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OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE

(U) WORLDWIDE: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report
19 July - 17 August 2016
18 August 2016

(U) Table of Contents

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

(U) Scope Note

(U) Summary
(U) Counter-Piracy and Maritime Crime Announcements and Advisories
(U) Details: Monthly Incidents by Region
(U) Appendix A: Further Contact Information and Resources
(U) Appendix B: Terminology and References

1. (U) Scope Note

(U) The Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) message provides info on piracy threats to, and criminal action
against, merchant vessels and the shipping industry worldwide in the last 30 days. This report is produced primarily
to inform merchant mariners and naval forces.

2. (U) Summary
A. (U) INDONESIA: On 17 August, an Indonesian Government official revealed that two Indonesians, who were
held hostage in South Philippines, had been released.
B. (U) NIGERIA: On 13 August, two robbers in a boat boarded a berthed product tanker in Apapa, Lagos.
C. (U) INDONESIA: On 11 August, an Indonesian tugboat crewman escaped from his Islamist militant captors in
the Philippines by swimming out to sea.
D. (U) TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: On 2 August, a white pirogue with 3 men onboard approached a sailing yacht,
sailing with two other yachts, 10 nm northeast of Boca Monos.

3. (U) Counter-Piracy and Maritime Crime Announcements and Advisories

A. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Government of Japan convoy schedule for August and September 2016. To apply for
JMSDF escort, visit http://www.mlit.go.jp/en/maritime/maritime_fr2_000000.html, please contact directly the AntiPiracy Contact and Coordination Office, Maritime Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
(MILT), Japan: Tel: +81-3-5253-8932; Fax: +81-3-5253-1643. Email: INFO-PIRACY@mlit.go.jp. (MSCHOA)
B. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Korean Navy convoy schedule for August and September 2016. All merchant
vessels wishing to join the convoy group must submit their application forms directly to the ROK naval warship
carrying out the mission. The ROK MTG can be reached directly at INMARSAT: 1-203-346-7633. Email:
bluegun21@navy.mil.kr. (MSCHOA)

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C. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Chinese Navy convoy schedule for August and September 2016. For further
information, please e-mail planavy@navy.mil.cn, or call Tel: 00870 773 120 807; or 441 221 894. (MSCHOA)
D. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Indian Navy convoy escort schedule for August and September 2016. To register,
email dgcommcentre-dgs@nic.in; or visit www.dgshipping.com. Telephone numbers for contact are: 91-2222614646 or fax at 91-22-22613636. (MSCHOA)
E. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Russian Navy convoy escort schedule for August and September 2016. For further
information e-mail smb@msecurity.ru; isps@msecurity.ru; or fax +7 (499) 642-83-29. (MSCHOA)

4. (U) Details: Monthly Incidents by Region

(U) This section lists reports of active violence against shipping, credible threats to shipping, or the potential for a
situation to develop into a direct threat to shipping over the last 30 days. Every effort is made to ensure that
incidents are not double-counted. In the event double-counting is detected, or an incident is later learned to be
different than initially reported, an explanation of the cancellation of the inaccurate report will be made in at least
one message prior to dropping the erroneous report.
A. (U) NORTH AMERICA: No current incidents to report.
B. (U) CENTRAL AMERICA - CARIBBEAN - SOUTH AMERICA:

Figure 1. West Africa Piracy and Maritime

Crime
1. (U) TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: On 2 August, a white pirogue with 3 men onboard approached a sailing yacht,
sailing with two other yachts, 10 nm northeast of Boca Monos. The men in the pirogue spoke English and there
were no fishing nets or any fishing gear in the pirogue. The yacht captain called the nearest buddy boat to tell
them what was happening. The general attitude of the two men who spoke was aggressive and angry. The pirogue
pulled up alongside and tried to get as close to the yacht as feasible. Two men were standing and one tried to hold
on to the hull of the yacht but the sea state was too rough. The men in the pirogue had a conversation among
themselves and pulled away at high speed. (www.noonsite.com)

