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OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE

(U) WORLDWIDE: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report
26 December 2016 - 25 January 2017
26 January 2016

(U) Table of Contents

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

(U) Scope Note

(U) Warnings and Advisories
(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

1. (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) Warnings and Advisories

1. (U) UKMTO ADVISORY NOTICE 002/JAN 2017: On 9 JAN 2017 at 0815 UTC in position 1305.0N 04308.0E,
an MV reported four high speed skiffs had approached the starboard side of the MV to within 2 cables. There were
six armed persons on board each white skiff. MVs security team took their positions and the skiffs turned away. MV
is safe. Any queries regarding this Advisory Notice please call 0044 2392 222060 for further information.
2. (U) UKMTO ADVISORY NOTICE 001/JAN 2017 - 5 Jan 2017: Merchant vessel owners/operators are advised
that on 3 Jan 2017 at 1403UTC a merchant vessel was heard to report on VHF CH16 that she was under attack in
position 1304N 04308E, approximately 30 nm north of the Bab el Mandeb Strait. The incident is still under
investigation and further updates will be made as more information is received. Advice given for transiting the area
in UKMTO Advisory 003/OCT/16 remains extant. Merchant vessels should proceed with caution and adopt a
heightened state of vigilance when transiting SRS/BeM. Any queries regarding this Advisory Notice ring 0044 2392
222060 only for further information.
3. (U) MARAD Advisory 2016-04 - 22 Nov 2016: U.S.-flag vessels are advised to remain vigilant when transiting
the Sulu and Celebes Seas in light of recent boardings and kidnappings that have taken place between Sabah,
Malaysia, and the southern Philippines. There have been 13 reported kidnappings in this area this year, of which at
least nine were reportedly linked to the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). Previously when crewmember kidnappings took
place in this area, only towing and fishing vessels were targeted. However, since October 2016, ASG has
reportedly targeted two large commercial vessels and a private yacht. The level of violence has been high during
some of these attacks, as was demonstrated on 7 November 2016, when kidnappers boarded a yacht, killed one
female crewmember, and kidnapped the remaining crewmember. For additional information see:
https://www.marad.dot.gov/newsroom/advisory/2016/marad-advisory-2016-04-vessel-guidance-for-the-sulu-andcelebes-seas-pendingdraftworkflow/

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4. (U) ReCAAP ALERT - 21 Nov 2016: The ReCAAP ISC is deeply concerned about the situation of abduction
of crew from ships while underway in the Sulu-Celebes Sea and eastern Sabah region. Since March 2016, there
have been 11 incidents with nine actual incidents and two attempted incidents occurred in the area. Most of the
incidents are claimed by the terrorist group of the Philippines Abu Sayyaf Group. 44 crew were abducted and 11
crew among them are still in captive. Since October 2016, the perpetrators have begun to target ships of larger
tonnage (DONG BANG GIANT 2, ROYAL 16, SOUTHERN FALCON and KUMIAI SHAGANG). The latest
attempted incidents of SOUTHERN FALCON and KUMIAI SHAGANG show the vigilance of the crew and effective
activation of anti-piracy measures had successfully prevented boarding by the perpetrators. The ReCAAP ISC
reiterates its advisory to all ships to re-route from the area, where possible. Otherwise, ship masters and crew are
strongly urged to exercise extra vigilance while transiting the area and report immediately to the following centers:
(U) A. Operation Centre in the Philippine Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao for monitoring and
immediate responses in any eventualities. (Sat phones: +63 929686 4129/+63 916626 0689, VHF:
Channel 16 with call-sign "ENVY", Email: hcgdswm@yahoo.com)
(U) B. Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) when transiting nearer to eastern Sabah. (Tel: +60
89863181/016, Fax: +60 89863182, VHF: Channel 16 with call-sign ESSCOM, Email:
bilikgerakanesscom@jpm.gov.my)
(U) For additional information see: http://www.recaap.org/mwginternal/gj4f982jd95g4/progress?id=CxTHpGB3il0OE-IUlD_h7qbueby54Ui94BNu9494Rbg,&dl
5. (U) IMB ADVISORY - 11 Nov 2016: All ships transiting Celebes Sea / Sulu Sea / off Zamboanga and
Moro Gulf / off Mindanao Island. On 10 November 2016 at 2031 UTC in position 06:40.45N - 122:29.45E, 10 nm
north-northeast of Basilan Island, Philippines. A merchant vessel was attacked and boarded by pirates. Six crew
members were kidnapped and one crew injured. This is the second merchant vessel to be attacked and crew
kidnapped in this area. Vessels are advised to maintain strict anti-piracy watch and exercise extreme caution and
keep clear of the position given in this report and maintain maximum CPA with any vessel acting suspiciously. All
attacks and suspicious sightings should be reported. IMB Piracy Reporting Centre 24 hours anti-piracy helpline
+603 2031 0014, fax: +603 2078 5769, Email: imbkl@icc-ccs.org <mailto:imbkl@icc-ccs.org> // piracy@icc-ccs.org

