Skip to main content

Warning Issued for Potential Pirate Activity Near Somalia

 March 15, 2024 - The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) issued a warning message today regarding potential pirate activity involving the M/V RUEN cargo ship.

Hijacked Vessel and Potential Mothership:

The message highlights the recent hijacking of the Bangladeshi bulk carrier M/V Abdullah by Somali pirates on March 14th. The vessel is currently anchored off the north-central coast of Somalia with its 23 crew members taken hostage.

The warning further raises concerns about the M/V RUEN, a Maltese-flagged bulk carrier. As of March 15th, 14:05 UTC, the M/V RUEN was reported sailing westward in the Arabian Sea at approximately 05°50' North and 53°49' East, roughly 270 nautical miles east-southeast of Eyl, Somalia.

Authorities believe there is a possibility the M/V RUEN may be acting as a mothership, a larger vessel used by pirates to support attacks on other ships.

Recommendations for Vessels:

Due to these concerns, the IMB PRC urges all ships transiting in or near Somalia, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Indian Ocean to:

  • Maintain a safe distance from the M/V RUEN.
  • Exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant.
  • Implement strict anti-piracy measures and maintain a watch for suspicious activity.
  • Report any attacks or suspicious sightings to local authorities and the IMB PRC as per IMO Circular 1334.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Distress Alert: Sailing Vessel Kiliki Overdue and in Need of Assistance

UPDATE:  The crew members were rescued.

Sailing Yacht Sunbeam Overdue – Italian Coast Guard Issues Search and Rescue Alert

  UPDATE 08 Sptempber 2024: The vessel was located in the port of Denia. Alarm no longer active. With the post on Facebook the captain lets us know that they are fine: Oisin Margey Hi, I am the captain of Sunbeam. We are fine and currently approaching the East Coast of Spain. So sorry we did not hear the vhf call and very grateful for the concern for our well being. It is very much appreciated. Please get in touch if you need  more information. Take care and safe sailing.

Mayday! Boat in Distress Near Capraia Island.

  Rome, Italy – July 3, 2024 – An urgent search and rescue (SAR) operation is underway near Capraia Island after a distress call was received by the Italian Coast Guard. The boat in distress, believed to be named "Antalia" or "Altalaia," has reportedly suffered engine failure. The Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (IMRCC Rome) has issued a distress alert to all vessels transiting the area, which is defined as a 30 nautical mile radius centered at 43.0N, 10.0E. The alert urges mariners to maintain a sharp lookout and report any possible sightings to IMRCC Rome immediately. Weather conditions in the area are reported as winds up to 14 knots from the North with gusts up to 21 knots, and a wave height of 0.8 meters. The Italian Coast Guard is coordinating the search and rescue efforts in accordance with the SOLAS and SAR conventions. The Italian Coast Guard is urging all mariners in the area to assist in the search and rescue efforts.