11 Nov 09 . Office of Naval Intelligence Civil Maritime Analysis Department Worldwide Threat to Shipping Mariner Warning Information . POC: Andrew Moulder: Comm (301) 669-4784 Fax (301) 669-3247 E-mail amoulder@nmic.navy.mil James Mirance: Comm (301) 669-3471 Fax (301) 669-3247 E-mail jmirance@nmic.navy.mil . 1. This message provides information on threats to, and criminal action against merchant shipping worldwide in the last 30 days. . A. To aid in our reporting, please add the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) as an information addressee when possible to your normal corporate and organizational reporting requirements. The ONI message address is ONI WASHINGTON DC//11// or, the ONI Violence at Sea (VAS) desk may be contacted at commercial phone (301) 669-4784 or via e-mail: amoulder@nmic.navy.mil. Report may also be made to the National Response Center (U.S. Coast Guard) hotline: 1-800-424-8802 or the Maritime Administration, Office of Security, MAR-420; TEL 202-366-1883; FAX 202-366-3954; email owen.doherty@dot.gov. . B. This Worldwide Threat to Shipping Report is posted at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s Maritime Safety site: http://www.nga.mil/portal/site/maritime. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) also publishes a live piracy report, based on reporting from the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The report displays all piracy and armed robbery incidents in the last ten days and may be accessed through their web page http://www.icc-ccs.org/. . C. ONI's goal is to provide the maritime community with relevant information concerning threats to safe commercial ship operations for use by maritime personnel in implementing security.  In order to promote consistent use of accurate terms of reference, the following are adopted to describe the range of criminal anti-shipping activity and impediments to safe navigation in our worldwide reporting and analysis: Boarding - Unauthorized presence on the ship whether in port or underway. Robbery - Theft from a vessel or from persons aboard the vessel. Kidnap - Unauthorized forcible removal of persons belonging to the vessel from it. Hijack - Unauthorized seizure and retention of a vessel by persons not part of its complement. Firing upon - Weapons discharged at or toward a vessel. Attempted boarding - Close approach or hull-to-hull contact with report that boarding paraphernalia were employed or visible in the approaching boat. Suspicious approach - All other unexplained close proximity of an unknown vessel. Blocking - Hampering safe navigation, docking, or undocking of a vessel as a means of protest. Please note that these terms relate to observable activity and are independent of target vessel status and exclude actions by governmental authorities in lawful pursuit of their authority.  ONI welcomes comment and suggestions for addition or amendment. . D. Anti-piracy and crime current developments: . 1. INDIAN OCEAN: Naval units cooperation disrupts pirates, 5 Nov 09. On the morning of November 5th a general cargo ship and a bulk carrier were attacked in the Gulf of Aden. Cooperation between EU NAVFOR and NATO prevented two more hijackings. Early in the morning, vessel (THEOFORUS I), a Panama flagged bulk carrier was attacked by pirates using automatic weapons and a rocket propelled grenade. The ship took evasive action until the NATO Turkish naval vessel (TCG GEDIZ) arrived on the scene. The warship neutralized a suspected skiff in the vicinity of the attack position and weapons and pirate paraphernalia were seized. A few hours later vessel (BBC THAMES), a Liberian flagged general cargo ship, reported being under attack. EU NAVFOR German warship (FGS BREMEN) was immediately tasked to support the cargo ship and the BREMEN’s helicopter was launched. The attackers fled but BREMEN found a skiff in the vicinity and on sighting the helicopter the skiff stopped.  FGS BREMEN conducted a boarding where weapons, ammunition and RPG grenades were found and seized (MSCHOA). . 