The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) ATALANTA have issued a Threat Bulletin alerting the shipping industry to heightened maritime risks in the Western Indian Ocean, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden, following recent incidents off Somalia.
Recent Maritime Incidents
The bulletin highlighted three specific events that occurred on November 2nd and 3rd, 2025, suggesting the presence of an active Piracy Action Group (PAG):
- Event 1 (November 2nd): The fishing vessel FV INTERTUNA TRES reported a high-speed skiff approaching from a mother vessel named ISSAMOHAMADI2 (via AIS). The skiff retreated after the fishing vessel sounded a warning burst.
- Event 2 (November 2nd): The motor vessel MV SPAR APUS was approached by a boat traveling at 15 knots that had no AIS and did not respond to VHF calls. The MV SPAR APUS increased speed and changed course to evade the suspicious vessel.
- Event 3 (November 3rd): The motor vessel MV STOLT SAGALAND reported an attempted boarding by four unauthorized persons from a small craft, supported by a mother ship 5nm away. The persons on the small craft fired several rounds from an AK47-type weapon. The embarked Private Armed Security Team (PAST) returned fire, causing the small craft to abandon the attempt.
Identification of Mother Vessel and Area of Concern
The bulletin states that it is highly likely that the mother vessel involved in Event 3 was an Iranian Hijacked Dhow, previously reported on October 28, 2025, and probably named ISSAMOHAMADI (not transmitting AIS).
Due to the attempted boarding and use of fire in Event 3, a Piracy Action Group (PAG) is considered active in the area.
Safety Recommendations
The CMF and EUNAVFOR ATALANTA issued the following advisories for the shipping industry:
- Avoidance Area: Vessels are strongly advised to avoid the area within a 100nm radius from the location of Event 3.
- Vigilance and Reporting: Vessels must remain vigilant and adhere to BMP Maritime Security guidelines when transiting the affected waters.
- Incident Reporting: Timely and comprehensive reporting of incidents and suspicious activity is crucial. Vessels are requested to obtain and report factual details, including logs, photographs, video, and radar footage, where possible and safe.
- Registration: Company Security Officers (CSOs) and Masters are strongly recommended to register their vessels with MSCIO when entering the Voluntary Reporting Area and report incidents to UKMTO. This facilitates a more rapid response and effective allocation of patrol resources.
- Risk Assessment: CSOs are advised to gather information on the known Pattern of Life and Maritime Domain Awareness along intended routes for their fleet risk assessments.
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Source: MSCIO
