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OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE

(U) WORLDWIDE: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report

10 April - 10 May 2017
11 May 2017

(U) Table of Contents

1. (U) Scope Note
2. (U) Warnings and Advisories
3. (U) Summary
4. (U) Counter-Piracy and Maritime Crime Announcements and Advisories
5. (U) Details: Monthly Incidents by Region
6. (U) Appendix A: Further Contact Information and Resources
7. (U) Appendix B: Terminology and References

1. (U) Scope Note

1. (U) The Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) message provides info on piracy threats to, and criminal action
against, merchant vessels and the shipping industry worldwide in the last 30 days. This report is produced primarily
to inform merchant mariners and naval forces.

2. (U) Warnings and Advisories

1. (U) IMB WARNING NOTICE MAY 2017: 110500 UTC MAY 2017. TO: ALL SHIPS TRANSITING TAWI
TAWI /SABAH WATERS /CELEBES SEA / SULU SEA / SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES / EASTERN SABAH.
Planned kidnapping by ASG in Tawi-Tawi-Sabah waters. 08 1530h May 2017. Be informed that the Philippines
received unsubstantiated yet credible information that there is a high probability that the ASG will conduct
kidnapping activity along the borders of Sabah, Malaysia, beginning 09 May 2017. The group believed to be
composed of about 8 militants while utilizing an indigenous "jungkong" 3-engine boat to carry out the said plan. The
group will leave from the shores of Patikul, Sulu and pass-by Panguturan Island, Sulu then head straight to Sabah,
Malaysia. They will be targeting an unidentified wealthy Malaysian / foreign businessman or any foreigners onboard
yachts / vessels that would be sailing in the area. Further information states that the group already has spotters in
their target area in Sabah, Malaysia. The authorities will be notified to intensify patrols in these areas. Vessels are
advised to maintain strict anti-piracy watch and measures. Stay clear and monitor any indigenous "jungkong" 3-
engine boat. Report all attacks and suspicious sightings. IMB piracy reporting centre 24 hours anti-piracy helpline
+603 2031 0014 fax: +603 2078 5769.

2. (U) UKMTO ADVISORY NOTICE - 003/MAY/2017: Category: Sighting. Description: At 110605Z May, UKMTO
received information that 3 skiffs closed a Merchant Vessel at speed to approx. 600 metres in position 1321.7N
04923.8E with 5/6 people on board each skiff. The embarked security team fired a warning flare and the skiffs
altered course and re-joined a dhow in position 1316.7N 04915.2E. No weapons or ladders sighted. Vessel is
SAFE. Any queries regarding this Advisory Notice ring 0044 2392 222060 for further information.

3. (U) UKMTO ADVISORY NOTICE - MAY/2017: To all ships transiting Gulf of Oman / off Iran / Strait of Hormuz.
Warning - UKMTO has received information that a merchant vessel was attacked in position 25:32.00N -
057:33.00E at 1440 UTC on 07 May 2017. Mariners are advised to exercise caution whilst transiting this area.
Vessels are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to the latest BMP recommendations. All attacks and suspicious

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sightings should be reported. IMB piracy reporting centre 24 hours anti-piracy helpline+603 2031 0014 fax: +603
2078 5769.

4. (U) U.S. MARITIME ADVISORY 2017-004 / Threat Type: Piracy / Geographic Area: Indian Ocean, Gulf of
Aden, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and Gulf of Oman: U.S. flag vessels are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to
the counter-piracy annex of their approved Vessel Security Plan when transiting the Sulu and Celebes Seas, in light
of recent boardings and kidnappings for ransom that have taken place in the area. Over the past 12 months, there
have been at least 14 reported kidnappings and one murder, of which at least ten incidents were reportedly linked
to Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), a violent Islamic separatist group operating in the southern Philippines. Previously,
only towing and fishing vessels were targeted and crewmembers kidnapped. However, since October 2016, ASG
has reportedly targeted three large commercial vessels and one yacht. In November 2016 ASG boarded a German
yacht and killed one crewmember, and in February 2017 killed the remaining crewmember after a ransom demand
was not met. Thus far, no U.S. vessels have been involved in these incidents. Guidance: Additional information on
this threat, including specific recommendations for vessels transiting the area, is available on the Regional
Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) website at
www.recaap.org. Mariners operating in or near this area are also advised to consult the Department of State Travel
Warnings for this area at www.travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/philippines-travel-warning.html.
All suspicious activities and events must be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center at 800-
424-8802 in accordance with 33CFR101.305. A Ship Hostile Action Report (SHAR) should also be sent to the
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) at:
http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal?_nfpb=true&_st=&_pageLabel=msi_portal_page_70&subCode=06 as soon
as possible following an incident or suspected activity (including apparent surveillance being conducted by small
vessels/boats). Reference NGA Pub 117 at:
https://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal?_nfpb=true&_st=&_pageLabel=msi_portal_page_62&pubCode=0009 for
further guidance.