2. NIGERIA: Nigeria's MEND rebels declare 'indefinite ceasefire', 25 Oct 09. Nigeria's main armed group in the oil-rich Niger Delta declared Sunday an "indefinite ceasefire" to encourage dialogue with the government, but the Abuja authorities rejected the fighters' mediation team. The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) said in a statement it made its decision after the government "expressed its readiness to engage in serious and meaningful dialogue with every group or individual towards achieving a lasting peace in the Niger Delta." The group said it has put together a team to discuss its demands with the government, including Nigerian Nobel literature laureate Wole Soyinka. The Abuja government welcomed the development, but said it would not talk with the MEND-appointed team. Defence Minister Godwin Abbe who heads the government implementation team advised MEND and other militants to support the government's programme of fast-tracking the development of the oil-rich but impoverished region. A key demand from MEND is that local communities must benefit from the region's oil wealth. The ceasefire announcement came six days after President Umaru Yar'Adua met for the first time with MEND leader Henry Okah. Okah urged the rebels, who have shunned a recent government amnesty, to give dialogue a chance (AFP). . 3. INDIAN OCEAN: Somali pirates seized by German navy, 27 Oct 09. European Union naval forces captured seven Somali pirates after they tried to take over a French fishing vessel, which repulsed the attack with gunfire, officials said Wednesday. Pirates in two skiffs fired on the French fishing boat about 350 miles (560 kilometers) east of the Somali capital of Mogadishu on Tuesday, said Cmdr. John Harbour of the European Union Naval Force. French military personnel aboard the trawler, the (CAP SAINT VINCENT), returned fire, French military spokesman Rear Adm. Christophe Prazuck said. It did not appear that any of the shots hit the pirates, he said. A German warship was dispatched to the scene, as was a helicopter, which fired warning shots at the pirates, who then were seen throwing items overboard. Once the warship arrived, seven pirates were detained, the EU Naval Force said. "We've got them on board and we will prosecute them," Harbour said (AFP). . E. Source codes: Information contained in this report is derived through direct reporting and analysis of reports of other agencies and commercial sources. Source codes will be added to new reports to enable users requiring more detail to make contact. Codes currently in use are: . AFP, Agence France Presse AP, Associated Press BBC, BBC News BIMCO, Baltic and International Maritime Council, Denmark DHS, U. S. Department of Homeland Security DOJ, U. S. Department of Justice DOS, U.S. Department of State DOT, U. S. Department of Transportation FP, Fairplay, London IMB, International Maritime Bureau, London and Kuala Lumpur IMO, International Maritime Organization, London INFO, Informa Group, formerly LLP, Llp Limited, London LAT, Latitude38.com website LL, Lloyd's List, daily, London LM, local media MARAD, Maritime Administration, US MSC, Maritime Security Council, US MSCHOA, Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa http://www.mschoa.eu/ NATO, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Brussels NGA, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Navigation Safety System ONI, Office of Naval Intelligence analysis and comment Operator, owner or operator of affected vessel OSAC, Overseas Security Advisory Council USCG, United States Coast Guard RAN, Royal Australian Navy ReCAAP ISC, Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia, Information Sharing Center http://www.recaap.org REUTERS, Reuters Risk Intelligence/MaRisk, Maritime Security Risk Solutions RNZN, Royal New Zealand Navy SAP, Seafarers’ Assistance Program, Kenya STATE, U. S. Department of State TW, Tradewinds UKMTO, United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization UPI, United Press International . 