A tanker was attacked by pirates 363 nautical miles SSW of Nova Sintra, Cabo Verde, on May 17, 2024 according to the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB). While this was commercial vessel that was targeted, yachts should be aware when sailing in the vicinity.

Published 6 months ago

Piracy Activity off West Africa

The Turkish-flagged product tanker was boarded 363 nautical miles SSW of Nova Sintra, Cabo Verde, in a significant escalation in terms of the way pirates treat seafarers, off West Africa according to the ICC International Maritime Bureau’s report.

The report stated the pirates ordered the engines to be switched off and for the vessel to drift with the intention of stealing the cargo and bunkers.

The crew’s arms and legs were tied. While waiting for the off-take vessel, the pirates stole crew and ship properties. They then moved all the crew into the steering gear room and informed the crew that there were explosive devices fixed on all doors and the crew could only exit after two hours.

Upon emerging, the crew discovered no traces of either pirates or explosives.  Before escaping, the pirates had damaged communication, internet, navigation equipment and the air control pipes for the main engine and cylinder oil flow valves.  The crew managed to sail the vessel to the next port and no cargo or bunkers were stolen.  The identity of the pirates remains unclear.

The Cape Verde Islands are about 350 miles west of Africa. In the past, security experts have warned of threats along the coast near countries such as Mauritania, but that is usually close to the coast. While this was commercial shipping that were targeted, yachts should be aware when sailing in the vicinity.

Piracy Activity off Somalia

There were also piracy activities off the coast of Somalia last week according to a report in The Maritime Executive.  According to the report EUNAVFOR Atalanta responded to a privacy off the coast of Somalia.   Two small crafts are reported to have come alongside a Liberian-registered vessel that was en-route from Porto Grande in Cape Verde to Khalifa in the United Arab Emirates.

There were earlier reports that pirates had hijacked a fishing dhow off the coast of Somalia. In the past, EUNAVFOR Atalanta has warned that attacks on merchant ships appear to take place within 12 days after reports of dhow hijackings.

Warning for Socotra Island – Yemen

Its strongest warnings however are for the area around Socotra island closer to Yemen. EUNAVFOR Atalanta have warned that at least two groups were thought to be active in that area.

Also in May, a Spanish frigate working with the EU forces was able to capture pirates who approached an oil product tanker, Chrystal Arctic. Six individuals were taken to the Seychelles for prosecution for attempted piracy.

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Related News:

• Product Tanker Crew Tied Up and Robbed by Pirates off Cape Verde (Shipping Telegraph)
• Pirates Attack Tanker off Cape Verde (Splash 247.com)
• Tanker Suffers Piracy Attack in Mid-Atlantic (Insurance Marine News)
• Piracy Incident Off Somalia Being Investigated (The Maritime Executive)

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Related Links:

• European Union Naval Force Operation ATALANTA

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