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

24 January–21 February 2024

21 February 2024

(U) Table of Contents:

1. (U) Scope Note

2. (U) Warnings and Advisories
3. (U) Summary
4. (U) Details: Monthly Incidents by Region
5. (U) Appendix A: Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea Statistics and Trends
6. (U) Appendix B: Definitions and Sourcing
7. (U) Appendix C: Active U.S. Maritime Advisories

1. (U) Scope Note

(U) The Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) report provides information on threats to merchant vessels, the
shipping industry, and other maritime stakeholders worldwide in the last 30 days. This report is produced primarily
to inform merchant mariners and naval forces.

2. (U) Warnings, Advisories and Alerts: See Appendix C for active advisories.

A. (U) U.S. Maritime Advisory 2024-002: Worldwide – Foreign Adversarial Technological, Physical. And
Cyber Influence
Issued on 21 February 2024. This advisory seeks to alert maritime stakeholders of potential vulnerabilities to
maritime port equipment, networks, operating systems, software, and infrastructure. Foreign companies
manufacture, install, and maintain port equipment that poses vulnerabilities to global maritime infrastructure
information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) systems. The U.S. Government in the past few years
has published several documents illuminating the risks associated with integrating and utilizing the People’s
Republic of China’s (PRC’s) state-supported National Public Information Platform for Transportation and Logistics
(LOGINK), Nuctech scanners, and automated ship-to-shore cranes worldwide. For more information about U.S.
Maritime Alerts and Advisories, please visit https://www.maritime.dot.gov/msci/. This advisory cancels U.S.
Maritime Advisory 2023-009 and will automatically expire on 19 August 2024

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3. (U) Summary:

A. (U) GUINEA-BISSAU: On 20 February, one small boat approached a cargo ship approximately 160 NM west of
Eticoga Island.

B. (U) INDONESIA: On 20 February, two robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored bulk carrier at Panjang
Anchorage.

C. (U) INDONESIA: On 20 February four robbers holding gun-like objects boarded an underway bulk carrier in the
eastbound lane of the Singapore Strait Traffic Separation Scheme.

D. (U) BAB EL-MANDEB STRAIT: On 19 February, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) struck a merchant vessel
approximately 60 NM north of Djibouti, Djibouti.

E. (U) RED SEA: On 19 February, two UAVs approached and followed a merchant vessel approximately 90 NM west
of Jizan, Saudi Arabia.

F. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 19 February, an explosion occurred in close proximity to a merchant vessel
approximately 100 NM east of Aden, Yemen.

G. (U) BAB EL-MANDEB STRAIT: On 18 February, multiple missiles hit a bulk carrier approximately 35 NM south of
Mokha, Yemen, which resulted in significant damage and caused the vessel’s crew to abandon ship.

H. (U) LIBERIA: On 16 February, a product tanker berthed at Monrovia Port was boarded by an unknown number
of robbers.

I. (U) BANGLADESH: On 16 February, four robbers boarded a container ship anchored at Chittagong Anchorage.

J. (U) RED SEA: On 16 February, a crude oil tanker was targeted by three missiles approximately 63 NM southwest
of Hodeidah, Yemen.

K. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 15 February, an explosion occurred in close proximity to a merchant vessel
approximately 85 NM east of Aden, Yemen.

4. (U) 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 past 30 days. Every effort is made to ensure that
incidents are not double-counted. In the event that double-counting is detected, or an incident is later found 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: No current incidents to report.

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B. (U) CENTRAL AMERICA – CARIBBEAN – SOUTH AMERICA: No current incidents to report.