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2. (U) GRENADA: On 30 July, two men, one armed with a gun, attempted to kidnap two persons and use their
sailing yacht to get to Puerto Rico. During the course of the kidnapping, the sailing yacht grounded on a reef, at
which point the armed man took the mans wife and left the yacht while the husband was supposed to work to free
the yacht. A short time later the group returned to the yacht, but the presence of other yachters assisting the
husband deterred the gunman from proceeding with his plan and he left the area. Police were notified and they are
investigating. (www.noonsite.com)
3. (U) COLOMBIA: On 24 July, Colombian Navy authorities searched the Ecuador-flagged passenger ship SAN
JOSE in the Gulf of Unaba and found 1,849 kilograms of cocaine and four weapons hidden in a secret
compartment. (www.fleetmon.com)
4. (U) PERU: On 20 July, two robbers attempted to board an anchored tanker near position 04:33 S - 081:18 W,
Talaro Anchorage. The robber was spotted by a duty crewman, who raised the alarm. Hearing the alarm and
seeing the crews alertness, the robbers escaped in their boat. Incident reported to port control. (IMB)
5. (U) PERU: On 20 July, robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier near position 12:01 S - 077:11 W, Callao
Anchorage. Duty crewman noticed the robbers at the forecastle and immediately informed the duty officer. Alarm
raised and crew mustered. Upon hearing the alarm and seeing the crews alertness, the robbers escaped without
stealing anything. Incident reported to port control and local agent. (IMB)
C. (U) ATLANTIC OCEAN AREA: No current incidents to report.
D. (U) NORTHERN EUROPE - BALTIC: No current incidents to report.
E. (U) MEDITERRANEAN - BLACK SEA: No current incidents to report.
F.

(U) WEST AFRICA

Figure 2. West Africa Piracy and Maritime

Crime
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1. (U) NIGERIA: On 13 August, two robbers in a boat boarded a berthed product tanker near position 06:26 N 003:22 E, Apapa, Lagos. Duty crewman on routine rounds noticed the robbers and informed the bridge officer who
raised the alarm and sounded the fog horn. Hearing the alarm, the robbers escaped in their boat. Crew mustered
and a thorough search of the ship was carried out. The ullage caps of No 1 port and starboard cargo oil tanks were
found open. Nothing reported stolen. (IMB)
2. (U) NIGERIA: On 10 August, a militant group blew up a crude oil trunk link near Warri. The group, Niger Delta
Greenland Justice Mandate, released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack. (www.allafrica.com)
3. (U) NIGERIA: On 8 August, suspected militants attacked a Nigerian Army artillery unit at Nembe Pier, in
southern Bayelsa State. Three soldiers died during the attack. The militants were able to steal several military boats
as well as weapons and ammunition. (AFP World Service)
4. (U) CONGO: On 7 August, two robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier near position 04:44 S - 011:46 E,
Pointe Noire Outer Anchorage. The robbers broke into the bosun store room, which triggered an alarm on the
bridge. Duty officer raised the alarm and alerted the piracy watch crew members who started making their way
towards the bow of the ship. Seeing the alerted crew, the two robbers escaped with two accomplices waiting in the
boat. Upon investigation, nothing reported stolen. (IMB)
5. (U) NIGERIA: On 5 August, four robbers armed with long knives boarded a berthed product tanker near position
06:26 N - 003:25 E, Folawiyo Nispan Jetty, Apapa, Lagos. They took hostage the duty pump man and threatened
him with their knives. The robbers put two hoses into the forward tank dome and commenced stealing the cargo.
Once their boat was full, the robbers released the pump man and escaped. Alarm raised and a search was carried
out. (IMB)
6. (U) NIGERIA: On 30 July, suspected militants bombed the Trans Ramos Pipeline, near Odimodi, in Delta State.
(www.thisdaylive.com)
7. (U) GHANA: On 26 July, a robber armed with a knife in a small boat boarded a berthed offshore tug near position
04:54 N - 001:45 W, Sekondi Naval Berth, Takoradi. Deck crew noticed the robber, raised the alarm and
approached the robber. Seeing the approaching crew, the robber escaped. A search was conducted and ships
property was reportedly stolen. Port control informed. (IMB)
8. (U) NIGERIA: On 24 July, three robbers in a small boat boarded a berthed tanker near position 06:26 N - 003:19
E, Capital Terminal Berth, Lagos. An armed guard on security rounds noticed the robber and raised the alarm.
Hearing the alarm and seeing crews alertness, the robber escaped with his accomplices. A thorough search
conducted and nothing reported stolen. Incident reported to naval authorities and terminal PFSO. (IMB)
G.

(U) ARABIAN GULF: No current incidents to report.