5. (U) MARITIME DOMAIN AWARENESS for TRADE - GULF OF GUINEA (MDAT-GOG) Advisory
001/MAY/2017: Category: Attempted Theft. Description: On 30th of April 2017, at 23:45 UTC in Abidjan
Anchorage. Crewman onboard a merchant vessel at anchorage noticed suspicious activity on the forecastle,
security patrol observed one thief on board. Thief dropped end of mooring line in water and jumped from forecastle.
Abidjan port control informed. Total of three thieves were on wooden boat and escaped with one stolen mooring
line. No crew injured. Vessel is SAFE. Any queries regarding this Advisory Notice ring 0033 298 22 8888 for further
information. THIS ADVISORY is not classified as a Maritime Security Event and has not been verified by MDAT-
GoG. His information is provided to inform maritime situational awareness for mariners operating in the region.

6. (U) UKMTO ADVISORY NOTICE 002/MAY/2017: Category: Sighting. Description: UKMTO has received
information that a group of 9 skiffs with black and white hulls and 3 POB were sighted in PSN 13:10N - 049:18E.
Skiffs surrounded the MV at 0.6NM, vessel fired 2 warning shots and the skiffs moved away. Mariners are advised
to exercise caution whilst transiting this area. Any queries regarding this Advisory Notice ring 0044 2392 222060
for further information.

7. (U) UKMTO ADVISORY NOTICE 001/MAY/2017: Category: Sighting. Description: UKMTO has received
information that a group of 3 to 4 skiffs with green and white hulls and 4 to 5 persons onboard have been sighted
near 12:26N - 043:50E. Mariners are advised to exercise caution whilst transiting this area. Any queries regarding
this Advisory Notice ring 0044 2392 222060 for further information.

8. (U) U.S. MARITIME ADVISORY 2017-003 / Threat Type: Piracy / Geographic Area: Indian Ocean, Gulf of
Aden, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and Gulf of Oman: Guidance: Within a 30-day period spanning March-April 2017,
there have been four reported hijackings and one boarding off the Horn of Africa. Specific case details are available
at the Office of Naval Intelligences Worldwide Threat to Shipping and Piracy Analysis and Warnings website at
www.oni.navy.mil/intelligence-community/piracy. U.S. flag commercial vessels operating within the HRA are
required to comply with U.S. Coast Guard MARSEC Directive 104-6 due to high risk of piracy, kidnapping,
hijacking, and armed robbery while transiting this region. Vessels are further advised to remain at least 200 nautical
miles from the Somali coast to the extent practicable, follow the guidance in Best Management Practices 4
(www.mschoa.org/docs/public-documents/bmp4-low-res_sept_5_2011.pdf?sfvrsn=0), and comply with their Coast
Guard approved Vessel Security Plan annex on counter piracy actions. Vessels operating in this region are also
advised to establish contact with the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Office (UKMTO). UKMTO advisories,

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warnings, and contact info are available at www.ukmto.org. U.S. flag vessels that observe suspicious activity in the
Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and Gulf of Oman are advised to report such suspicious
activity or any hostile or potentially hostile action to the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Battle Watch Captain,
phone: +11 973 1785 3879, email: cusnc.bwc@me.navy.mil. All suspicious activities and events must also be
reported to the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center at 800-424-8802 in accordance with 33 C.F.R.
101.305. A Ship Hostile Action Report (SHAR) should also be sent to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
(NGA) at:
http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal?_nfpb=true&_st=&_pageLabel=msi_portal_page_70&subCode=06 as soon
as possible following an incident or suspected activity (including apparent surveillance being conducted by small
vessels/boats). Reference NGA Pub 117 at
(http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=msi_portal_page_62&pubCode=0009) for
further guidance.

3. (U) Summary
A. (U) BRAZIL: On 9 May, authorities found 34 kilograms of cocaine stashed in the bow thruster compartment of
the fruit juice carrier ORANGE BLOSSOM 2.

