Somalia - NE and Eastern Coast - Thirty two incidents have been reported since March 15 2005. Heavily armed pirates are now attacking ships further away from the coast. Ships not making scheduled calls at Somali ports are advised to keep at least 200 nm from the Somali coast.Recently reported incidents
November 20 2005 at 0345 LT at Umm Qasr anchorage, off no 2 buoy, Iraq. Five heavily armed robbers boarded a bulk carrier from starboard quarter. They took hostage two duty crew on deck and went to bridge where they held 2nd Officer and two seamen at gunpoint. They went to master's cabin and stole master's property and cash from ship's safe. They then proceeded to C/OÂŽs cabin and stole cash. Robbers escaped in their speedboat. Master and crew received serious injuries. Crew contacted coalition forces who provided medical assistance. Injured crew are recovering onboard.
November 19 2005 at 2200 UTC in position 29:43.4N - 048:37.5E at Umm Qasr anchorage off no 5 buoy, Iraq. Three pirates armed with machine guns and pistols boarded a bulk carrier at bridge deck and took 2nd Officer hostage. They forced him to take them to master's cabin. They threatened the master with machine guns and stole ship's cash and master’s personal property. They then assaulted 2nd Officer and stole his cash and property. Master and 2nd Officer suffered injuries. Pirates damaged all radio equipment and took the 2nd Officer to forecastle and then escaped in a waiting speedboat. Master activated SSAS and notified RCC Australia. Later a naval ship in the area came to provide assistance.
November 19 2005 at 2000 LT in position 10:19N - 075:23W at Cartagena Bay, Colombia. Four robbers boarded a tanker from forecastle. Duty watchmen raised alarm. Robbers broke padlocks of forward locker and stole ship’s stores together with safety equipment and escaped. Coast guard and port authorities were notified and both came onboard within 30 mins to investigate.