3. (U) Summary
A. (U) NIGERIA: On 23 January, gunmen kidnapped four individuals from a farm in the Epe area of Lagos state.
B. (U) SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES: On 21 January, a sailing yacht anchored near Young Island was
boarded.
C. (U) MALAYSIA: On 19 January, three Indonesian crewmen were kidnapped from their boat operating near
Taganak in Sabah.
D. (U) HONDURAS: During the morning hours of 19 January, a France-flagged catamaran was boarded two
different times during a three-hour period in an area approximately 35 nm east-southeast of the Hobbies Islands.
E. (U) HONDURAS: During the evening hours of 19 January, a sailing yacht was boarded in an area approximately
20 nm from Gordo Bank.
F. (U) ECUADOR: On 19 January, unknown numbers of robbers boarded a bulk carrier anchored in Guayaquil
Outer Anchorage.
G. (U) HONDURAS: On 13 January, a US-flagged sailing yacht transiting from Puerto Cortez to Roatan was
boarded approximately 5 miles off the coast after anchoring in rough weather.
H. (U) REUNION ISLAND: On 12 January, a Canada-flagged sailing yacht was boarded while berthed in Le Port.
I. (U) INDONESIA: On 8 January, a sailing catamaran was boarded while anchored in Sorong Harbor.

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

A. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Government of Japan convoy schedule for January and February 2017. To apply for
JMSDF escort, visit http://www.mlit.go.jp/en/maritime/maritime_fr2_000000.html, please contact
directly the Anti-Piracy 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: INFOPIRACY@mlit.go.jp. (MSCHOA)
B. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Korean Navy convoy schedule for January 2017. 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 1-203-346-7633. Email: bluegun21@navy.mil.kr. (MSCHOA)
C. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Chinese Navy convoy schedule for January and February 2017. For further information,
please e-mail planavy@navy.mil.cn, or call Tel: 00870 773 120 044; or 441 221 061. (MSCHOA)
D. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Indian Navy convoy escort schedule for January and February 2017. To register, email
dgcommcentre-dgs@nic.in; or visit www.dgshipping.com. Telephone numbers for contact are: 91-22-22614646 or
fax at 91-22-22613636. (MSCHOA)

5. (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.

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B. (U) CENTRAL AMERICA - CARIBBEAN - SOUTH AMERICA:

Figure 1. Central America - Caribbean South America Piracy and Maritime Crime

Figure 2. Central America - Caribbean South America Piracy and Maritime Crime
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1. (U) SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES: On 21 January, a sailing yacht anchored near Young Island was
boarded. The thief was able to steal a cell phone, dive watch, and flashlight. A report was made to the local police.
(https://www.safetyandsecuritynet.com/recent_incidents)
2. (U) HONDURAS: During the morning hours of 19 January, a France-flagged catamaran transiting from Isla
Providencia, Colombia, to Rio Dulce, Guatemala, was boarded two different times during a three-hour period in an
area approximately 35 nm east-southeast of the Hobbies Islands. The robbers stole computers, smartphone, cash,
electronics, binocular, VHF and handheld radios, alcohol, clothing.
(https://www.safetyandsecuritynet.com/recent_incidents)
3. (U) HONDURAS: During the evening hours of 19 January, a sailing yacht was boarded in an area approximately
20 nm from Gordo Bank. The robbers stole computers, electronics, and alcohol. Incident reported to Honduran
Navy and local police. (https://www.safetyandsecuritynet.com/recent_incidents)
4. (U) ECUADOR: On 19 January, unknown numbers of robbers boarded a bulk carrier anchored near position
02:43S 080:24W, Guayaquil Outer Anchorage. The robbers stole ships properties and escaped unnoticed. The
theft was noticed by the duty crew during routine rounds. Incident was reported to the local agents. (IMB)
5. (U) HONDURAS: On 13 January, a US-flagged sailing yacht transiting from Puerto Cortez to Roatan was
boarded approximately 5 miles off the coast after anchoring in rough weather. Eight armed men boarded the yacht
and ransacked it, stealing electronics, a wall mounted TV, dinghy and outboard motor, cash, alcohol, dive gear, and
passports. Incident reported to Honduran Coast Guard and local authorities.
(https://www.safetyandsecuritynet.com/recent_incidents)
6.(U) VENEZUELA: On 15 January, two robbers boarded an LPG tanker anchored near position 10:12N 064:47W, Jose Anchorage. The robbers took hostage a duty crewman on the forecastle, tied him up and
threatened him with a knife. They then removed the hawse pipe cover and four more robbers boarded the tanker.
The robbers took the duty crewmans mobile phone, stole ships properties and escaped. The crewman managed
to free himself and informed bridge who raised the alarm and crew mustered. Port Control informed. (IMB)
7. (U) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: On 6 January, a dinghy and a 30 hp outboard motor were stolen from a sailing
yacht anchored in Luperon. After a brief search, the dinghy, minus the motor, was found near a nearby beach.
Report made to local authorities. (www.safetyandsecuritynet.com)
8. (U) GUATEMALA: On 31 December, navy authorities intercepted a vessel in Pacific waters carrying 600
kilograms of cocaine. Two Ecuadorian men and a Colombian man were arrested. (www.philstar.com)
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.

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F.

(U) WEST AFRICA

Figure 3. West Africa Piracy and Maritime Crime

1. (U) NIGERIA: On 23 January, gunmen kidnapped four individuals from a farm in the Epe area of Lagos state.
The kidnappers reportedly arrived at the farm in two speed boats. The victims were three farmers and a female
graduate student. The kidnappers were demanding five million Naira for each victim. (www.nigeriatoday.com;
www.dailytrust.info)
2. (U) NIGERIA: On 18 January, an unidentified militant group attacked a crude oil trunk line in Ughelli, Delta State.
The attack occurred barely 24 hours after Nigerias Vice President held a meeting with Niger Delta leaders and
other stakeholders as part of his 'Peace Tour' of the region (www.sweetcrudereports.com)
G.

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

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H. (U) INDIAN OCEAN - EAST AFRICA:

Figure 4. Indian Ocean - East Africa

Piracy and Maritime Crime
1. (U) REUNION ISLAND: On 12 January, a Canada-flagged sailing yacht was boarded while berthed in Le Port.
Two folding bicycles were stolen. (www.noonsite.com)

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I.

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

Figure 5. Southeast Asia - Indian

Subcontinent Piracy and Maritime Crime
1. (U) MALAYSIA: On 19 January, three Indonesian crewmen were kidnapped from their boat operating near
Taganak in Sabah. A Malaysian Foreign Ministry official later stated that one of the men had been in contact with
his family, saying the three men had been kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf and taken to Sulu Island. (Jakarta Globe
Online)
2. (U) INDONESIA: On 8 January, a sailing catamaran was boarded while anchored in Sorong Harbor. The thief
stole a computer and two cellular phones and escaped. (www.noonsite.com)
3. (U) BANGLADESH: On 16 January, robbers, armed with knives boarded an anchored container ship near
position 22:06N - 091:44E, Chittagong Anchorage. The duty crewman on security watch noticed the robbers and
notified the duty officer who raised the alarm, made a PA announcement and mustered the crew. Seeing the crews
alertness, the robbers escaped with ships stores. The incident was reported to the local authorities who boarded
the ship to investigate. (IMB)
4. (U) MALAYSIA: On 16 January, a crewman onboard an anchored product tanker conducting cargo operations
near position 05:47N - 118:01E, Mowtas Oil Terminal, Sandakan Port, Sabah, observed a robber on the forecastle.
Seeing the alert crewman approaching the forecastle, the robber jumped overboard and escaped with stolen ship's
stores. (IMB)