2. Designation of a high threat area is based on an assessment of all source information relating to the existence of, or potential for piracy and other crime, terrorism, civil unrest or low intensity conflict. Every effort is made to ensure that incidents are not double-counted. In the event double counting is detected or an event is later learned not to be as 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. Specific incidents will be reported for one month. . 3. This week's reporting: . A. Sailing vessel (JUPITER) reported suspicious approach 6 Nov 09, between Isla la Tortuga and Isla de Margarita, Venezuela. . B. General cargo ship fired upon 7 Nov 09, Gulf of Aden. . C. General cargo ship reported suspicious approach 5 Nov 09, Gulf of Aden. . D. Bulk carrier (THEOFOROS I) fired upon 5 Nov 09, Gulf of Aden. . E. Bulk carrier (FILITSA) reportedly hijacked 11 Nov 09, approximately 500NM northeast of Port Victoria, Seychelles. . F. Container ship (FELICITAS RICKMERS) fired upon 10 Nov 09, approximately 500NM southeast of Kismayo, Somalia. . G. Container ship (NELE MAERSK) fired upon 10 Nov 09, approximately 455NM northeast of Port Victoria, Seychelles. . H. Tanker (BW LION) fired upon 9 Nov 09, approximately 420NM northeast of Port Victoria, Seychelles. . I. Bulk carrier (DELVINA) hijacked 5 Nov 09, approximately 690NM south of Mogadishu, Somalia. . J. Chemical tanker reported attempted boarding 6 Nov 09, Chennai anchorage, India. . K. Bulk carrier robbed 5 Nov 09, Ciwandan anchorage, Indonesia. . L. Yacht robbed 27 Sep 09, Gilli Air (Aer) Island west of Bali, Indonesia. . 4. DETAILS: There is reported active violence against shipping, a credible threat to shipping, or the potential to develop into a direct threat to the safety of shipping in the following areas: . A. NORTH AMERICA: No current incidents to report. . B. CENTRAL AMERICA-CARIBBEAN: . 1. NICARAGUA: Sailing vessel (BLU INTERLUDE) robbed 26 Oct 09 at 0700 local time while underway in position 15:04.7N – 082:55.1W, approximately 14NM off Cabo Gracias a Dios. While sailing along the Nicaraguan banks, the vessel was flagged down by a green panga with four men onboard wearing what appeared to be paramilitary clothing. As the vessel slowed down, the men pulled out shotguns and pistols and then boarded the vessel. At gun point, they tied up all three crewmembers and then stole cameras, money, and other personal belongings including a hand held GPS and VHF radios. They were onboard for approximately 45 minutes searching for valuables. The robbery was reported to the Coast Guard at San Andreas Island, Colombia (Operator, Noonsite.com). . C. SOUTH AMERICA: . 1. VENEZUELA: Sailing vessel (JUPITER) reported suspicious approach 6 Nov 09 at 1700 local time while underway between positions 10:55N – 065:00W (Isla la Tortuga) and 11:00N – 064:30W (Isla de Margarita). A skiff painted in bright colors with three men onboard began to follow within 100-200 meters of the vessel’s wake. When they accelerated and approached to within 60 yards, the crew onboard the (JUPITER) went to the aft deck with a flare gun and other offensive measures and directly confronted them. The suspicious men dropped back several times and conferred before making several more close passes. After doing this several more times, they eventually stopped following and dropped out of sight. The incident was reported to the US Customs and Border agents that came aboard upon clearing at Marina Puerto del Rey, Puerto Rico (Noonsite.com). . 2. SURINAME: Fishing vessel fired upon, robbed, crewmembers kidnapped 28 Oct 09 at 1900 local time while underway in the vicinity of Caroni. A boat pulled up alongside the vessel while five men onboard fired shotguns at the fishermen. They proceeded to raid valuables, nets, and money. They placed the crew in another fishing vessel that was also attacked. The robbers then proceeded to destroy parts of the vessel, including its engine. When they escaped, they took two fishermen. Several of the remaining were injured (Risk Intelligence/MaRisk). . 