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

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

E. (U) MEDITERRANEAN – BLACK SEA: No current incidents to report.

F. (U) WEST AFRICA – GULF OF GUINEA:

(U) Figure 1. West Africa – Gulf of Guinea Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea

1. (U) GUINEA-BISSAU: On 20 February at 2250 UTC, one small boat approached an underway cargo ship
approximately 160 NM west of Eticoga Island, near position 11:24N – 018:50W. When the boat approached to
within 0.9 NM, the vessel implemented evasive maneuvers and the boat aborted its approach. Following the
incident, the crew and vessel were reported safe. (MDAT-GoG; Clearwater Dynamics)

2. (U) LIBERIA: On 16 February at an unspecified time, an unknown number of robbers boarded a product tanker
berthed at Monrovia Port, near position 06:21N – 010:47W. The robbers escaped unnoticed after stealing ship’s
property. The theft was discovered after the tanker departed port. (IMB; Clearwater Dynamics)

3. (U) NIGERIA: On 7 February at 2300 local time, up to 10 robbers boarded a Marshall Islands-flagged cargo ship
berthed at Berth 9, Lagos Port, near position 06:26N – 003:22E. The robbers gained access to ship’s stores and
stole containers of paint. (MDAT-GoG; Clearwater Dynamics)

4. (U) NIGERIA: On 7 February at 2300 local time, up to 10 robbers boarded a Bahamas-flagged container ship
berthed at Lagos Port, near position 06:25N – 003:20E. The robbers gained access to ship’s stores and stole more
than 600 kilograms of paint containers. (MDAT-GoG; Clearwater Dynamics)

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5. (U) ANGOLA: On 25 January at 0130 local time, robbers boarded an anchored offshore supply vessel at Luanda
Anchorage, near position 08:44S – 013:17E. After seeing a small canoe moving away from the vessel, the security
watchman reported to the duty officer, resulting in a search of the vessel. During the search, two 50-meter
mooring lines were reported missing. The incident was reported to port authorities. (Clearwater Dynamics; MDAT-
GoG; IMB)

G. (U) ARABIAN GULF:

1. (U) ARABIAN GULF: On 28 January at an unspecified time, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
seized a tanker 60 NM off the coast of Bandar Bushehr, Iran (exact location not specified). An IRGC Commander
stated during a press briefing that the tanker is from “a country in Oceania” and was detained with 14
crewmembers from ”two Asian countries”. After searching the ship, the IRGC determined that the apprehended
tanker was loaded with two million liters of diesel fuel, which they asserted was being smuggled illegally out of
Iran. (Maritime Executive; Clearwater Dynamics)

H. (U) INDIAN OCEAN – EAST AFRICA – RED SEA:

(U) Figure 2. Red Sea – Gulf of Aden Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea

1. (U) BAB EL-MANDEB STRAIT: On 19 February at 1820 UTC, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) struck the
Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier NAVIS FORTUNA approximately 60 NM north of Djibouti, Djibouti, near
position 12:28N – 043:30E. The UAV caused superficial damage to the accommodation superstructure. The crew
were reported safe and the vessel proceeded to its next port of call. (UKMTO; Clearwater Dynamics; U.S. Central
Command)

2. (U) RED SEA: On 19 February at 1746 UTC, two UAVs approached a merchant vessel approximately 90 NM west
of Jizan, Saudi Arabia, near position 16:32N – 040:55E. The UAVs followed the vessel for 30 minutes at an assessed

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height of 100 meters, and later departed the area. The crew and vessel were reported safe. (UKMTO; Clearwater
Dynamics)

3. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 19 February at 0955 UTC, an explosion occurred in close proximity to the Greece-
flagged bulk carrier SEA CHAMPION 100 NM east of Aden, Yemen (exact location not specified). Approximately 2
hours later, the vessel was targeted by another attack, in which an object impacted the water within 15 meters of
the vessel’s starboard side. Following the attacks, evidence of shrapnel and damage to the vessel’s paintwork were
observed. The vessel and crew were reported safe and the vessel continued its voyage. (UKMTO; Clearwater
Dynamics; U.S. Central Command)