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5. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 9 January, gunmen attacked a Filipino fishing boat with 15 crew on board which was
operating off Laud Siromon Island near the Zamboanga peninsula. Five armed men were in the speedboat that
attacked the fishing boat. A police spokesman said eight fishermen were killed and another five men jumped
overboard and swam to a nearby island. Two others who remained on the boat were unharmed. The spokesman
also stated that attackers fled in the darkness and two Coast Guard ships were sent to the area to search for them.
(www.marinelink.com)
6. (U) INDONESIA: On 8 January, five robbers boarded a bulk carrier anchored near position 00:15S - 117:34E,
Muara Berau Anchorage, Samarinda. They took hostage a duty crewman and tied him at the fore mast. Another
duty crewman tried to contact the detained crew but received no response. As he approached the forecastle to
investigate, he noticed the robbers and informed the duty officer who raised the alarm. Hearing the alarm and
seeing the crews alertness, the robbers escaped in their speed boat with the stolen ships stores. (IMB)
7. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 7 January, robbers in two unlit boats boarded a product tanker anchored near position
13:44N - 121:02E, Batangas Anchorage. Duty crewman on routine rounds noticed the robbers and raised the
alarm. Hearing the alarm, the robbers escaped in their boats. Crew mustered and a search was carried out. It was
reported that ships properties were stolen. Incident reported to Coast Guard, who boarded the tanker for
investigation. (IMB)
8. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 3 January, six persons in two speed boats, armed with automatic rifles, chased and fired
upon the general cargo ship OCEAN KINGDOM near position 06:36N - 122:41E, 21.6 nm east of Basilan
Island. Master raised the alarm and increased speed. Ships distress message was relayed by Zamboanga radio
station to the local authorities who dispatched Philippine Coast Guard patrol boats to assist the vessel. A brief gun
battle ensued between the pirates and the Coast Guard vessels. The cargo vessel sustained multiple gunshots on
the port and starboard sides. All crew safe. (IMB; www.fleetmon.com)
J. (U) NORTHEAST ASIA:
1. (U) HONG KONG: On 16 January, Customs authorities attempted to apprehend a group of men believed to be
involved in smuggling jade. Four men were observed pushing two trolleys loaded with bags of goods at a pier off
Sham Wat Road on the western end of Lantau. As law enforcement officials moved in to intercept them, the four
men abandoned the goods and jumped into a speedboat and sped away, a police spokesman said. Among other
items left behind, police found seven football-sized raw Jade stones that are believed to have been destined to the
mainland for polishing and then used as jade ornaments. (www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong)
2. (U) TAIWAN: On 6 January, a Taiwanese fishing boat carrying Vietnamese migrants was intercepted off the
coast of Yilan and 46 people were arrested, according to a Coast Guard Administration spokesman. Forty of the
people arrested were Vietnamese nationals, 25 men and 15 women, who were packed into a small space only
1.2m high. The other six people were the captain and crew of the WUN SHUN MAN No. 66, a fishing vessel
registered in Kaohsiung. The boat was intercepted 9.2 nautical miles off the coast of Yilan after the administration
received a tip-off about possible illegal immigrants onboard the vessel. They were each charged between
US$4,000 and US$6,500 to board the boat. (www.taipeitimes.com)
3. (U) CHINA: On 28 December, Chinese officials seized over 3.4 tons of illegally trafficked Pangolin scales from a
port in Shanghai, according to Chinese state media. All species of the mammal are facing extinction and
commercial trade of them is banned. (NPR)
K. (U) PACIFIC OCEAN - SOUTHERN OCEAN: No current incidents to report.

6. (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.

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(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.

7. (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) Fired 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 activity in 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

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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
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.
Marine Domain Awareness for Trade Gulf of Guinea (MDAT-GoG)
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: 25 January 2017

(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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