Note: To read the entire report; click on the link below.
ICC-CCS.ORG - THE WEEKLY PIRACY REPORT - REPORT SNIPPET - QUOTE:
http://www.icc-ccs.org/prc/piracyreport.php
Weekly Piracy Report
29 April-5 May 2008
The following is a summary of the daily reports broadcast by the IMB’s Piracy Reporting Centre to ships in Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Ocean Regions on the SafetyNET service of Inmarsat-C from 29 April to 5 May 2008.
ALERT
Chittagong anchorage, Bangladesh
The number of attacks has reduced since 2006. However, the area is still listed as a high risk area and mariners are advised to be cautious especially while approaching the anchorage and while at anchor at Chittagong
Nigeria
Violent attacks carried out by pirates on board vessels at anchor and vessel carrying out STS operations. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution in these waters.
Suspicious crafts
01.05.2008: 1605 UTC: 14:51.9N – 054:14.8E: Gulf of Aden.
Two speedboats crossed the bow of a bulk carrier underway. Alarm raised, crew mustered and evasive manoeuvres commenced. Both boats stopped for a while and then resumed chasing the vessel. Master contacted the coalition warship on VHF Ch. 16/72. The coalition warship crossed the ships stern and informed the master to continue on her passage, as there were no speedboats visible
Recently reported incidents
27.04.2008: 2145 UTC: Posn 06:05N – 001:17E, Lome, Togo.
Six armed robbers boarded a refrigerated cargo ship at anchor, via the forecastle. When spotted by crew, the robbers jumped overboard and escaped. Ship stores stolen.
30.04.2008: 2330 LT: Posn 02:22N – 104:24E, Malaysia
Six pirates, in a speedboat, armed with long knives and wearing masks boarded a tug towing a barge underway. Pirates entered the accommodation, stole personal and ship’s properties, and escaped. No injuries to crew.
29.04.2008: 2310 LT: Posn: 22:11.75N-091:44.8E: Chittagong anchorage Bravo: Bangladesh.
Eight robbers armed with sticks boarded a container ship at anchor from two boats. Alarm raised and crew mustered. Robbers jumped overboard and escaped without stealing anything. Authorities informed.
28.04.2008: 2203 LT: Posn 14:15.5N - 050:11.8E, Gulf of Aden.
A bulk carrier underway observed on radar three speedboats approaching at high speed. Alarm raised and anti piracy measures activated. All accommodation lights and navigations lights switched off. The boats continued to follow and slowly closed onto the vessel. Finally, to deter the pirates the chief officer threw wooden pallets and old garbage drums overboard in the path of the boats. This caused the boats to suddenly stop and abort the chase.
28.04.2008: 1110 UTC: Posn 12:38N – 049:43E, Gulf of Aden.
Pirates, in two speedboats, fired upon a bulk carrier underway using machine guns and RPG in an attempt to board the vessel. The master increased speed and carried out evasive manoeuvres. Due to the actions of the master and the high freeboard, the pirates were unable to board the vessel. The Piracy Reporting Centre informed the Coalition forces. A military aircraft dispatched. The boats moved away.
26.04.2008: 1518 LT: CCT3, Chittagong port, Bangladesh.
Robbers boarded a vessel, preparing to berth, while crew was busy at the mooring stations. As soon as the crew spotted the robbers, the alarm was raised. The robbers jumped overboard and escaped. Port control informed immediately but no action taken. Ship’s stores stolen. Port control informed but no action taken.
25.04.2008: 0020 LT: Posn 01:31N – 104:24.5E, Malaysia
Six pirates armed with guns boarded a tanker underway. Pirates ordered the master to reduce speed. They checked the type of cargo the vessel was carrying. The pirates stole personal effects of crew before escaping.
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19141&Itemid=21
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080507-03
May 7, 2008
Iraqi Army Scouts discover three AQI weapons cache sites in al-Karmah
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army Scouts with 1st IA Division, advised by U.S. Special Operations Forces, discovered three weapons cache sites in al-Karmah, approximately 27 miles northwest of Baghdad, on May 6.
IA conducted an operation in the area to find and recover al-Qaeda in Iraq weapons caches in the area.
Three separate caches were found containing a total of 24,000 .50 caliber rounds, 50 mortar rounds of various sizes, and 2,000 gallons of nitric acid, a substance used to make homemade explosives.
The mortar rounds were destroyed on-site by a Coalition forces explosive ordnance disposal team and the nitric acid was taken off-site for disposal.
This operation resulted in the destruction of a significant amount of AQI munitions and explosive making materials. The destruction of this material will help reduce attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces in the area.
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