Piracy & Armed Robbery Prone Areas and Warnings

Bangladesh: Robbers normally target ships at anchor. Most incidents reported are at Chittagong anchorages and approaches. Incidents in Bangladesh have fallen significantly over the past few years because of the efforts by the Bangladesh Authorities.

Indonesia: Tanjung Priok – Jakarta, Belawan, Batu Ampar / Batam, Taboneo anchorage and surrounding waters. Pirates / robbers are normally armed with guns / knives and / or machetes. Generally, be vigilant in other areas. Many incidents may have gone unreported. Pirates / robbers normally attack vessel during the night. When spotted and alarm is sounded, the pirates / robbers usually escape without confronting the crew. Therefore, a strict anti-piracy watch is recommended.

Meetings and continued dialog between the Indonesian Marine Police (IMP) and the IMB PRC resulted in positive actions by the Indonesian Authorities which have so far brought incidents down. With the assistance and actions of the IMP, the incidents appear to be decreasing each year with great success.

The Indonesian Marine Police have advised all ships intending to anchor to do so at / near the following areas where Indonesian Marine Police will conduct patrols for greater protection.

1. Belawan: 03:55.00N-098:45.30E
2. Dumai: 01:42.00N-101:28.00E
3. Nipah: 01:07.30N-103:37.00E
4. Tanjung Berakit/Bintan: 01:23.30N - 104:42.30E
5. Tanjung Priok: 06:00.30S-106:54.00E
6. Gresik: 07:09.00S-112:40.00E
7. Taboneo: 03:41.30S-114:28.00E
8. Adang bay: 01:40.00S-116:40.00E
9. Muara Berau: 00:17.00S-117:36.00E
10. Balikpapan: 01:22.00S-116:53.00E

The Indonesian Authorities have advised IMB that in accordance with the Road Map Program Police Reforms Wave III, the above given ten locations prevention action of sea robbery/piracy in Indonesian waters will continue until 2019. In January 2020, the IMP advised that this successful cooperation will continue until further notice.

Ships are advised to maintain strict anti-piracy watch and measures and report all incidents and suspicious sightings to the local authorities and the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre. The IMB PRC will also liaise with the local authorities to render necessary assistance.

Malacca Straits: Although the number of incidents has dropped substantially (2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 recorded zero incidents) due to the increased and aggressive patrols by the littoral states’ authorities since July 2005, ships are advised to continue maintaining strict anti-piracy / robbery watches when transiting the Straits. Currently, there are no indications as to how long these patrols will continue or reduce. In some cases, incidents may have gone unreported. Situation currently remains stable.

Malaysia: Bandar Penawar, Johor - vessels attacked at anchorage. Off Tanjung Piai – vessels attacked while underway. Attacks have stopped and IMB PRC is monitoring and liaising with Malaysian Authorities/MMEA.

In/off Eastern Sabah – Militant activities resulting in several small vessels like tugs / barges / fishing boats being attacked and crews kidnapped. Kidnappings of merchant ship’s crews have stopped since March 2017 likely due to additional measures taken by ships, aggressive patrols by Authorities and recommended route followed by ships. In 2018 and 2019, two kidnapping incidents were reported for each year. One kidnapping incident has been reported in the first quarter of 2020. The kidnappers are believed to be affiliated to the ASG. Although these incidents currently involved smaller vessels, merchant ships are also at risk as ASG may seize any opportunity to attack merchant ships.

Ships are advised to take precautionary measures and maintain strict anti-piracy watch and measures. Ships transiting these waters should refer to the Sabah Notice to Mariners NTM 14 of 2017 on the Ship Reporting System. Ships and CSOs are encouraged to monitor the IMB PRC Broadcasts via Inmarsat-C SafetyNet Service and Email Alerts issued on behalf of the Philippines and Malaysian Intel. These describe potential targets, threat locations and description of the militant boats including number of militants.

Philippines:Pirates / militants in the southern Philippines conduct attacks on vessels in/off Sibutu passage / off Sibutu island / Tawi Tawi / Sulu sea / Celebes sea / off eastern Sabah. They attacked tugs / barges / fishing boats / yachts / merchant ships to rob and kidnap crews for ransom.

Kidnappings of merchant ship’s crews have stopped since March 2017 likely due to additional measures taken by ships, aggressive patrols by Authorities and recommended routes followed by ships. In 2018 and 2019, two kidnapping incidents were reported for each year. One kidnapping incident has been reported in the first quarter of 2020. The militants are believed to be coming from the Philippines where the kidnapped crews are also taken. The kidnappers are believed to be affiliated to the ASG. Although these incidents currently involved smaller vessels, merchant ships are also at risk as ASG may seize any opportunity to attack merchant ships.

Ships are advised to take precautionary measures and maintain strict anti-piracy watch and measures. Ships transiting these waters should refer to the Sabah Notice to Mariners NTM 14 of 2017 on the Ship Reporting System. Ships and CSOs are encouraged to monitor the IMB PRC Broadcasts via Inmarsat-C SafetyNet Service and Email Alerts issued on behalf of the Philippines and Malaysian Intel. These describe potential targets, threat locations and description of the militant boats including number of militants.