3. ECUADOR: Container ship robbed 26 Oct 09 at 2222 UTC while underway in position 02:30S – 080:04W, Guayaquil. Five men armed with guns and knives boarded the vessel underway. They broke open containers, stole goods, and escaped in their boat. The coast guard was informed. Two patrol boats arrived and detained the robbers’ skiff (IMB). . D. ATLANTIC OCEAN AREA: No current incidents to report. . E. NORTHERN EUROPE-BALTIC: No current incidents to report. . F. MEDITERRANEAN-BLACK SEA: . 1. GREECE: Warning for mariners at Mitikas Harbor on the mainland to the north of Kalamos Island, 20 Oct 09. There have been a number of indiscriminate thefts reported from charter boats and private boats during the past summer. Many of these thefts have allegedly taken place while persons were onboard their vessels. Laptops, cameras, and other electronic items appear to be the favorite target. Thefts have been during daylight hours as well as overnight, on the quay and out at anchor (Noonsite.com). . G. WEST AFRICA: . 1. GUINEA: Bulk carrier robbed 25 Oct 09 at 1500 local time while anchored in position 09:25.4N – 013:43.3W, approximately 6NM south of Conakry. Five robbers armed with guns boarded the vessel and stole ship’s stores and crewmembers’ personal belongings. The robbers escaped 40 minutes later. Local authorities were informed (IMB). . 2. GUINEA: General cargo ship reported attempted boarding 21 Oct 09 at 1600 UTC while underway in position 09:13N – 014:12W, approximately 30NM southwest of Conakry. Eight men in a small black boat approached the vessel. The duty officer raised the alarm, conducted evasive maneuvers, and increased speed. As the boat approached at a distance of 150 meters, the crew noticed one man was holding a rope, two men were armed with guns, and the others were signaling the vessel to stop. The duty officer increased speed to maximum and continued with evasive maneuvering. The small boat eventually stopped chasing the vessel and aborted the attempt. Port control was contacted, but no response was received (IMB). . 3. GUINEA: Tanker fired upon 11 Oct 09 at 0012 UTC while underway in position 09:15N – 014:01W, approximately 20NM southwest of Conakry. Nine men armed with machine guns in a 15 meter length speed boat attempted to board the vessel using hooks and ladders. The master raised the alarm, activated DSC alert, increased speed, and conducted evasive maneuvers. The crew mustered and activated fire hoses. The armed men opened fire on the vessel and followed for 30 minutes before finally aborting the attempt. No injuries to the crew were reported. Port authority was contacted, but no response was received (IMB). . 4. NIGERIA: Bulk carrier robbed 30 Oct 09 at 2125 UTC while anchored in position 06:08.16N – 003:27.68E, Lagos anchorage. Nine armed men in a speedboat boarded the vessel and opened fire. They took all the crewmembers hostage. They assaulted the crew and damaged the ship’s communication equipment. They stole ship’s cash and money and other personal belongings from the crew before escaping. Five crewmembers were injured. The Nigerian navy was informed (IMB). . 5. NIGERIA: Chemical tanker robbed 30 Oct 09 at 2015 local time while underway in position 06:10N – 003:33E, Lagos anchorage. Six men armed with guns and knives in a speedboat boarded the vessel as it was drifting. The master raised the alarm, activated SSAS, and contacted Lagos port control while the crew activated fire hoses. The armed men started firing at the bridge windows and accommodation doors, but were unable to gain entry into the accommodation. The robbers were able to enter into the bridge and took all the crewmembers hostage. They assaulted some of the crewmembers and damaged the communication equipment. They stole ship’s cash and money and other personal belongings from the crew. They then locked the crewmembers in a cabin before escaping (IMB). . 6. NIGERIA: Fishing vessel robbed, captain kidnapped 19 Oct 09 at 1400 local time while underway in the Calabar Junction in the Mbo area. The attack was reportedly carried out by members of the Bakassi Freedom Fighters (BFF) at Utana Iyatah. The group stole cash and valuables, while the captain of the vessel was taken hostage (Risk Intelligence/MaRisk). . 