India‟s DG Shipping DGS Order No. 03 of 2020 dated 20 Mar 20 titled “Instructions on

dealing with novel coronavirus (COVID-19)” issuing Interim Guidance For Shipping & Seafarers For Prevention

& Managing Outbreak of COVID-19 may be accessed at

https://www.dgshipping.gov.in/writereaddata/ShippingNotices/202003230304472561963DGS_order_03of2020.pdf

DG Shipping – India‟s DG Shipping DGS Order No. 04 of 2020 dated 20 Mar 20 titled “Instructions to all

major and minor ports for dealing with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic” issuing Instructions for ports

& shipping for prevention & managing outbreak of COVID-19 may be accessed at

https://www.dgshipping.gov.in/writereaddata/ShippingNotices/202003230312030048368DGS_Order_04of2020.pdf

DG Shipping – India‟s DG Shipping DGS Order No. 05 of 2020 dated 23 Mar 20 titled “Instructions on

dealing with novel coronavirus (COVID-19)” issuing amplifying instructions for Maritime Training Institutes and

Seafarers may be accessed at

https://www.dgshipping.gov.in/writereaddata/ShippingNotices/202003230315001075262DGS_Order_05of2020.pdf

DG Shipping – India‟s DG Shipping DGS Order No. 05 of 2020 dated 23 Mar 20 titled “Regarding

Extension to the validity of seafarers' CoC and Statutory Certificates, Periodical Surveys and Audits of Indian

Registered Ships in view of COVID 19 outbreak” may be accessed at

https://www.dgshipping.gov.in/writereaddata/ShippingNotices/202003240158511972057DGS_Order_06of2020_00

1.pdf

IMO Circular dated 27 Mar 20 on Preliminary list of recommendations for Governments and relevant

national authorities on the facilitation of maritime trade during the COVID-19 pandemic can be accessed at

http://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Documents/Circular%20Letter%20No.4204Add.6%20%20Coronav

irus%20Covid-19%20Preliminary%20List%20Of%20Recommendations.pdf

Page 38: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

38

IMO 2020 sulphur limit implementation - carriage ban enters into force.

Consistent implementation of the IMO 2020 regulation which limits

sulphur in ships fuel oil was enhanced from 01 Mar 20, with the entry

into force of a rule to ban the carriage of non-compliant fuel oil. The

IMO 2020 regulation limits sulphur in ships' fuel oil to a maximum

0.50%. The regulation has been in force globally since 01 Jan

20, under IMO's MARPOL treaty, with benefits for the environment

and human health from a reduction in sulphur oxides in the air. The

complementary International Convention for the Prevention of

Pollution form ships (MARPOL) amendment prohibits the carriage of

non-compliant fuel oil for combustion purposes for propulsion or

operation on board a ship - unless the ship has an approved exhaust

gas cleaning system ("scrubber") fitted. The amendment does not

change in any way the 0.50% limit which has been in force since 01 Jan 20. It is intended as an additional measure to

support consistent implementation and compliance and provide a means for effective enforcement by States,

particularly port State control.

ICS and ITF urge United Nations agencies for global maritime transport industry.

In an open letter dated 19 Mar 20, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and International Transport Workers’

Federation (ITF) called on the UN to keep ports open and facilitate crew changes in order to keep maritime commerce

moving amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter emphasised the vital need for the world’s professional merchant

seafarers to be granted appropriate exemptions from any national travel restrictions, when joining or leaving their

ships, in order to keep the world’s maritime supply chains functioning. The letter also mentioned that every month,

around 100,000 seafarers need to be changed over from the ships which they operate in order to comply with relevant

international maritime regulations, governing safe working hours and crew welfare, so that they can continue to

transport global trade safely.

ISWAN launches video for seafarers mental health during COVID-19.