B. (U) GULF OF OMAN: On 7 May, three skiffs approached a bulk carrier underway 12 nm southwest of Bandar E
Jask, Iran.

C. (U) ITALY: Between 6 and 7 May, 6,000 migrants hoping to head to Europe were rescued in the Mediterranean.

D. (U) IVORY COAST: On 6 May, one boat approached a container ship anchored in Abidjan Anchorage.

E. (U) NORTH ATLANTIC: On 5 May, two crewmen aboard the general cargo vessel LEAH got into a fight in
which a Russian crewman was stabbed twice.

F. (U) SPAIN: On 4 May, fifty kilograms of cocaine were found onboard container ship CAP BEATRICE, docked
at Puerto Marin port.

G. (U) ARABIAN SEA: On 3 May, forces working as part of the Combined Maritime Forces boarded and searched a
sailing vessel while patrolling the group's area of operations finding a cache of approximately 200 kilograms of
heroin onboard the vessel.

H. (U) MALAYSIA: On 3 May, five robbers boarded an underway tanker 7.8 nm south-southwest of Pulau Kukup.

I. (U) ARABIAN SEA: On 28 April, forces working as part of the Combined Maritime Forces boarded and searched
a sailing vessel while patrolling the group's area of operations finding a cache of approximately 200 kilograms of
heroin on board the vessel.

J. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 22 April, two robbers boarded a container vessel anchored 10 nm southwest of the
Olutanga Coast.

K. (U) FRANCE: On 4 April, six Iranian migrants were rescued from a sinking boat as they tried to cross the English
Channel.

L. (U) UNITED STATES: On 15 March, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized 2,100 counterfeit LCD
TVs at the Port of Tacoma.

4. (U) Counter-Piracy and Maritime Crime Announcements

A. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Government of Japan convoy schedule for May 2017. To apply for JMSDF escort, visit
http://www.mlit.go.jp/en/maritime/maritime_fr2_000000.html, please contact directly the Anti-Piracy Contact and
Coordination Office, Maritime Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MILT), Japan: Tel:
+81-3-5253-8932; Fax: +81-3-5253-1643. Email: INFO-PIRACY@mlit.go.jp. (MSCHOA)

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B. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Korean Navy convoy schedule for May 2017. All merchant vessels wishing to join the
convoy group must submit their application forms directly to the ROK naval warship carrying out the mission. The
ROK MTG can be reached directly at 1-203-346-7637. Email: adenbay@navy.mil.kr. (MSCHOA)

C. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Chinese Navy convoy schedule for May 2017. For further information, please e-mail
planavy@navy.mil.cn, or call Tel: 00870 773 121 248; or 441 203 136. (MSCHOA)

D. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Indian Navy convoy escort schedule for May 2017. To register, email
dgcommcentre-dgs@nic.in; or visit www.dgshipping.com. Telephone numbers for contact are: 91-22-22614646 or
fax at 91-22-22613636. (MSCHOA)

5. (U) Details: Monthly Incidents by Region

(U) This section lists reports of active violence against shipping, credible threats to shipping, or the potential for a
situation to develop into a direct threat to shipping over the last 30 days. Every effort is made to ensure that
incidents are not double-counted. In the event double-counting is detected, or an incident is later learned to be
different than initially reported, an explanation of the cancellation of the inaccurate report will be made in at least
one message prior to dropping the erroneous report.

A. (U) NORTH AMERICA:

Figure 1. North America Piracy and

Maritime Crime

.
1. (U) UNITED STATES: On 15 March, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized 2,100 counterfeit LCD
TVs at the Port of Tacoma. (www.thenewstribune.com/news/local)

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B. (U) CENTRAL AMERICA - CARIBBEAN - SOUTH AMERICA:

Figure 2. Central America - Caribbean -

South America Piracy and Maritime Crime
1. (U) BRAZIL: On 9 May, authorities found 34 kilograms of cocaine stashed in the bow thruster compartment of the
fruit juice carrier ORANGE BLOSSOM 2. Police are investigating. (www.fleetmon.com)

2. (U) VENEZUELA: On 2 May, three robbers armed with knives boarded a cement carrier berthed near position
10:14N - 064:33W, Berth No.5, Portugalete. Alarm raised and crew mustered. Seeing the crews alertness, the
robbers escaped without stealing anything. (IMB)