4. (U) BAB EL-MANDEB STRAIT: On 18 February at 2000 UTC, multiple missiles struck the Belize-flagged bulk
carrier RUBYMAR approximately 35 NM south of Mokha, Yemen (exact location not specified). One missile hit the
side of the vessel near its engine room and another hit the vessel’s deck. Following the missile strikes, the bulk
carrier’s 24 crewmembers and the armed security team that were onboard abandoned ship, and were transferred
to another commercial vessel. As of Wednesday, the bulk carrier was still afloat, but listing, with its stern low in the
water. The vessel’s owner stated that it was being towed to Djibouti. (BBC; UKMTO; Clearwater Dynamics;
Washington Post)

5. (U) RED SEA: On 16 February at 1331 UTC, three missiles targeted the Panama-flagged crude oil tanker POLLUX
approximately 72 NM northwest of Mokha, Yemen, near position 14:03N – 042:16E. The first two missiles landed in
the water near the vessel, and the third missile hit the port side of the main deck. No casualties were reported. The
tanker sustained minor damage, but reported no smoke or fire. The crew and vessel were reported safe. (UKMTO;
Clearwater Dynamics; U.S. Central Command)

6. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 15 February at 1345 UTC, an explosion occurred in close proximity to the Barbados-
flagged bulk carrier LYCAVITOS approximately 85 NM east of Aden, Yemen, near position 12:40N – 046:55E. The
vessel sustained light damage and the crew were reported as safe. Following the incident, the vessel proceeded to
its next port of call. (UKMTO; Clearwater Dynamics; U.S. Central Command)

7. (U) RED SEA: On 14 February at 2300 UTC, a merchant vessel underway approximately 12 NM southwest of
Mokha, Yemen, near position 13:09N – 043:05E spotted two possible UAVs. As soon as the master noticed the first
flying object, the vessel performed evasive maneuvers including rapid course changes. A second flying object
subsequently approached, but soon departed the area. After 10 minutes, the first flying object disappeared from
view. The crew and vessel were reported safe and the vessel continued its voyage. (Clearwater Dynamics)

8. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 13 February at 1820 UTC, U.S. forces observed a ballistic missile launched from Houthi-
controlled territory in Yemen into the Gulf of Aden (exact location not specified). U.S. Navy ships tracked the
missile but took no action because the missile was not projected to impact near any ships. There were no reports
of injuries or damage from ships in the area. (U.S. Central Command; Clearwater Dynamics)

9. (U) BAB EL-MANDEB STRAIT: On 12 February at 0035 UTC, the Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier STAR IRIS
was attacked by two missiles while transiting southbound through the Red Sea, approximately 40 NM south of
Mokha, Yemen (exact position not specified). The vessel sustained minor damage as a result of the attack. The
crew were reported safe and the bulk carrier continued its voyage. (UKMTO; Clearwater Dynamics; Reuters)

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10. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 6 February at 1100 UTC, an explosion occurred in close proximity to the Marshall
Islands-flagged bulk carrier STAR NASIA approximately 50 NM south of Aden, Yemen, near position 11:59N –
044:29E. U.S. Central Command reported that Houthi militants had targeted the bulk carrier with three anti-ship
ballistic missiles (ASBMs). The explosion of one missile caused minor damage but no injuries. Later another missile
impacted the water with no effect. USS LABOON, operating near STAR NASIA, shot down a third ASBM. The crew
was reported safe and the vessel remained seaworthy. (UKMTO; Clearwater Dynamics; U.S. Central Command)

11. (U) RED SEA: On 6 February at 0050 UTC, a projectile passed over the deck of a merchant vessel transiting
approximately 57 NM west of Hodeida, Yemen, near position 14:19N – 042:14E. The projectile caused slight
damage to the bridge windows. According to U.S. Central Command, at approximately the same time, Houthi
forces fired three ASBMs likely targeting the Barbados-flagged cargo ship MORNING TIDE operating in the
southern Red Sea. The three missiles impacted the water near the ship without damage. The crew and vessel are
reported safe, and the vessel continued its planned passage. (UKMTO; Clearwater Dynamics; U.S. Central
Command)

