| Date: 23 October 2024 at 2010 UTC | Position: N/A |
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Location: 28NM Southwest of Hobyo, Somalia |
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Incident Details
MSCHOA has received information from Operation ATLANTA about a potential Pirate Action Group (PAG) comprising 13 armed pirates, that departed from Ceel Huur, Somalia and is now heading toward the Indian Ocean.
Comment. There has been a decline in pirate activity within the Somali Basin and Indian Ocean due to the seasonal monsoon. Since November 2023, there have been 27 reported piracy incidents in the region.
Assessment. Reporting today of a PAG setting sail, indicates that pirate activity is making its seasonal resurgence. It is highly likely that the reported PAG will be operating within the Indian Ocean. Due to reports claiming that there are 13 pirates currently deployed, it is likely that they are utilising a mothership for sustainment, with faster and independently operated skiffs being used to board vessels. Their exact area of operations is currently unknown, but the PAG is likely to be operating in the Indian Ocean and are known to operate up to 800nm off the Somali coast. Now the SW Monsoon has abated it is likely there will be an increase in piracy activity against commercial vessels for the foreseeable future. To improve vessel protection, vessel operators are advised to implement the counter-piracy measures contained within BMP 5 and consider the use of maritime security services and an Armed Security Team while transiting the area. Link to BMP5.
