IMO December 2024 Piracy Report Highlights Key Incidents Globally

Piracy Incidents in International Waters

One notable incident occurred in West Africa. The Bourbon Liberty 234, a Cypriot supply ship, was targeted by six pirates in a speedboat. The attackers attempted to breach the crew’s citadel and damaged some bridge and accommodation areas before fleeing. All crew members were uninjured and later arrived safely in port.

The crew promptly raised the alarm and took refuge in the citadel. The Equatorial Guinea PRC notified local authorities, who responded to the situation.

Location: West Africa – Approximately 95 nm west of Bata, Equatorial Guinea (01° 59.09′ N, 008° 10.19′ E)

Piracy in Territorial Waters

Malacca Strait

In the Malacca Strait, several ships reported incidents involving armed robbers:

The Sakizaya Miracle, a Panamanian bulk carrier, spotted eight robbers, four of whom were armed with knives. The attackers stole engine spares, but no crew members were injured or kidnapped.

The Genco Augustus, another Panamanian bulk carrier, reported a similar incident with six armed robbers attempting to steal engine spares. No perpetrators were found, and the crew was not harmed.

The Kyzikos, a Liberian bulk carrier, encountered eight unarmed robbers who stole some engine spares.

The tanker Proteus Harvonne reported a motorman being attacked by a knife-wielding perpetrator, while another attempted to board the ship. The attacker was injured and later hospitalized, but no items were stolen.

Locally, a security breach was reported on a tanker where unauthorized access to the emergency generator room led to the theft of ship’s property.

Locations: Various points in the Malacca Strait, near Pulau Cula, Indonesia.

South China Sea

The HK Tug 9/LKH2882, a Singaporean tug towing a barge loaded with scrap metal, was approached by four small boats. Two to three perpetrators boarded the barge, taking scrap metal, and fled after the master sounded the ship’s horn.

Location: 8.4 nm northeast of Horsburgh Lighthouse, Malaysia.

Piracy in Port Areas

Belawan Port, Indonesia

At Belawan Port, an attempt to board the PAC Alnath, a Singaporean general cargo ship, was thwarted by the crew. Security was immediately escalated, and local authorities were notified.

Location: Belawan Port, Indonesia (03° 47.81′ N, 098° 43.08′ E)

In the same port, unauthorized individuals attempted to board another ship, leading to a security search and a report to local authorities.

Location: Belawan Anchorage, Indonesia (03° 55.95′ N, 098° 44.38′ E)

Cotonou Anchorage, Benin

In Benin, five armed robbers boarded a fishing vessel, held the crew hostage, stole cell phones, and kidnapped the Captain before escaping in their boat.

Location: Cotonou Anchorage, Benin (06° 13.34′ N, 002° 32.27′ E)

Takoradi Anchorage, Ghana

At Takoradi Anchorage, three robbers armed with knives boarded a bulk carrier. They stole ship’s property and fled as a patrol boat approached.

Location: Takoradi Anchorage, Ghana (04° 53.29′ N, 001° 39.50′ W)

Chattogram Anchorage, Bangladesh

Two separate incidents were reported in Chattogram Anchorage, with robbers threatening crew members and stealing UHF radios, personal mobile phones, and ship’s properties.

Location: Chattogram Anchorage, Bangladesh (21° 35.68′ N, 091° 47.86′ E)

Tarahan Anchorage, Indonesia

In Tarahan Anchorage, four robbers armed with knives boarded a bulk carrier. They fled without items when they heard the crew’s alarm.

Location: Tarahan Anchorage, Indonesia (05° 31.17′ S, 105° 18.14′ E)

Vung Tau Anchorage, Vietnam

An unnoticed boarding by robbers led to the theft of items from the ship’s store in Vung Tau Anchorage.

Location: Vung Tau Anchorage, Vietnam (09° 59.00′ N, 107° 04.00′ E)

South China Sea – South Harbor Anchorage, Manila, Philippines

At the South Harbor Anchorage in Manila, four perpetrators boarded a container ship but were chased off by the crew. No items were stolen.

Location: Approx. 4 nm west of South Harbor Anchorage, Manila, Philippines (14° 32.72′ N, 120° 52.08′ E)

General Incidents in International Waters

In another incident in international waters, off the coast of Equatorial Guinea, pirates in a skiff approached a container ship, fired at it, and attempted to board. However, the ship safely evaded the attack with all crew members uninjured.

Location: 62 nm WSW of Bata, Equatorial Guinea (01° 34.50′ N, 008° 45.00′ E)

Global Piracy Response Efforts

The responses to these incidents highlight the collaborative efforts of various maritime authorities. The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and Singapore Police Coast Guard (PCG) frequently responded to incidents in the Malacca Strait. In Indonesia, the Indonesian Marine Police HQ was notified in several cases, underscoring the importance of international cooperation.

The reports emphasize the need for constant vigilance and immediate response mechanisms, ensuring the safety of maritime crews and ships.

Conclusion

The IMO’s December 2024 Monthly Piracy Report underscores the persistent threat of piracy in critical shipping lanes like the Malacca Strait and port areas in various countries. These incidents highlight the vulnerability of maritime vessels and the critical role of maritime security authorities in safeguarding shipping operations.

For mariners, it is essential to follow strict security protocols and report any suspicious activities immediately to ensure the safety of their vessels and crew.