12. (U) ARABIAN SEA: On 3 February at 1040 UTC, a cargo vessel transiting through the Indian Ocean reported a
medium-sized vessel ahead acting suspiciously approximately 345 NM east of Socotra Island, near position
13:01N – 060:29E The suspicious vessel launched a small boat, which approached and proceeded to follow the
cargo vessel. After approximately 20 minutes, another small boat was seen approaching. The master increased
speed and carried out evasive maneuvers, after which the small boats stopped following the vessel. No weapons
or ladders were sighted. The master reported all crew were safe and the cargo vessel continued its voyage.
(Clearwater Dynamics)

13. (U) RED SEA: On 2 February at 1820 UTC, USS LABOON and F/A-18 fighters from USS EISENHOWER Carrier
Strike Group engaged and shot down seven UAVs over the Red Sea (exact location not specified). There were no
injuries or damage reported. (Clearwater Dynamics)

14. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 2 February at 0730 UTC, USS CARNEY observed and destroyed a UAV over the Gulf of
Aden (exact position not specified). There were no reported injuries or damage. (Clearwater Dynamics)

15. (U) RED SEA: On 1 February at 0950 UTC, two missiles exploded in the water 0.5 NM from a Liberia-flagged
cargo vessel transiting north approximately 64 NM west of Hodeidah, Yemen, near position 14:37N – 041:49E. One
missile impacted the water near the vessel’s port side and the other impacted the water near the vessel’s
starboard side. Following the incident, the crew mustered. The vessel was undamaged and the crew were reported
safe. The vessel continued its transit as part of a coalition convoy. (UKMTO; Clearwater Dynamics)

16. (U) RED SEA: On 1 February at 0730 UTC, U.S. Central Command identified an explosive unmanned surface
vehicle (USV) in the Red Sea (exact location not specified). The USV had been launched from Houthi-controlled
territory in Yemen and was heading toward international shipping lanes. U.S. forces determined the USV
presented an imminent threat to vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the area and destroyed the USV. There have been
no reports of injuries or damages sustained to any vessel. (Clearwater Dynamics)

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17. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 1 February at 0300 UTC, U.S. forces observed and destroyed a UAV over the Gulf of
Aden (exact position not specified). There were no reported injuries or damage. (Clearwater Dynamics)

18. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 31 January at 1730 UTC, USS CARNEY shot down an anti-ship ballistic missile fired from
Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen (exact position not specified). Subsequently, at 1810 UTC, USS CARNEY
intercepted three UAVs operating in its vicinity. No injuries or damage were reported. (Clearwater Dynamics)

19. (U) ARABIAN SEA: On 31 January at 1120 UTC, two suspected motherships altered course toward a merchant
vessel and a skiff approached the vessel while it was underway 470 NM east of Socotra Island, Yemen, near
position 12:44N – 062:29E. Threats were reported to have been heard over channel 16. The perpetrators
abandoned their approach as the vessel increased speed and changed course. (Clearwater Dynamics)

20. (U) RED SEA: On 30 January at an unspecified time, USS GRAVELY shot down an anti-ship cruise missile fired
from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen (exact position not specified). No injuries or damage from the missile
were reported. (Clearwater Dynamics)

21. (U) RED SEA: On 29 January at 1535 UTC, three small boats approached a merchant vessel on its starboard
bow 44 NM west of Mokha, Yemen (exact position not specified). The three boats regrouped astern with the
closest approaching to within 1 NM of the vessel. The master described one of the boats as grey in color with a
front-mounted weapon. The embarked armed security team fired warning shots and the small boats departed the
area. The crew and vessel were reported safe and the vessel continued on its voyage. (UKMTO; Clearwater
Dynamics)

22. (U) ARABIAN SEA: On or before 29 January at an unspecified time, 11 Somali pirates hijacked the Iran-flagged
fishing vessel AL NAEEMI off the east coast of Somalia (exact position not specified). After boarding the vessel, the
perpetrators took the 19 Pakistani crew members hostage. The Indian Navy responded to the incident, intercepted
the fishing vessel on the evening of 29 January, and compelled the perpetrators to release the fishing vessel and
its crew. (Associated Press; Indian Navy)

