Has always been a free-for-all, all the way from Ethiopia to India.
From the piracy web site:
http://www.iccwbo.org/ccs/imb_piracy/weekly_piracy_report.asp
Weekly Piracy Report
30 July - 5 August
The following is a summary of the daily reports broadcast to all shipping by the IMB's Piracy Reporting Centre on the SafetyNET service of Inmarsat-C from 30 July - 5 August 2002.
For statistical purposes, the IMB defines piracy and armed robbery as; "An act of boarding or attempting to board any ship with the apparent intent to commit theft or any other crime and with the apparent intent or capability to use force in the furtherance of that act". This definition thus covers actual or attempted attacks whether the ship is berthed, at anchor or at sea. Petty thefts are excluded, unless the thieves are armed. |
Recently reported incidents
Suspicious craft
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04.08.2002 at 2015 LT in position 02:55S - 106:59E, Selat Gelasa, Indonesia. Two fast-unlit crafts approached a bulk carrier underway from portside. One craft increased speed and tried to come closer, while the other maintained its distance off port beam. Alert crew switched on deck lights, and sounded ship's whistle, crafts moved away. Ten minutes later, another fast-unlit craft followed ship's stern. Crew directed searchlight and craft moved away. |
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31.07.2002 at 0100 LT at one fathom bank, straits of Malacca. |
Actual and attempted attacks
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31.07.2002 at 0230 LT in position 06:02.7S - 106:53.3E Tanjung Priok |
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31.07.2002 at 00.01 LT at Batangas anchorage, Philippines. |
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30.07.2002 at 0735 UTC at position 11:53N - 51:04E, Somalia. |
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29.07.2002, tied to mooring buoy, Mongla, Bangladesh. Pirates in a small boat came alongside a general cargo ship and stole zinc anodes welded to stern. |
Piracy prone areas and warnings
Warning for Somalia. Another hijacking took place on 30.07.2002. Ships anchoring near or passing close to the Somali coast should note they will, repeat, will be seized by one of the warring factions from shore. |
S E Asia and the Indian Sub Continent
Bangladesh - Chittagong and Mongla at berth and anchorage. Ships have
reported theft of zinc anodes welded to ship's sides and
stern
India - Chennai, Cochin, Haldia, Kandla and Tuticorin anchorages
Indonesia - Belawan, Balikpapan, Lawi Lawi, Merak, Panjang, Samarinda
and Tanjong Priok (Jakarta), ships have reported numerous
attacks whilst at berth and anchor. Other areas include
Bangka, Berhala and Gelasa Straits
Malacca straits - avoid anchoring along the Indonesian coast of the straits.
Coast near Aceh is particularly risky for hijackings
Malaysia - Bintulu, Penang and Sandakan
Philippines - Davao
Thailand - Koh Si Chang
Vietnam - Vung Tau
Africa and Red Sea
Africa and Red Sea
Abidjan, Bonny River, Conakry, Dakar, Dar Es Salaam, Douala, Lagos, Luanda, Owendo and Tema
Gulf of Aden - between four to six fast boats have attempted to board ships around coordinates Lat 14:34N - Long 051:22.5E
Somalian waters - high-risk area for hijackings. Keep at least 50 miles and if possible 100 miles from the Somali coast. Use of radio communications including VHF in these waters should be kept to a minimum
South and Central America and the Caribbean waters
Brazil - Fazendinha, Guiba Islands, Santana, Santos, Sepetiba, Rio De Janeiro and Rio Grende Port.
Colombia - Buenaventura and Cartagena
Dominican Republic - Rio Haina
Ecuador - Guayaquil
Peru - Callao
Venezuela - Guanta, Lake Maracaibo and Puerto La Cruz.
In view of the recent spate in hijackings, ship owners are advised to install a satellite tracking system on board. IMB recommends installation of Shiploc, which has proved to be invaluable in the location and recovery of hijacked vessels. Details can be found at www.shiploc.com.
I'm thinking the Russians ain't gonna be to happy with this news
....If Blair has the minerals.