7. NIGERIA: Chemical tanker robbed 16 Oct 09 at 0300 local time while anchored at Lagos anchorage. Six robbers armed with guns boarded the vessel. They stole and transferred a cargo of oil into their boat and escaped. No injuries to the crew were reported (IMB). . H. INDIAN OCEAN-EAST AFRICA: . 1. GULF OF ADEN: General cargo ship fired upon 7 Nov 09 at 0600 UTC while underway in position 12:37.5N – 047:11.6E. Six men in a skiff armed with automatic weapons and RPGs opened fire on the vessel while underway. The master raised the alarm, contacted coalition forces, and conducted evasive maneuvers. The men attempted to board the vessel using a ladder but were unable to due to the vessel’s freeboard and effective counter-measure taken by the crew (IMB). . 2. GULF OF ADEN: General cargo ship reported suspicious approach 5 Nov 09 at 0648 UTC while underway in position 13:42.8N – 050:56.1E. A small speedboat was sighted at a distance of 4NM. When the boat passed the port beam, it immediately changed course and approached the vessel from astern. The duty officer raised the alarm, contacted coalition forces, and mustered the crew. The master increased speed and took evasive maneuvers. As the boat came closer, four men with guns were spotted trying to board the vessel. The men in the speedboat eventually aborted the pursuit due to effective counter-piracy measures (IMB). . 3. GULF OF ADEN: Bulk carrier (THEOFOROS I) fired upon 5 Nov 09 at 0333 UTC while underway in position 13:10N – 049:11E. According to Greek authorities, the crewmembers activated high-pressure fire hoses against the attackers until a Turkish warship arrived on scene to provide assistance (AFP, IMB). . 4. GULF OF OMAN: Container ship reported suspicious approach 11 Oct 09 at 1100 local time while underway in position 25:16.2N – 058:14.9E, approximately 30NM southeast of Jask, Iran. A white speedboat 7 meters in length approached the vessel at a speed of 14 kts. Six people were visible on the boat wearing face masks. The vessel altered its course and conducted evasive maneuvers while increasing speed. The speedboat continued to pursue for approximately 40 minutes before eventually moving away (Operator, IMB). . 5. GULF OF ADEN: Bulk carrier fired upon 31 Oct 09 at 1530 UTC while underway in position 13:26N – 049:42E. Two skiffs chased and opened fire on the vessel. They attempted to board, but due to effective counter piracy measures, the two skiffs aborted the attempt and moved away (IMB). . 6. GULF OF ADEN: General cargo ship (THOR SPRING) fired upon 16 Oct 09 at 1405 UTC while underway in position 13:43.5N – 050:55.5E. One skiff with 5-6 armed men onboard chased and opened fire on the vessel. The master increased speed, conducted evasive maneuvers and headed towards a coalition warship. The vessel had rigged barbed wire along the railing and activated fire hoses. The skiff chased the vessel for approximately 40 minutes before aborting the attempt. The funnel, stern area, and accommodation was damaged due to the firing. No injuries to the crew were reported (LM: Times of Malta, IMB). . 7. GULF OF ADEN: Vessel reported suspicious approach 12 Oct 09 at 0345 UTC while underway in position 12:15.83N – 044:04.74E. A fishing vessel closed in on the vessel underway. The master increased speed and took evasive maneuvers, raised the general alarm, and contacted coalition forces. At a distance of approximately 0.5NM, a white and blue hull skiff with five armed men was launched from the fishing vessel. The skiff approached the vessel with a speed of approximately 20 kts but stopped and abandoned the pursuit at a distance of 0.2NM. The incident lasted approximately 25 minutes. . 8. INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (FILITSA) reportedly hijacked 11 Nov 09 at 0200 UTC while underway in position 00:35S – 062:40E, approximately 500NM northeast of Port Victoria, Seychelles. According to the owners, pirates boarded the vessel and all communication with the crew has ceased. There are 22 crewmembers onboard of Greek and Filipino nationality. Further information is awaited (IMB, Reuters). . 9. INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship (FELICITAS RICKMERS) fired upon 10 Nov 09 at 0430 UTC while underway in position 06:33S – 048:14E, approximately 500NM southeast of Kismayo, Somalia. The vessel reported being under attack by two skiffs. Shots were fired, but no damage was reported. The vessel conducted evasive maneuvers and prevented being boarded (IMB, AFP). . 10. INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship (NELE MAERSK) fired upon 10 Nov 09 at 0200 UTC while underway in position 00:43.7S – 061:57.8E, approximately 455NM northeast of Port Victoria, Seychelles. Men in two skiffs armed with assault rifles and RPGs chased and opened fire on the vessel. The skiffs approached the vessel from the starboard side at approximately 25- 30 knots and were spotted by extra bridge lookouts at a distance of 3NM. At that time the skiffs were not yet picked up on radar. The vessel increased speed, conducted evasive maneuvers, and successfully deterred the attack after 30 minutes. Coalition forces were informed (LL, IMB). . 11. INDIAN OCEAN: Tanker (BW LION) fired upon 9 Nov 09 at 0830 UTC while underway in position 01:09S – 061:35E, approximately 420NM northeast of Port Victoria, Seychelles. Several men in two skiffs armed with assault rifles and RPGs chased and opened fire on the vessel. The master increased speed, conducted evasive maneuvers, deployed self protection measures, and successfully deterred the attack after one hour. Coalition forces were informed. The vessel sustained minor damages (AP, IMB). . 12. INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (DELVINA) hijacked 5 Nov 09 at 0426 UTC while underway in position 09:40.36S – 045:05.48E, approximately 690NM south of Mogadishu, Somalia. The owners reported the vessel came under attack and was boarded by pirates (AFP, IMB). . 13. INDIAN OCEAN: Chemical tanker (JO CEDAR) fired upon 2 Nov 09 at 1213 UTC while underway in position 07:55S – 047:40E, approximately 530NM southeast of Mombassa, Kenya. One skiff with five armed men onboard chased the vessel and opened fire while two more skiffs stood by in the vicinity. The vessel increased speed and conducted evasive maneuvers until the skiff abandoned the attack. The ship sustained bullet holes, but no crewmembers were reported injured (IMB, MSCHOA). . 14. INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (HARRIETTE) fired upon 2 Nov 09 at 0810 UTC while underway in position 03:34.3S – 045:40.1E, approximately 270NM southeast of Kismayo, Somalia. Two skiffs with six armed men in each boat chased and fired upon the vessel. The men were unable to hook their ladder onto the vessel’s side. The master increased speed and carried out evasive maneuvers while activating fire hoses. After approximately 20 minutes the men abandoned the attempt. The vessel sustained bullet holes but no crewmembers were injured (IMB, AP). . 15. INDIAN OCEAN: Fishing vessel (AVEL VAD) fired upon 31 Oct 09 at 0831 UTC while underway in position 01:29N – 051:38E, approximately 370NM east of Mogadishu, Somalia. Two blue skiffs, 5-6 meters long, opened fire on the vessel. They aborted the attack after warning shots were returned from a security team onboard the fishing vessel (IMB, AFP). . 16. INDIAN OCEAN: Fishing vessel (ARTZA) fired upon 31 Oct 09 at 0730 UTC while underway in position 02:00N – 050:10E, approximately 290NM east of Mogadishu, Somalia. Three skiffs opened fire on the vessel. A security team onboard the vessel returned fire in self defense and the skiffs broke off their attack (IMB, AFP). . 17. INDIAN OCEAN: Fishing vessel (THAI UNION 3) hijacked 29 Oct 09 at 0247 UTC while underway in position 01:55S – 055:53E, approximately 165NM north of Port Victoria, Seychelles. Armed pirates in two skiffs approached the vessel from both sides. The vessel took evasive maneuvers and sent a distress message which was received by the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre and relayed to coalition naval forces to render assistance. A warship was dispatched to the location, but the pirates were able to board and hijack the vessel (IMB, Bloomberg). . 