Diaplous, on 23 November, warned vessels to avoid an area 470 nm east of Socotra, Somalia, after a crude oil tanker reported a possible Pirate Action Group (PAG) dhow approaching while towing four skiffs, writes Safety4sea.
A crude oil tanker, while sailing southbound in the Indian Ocean, 470 nm E of Socotra, reported a possible Pirate Action Group (PAG) dhow towing four skiffs, moving towards the vessel, decreasing the CPA to 1,5 nm at 11°34’ 7’’N / 062°28’ 7’’E at 02:00 UTC. When the dhow stopped, one skiff was boarded by a number of persons and commence sailing towards the vessel. The vessel increased the CPA, the PMSC team monitoring the situation from the bridge and the skiff altered course seemingly aborting any further approach.
Vessel and crew are safe and continue sailing to the next port of call.
The area is associated with elevated risk of organized Pirate Action Group activity.
No confirmed weapons, boarding attempt, injuries, or damage at this time. Vessels in the vicinity should avoid the area, implement BMP MS 2025 measures, and report promptly to maritime authorities and organizations. Following the incident, Diaplous has issued the following key recommendations:
Primary shipboard safety measures
Maintain heightened watch per BMP MS 2025, preserve maneuvering room to keep CPA ≥ 2.0 nm from unidentified or fast craft where practicable, rig barriers and fire hoses, optimize deterrent lighting, and be prepared to increase speed.
Reporting requirements and channels
Report immediately to UKMTO and MSCIO with bearings, ranges, CPA history, photos or video, and radar or AIS plots, then provide rolling updates until clear.
Additional security measures and drills
Double visual and radar lookouts, conduct security musters, verify citadel readiness, restrict non-essential deck work, and brief crew on small-craft encounter procedures in line with BMP MS 2025.
Communications and coordination guidance
Monitor distress and safety channels and VHF continuously, ensure satcom redundancy, deconflict with nearby traffic, and coordinate with any tasked naval units.
General guidance
Avoid unnecessary loitering in the wider area, adjust routing and timing to reduce daylight exposure, and review insurance or charter notifications as appropriate.
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Source: Safety4sea
