Merchant Vessel Reports Suspicious Approach in Arabian Sea

On April 9th, 2024, a merchant vessel traveling south in the Red Sea reported two skiffs approaching them approximately five miles away.

The merchant vessel increased speed and altered course to create distance. After what appeared to be a 30-minute pursuit, the skiffs turned away.

Increased Pirate Activity in Somalia

This incident follows reports of at least 20 dhows being hijacked off the coast of Somalia since November 2023. In March 2024, EUNAVFOR's Operation Atalanta identified potential pirate camps along the Somali coastline between Cape Hafun and Garacad. Additionally, local sources report a rise in pirate activity between the Hobyo, Nugal, and Mudug regions. These developments suggest that several Pirate Action Groups (PAGs) may be operating in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, ranging from the Gulf of Aden north of Socotra to 800 nautical miles offshore Somalia. Somali pirates have successfully hijacked at least three commercial vessels since November 2023.

Mariners are advised to avoid the area where the suspicious approach occurred and exercise extreme caution when sailing in the vicinity.

When navigating the region, vessels are strongly encouraged to maintain a heightened state of awareness and implement self-protection measures outlined in Best Management Practice Version 5 (BMP5) from June 2018.

Comments

The Dramatic Ordeal of M/V CHRISTINA DEBORA: From Mechanical Failure to Abandonment in the Mid-Atlantic

In June 2025, the standby safety vessel CHRISTINA DEBORA , 38.77 meters in length, experienced a maritime emergency that culminated in its abandonment in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean after drifting powerless for more than two weeks. The vessel had been sold and reflagged to Zanzibar either shortly before or just after leaving South Africa. The Beginning of the Crisis – June 8, 2025 The ordeal began on Sunday, June 8, when CHRISTINA DEBORA , navigating approximately 300 nautical miles northwest of St. Helena Island, suffered a major clutch failure, completely losing propulsion. Seven crew members were onboard at the time. The distress call was officially reported by MRCC NATAL on June 11: the vessel was adrift and urgently required clutch repair parts as well as potable water. Captain Victor managed to contact Johnny Clingham, the administrator of the Facebook group “St Helena’s Talk Group,” who verified the authenticity of the request and informed the wider maritime community. ...

Tragedy in the Mozambique Channel: What Is Known About the Deaths of Sailors Deirdre Sibly and Pascal Mahe

1 December 2025 — International authorities are investigating the deaths of Australian sailor Deirdre Sibly , 67, and French sailor Pascal Mahe , who were found dead aboard their yacht in the Mozambique Channel after issuing a distress signal. Although the circumstances remain unclear, several key facts have been confirmed. Deirdre Sibly, an experienced sailor from Port Lincoln, South Australia, had been at sea for nearly four decades. She had been travelling for several months aboard the French-registered yacht Acteon , accompanied by French sailor Pascal Mahe. The two reportedly met on Réunion Island and had been planning a passage across the Indian Ocean. Their most recent route led them from Réunion towards Durban, South Africa , where Sibly intended to catch a flight back to Australia. The distress signal 🚨 #MAYDAY RELAY 🚨 Sailboat #ACTEON issued a DSC distress call on 26 Nov at 0430 UTC (17°05.00S / 040°05.00E). Two persons onboard, but no signs of life reported since. A...

Storm Harry: Severe Mediterranean Marine Weather Alert for Mariners

Storm Harry — a powerful Mediterranean cyclone — is rapidly developing and poses significant hazards to marine navigation across the central and western Mediterranean Sea . Mariners should update all voyage plans, avoid non‑essential departures, and monitor official weather and maritime safety broadcasts closely. Meteorological agencies report that a deep extratropical cyclone , locally dubbed Harry , is forming over the Mediterranean. This system is driven by a strong contrast between cold air from northern Europe and relatively warm sea surface temperatures over the Mediterranean basin. Forecast models indicate intensification through Monday 19 January and Tuesday 20 January , with persistent severe weather expected across broad marine areas. Expected Marine Conditions Wind and Sea State Gale to storm‑force winds expected across extensive Mediterranean sectors. Models suggest max sustained winds potentially exceeding 100 km/h in exposed areas, with very strong gusts...

Sea warnings

Search This Blog