18. INDIAN OCEAN: Fishing vessel (CAP ST. VINCENT) fired upon 27 Oct 09 at 1020 UTC while underway in position 01:25N – 050:41E, approximately 330NM east of Mogadishu, Somalia. The vessel reported being chased and fired upon by two skiffs with approximately six persons onboard. The visual presence and noise of warning shots fired by an armed security team onboard the vessel deterred the approach at 0.8 miles away. A German warship was dispatched to the scene and located the skiffs trying to flee the area. The men onboard the skiffs were later arrested (AFP, AP, IMB). . 19. INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship fired upon 25 Oct 09 at 0845 UTC while underway in position 06:07.7S – 045:10E, approximately 350NM southeast of Mombassa, Kenya. Six men armed with machine guns in a white plastic hull speedboat chased the vessel. The master raised the alarm, conducted counter-piracy preventive measures, and increased to maximum speed. At a distance of about three cables, the men started firing at the vessel. The men eventually aborted the attack, and the vessel continued underway at maximum speed (IMB). . 20. INDIAN OCEAN: Sailing vessel (LYNN RIVAL) hijacked 23 Oct 09 while underway approximately 60NM west of Port Victoria, Seychelles. The vessel was bound for Tanzania when it dispatched an emergency distress signal on 23 Oct, and then lost contact (AP, AFP). . 21. INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (AL KHALIQ) hijacked 22 Oct 09 at 0555 UTC while underway in position 04:09S – 052:35E, approximately 180NM west of Port Victoria, Seychelles. Six pirates armed with automatic weapons and RPGs onboard two skiffs opened fire and hijacked the vessel. Twenty-six crewmembers are currently onboard (Reuters, IMB). . 22. INDIAN OCEAN: RoRo vessel (JOLLY ROSSO) fired upon 22 Oct 09 at 0415 UTC while underway in position 03:45.28S – 046:43.24E, approximately 320NM southeast of Kismayo, Somalia. Men armed with automatic weapons and RPGs in two skiffs opened fire on the vessel with intent to board. The vessel increased speed and conducted evasive maneuvers to escape the attack (Reuters, IMB). . 23. INDIAN OCEAN: Bulk carrier (DE XIN HAI) hijacked 19 Oct 09 at 0815 UTC while underway in position 01:53S – 060:05E, approximately 325NM northeast of Port Victoria, Seychelles. Pirates boarded and hijacked the vessel while underway. There are 25 crew members onboard. Further information is pending (AP, IMB). . 24. INDIAN OCEAN: Container ship (KOTA WAJAR) hijacked 15 Oct 09 at 0237 UTC while underway in position 01:33S – 054:52E, approximately 190NM north of Port Victoria, Seychelles. Owners of the vessel received a call stating that the vessel has been attacked and hijacked. No further information is available at this time (AFP, UKMTO). . 25. INDIA: Chemical tanker reported attempted boarding 6 Nov 09 at 0200 local time while anchored in position 13:04.9N – 080:21.5E, Chennai anchorage. Four robbers in a boat attempted to board the anchored vessel from the forecastle. Duty crew sighted the robbers and raised the alarm. All crew mustered and rushed to the location. Upon seeing the crew’s alertness, the robbers escaped. Port control was informed (IMB). . 26. BANGLADESH: Six fishing vessels robbed, fishermen kidnapped 27 Oct 09 while operating in Laldiar Char, Sundarbans. According to reports, shots were fired and fish, nets, and other valuables were raided from the vessels. Twenty-six fishermen are reported to have been kidnapped. The Bangladeshi Coast Guard is currently looking for the kidnappers (Risk Intelligence/MaRisk). . 27. BANGLADESH: Container ship robbed 19 Oct 09 at 2106 local time while anchored in position 22:10.7N – 091:43.3E, Chittagong anchorage. Approximately 25 robbers in three wooden boats armed with long knives approached the vessel from astern. Fifteen of the robbers boarded the vessel via the poop deck and stole ship’s stores before escaping. Local authorities were informed and boarded the vessel for investigation (IMB). . 