3. (U) GUYANA: On 28 April, duty officer on routine rounds onboard a seismic support vessel anchored near
position 06:49N - 058:10W, Georgetown Anchorage, noticed a boat alongside the vessel and raised the alarm.
Seeing the alerted crew, five robbers were seen escaping with stolen ships properties. (IMB)

4. (U) SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES: On 27 April, a yacht was tied to a mooring in Luperon Bay while
the owner went ashore. Vandals released the yacht, removing all lines from it and the mooring. The yacht was seen
adrift, an emergency VHF call was made and the yacht was recovered undamaged.
(https://www.safetyandsecuritynet.com)

5. (U) PUERTO RICO: On 8 April, a robber boarded a yacht moored in Isabel Segunda and stole an outboard
motor. (https://www.safetyandsecuritynet.com)

6. (U) ECUADOR: On 23 April, six Peru-flagged fishing vessels were detained during an operation carried out
in the province of El Oro by the Southern Coast Guard Subcommand of the Ecuadorian Navy. The vessels were
fishing in Ecuadorian waters without any fishing permits. The ships were found to be carrying 6.4 tons of jumbo
flying squid that was confiscated by the fishing inspectors and donated to the Organization of Artisanal Fishermen
of El Oro. (www.fis.com)

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7. (U) COLOMBIA: On 18 April, Colombian authorities found 400 kilograms of cocaine in a shipping container
aboard Italy-flagged container ship CALA PALMA in the port of Turbo. (www.fleetmon.com)

8. (U) GUATEMALA: On 10 April, one robber boarded an anchored yacht at Bahia de Graciosa, waking both
crewmembers. The captain went topside and discovered a man was removing the small outboard from the rail
mount. A scuffle ensued, and the captain ended up in the water next to the thief's boat. The thief had a handgun
tucked into the front waistband of his pants, but did not remove it. He attempted to hold the captain's head
underwater but was unsuccessful. The captain sustained minor injuries. After the thief departed, the yacht moved
about 5 miles to Tres Puntas where 5 other cruising boats were anchored. Report made to local authorities in the
morning. (www.safetyandsecuritynet.com)

C. (U) ATLANTIC OCEAN AREA: No current incidents to report.

Figure 3. Atlantic Ocean Area Piracy and

Maritime Crime

1. (U) NORTH ATLANTIC: On 5 May, two crewmen aboard the general cargo vessel LEAH got into a fight in which
a Russian crewman was stabbed twice. Vessel was in the Atlantic, north of Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides of
Scotland, while en route from Rotterdam to Straumsvik, Iceland. He was medevacd by helicopter and taken to a
hospital in Stornoway, Scotland. (www.fleetmon.com)

2. (U) SPAIN: On 4 May, fifty kilograms of cocaine were found onboard container ship CAP BEATRICE, docked
at Puerto Marin port. A stowaway of Colombian nationality was also found onboard and arrested. It is believed he
was connected to the smuggling event. A second person, of Spanish nationality, was arrested; it was believed he
was also connected to the shipment. (www.fleetmon.com)

3. (U) FRANCE: On 4 April, six Iranian migrants were rescued from a sinking boat as they tried to cross the English
Channel. The Iranians were suffering from mild hypothermia when they were found and received first aid before
being handed over to Calais border police. The group had been travelling from Calais to Dover when French
authorities received a distress call from their small fishing vessel. The UK's Maritime and Coastguard Agency
(MCA) assisted French authorities with the search operation, which was hampered by fog. (www.itv.com/news)

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D. (U) NORTHERN EUROPE - BALTIC: No current incidents to report.

E. (U) MEDITERRANEAN - BLACK SEA:

Figure 4. Mediterranean - Black Sea

Piracy and Maritime Crime

1. (U) ITALY: Between 6 and 7 May, 6,000 migrants hoping to head to Europe were rescued in the Mediterranean
in dozens of operations coordinated by the Italian coastguard, EU border agency Frontex and several NGOs, the
coastguard said in a statement. (www.rte.ie/news)

2. (U) LIBYA: On 28 April, Libyan naval forces captured two vessels suspected of smuggling oil from Libya after
gun battles lasting several hours west of the capital, Tripoli. A spokesman for the Libyan naval forces said Ukraine-
flagged tanker ROUTA and a vessel named STARK with an unspecified African nations flag were captured.
(Reuters; gCaptain)