Amongst other seafarers welfare initiatives, ISWAN launched a new video on 25 Mar 20, aimed at seafarers, with

Dr Kate Thompson, a counselling psychologist. The video provides guidance and information on managing the mental

health of seafarers during this COVID-19 pandemic. Seafarers are not only worried about their own health but also

about the health of their families and friends back home. The video provides advice to seafarers about staying mentally

safe and well while on board and ashore during this crisis. The same may be accessed at

https://www.seafarerswelfare.org/news/2020/managing-your-mental-health-during-the-covid-19-pandemic.

Weather Forecast. A monthly weather forecast for the month of Mar 20 in IOR region has been uploaded on

IFC-IOR website for reference.

Fishing vessel safety treaty gets further boost

The entry into force of IMO's Cape Town Agreement on fishing vessel safety will be crucial for improved safety at

sea for fishers and will support the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. During a

European Union High-level Ministerial Maritime Conference in Opatija, Croatia held on 10-11 Mar 20,

participants highlighted the urgent need to bring the Cape Town Agreement into force. The treaty will enter into

force 12 months after at least 22 States, with an aggregate 3,600 fishing vessels of 24 meters in length and over

operating on the high seas have expressed their consent to be bound by it. To date, 14 countries have ratified the

Agreement. The entry into force is expected to improve safety at sea in the fisheries sector worldwide. It will also be

a useful tool in combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and reducing pollution from fishing

vessels, including marine debris.

Page 39: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

39

IMO

IMB-PRC

ReCAAP

RMIFC Madagascar

MDAT-GoG

IFC Singapore

DNK-IOC

GARD

Windward

Safety4sea

https://arxmaritime.com/

https://gisis.imo.org/

https://www.icc-ccs.org/

https://www.fleetmon.com/

https://www.omanobserver.om/

https://www.thesundaily.my/

http://www.colombopage.com/

http://bernama.com/

http://maritimereview.co.za/

https://www.nst.com.my/

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/

https://www.vesseltracker.com/

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

https://www.infomigrants.net/

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/

https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/

Sources/ News Links

Page 40: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

40

Remain cognizant of the regional and international environment affecting maritime security and safety

in the IOR.

Establish linkages and coordinate with national agencies and multinational constructs that are relevant

to maritime safety and security.

Maintain a Common Operational Picture (COP) in the unclassified domain, for the IOR and beyond.

Share country specific COP and share maritime security/ safety related information of common

concern with participants.

Liaison and interact with other maritime stakeholders by means of regular visits, seminars, workshops,

exercises (Maritime Security/ MARSEC) and training modules (MDA, MARSEC, HADR etc).

Collate, analyse and disseminate information related to maritime safety and Humanitarian Assistance

and Disaster Relief (HADR) requirements from sea.

Generation of Incident Reports and Situation Reports (SITREPS) on incidents and Vessels of Interest

(VOIs) and share with concerned agencies.

Publish a Monthly Report and Advisories as required.

Host Liaison Officers from participant countries.

Disseminate unclassified information relevant to submarine safety.

Trend and Predictive Analysis of historical data gathered from various national and international

agencies.

Charter of IFC-IOR

Page 41: MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)1).pdf · A kidnapping incident was reported onboard a Greek flagged product tanker MINERVA VIRGO, around 45 Nm SSW of Cotonou, Benin on 05

41

Disclaimer

Information collated in the IFC-IOR’s monthly report has been derived from various internal and

external linkages such as partner nations, other maritime stakeholders, agencies and open sources.

The report aims to undertake analysis of incidents by establishing trends and anomalies to ensure

safety and security of mariners and seafarers. While due care and effort has been taken to ensure

veracity of data, due diligence may be exercised for subsequent usage of information contained

therein. IFC-IOR requests and seeks assistance of all stakeholders to report incidents in the region to

undertake accurate predictive and prescriptive analysis and build a comprehensive picture of existing

threats in the maritime domain. The information contained in the report and the analysis thereon, is

not reflective of the views of the Indian Government or Indian Navy in any manner.

Contact Details

In case of any incident at sea, suspicious approach or unusual observed activity at sea, please contact the

IFC-IOR:-

Website: - https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/ifc-ior/index.html

Email: - [email protected]

Tel: - +91 1242208385, +91 7428963733

Fax: - +91 1242209385