Hijacking on a vessel, Arabian Sea
Issued: 4 months, 4 weeks ago
| Date | Reference | Region | Category | Aggressors | Source |
| 14 Dec 2023 - 12:00 | CW Alert 016- (Dec 23) | Indian Ocean | Hijack | TBC | UKMTO/EU NAVFOR/ CLOSED/OPEN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The UKMTO have received a report of an incident in a location 383nm East-southeast of Socotra. The authorities are currently investigating. UPDATE 1: The UKMTO have been informed that a distress call was received over VHF of a vessel being boarded by unknown perpetrators. UPDATE 2: The UKMTO have received further information stating that the vessel is currently adrift in position 11° 58.00N 061° 20.00E. They have also reported that at present all the crew are safe. UPDATE 3: The Company Security officer has now informed the UKMTO that it is believed the crew are no longer in control of the vessel, the vessel is currently heading towards Somalia, approximately 680nm East of Bosaso, Somalia. The crew have been reported as safe. UPDATE 4: EU NAVFOR have provided an update stating that the vessel is sailing round the North-eastern coast of Somalia, the ESPS Victoria is currently monitoring the vessel and coordinating with the local authorities on further action. There is no update on the current situation onboard the vessel. UPDATE 5: EU NAVFOR have confirmed that a crew member has been transferred to an Indian Naval vessel for medical care on 18th December and that the vessel remains under constant monitoring approximately 58nm Northeast of Eyl. UPDATE 6: Further information has been received stating that the hijacked Malta-flagged bulk carrier is now underway sailing East in position 06° 40'N, 052° 11'E. At this time no ransom has been paid yet, it has been assessed that there is a possibility this could be used as a mother ship to attack other vessels. UPDATE 7: The IMB have informed that the vessel is now heading West in position 05° 50'N, 053° 49'E. UPDATE 8: IMB have reported that this vessel is currently drifting at position 06°40.58 N, 052° 09.19 E and vessels are advised to keep well clear of this ship and maintain strict anti-piracy watch and measures. UPDATE 9:The Indian Navy has reported that their vessel the INS Kolkata has intervened, leading to the safe release of 17 crew members and the arrest of 35 pirates. UPDATE 10: It has been reported that this vessel is believed to have rudder damage and could be drifting, it is not currently transmitting AIS and its last known position is 06° 27' N 051° 51' E. | |||||