MARAD ADVISORY 2008-04

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VIA     NOTICE TO MARINERS
           US SHIP OPERATOR EMAIL DISTRIBUTION
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GULF OF ADEN

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ALL OPERATORS OF U.S. FLAG, EFFECTIVE U.S. CONTROLLED VESSELS,
AND OTHER MARITIME INTERESTS
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1.      THIS MARAD ADVISORY ALERTS MARINERS TO BE VIGILANT IN THE GULF OF ADEN.  There is extremely high activity in the Gulf of Aden with FOUR vessels HIJACKED and two attacked between 19-21 AuG 08.

2.      ONI FURTHER ADVISES MARINERS TO BE ON HIGH ALERT WHEN TRANSITING THIS AREA, PARTICULARLY THROUGH TO THE END OF NOVEMBER, WHEN MILD WEATHER OF THE FALL TRANSITION PERIOD IS CONDUCIVE TO SMALL BOAT OPERATION.

3.      UKMTO releases flash security alert for the Gulf of Aden, 21 Aug 08. Two vessels have been taken this morning on 21 Aug 08.  It is strongly advised that vessels transit the region maintaining 35-40NM off the Yemen coast and keep clear of the area bounded by 12:40N-046:40E south of the Somali Coast and from 14:30N-53:00E south to Socotra (remaining at the very least 50nm from the island).  It must be pointed out though the last incident with the Chemical Tanker (IRENE) has taken place north of the northern attack line and UKMTO is monitoring this closely.  CTF 150 continues to patrol its region (UKMTO).

4.      IMB issueD A piracy warning to ALL VESSELS SAILING the Gulf of Aden, 19 Aug 08.  In addition to the most recent activity, there have been four further hijackings since the beginning of June. Three additional vessels have also been fired upon since that time.  IMB Director Pottengal Mukundan stated, “The situation in this region is grave.  We are seeing at least one attack every couple of weeks.  These pirates are not afraid to use significant firepower in attempts to bring vessels under their control.  Unless further action is taken, seafarers remain in serious danger whilst navigating the GOA.  In all reported instances, vessels have been Approached by SPeedboats containing men armed with machine guns and RPG launchers.  In their attempts to slow down and board the vessels, the pirates have opened fire against the unarmed merchant ships.  It is understood that coalition warships have intervened and helped prevent two of the attacks.  This is in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1816 (2008) that allows states cooperating with Somalia to enter its territorial waters in order to repress acts of piracy and armed robbery “by all necessary means”.  Mr. Mukundan Continued, “Whilst the intervention of coalition navies has helped in isolated cases, it is by no means a long-term solution.  It is clear that the threat or presence of coalition navies has done little to stem the tide of attacks in this region.”  The IMB advises that Master maintain strict 24-hour piracy watches and be especially wary of any approaching smaller crafts.  The IMB urges the reporting of all actual or attempted attacks, as well as any suspicious vessel movements, to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre.  ONI COMMENT:  Shortly after this reporting was released, the (BUNGA MELATI DUA) was hijacked in the Gulf of Aden.  Three more vessels, including the (IRENE) were hijacked on 21 Aug 08 in the eastern Gulf of Aden as well (IMB, ONI).

5.      FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THIS ADVISORY, CONTACT MR. DOHERTY, MARITIME ADMINISTRATION, OFFICE OF SECURITY, CODE: MAR-420, ROOM W23-312, 1200 NEW JERSEY AVE, S.E., WASHINGTON, DC 20590, TELEPHONE 202-366-1883, FACSIMILE 202-366-3954, TLX II 710.822.9426 (MARAD DOT WSH), OR EMAIL: OWEN.DOHERTY@DOT.GOV

6.      CANCEL MARAD ADVISORY 07-04