23. (U) RED SEA: On 28 January at an unspecified time, Houthis launched a UAV toward the British Navy’s HMS
DIAMOND 144 NM northwest of Hodeida, Yemen (exact position not specified). (Clearwater Dynamics; Maritime
Executive)

24. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 28 January at an unspecified time, pirates hijacked the Iran-flagged fishing vessel IMAN
off the coast of Abo, Somalia (exact position not specified). Once onboard, the perpetrators restrained the vessel’s
17 Iranian crew members. The Indian Navy’s INS SUMITRA responded to the dhow’s distress call on 28 January
and successfully negotiated the safe release of both the crew and vessel on 29 January. (Clearwater Dynamics;
Indian Navy)

25. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 28 January at 0610 UTC, a small craft with five armed persons onboard approached a
merchant vessel 70 NM northwest of Bossaso, Somalia, near position 11:32N – 048:01E. None of the perpetrators
wore a uniform. The armed security team fired two warning shots and the small boat broke away from its
approach. The master reported that the vessel and all crew were safe, and the vessel continued its voyage.
(UKMTO; Clearwater Dynamics; IMB)

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26. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: On 27 January at 1600 UTC, pirates hijacked the Sri Lanka-flagged fishing trawler
LORENZO PUTHA 4 approximately 965 NM east of Mogadishu, Somalia, near position 00:35N – 061:19E. On 29
January, the Seychelles People’s Defense Force and coast guard, in coordination with forces from India and Sri
Lanka, rescued the six Sri Lankan crew members and apprehended three hijackers. The crew and fishing trawler
were escorted to Port Victoria in the Seychelles. (Clearwater Dynamics; IMB; gCaptain; Maritime Executive;
Associated Press; ReCAAP)

27. (U) ARABIAN SEA: On 27 January at 0810 UTC, a small boat, with four persons armed with automatic rifles and
a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, approached a merchant vessel 780 NM east of Hafun, Somalia, near position
10:31N – 064:28E. After the boat came to within 300 meters of the vessel, the armed security team aboard the
merchant vessel fired warning shots and exchanged gunfire with the perpetrators. The small boat then retreated
to a mothership. The crew and vessel were reported safe and the vessel continued its voyage. (UKMTO; Clearwater
Dynamics; IMB)

28. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 26 January at 1642 UTC, a Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile struck the Marshall Islands-
flagged product tanker MARLIN LUANDA while it was underway 60 NM southeast of Aden, Yemen, near position
12:04N – 045:44E. Following the missile strike, a fire ensued in one of the cargo holds. USS CARNEY, the French
Navy’s FS ALSACE and the Indian Navy’s INS VISAKHAPATNAM responded, providing critical firefighting material
and assistance to the civilian crew, who had depleted onboard firefighting capability. The fire was extinguished
with no casualties. The ship remained seaworthy and continued its voyage. (UKMTO; Clearwater Dynamics; U.S.
Central Command)

29. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 26 January at 1025 UTC, two anti-ship ballistic missiles exploded in the water off the
port side of a merchant vessel underway 60 NM southwest of Aden, Yemen, near position 11:57N – 044: 25E. The
master reported that the vessel and crew were safe and that there was no ship damage. The vessel continued its
voyage. (UKMTO; Clearwater Dynamics)

30. U) RED SEA: On 24 January at 1955 UTC, a UAV attacked a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier approximately 144 NM
northwest of Hodeidah, Yemen, near position 16:21N – 040:46E. The UAV flew over the vessel before hitting the
water nearby. No damage was sustained by the vessel and no injuries to the crew were reported. (Clearwater
Dynamics)

31. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 24 January at 1100 UTC, Houthis fired three anti-ship ballistic missiles at the U.S.-
flagged and -owned container ship MAERSK DETROIT while it was underway approximately 50 NM south of
Mokha, Yemen (exact position not specified). The container ship was transiting with another U.S.-flagged
container ship under a scheduled escort from a U.S. Navy ship. One missile impacted in the sea, 100 meters off
MAERSK DETROIT’s starboard side. The two other missiles were successfully engaged and shot down by USS
GRAVELY. There were no reported injuries or damage to the ship or crew. (UKMTO; Clearwater Dynamics; U.S.
Central Command; vesseltracker.com)

