Incident Alert – Suspected Pirates Approach a Vessel in the Arabian Sea

Incident Details

MSCHOA has released Alert number 045/2024 regarding an incident 504nm east of Socotra, Yemen. The Master of a vessel reported that two skiffs increased speed and changed course to close distance with the vessel from initially 5 miles away. After 30 minutes of pursuit, the skiffs turned around. It is also reported that the skiffs were in the vicinity of a large, coloured ship. The vessel and crew are reported to be safe, and the ship is heading to her next port of call.

Comment

There has been an increase in pirate activity in the region within the past few months, with up to four Piracy Action Groups (PAG) thought to be operating within these waters. Since November, there have been 26 piracy incidents in the region.

Assessment

The skiffs were likely acting as part of a larger Pirate Action Group (PAG) as evidenced by being in close proximity to a larger vessel that was likely operating as a mothership. The manner in which the skiffs were operating aligns with previous pirate attack methodology and substantiates the reports by regional security organisations. Although the skiffs failed to engage with the vessel on this occasion, the use of Armed Security Teams has prevented similar incidents from escalating to a hijacking. We advise ships transiting the area to remain cautious given the heightened risk posed by PAG operating in the region. We also recommend ship operators implement BMP 5 counter-piracy measures and consider using an Armed Security Team while transiting the region.