3. (U) UKRAINE: On 25 April, the Security Service of Ukraine working jointly with border guards seized 180
kilograms of amphetamine in Odessa. The drugs arrived at the port in a container with shoes from the
Mediterranean. This is the largest batch of the drug ever seized in Ukraine, according to the authorities. Two
persons were detained while receiving the cargo. (INUKR-Interfax-Ukraine news agency)

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F. (U) WEST AFRICA

Figure 5. West Africa Piracy and Maritime

Crime
1. (U) IVORY COAST: On 6 May, duty officer onboard a container ship anchored near position 005:10N - 004:04W,
Abidjan Anchorage, noticed a suspicious boat approaching from astern and alerted the duty crew on deck. As the
boat came alongside, alarm and ships whistle sounded and fire pump started. Seeing the alerted crew, the boat
slowly moved away, circled the ship once and then departed. Port control informed. (IMB)

2. (U) NIGERIA: On 29 April, armed pirates in a speedboat boarded a general cargo vessel underway near position
03:41N - 006:46E, 47 nm southwest of Bonny Island. Alarm raised, SSAS activated and all crew retreated into the
citadel. Ship owner notified the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre, who in turn informed and liaised with the Nigerian
Navy. A naval vessel was dispatched to assist the vessel. The pirates damaged ships equipment, stole crew cash
and belongings and escaped before the naval team boarded the vessel to rescue the crew. All crew reported safe.
(IMB)

3. (U) WEST AFRICA: During a recent two-month patrol made by an environmental NGO ship with law
enforcement authorities from several West African countries embarked, eight Chinese vessels were detained for
fishing illegally. The boat owners could be subject to millions of dollars in fines, NGO officials said. Inspectors
from Guinea, Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau boarded the ships off their respective coasts. They found the ships
to be violating regulations on catching protected fish and using nets with small holes to facilitate bigger hauls.
(Reuters; www.gcaptain.com)

4. (U) NIGERIA: On 26 April, the Nigerian Navy arrested 10 suspects after intercepting a vessel carrying stolen
crude oil off the coast of the Niger Delta. The suspects - a Nigerian, two Pakistanis, three Ghanaians, one
Indonesian, one Beninois and two Ukrainians - had siphoned about two thousand metric tons of crude oil from a

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loading facility belonging to Shell Petroleum. "The suspects were caught while siphoning crude oil into the vessel
from Afremo A platform, a loading jacket belonging to the Shell Petroleum and Development Company in the
Forcados River," Navy Commodore Ibrahim Dewu, commander of the NNS DELTA, said in a statement.
(www.marinelink.com)

5. (U) NIGERIA: On 19 April, nine pirates in a skiff approached and fired upon a tanker underway near position
03:25N - 005:46E, 59 nm south-southwest of Brass. Alarm raised, fire pumps started and non-essential crew
retreated to the citadel. Vessel increased speed and conduct evasive maneuvers. While the Master communicated
with the escort vessel, the skiff was seen moving away. Crew and tanker reported safe. (IMB)

6. (U) NIGERIA: On 19 April, an offshore tug was boarded by armed criminals near position 04:06N - 006:15E,
10.8 nm south of Brass. They kidnapped eight crew members and escaped. The Nigerian Navy responded to the
incident. One crewman was reported injured and evacuated by helicopter. (IMB)

7. (U) NIGERIA: On 12 April, armed criminals killed two soldiers responding to a distress call in the oil-rich Niger
Delta, a Nigerian military spokesman stated. The soldiers were killed in the creeks near Ijawkiri, an area in Bayelsa
state, said a military spokesman. (AFP)

G. (U) ARABIAN GULF: No current incidents to report.

H. (U) INDIAN OCEAN - EAST AFRICA:

Figure 6. Indian Ocean - East Africa

Piracy and Maritime Crime
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1. (U) GULF OF OMAN: On 7 May, duty officer onboard a bulk carrier underway near position 25:32N - 057:33E,
12 nm southwest of Bandar E Jask, Iran, noticed three skiffs approaching the vessel. At the same time a vessel
suspected to be the mother vessel was seen astern at a distance of 2 nm. As the skiffs closed, the crew observed
the persons in the boat holding ladders. Alarm raised, speed increased, evasive maneuvers commenced and Ras
al Khor Port contacted, who informed the Iranian Navy. As the bulk carrier changed course the skiffs and the
suspected mother vessel followed. After around 20 minutes the Iranian Navy called the bulk carrier to alter course
at which point the skiffs aborted and moved away. All crew is safe. (IMB)