28. BANGLADESH: Bulk carrier robbed 13 Oct 09 at 2105 UTC while anchored in position 22:10.2N – 091:47.4E, Chittagong anchorage. Robbers armed with long knives boarded the vessel from the stern where one crew member was held hostage until they gained access into the steering gear room.  Ship's stores and equipment were stolen before the robbers escaped in their boat.  Local authorities were informed of the incident (IMB). . I. RED SEA: No current incidents to report. . J. PERSIAN GULF: No current incidents to report. . K. SOUTHEAST ASIA: . 1. SINGAPORE: Tanker (LANTANA) boarded 13 Oct 09 at 0355 local time while anchored in position 01:17N – 104:10.5E, eastern outer port limit. The navigation watch officers sighted a small boat alongside the starboard while anchored awaiting instructions from the company. The small boat was covered with a green canopy and had six men onboard. Two of the men boarded the vessel at the poop deck. The watch officers activated the general alarm and mustered all the crew. Upon hearing the alarm, the men escaped in their boat. No injuries to the crew were reported (ReCAAP). . 2. VIETNAM: Container ship robbed 25 Oct 09 at 0400 local time while anchored in position 20:38.5N – 106:52.8E, Haiphong anchorage. Robbers boarded the vessel from the forecastle and stole ship’s stores before escaping. Local authorities were informed (IMB). . 3. SOUTH CHINA SEA: Fishing vessel fired upon 14 Oct 09 at 1025 local time while underway in position 06:29N – 107:43E, approximately 230NM northeast of the Anambas Islands. Men armed with machine guns in a boat chased the vessel and opened fire. The vessel increased speed and enforced counter-piracy measures while contacting the IMB Piracy Reporting Center for assistance. The IMB immediately contacted the authorities and informed them to render necessary assistance to the crew and vessel. Due to vessel’s speed and preventive measures, the vessel escaped and continued passage toward destination (IMB). . 4. INDONESIA: Bulk carrier robbed 5 Nov 09 at 0320 local time while anchored in position 06:00.6S – 105:56.4E, Ciwandan anchorage. Four robbers in a small boat boarded the vessel from the stern. They tied up one duty watchman and took the other one at knife point to the engine room. They stole engine spares and escaped. No injuries to the crew were reported (IMB). . 5. INDONESIA: Yacht robbed 27 Sep 09 while anchored at Gilli Air (Aer) Island west of Bali, per 9 Nov 09 reporting. While anchored at Gilli Islands on the northwestern corner of Lombock, a yacht reported a robbery during the night of 27 Sep 09. The crew was staying ashore and the boat was left unattended, but was not locked. Approximately $1200 of electronic gear was stolen upon return. The incident was reported the incident to a worker at a local bar who claimed his brother was the village chief, but no action was taken (Noonsite.com). . 6. PHILIPPINES: Container ship robbed 12 Oct 09 while berthed in Pier 5, South Harbor, Manila. An undetermined number of robbers boarded the vessel and stole equipment. Port State Control Center dispatched personnel to intercept the robbers as they fled in an unregistered motor launch towards the coastal area of Las Pinas City. Authorities were unable to capture the robbers. No one from the vessel was injured and authorities are conducting follow-up operations for the immediate arrest of the men responsible (Risk Intelligence/MaRisk). . L. NORTH ASIA: No current incidents to report. . M. PACIFIC-ANTARCTIC OCEAN: No current incidents to report. . N. ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC NON-STATE ACTIVIST GROUPS: No current incidents to report. . 5. Originator of this WWTTS report requests consumer feedback. Originator will incorporate all anti-shipping events and violence against the maritime industry into this weekly message where appropriate. The Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) can be contacted via message traffic at ONI WASHINGTON DC//11// or, the ONI violence at sea (VAS) desk may be contacted at comm. Phone (301) 669-4784 or via e-mail at amoulder@nmic.navy.mil.//