H.

(U) INDIAN OCEAN - EAST AFRICA:

1. (U) RED SEA: On 22 July, sixteen men in two skiffs armed with assault rifles and an RPG approached cable
layer vessel installing cable at 0.5 knots, near position 13:37 N - 042:35 E and fired shots. Alarm raised, distress
call made and non-essential crew retreated to the citadel. UKMTO and a warship acknowledged the urgent calls
made by the Master. The armed security team onboard the cable layer vessel fired warning shots resulting in the
skiffs departing the area. All crew safe. (IMB, Maritime Industry)

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I.

(U) EAST ASIA - SOUTHEAST ASIA - INDIAN SUBCONTINENT:

Figure 3. East Asia - Southeast Asia - Indian

Subcontinent Piracy and Maritime Crime
1. (U) INDONESIA: On 17 August, an Indonesian Government official revealed that two Indonesians, who were
held hostage in South Philippines, had been released. The release of the two Indonesians abducted by an armed
militant group in the Philippines is reportedly a gift for the country as it coincides with the 71st anniversary of
Indonesia's independence. The crewmen are two of the seven crew members of tugboat CHARLES. The boat was
hijacked by an armed group in the Sulu waters of the Philippines on June 23. (www.antaranews.com/en)
2. (U) INDONESIA: On 11 August, an Indonesian tugboat crewman escaped from his Islamist militant captors in
the Philippines by swimming out to sea after the militants threatened to cut his head off. Members of the Islamic
State-linked Abu Sayyaf group captured the Indonesian, Mohammad Safyan, 28, and six other Indonesian seamen
from their boat, the tugboat CHARLES, as it was passing through waters off southern Philippine islands on June
23. (www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com)
3. (U) VIETNAM: On 7 August, three robbers in a small boat boarded an anchored bulk carrier near position 10:15
N - 107:01 E, Vung Tau Anchorage. Duty crewman on routine rounds noticed the robbers and raised the alarm. All
crew mustered on the main deck. Hearing the alarm and seeing the crews alertness, the robbers escaped, in their
boat, with stolen ships stores. Port control informed. (IMB)
4. (U) MALAYSIA: On 3 August, unidentified gunmen reportedly kidnapped the captain of a fishing boat as it
operated northeast of Sabah state on Borneo Island. The kidnappers let the two crewmen go.
No group has claimed responsibility. (www.newsinfo.inquirer.net; www.thestar.com.my)

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5. (U) VIETNAM: On 29 July, robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier near position 10:16 N - 107:01 E, Vung
Tau Anchorage. Duty crewman on routine rounds noticed the robbers and raised the alarm. Seeing the alert crew,
robbers escaped with stolen ships stores. Incident reported to local authorities. (IMB)
6. (U) MALAYSIA: On 1 August, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency authorities detained one ship on
suspicion of improperly transferring fuel, near Penerang, in Malaysian waters. Bunkering vessel MAJU 8 was
detained due to lack of insurance and other documentation for the ship and cargo. (www.fleetmon.com)
7. (U) MALAYSIA: On 1 August, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency authorities detained the pipe-laying
vessel GLOBAL 1201 and tanker SENTEK 26; as they were moored together, illegally transferring fuel near
Penerang. (www.fleetmon.com)
8. (U) INDONESIA: On 28 July, six robbers armed with knives boarded a berthed product tanker near position
01:45 N - 101:22 E, SDS Terminal Lubuk Gaung. The robbers entered the engine room and took hostage the duty
oiler and third engineer. The robbers then stole ships spare parts and the third engineers personal effects and
escaped. Incident reported to the port control. (IMB)
9. (U) INDONESIA: On 24 July, three robbers in a small wooden motor boat approached and boarded an anchored
bulk carrier near position 00:13 S - 117:33 E, Samarinda Anchorage. Duty crewman on routine rounds noticed the
robbers and raised the alarm. Seeing the crews alertness, the robbers escaped with stolen ships stores. A search
was carried out throughout the ship. Incident reported to port control and the port police arrived at the location for
investigation. (IMB)
10. (U) THAILAND: On 24 July, Thai authorities arrested four men and impounded a tanker, NISARA, carrying
120,000 liters of stolen crude oil. The suspects were caught while loading the crude oil at a pier in Maha Chai River
area of Samut Sakhon. (www.bangkokpost.com)
11. (U) VIETNAM: On 22 July, Vietnam Coast Guard personnel inspected and arrested a tanker from Thailand that
was illegally selling fuel to fishing boats. The ship, TAKUZAN 111, was caught 160 nautical miles southeast of
Cape Ca Mau, with 260,000 liters of illegal fuel. (www.thanhniennews.com)
J.

