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

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

UPDATE: The crew members were rescued.

Distress Call Issued for Missing Sailing Yacht "ILAN7" in Ionian Sea

Issued by Inmarsat: 2024-04-23 12:45:02 Z The Italian Coast Guard is seeking assistance from all vessels transiting in the Ionian Sea to locate the missing sailing yacht "ILAN7". Details of the missing yacht: Name: ILAN7 Flag: Great Britain (UK) MMSI: 232029740 Callsign: MIBL9 Description: White with a blue underline, 14 meters long with a maximum width of 4 meters. Last known position: Latitude 37° 52.9282 N, Longitude 18° 22.9029 E (communicated on April 21, 2024). Departed from: Malta on April 11, 2024. Destination: Preveza, Greece. Number of people on board: One. Weather conditions in the search area: Winds up to 28 knots with gusts up to 38 knots. Waves up to 3.5 meters. All vessels in the Ionian Sea are requested to: Maintain a sharp lookout for the yacht "ILAN7". Report any sightings or information to the Italian Coast Guard at the following numbers: IMRCC Rome: Phone: +39 06 5924145 or +39 06 59084409 Fax: +39 06 5922737 or +39 06 59084793 Inmarsat C: 424744

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.

Sea warnings

Search This Blog