Batangas/Tabangas – Be vigilant. Several robberies have been reported.

Singapore Straits: General Warning issued in December 2019 indicating sudden rise in attacks in Singapore Straits especially during the night. Within several weeks, ten incidents were reported. Many more incidents may have gone unreported or reported elsewhere distorting the true risk in these waters. It appears one or more groups are targeting passing ships including tugs / barges. Five incidents were reported to the IMB PRC in the first quarter of 2020. Ships are advised to remain vigilant and to continue maintaining adequate anti-piracy / robbery watches and measures. Pirates / robbers attack ships while underway or while at anchor especially during the hours of darkness. Pirates / robbers will abort the attempted attack once spotted, alarm sounded and Authorities notified.

South China Sea: AAlthough incidents have stopped in the vicinity off Tioman / off Pulau Aur / off Anambas / Natuna / Mangkai islands / Subi Besar / Merundung areas, vessels are advised to continue to remain vigilant especially during the night. In the past, several hijackings of small product tankers occurred off the coast of Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and in the South China Sea area. This trend started in April 2014, but the hijackings stopped abruptly in late 2015. Three incidents reported in 2017 in which two tankers were hijacked off Kuantan / Off Pulau Aur / East coast Malaysia.

The IMB is monitoring the situation. It has been reported that some criminals have been arrested by local Authorities both in Malaysia and in Indonesia.

WEST AFRICA (Gulf of Guinea): As a general rule follow recommendations and guidelines presented in the BMP WA.

Benin (Cotonou): Incidents have increased in / off Benin anchorage. In 2018, within a period of several weeks, five incidents were reported at Benin anchorage. Three attacks have been reported in 2019 where 35 crews were kidnapped. In first quarter of 2020, three ships were attacked, and crews kidnapped from two of these ships. Many more incidents may have gone unreported or reported elsewhere distorting the true risk in these waters.

Past incidents showed that the pirates / robbers in this area are well armed and violent. In some cases, ships have been fired upon. After boarding the masters are forced to sail to unknown locations where ship’s properties and sometimes part cargo is stolen (gas oil). Crewmembers have been injured in the past.

All crews to keep a vigilant lookout using all available means. Ships to adjust ETA for direct berthing or wait / drift / transit at least 200 / 250nm from coast, if appropriate and agreed by all in venture.

Cameroon (Idenao / Douala): Attacks/kidnappings incidents are increasing. Latest warning issued showed kidnapping of crews at anchorage and in / off Cameroon. There were 31 crews kidnapped in 2019.

Equatorial Guinea: Past two incidents occurred around 40nm from Luba involving hijacking and the other boarded with criminal intentions.

Ghana (Takoradi): Robberies have been reported at the anchorages.

Guinea (Conakry): Robberies have been reported at the anchorages.

Ivory Coast: (Abidjan): Incidents dropped but remains risky.

Nigeria (Lagos/Apapa, Off Bayelsa / Brass / Bonny Island / Port Harcourt): Pirates / robbers are often well armed, violent and have attacked and hijacked / robbed ships / kidnapped crews along / far from the coast, rivers, anchorages, ports and surrounding waters. In the past, incidents reported up to about 170nm from the coast. In many past incidents, pirates hijacked the vessels for several days and ransacked the vessels and stole part cargo usually gas oil. Several crewmembers were also injured and kidnapped in these incidents. Generally, all waters in / off Nigeria remain risky. Vessels are advised to be vigilant, as many incidents may have gone unreported. Incidents continue to rise substantially especially kidnapping of crews for ransom. Vessels are advised to take additional measures in these high-risk waters. In 2019, 44 crews were kidnapped. Many more incidents may have gone unreported or reported elsewhere distorting the true risk in these waters.

All crews to keep a vigilant lookout using all available means. Ships to adjust ETA for direct berthing or wait / drift / transit at least 200 / 250nm from coast, if appropriate and agreed by all in venture.

Togo(Lome): Attacks reported at anchorage and in / off Togo. There were seven crews reported kidnapped in 2019. The area remains at risk. Pirates / robbers in this area are well armed, violent and dangerous. Incidents occur at anchorages and off the coast and usually at night. Some past incidents resulted in vessels being hijacked for several days, ransacked and part cargos stolen (gas oil). Many more incidents may have gone unreported or reported elsewhere distorting the true risk in these waters.

All crews to keep a vigilant lookout using all available means. Ships to adjust ETA for direct berthing or wait / drift / transit at least 200 / 250nm from coast, if appropriate and agreed by all in venture.

The Congo: Pointe Noire/Off Point – attacks increasing.

Red Sea / Gulf of Aden / Somalia / Arabian Sea / Indian Ocean: No reported attacks in 2019 and first quarter 2020. In 2018, three vessels have reported being fired upon in this region. Although the opportunity for incidents has reduced, the Somali pirates continue to possess the capability and capacity to carry out incidents. All merchant ships are advised to adhere to the latest recommendations in BMP5, while transiting these waters. The IMB PRC will continue to alert and broadcast information to all ships in the region via Inmarsat EGC Safety Net.