2. (U) ARABIAN SEA: On 3 May, Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K2 Orion surveillance aircraft and the French
Navy vessel FS SURCOUF working as part of the Combined Maritime Forces boarded and searched a sailing
vessel while patrolling the group's area of operations. A cache of approximately 200 kilograms of heroin onboard
the vessel, which the CMF believes was bound for Africa and Europe. (www.combinedmaritimeforces.com;
www.sunlive.co.nz)

3. (U) ARABIAN SEA: On 28 April, Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K2 Orion surveillance aircraft and the French
Navy vessel FS SURCOUF working as part of the Combined Maritime Forces boarded and searched a sailing
vessel while patrolling the group's area of operations. A cache of approximately 200 kilograms of heroin on board
the vessel, which the CMF believes was bound for Africa and Europe. (www.combinedmaritimeforces.com;
www.sunlive.co.nz)

4. (U) RED SEA: On 2 May, a merchant vessel reported a suspicious group of 9 skiffs, black and white hulls with 3
persons in each skiff near, in position 13:10N - 049:18E, southern Red Sea. Embarked security team fired 2
warning shots and the skiffs moved away. (www.pviltd.com)

5. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 2 May, a merchant vessel reported a suspicious group of 3 to 4 skiffs, green and white
hulls with 4 to 5 persons in each skiff, in position 12:26N - 043:50E, 12 nm off Yemeni coast, near the entrance to
Bab el Mandeb Strait. (www.pviltd.com)

6. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 1 May, a merchant vessel reported being approached by five skiffs with 5 persons in
each skiff near position 12:08N - 044:16E, 57 nm southwest of Aden, Yemen. Four skiffs approached to port at 25
knots and other skiff approached to starboard; starboard side skiff closed to within 0.2 nm. Armed security team
fired warning shots at starboard skiff at which point all 5 skiffs turned away. Vessel and crew are safe.
(www.pviltd.com)

7. (U) AUSTRALIA: On 27 April, eight suspected illegal Indonesian fishermen were arrested and taken to an
immigration detention center in Darwin after being found with an illegal cargo of sea snails in Australian waters.
Maritime Border Command (MBC), a multi-agency task force with the Australian Border Force (ABF), worked in
conjunction with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority to locate and apprehend the vessel. An MBC
surveillance aircraft detected the vessel about 280 nautical miles north-northeast of Broome, Western Australia.
ABF Cutter CAPE ST GEORGE intercepted the vessel early on 27 April. The vessel was unseaworthy and could
not be towed safely to shore. As a result, HMAS BATHHURST assisted CAPE ST GEORGE with the apprehension
and destruction of the vessel at sea. (www.newsroom.border.gov.au)

8. (U) SAUDI ARABIA: On 25 April, Saudi Arabia confirmed that Yemen based Houthi rebel forces tried to attack an
Armco fuel distribution terminal in Jazan province with a remotely controlled boat, filled with explosives. The state
news agency said that the boat was destroyed by Saudi naval forces before it hit its target. (www.pviltd.com)

9. (U) SOMALIA: On 22 April, six armed persons in a skiff chased and fired upon the underway tanker COSTINA
near position 05:42N - 048:53E, 30 nm northeast of Hobyo. Master raised the alarm and sent distress
message, to which a warship responded. The skiff had chased the tanker for nearly two hours and then moved
away due to the continuous evasive maneuvers. One crewman reportedly injured. (IMB; www.eunavfor.eu;
www.fleetmon.com)

10. (U) SOUTH AFRICA: On 20 April, a Tanzanian teenager was rescued after his hand was caught in the hawse
pipe of a ship as he was attempting to stow away onboard at Maydon Wharf 5 in Durban. The 19-year-old was
attempting to board Panama-flagged bulk carrier MI HARMONY destined for Maputo when his hand was crushed.

