Ship Piracy Increasing On Somali Coast

Created by doina. Last modified on 2007-03-23 15:33:58
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Topic: Piracy Reports 2005

The ICC’s International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has recently reported on its website that acts of piracy against maritime shipping are increasing at an alarming rate off the eastern coast of Somalia. Fifteen violent incidents have taken place since mid-March of this year. This is a dramatic increase compared with only two such attacks in all of 2004. Ships sailing in these waters are advised to be extremely cautious.

None of these incidents have involved yachts, however, the advice to shipping should be considered by those yachts planning to transit this area.

Since the IMB issued a warning in June 2005 that ships should remain at least 50 miles offshore, the pirates operating in the area have become more audacious and are venturing further away from the shoreline. A number of recent attacks have occurred over 100 miles from Somalia’s eastern coast.

Based upon recent attacks, the IMB’s advice is to keep at least 150 miles off the eastern and north eastern coast of Somalia. The use of radio communications, including VHF, should be kept to a minimum in this area.

IMB Piracy Reporting Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Tel + 60 3 2078 5763, Fax + 60 3 2078 5769, Telex MA 31880 IMBPCI

E-mail IMBKL@icc-ccs.org

Twenty Four Hour Anti Piracy HELPLINE Tel: ++ 60 3 2031 0014