Piracy report from UKMTO for Gulf of Aden

Created by sue. Last modified on 2008-10-02 14:58:31
Topic: Piracy Reports 2008
Countries: Somalia, Yemen

There continues to be Piracy activity in the Gulf of Aden and once again on the East Coast of Somalia.

In the Gulf of Aden there appears to be targeting of vessels being carried out around position 13 30N 050 04E. All vessels should be extra vigilant when transiting within a 10nm radius of this position.

In recent attacks Pirates have played music on Ch.16 to try to jam the channel and stop vessels contacting the coalition warships.

A Maritime Security Patrol Area (MSPA) has been established to provide a route through the Gulf of Aden which will be patrolled by Combined Task Force (CTF) 150.

Whilst it cannot guarantee that attacks will not happen, it is hoped that 150 assets will be able to respond faster to any attacks and the patrols will act as a deterrent.

Coordinates of the Security Corridor in the Gulf of Aden are as follows

Waypoint: 12 15N 045E
Waypoint: 12 35N 045E
Waypoint: 13 35N 049E
Waypoint: 13 40N 049E
Waypoint: 14 10N 050E
Waypoint: 14 15N 050E
Waypoint: 14 35N 053E
Waypoint: 14 45N 053E

Since the inception of the MSPA, CTF 150 has helped deter more than a dozen attacks in the Gulf of Aden (per 22 Sep 08 reporting). However, criminals have still successfully targeted several vessels in the region.

The MSPA was established on August 22, 2008 in support of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) call for international assistance to discourage attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden. The MSPA is a geographic area in the Gulf of Aden utilized by Combined Maritime Forces to focus their efforts against de-stabilizing activities. Coalition forces patrol the MSPA, which is not marked or defined by visual navigational means, on a routine basis.

"Coalition maritime efforts will give the IMO time to work international efforts that will ultimately lead to a long-term solution," said Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, Commander, Combined Maritime Forces. "This is a problem that starts ashore and requires an international solution. We made this clear at the outset - our efforts cannot guarantee safety in the region. Our part in preventing some of these destabilizing activities is only one part of the solution to preventing further attacks."

All vessels off the coast of Somalia and transiting the Gulf of Aden are advised to maintain a strict 24 hrs anti-piracy visual watch and radar watch and should not hesitate to activate GMDSS, in addition to calling for assistance on VHF, if the vessel comes under threat.