32. (U) INDIAN OCEAN: On 24 January at 0630 UTC, a skiff, with an unknown number of persons and a ladder
onboard, approached a merchant vessel approximately 960 NM east-southeast of Eyl, Somalia, near position
05:30N – 065:48E. An armed security team onboard the vessel fired warning shots which resulted in the skiff

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aborting the approach. It was reported that the skiff then headed toward what appeared to be a mothership. (IMB;
Clearwater Dynamics)

I. (U) EAST ASIA – SOUTHEAST ASIA:

(U) Figure 3. East Asia – Southeast Asia Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea

1. (U) INDONESIA: On 20 February at 0400 local time, two robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored bulk
carrier at Panjang Anchorage, near position 05:29S – 105:17E. The duty oiler spotted the robbers in the engine
room and raised the alarm after evading capture by the robbers. Seeing the crew’s alertness, the robbers escaped
with ship’s spare engine parts. The crew was reported safe and the incident was reported to local authorities. (IMB;
Clearwater Dynamics)

2. (U) INDONESIA: On 20 February at 0308 local time, four robbers holding gun-like objects boarded an underway
Hong Kong-flagged bulk carrier in the eastbound lane of the Singapore Strait Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS),
near position 01:08 N – 103:29E. The crew detected the robbers in the engine room. A subsequent search of the
vessel revealed that the robbers had escaped and that spare engine parts had been stolen. The master reported all
crew safe and that the vessel did not require assistance. The bulk carrier continued its voyage to Singapore.
(Clearwater Dynamics)

3. (U) INDONESIA: On 6 February at 0405 local time, four perpetrators boarded the underway Cyprus-flagged bulk
carrier MARIA MARIA in the eastbound lane of the Singapore Strait TSS, near position 01:09N – 103:28E. The crew
reported up to four persons in the engine room. After a search by the crew, the master confirmed all crew safe,
and nothing was reported missing. No assistance was required and the ship continued its voyage to Singapore.
(Clearwater Dynamics; ReCAAP)

4. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 2 February at 0040 local time, five perpetrators boarded the Cyprus-flagged container ship
NORDPUMA anchored at the Manila Bay Anchorage, near position 14:23N – 120:48E. The perpetrators stole ship’s
stores and then escaped. The alarm was raised, and fire hoses were activated while the crew conducted a search.

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The ship reported the incident to the vessel traffic management system Manila. The Philippines Coast Guard
responded and carried out an inspection. (IMB; Clearwater Dynamics; ReCAAP; vesseltracker.com)

5. (U) INDONESIA: On 31 January at 0200 local time, six robbers armed with long knives boarded the Singapore-
flagged bulk carrier CLIPPER I-STAR underway in the eastbound lane of the Singapore Strait TSS, near position
01:09N – 103:28E. After gaining access to the engine room, the robbers tied up the chief engineer and oiler, and
blindfolded the third engineer. The alerted crew raised the alarm, and, hearing the alarm, the robbers escaped
with stolen ship’s engine spare parts. The master reported the incident to the local authorities. (IMB; Clearwater
Dynamics; vesseltracker.com; ReCAAP)

6. (U) INDONESIA: On 28 January at 0450 local time, the duty watchkeeper spotted a perpetrator attempting to
board the Cyprus-flagged product tanker AL AMERAT at Lubuk Gaung Anchorage, near position 01:43N – 101:24E.
The watchkeeper then raised the alarm. Upon hearing the alarm, the perpetrator escaped. The ship informed port
authorities of the incident. (Clearwater Dynamics; IMB; vesseltracker.com)

J. (U) INDIAN SUBCONTINENT:

(U) Figure 4. Indian Subcontinent Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea

