Merchant Vessel Attacked by Pirates in Arabian Sea

March 12, 2024 - The International Maritime Bureau's Piracy Reporting Centre (IMB PRC) issued a warning today regarding a pirate attack on a merchant vessel in the Arabian Sea.

According to the warning, the attack occurred at approximately 12:08 UTC on March 12, 2024, in a position roughly 550 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, Somalia (specifically, 01° 27' N, 54° 53' E). The message states that several small boats intercepted the merchant vessel:
The Company Security Officer (CSO) onboard the vessel reported being boarded by multiple individuals from two boats, one large and one small. The hijackers have reportedly gained control of the vessel.

The ship's security alert system (SSAS) was activated, and the crew reportedly took refuge in the citadel, a secure area onboard the vessel.

Authorities Advise Caution

The IMB PRC is advising all vessels to avoid the area and exercise extreme caution while transiting the Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean, and waters off Somalia. Ships are urged to maintain strict anti-piracy measures, including vigilant watch routines.

The warning further instructs vessels to report any attacks or suspicious sightings to local authorities and the IMB PRC as outlined in IMO Circular 1334.

The IMB also encourages submitting photographs or video evidence of pirate activity.

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