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A police spokesman said that the stowaway had climbed up the rope in an attempt to get onto the ship that was
moored at the wharf and that "Due to the motion of the vessel moving the rope, the man's hand was crushed and
partly amputated." He was taken to a local hospital. (www.weekendpost.co.za)

11. (U) RED SEA: On 16 April, three suspicious, blue-hulled skiffs with five persons in each approached a container
ship underway near position 12:49N - 043:16E. Master raised the alarm, non-essential crew retreated into the
citadel, and the armed security team showed their weapons. Master informed a coalition warship about the
approaching skiffs. When the skiffs were around one nm from the ship, the armed team fired a rocket flare resulting
in the skiffs aborting the approach. At 1035 UTC, another white hull skiff with six persons onboard approached the
ship. The security team fired another rocket flare towards the skiff resulting in the skiff crossing the ships bow and
moving away. At 1050 UTC, another two skiffs were seen approaching the ship. At a distance of 0.7nm from the
ship the security guards showed their weapons resulting in the skiffs aborting and then heading towards Mayyun
(Perim Island). Crew is safe. (IMB)

12. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 15 April, six pirates armed with automatic weapons in a white skiff approached and
fired upon the product tanker ALHEERA underway near position 12:53N - 048:02E. Master raised the alarm,
contacted UKMTO and non-essential crew members took shelter in the citadel. A Chinese Navy warship
responded. The armed security team onboard returned fire resulting in the pirates aborting the attack and moving
away. Crew and tanker are safe. (IMB; www.globaltimes.cn; www.fleetmon.com)

13. (U) SOMALIA: On 12 April, Somali security forces clashed with pirates and freed eight seamen kidnapped on
an Indian cargo dhow, officials said. The pirates seized the cargo dhow AL KAUSAR off Somalias coast, part of an
increase of attacks after years without a reported incident. UPDATE: The kidnappers took the crew onshore in
central Galmudug state and clashed with troops two days later, the territorys minister for ports and sea transport,
Burhan Warsame, said. We rescued the eight crew and they are healthy and safe, he added. (www.gcaptain.com;
www.marinelink.com)

I. (U) EAST ASIA - SOUTHEAST ASIA - INDIAN SUBCONTINENT:

Figure 7. East Asia - Southeast Asia - Indian

Subcontinent Piracy and Maritime Crime

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1. (U) MALAYSIA: On 3 May, Second Engineer aboard a tanker underway near position 01:16N - 103:17E, 7.8
nm south-southwest of Pulau Kukup, Johor, found five robbers in the engine room. Alarm was raised. Seeing
alerted crew, the robbers escaped. All crew are safe. (IMB)

2. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 22 April, duty crewman onboard a container vessel anchored near position 07:10N -
122:39E, 10 nm southwest of the Olutanga Coast noticed a small boat near the anchor chain. The hawse pipe
cover was opened and the crewman informed the duty officer, who raised the alarm. Two robbers were seen
escaping from the vessel. Upon inspection, no stores were reported stolen. Incident reported to Davao coast guard
and pilot station via VHF Channel 16. (IMB)

3. (U) BANGLADESH: On 2 May, two robbers boarded a product tanker anchored near position 22:13N - 091:44E,
Chittagong Anchorage. Duty crewman spotted the robbers on the poop deck and informed the duty officer, who
raised the alarm. PA announcement made and crew was mustered. Hearing the alarm and seeing the crews
alertness, the robbers escaped without stealing anything. (IMB)

4. (U) INDONESIA: On 2 May, three robbers boarded a bulk carrier anchored near position 05:57S - 106:55E,
Tanjung Priok Anchorage, Jakarta. The robbers entered into the engine room, stole ships engine spares and
escaped. Duty crewman noticed the robbers escaping in an unlit boat and raised the alarm. Port Control informed.
(IMB)

5. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 23 April, suspected illegal fishermen managed to elude arrest by ramming their fishing
vessel into the small boat being used by policemen inside a fish sanctuary in Barangay Sulangan, Bantayan Island.
The policemen were responding to information about the operation of illegal fishers in the protected area. The
suspects, onboard three small boats and a larger vessel were reportedly using dynamite to catch fish. Upon seeing
the policemen, those riding one of the small boats rammed the police boat, causing it to sink. The situation then
gave them the opportunity to escape. No injuries were reported. (www.news.mb.com.ph)

6. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 22 April, an unknown number of robbers boarded an LPG tanker at berth, near position
13:40N - 121:03E, Batangas. They stole ships properties and escaped. The theft was discovered by the crew
during routine rounds. (IMB)

7. (U) INDONESIA: On 19 April, Three robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier near position 00:15S - 117:34E,
Samarinda Anchorage. Alarm raised and crew mustered. Seeing the crews alertness, the robbers escaped without
stealing anything. (IMB)

8. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 18 April, armed men tried to commandeer a cargo vessel off the waters of Zamboanga del
Norte, police said. A police spokesman said armed men on two motorized boats fired at DOA ANABELLE
while it was sailing near Santa Maria village in Siocon town. The spokesman added that the four men tried to board
the vessel but later departed after seeing an approaching Philippine Navy boat and stated no one was hurt.
(www.newsinfo.inquirer.net)

J. (U) NORTHEAST ASIA: No current incidents to report.

K. (U) PACIFIC OCEAN - SOUTHERN OCEAN: No current incidents to report.

6. (U) Appendix A: Further Contact Information and Resources

(U) This appendix provides contact information for the author of the WTS as well as other entities that can be
contacted with maritime crime reports. It also lists other resources where the WTS is posted and where piracy and
maritime crime incident information can be found.

(U) Contact

(U) Originator of this WTS report requests consumer feedback. Originator will incorporate all anti-shipping events
and violence against the maritime industry into this weekly message where appropriate. To aid in our reporting,
please add the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) to your normal corporate and organizational reporting

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requirements. The 24-hour watch can be reached at +1 (301) 669-4053.

(U) Other Resources

(U) This Worldwide Threat to Shipping Report is posted at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agencys Maritime
Safety site: http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) also publishes a live
piracy report based on reporting from the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, listing all piracy
and armed robbery incidents in the last ten days: http://www.icc-ccs.org/. The PAWW and WTS Reports are posted
weekly on the ONI Intel Portal: http://www.oni.navy.mil/Intelligence_Community/piracy.htm.

7. (U) Appendix B: Terminology and References

(U) This appendix is provided to promote consistent use of accurate terms of reference in reporting and also
identifies those references that were used to gather the information contained in this report. ONI welcomes
comment and suggestions for addition or amendment.

(U) Terminology

(U) In order to promote consistent use of accurate terms of reference, the following have been adopted to describe
the range of criminal anti-shipping activity and impediments to safe navigation in our worldwide reporting and
analysis. Please note that these terms relate to observable activity and are independent of target vessel status and
exclude actions by governmental powers in lawful pursuit of their authorities:

(U) Attempted Boarding Close approach or hull-to-hull contact with report that boarding paraphernalia were
employed or visible in the approaching boat.

(U) Blocking Hampering safe navigation, docking, or undocking of a vessel as a means of protest.

(U) Boarding Unauthorized boarding of a vessel by persons not part of its complement without successfully
taking control of the vessel.

(U) Fired Upon Weapons discharged at or toward a vessel.

(U) Hijacking Unauthorized seizure and retention of a vessel by persons not part of its complement.

(U) Kidnapping Unauthorized forcible removal of persons belonging to the vessel from it.

(U) Robbery Theft from a vessel or from persons aboard the vessel.

(U) Suspicious Approach All other unexplained activity in close proximity of an unknown vessel.

(U) Sourcing

(U) ONI derives information in this report from direct reporting and analysis of reports from the following agencies
and commercial sources.

Agence France Presse (AFP)

Associated Press (AP)
Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), Denmark
BBC News
EU Naval Forces (EU)
Fairplay (FP), London
Informa Group (INFO), formerly LLP, Llp Limited, London
International Maritime Bureau (IMB), London and Kuala Lumpur
International Maritime Organization (IMO), London

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gCaptain
Latitude38.com (LAT) website
Local Media (LM)
LSS-SAPU.com (LSS)
Maritime Administration (MARAD), U.S.
The Maritime Executive (website)
Maritime Security Centre - Horn of Africa (MSCHOA)
Maritime Security Council (MSC), U.S.
Marine Domain Awareness for Trade Gulf of Guinea (MDAT-GoG)
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), Navigation Safety System
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Brussels
Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) (analysis and comment)
Operator (owner or operator of affected vessel)
Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)
Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia,
Information Sharing Center (ReCAAP ISC)
Reuters
Royal Australian Navy (RAN)
Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN)
Seafarers Assistance Program (SAP), Kenya
Tradewinds (TW)
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization (UKMTO)
United Press International (UPI)
U.S. Maritime Liaison Office (MARLO) Bahrain
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

(U) ICOD: 3 May 2017

(U) The PAWW and WTS reports are posted each week on the ONI Intel Portal and can be found at:
http://www.oni.navy.mil/Intelligence-Community/Piracy

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