(U) NORTHEAST ASIA: No current incidents to report.

K.

(U) PACIFIC OCEAN - SOUTHERN OCEAN: No current incidents to report.

5. (U) Appendix A: Further Contact Information and Resources

(U) This appendix provides contact information for the author of the WTS as well as other entities that can be
contacted with maritime crime reports. It also lists other resources where the WTS is posted and where piracy and
maritime crime incident information can be found.
(U) Contact
(U) Originator of this WTS report requests consumer feedback. Originator will incorporate all anti-shipping events
and violence against the maritime industry into this weekly message where appropriate. To aid in our reporting,
please add the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) to your normal corporate and organizational reporting
requirements. The 24-hour watch can be reached at +1 (301) 669-4053.
(U) Other Resources
(U) This Worldwide Threat to Shipping Report is posted at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agencys Maritime
Safety site: http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) also publishes a live
piracy report based on reporting from the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, listing all piracy
and armed robbery incidents in the last ten days: http://www.icc-ccs.org/. The PAWW and WTS Reports are posted
weekly on the ONI Intel Portal: http://www.oni.navy.mil/Intelligence_Community/piracy.htm.

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6. (U) Appendix B: Terminology and References

(U) This appendix is provided to promote consistent use of accurate terms of reference in reporting and also
identifies those references that were used to gather the information contained in this report. ONI welcomes
comment and suggestions for addition or amendment.
(U) Terminology
(U) In order to promote consistent use of accurate terms of reference, the following have been adopted to describe
the range of criminal anti-shipping activity and impediments to safe navigation in our worldwide reporting and
analysis. Please note that these terms relate to observable activity and are independent of target vessel status and
exclude actions by governmental powers in lawful pursuit of their authorities:

(U) Attempted Boarding Close approach or hull-to-hull contact with report that boarding paraphernalia were
employed or visible in the approaching boat.

(U) Blocking Hampering safe navigation, docking, or undocking of a vessel as a means of protest.

(U) Boarding Unauthorized boarding of a vessel by persons not part of its complement without successfully
taking control of the vessel.

(U) Firing Upon Weapons discharged at or toward a vessel.

(U) Hijacking Unauthorized seizure and retention of a vessel by persons not part of its complement.

(U) Kidnapping Unauthorized forcible removal of persons belonging to the vessel from it.

(U) Robbery Theft from a vessel or from persons aboard the vessel.

(U) Suspicious Approach All other unexplained close proximity of an unknown vessel.

(U) Sourcing
(U) ONI derives information in this report from direct reporting and analysis of reports from the following agencies
and commercial sources.

Agence France Presse (AFP)

Associated Press (AP)
Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), Denmark
BBC News
EU Naval Forces (EU)
Fairplay (FP), London
Informa Group (INFO), formerly LLP, Llp Limited, London
International Maritime Bureau (IMB), London and Kuala Lumpur
International Maritime Organization (IMO), London
gCaptain
Latitude38.com (LAT) website
Lloyd's List (LL), daily, London
Local Media (LM)
LSS-SAPU.com (LSS)
Maritime Administration (MARAD), U.S.
The Maritime Executive (website)
Maritime Security Centre - Horn of Africa (MSCHOA)
Maritime Security Council (MSC), U.S.
Maritime Trade Information Sharing Centre - Gulf of Guinea (MTISC-GoG)
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National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), Navigation Safety System

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Brussels
Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) (analysis and comment)
Operator (owner or operator of affected vessel)
Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)
Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia,
Information Sharing Center (ReCAAP ISC)
Reuters
Royal Australian Navy (RAN)
Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN)
Seafarers Assistance Program (SAP), Kenya
Tradewinds (TW)
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization (UKMTO)
United Press International (UPI)
U.S. Maritime Liaison Office (MARLO) Bahrain
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

(U) ICOD: 17 August 2016

(U) The PAWW and WTS Reports are posted each week on the ONI Intel Portal and can be found at:
http://www.oni.navy.mil/Intelligence-Community/Piracy

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