The Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) has issued a warning to all vessels sailing off the coast of Somalia due to a recent surge in piracy activity.
- Heightened Alert: Ships in the Somali basin are urged to be extremely vigilant due to an increase in reported piracy incidents.
- Recent Attacks: Since late November 2023, there have been multiple hijackings of merchant vessels and dhows (smaller boats). One merchant vessel, the M/V Abdullah, remains under pirate control.
- Pirate Tactics: Pirates typically use captured dhows as motherships to approach and attack larger vessels further offshore. The possibility of attacks in the Gulf of Aden cannot be ruled out.
- Threat Level: MSCHOA currently assesses the piracy threat off the Somali coast as "Moderate," meaning an attack is a realistic possibility.
Recommendations:
- BMP5 Adherence: All vessels are strongly advised to strictly follow Best Management Practices Version 5 (BMP5) to enhance security measures while navigating near Somalia.
- Registration and Reporting: Ships operating in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden, particularly those within 700 nautical miles of the Somali coast, are urged to register with MSCHOA and report any suspicious activity to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
Additional Information:
- The presence of a possible new airstrip under construction on Abd al-Kuri Island near the Gulf of Aden entrance raises concerns about regional security. (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/socotra-ap-uae-israel-red-sea-b2519841.html)
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