Vessel Approached by Suspect Pirates in the Indian Ocean

Incident Details. UKMTO has issued Warning 041/25. The Master of an unnamed ship reported being approached by a small craft with three persons onboard in position 035700N 571605E. The Master reports that his vessel has outrun the small craft, which is now returning to the suspected mothership (identified by the Master as ISSA MOHHAMDI). There is a Pirate Action Group (PAG) operating in the vicinity. The Authorities are investigating. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.

Fig1. Location of Incident – 528 nm southeast of Eyl, Somalia

Comment. We understand the vessel involved in this event is the Marshall Islands-flagged LNG Tanker AL THUMAMA. This appears to be the fourth attack by a PAG, which carried out a boarding on the tanker HELLAS APHRODITE yesterday and is suspected to have been responsible for other incidents in the area earlier in the week.

Assessment. This incident verifies reports that the PAG, which includes the hijacked Iranian Fishing Dhow ISSA MOHHAMDI, left the scene of the boarding of HELLAS APHRODITE overnight. The PAG appears to be highly motivated and poses a significant threat to vessels transiting the area, particularly to those not carrying armed guards. Ships are advised to comply with the guidance in BMP-Maritime Security bmp-ms_hi-res_s.pdf and to consider using an Armed Security Team to best mitigate the threat from pirate activity.   Contact Neptune P2P Group, if you require any further assistance.