The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) informs that it received a report of a boarding incident onboard a bulk carrier, 600 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, Somalia, reports Safety4sea.
Bulk carrier boarded off
Vessels transiting through the area off Somalia are urged to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), according to their statement. The advisory did not provide specific details about the bulk carrier boarding.
Meanwhile Reuters reports that British maritime security firm Ambrey reported a separate incident involving a Bangladesh-flagged bulk carrier. The vessel was reportedly boarded, and Ambrey cautioned merchant vessels to steer clear of the area, deeming it an ongoing incident.
According to Ambrey, there are indications that perpetrators are attempting to take control of the bulker.
UKMTO WARNING
INCIDENT 049 – BOARDINGhttps://t.co/fX3hWupi7g#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/GT1gWfyx1U
— United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) March 12, 2024
The Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) had recently raised concern over recent Somali piracy activity in the Indian Ocean. MSCHOA recommended that vessels transiting through this area should consider adopting enhanced security measures (BMP5) and maintaining communication with MSCHOA and UKMTO to stay informed about potential threats and updates.
To remind, a Maltese-flagged bulk carrier was boarded by six unknown attackers on 14 December, likely Somali pirates, in the Arabian Sea.
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Source: Safety4sea