1. (U) BANGLADESH: On 16 February at 2130 local time, four robbers armed with knives boarded a container ship
anchored at Chittagong Anchorage, near position 22:09N – 091:46E. After the duty watch stander observed the
robbers, the alarm was raised and the crew mustered. The crew conducted a search and discovered ship’s stores
had been stolen. The master notified port control, local agents, and the coast guard. (IMB; Clearwater Dynamics)

2. (U) BANGLADESH: On 3 February at 0610 local time, the duty watchkeeper spotted two perpetrators attempting
to board a container ship at Chittagong Inner Anchorage, near position 22:09N – 091:46E. The alarm was sounded,
and the crew mustered. Upon hearing the alarm and seeing the crew’s alertness, the perpetrators aborted the
boarding and left empty-handed. The ship informed port authorities of the incident. (IMB; Clearwater Dynamics)

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3. (U) INDIA: On 27 January at 0130 local time, a robber boarded the Marshall Islands-flagged product tanker
WHITE PEACH anchored at Kakinada Anchorage, near position 17:01N – 082:21E. A duty crewman noticed the
robber transferring ship’s stores into a small boat alongside the tanker. The crew member raised the alarm and
upon hearing the alarm, the robber escaped with stolen items. Port authorities were informed. (Clearwater
Dynamics; ReCAAP)

4. (U) INDIA: On 24 January at 2345 local time, at least one robber boarded the India-flagged tanker REGENCY at
Kakinada Port, near position 17:03N – 082:24E. The duty watchkeeper noticed a suspicious boat roaming near the
ship’s forward and aft. As the watchkeeper proceeded to investigate, they saw one robber jump into the water at
the port side of the ship and escape in the waiting boat with five other persons onboard. Three mooring lines
were later found to be missing. The ship reported the incident to port authorities. (ReCAAP; vesseltracker.com)

K. (U) AUSTRALIA – NEW ZEALAND – PACIFIC OCEAN AREA: No current incidents to report.

5. (U) Appendix A: Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea Statistics and Trends

6. (U) Appendix B: Definitions and Sourcing

A. (U) Definitions: In order to promote consistent use of accurate terms of reference, we use the following
definitions to describe a range of criminal antishipping activity and impediments to safe navigation in our
worldwide reporting and analysis.

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 (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 embarkation 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) Hijacking/Kidnapping Combination – Unauthorized seizure and retention of a vessel by persons not
part of its complement who forcefully remove crew members from vessel when disembarking.

 (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.

B. (U) Sourcing: ONI derives information in this report primarily from government agencies, piracy reporting
centers, maritime security companies, and open press.

7. (U) Appendix C: Active U.S. Maritime Advisories

Title Effective Date Expiration Date

2024-002: Worldwide – Foreign Adversarial Technological,
21 FEB 24 19 AUG 24
Physical, and Cyber Influence
2024-001: Southern Red Sea, Bab el Mandeb Strait, Gulf of
Aden, Northwestern Indian Ocean, Somali Basin, Arabian
2 FEB 24 31 JUL 24
Sea, Gulf of Oman, Strait of Hormuz, and Persian Gulf –
Threats to Commercial Vessels
2023-016: Gulf of Guinea – Piracy/Armed Robbery/
27 DEC 23 24 JUN 24
Kidnapping for Ransom
2023-015: Global – Overview of the U.S. Maritime Advisory
22 DEC 23 19 JUN 24
System
2023-014: Eastern Mediterranean Sea – Regional Conflict 26 OCT 23 23 APR 24
2023-013: Various – GPS Interference & AIS Spoofing 2 OCT 23 30 MAR 24
2023-012: Global – New U.S. Maritime Alert and Advisory
22 SEP 23 24 MAR 24
Subscription Process
2023-010: Black Sea and Sea of Azov – Military Combat
1 SEP 23 28 FEB 24
Operations

(U) ICOD: 21 February 2024

UNCLASSIFIED
12
 UNCLASSIFIED

(U) The Worldwide Threat to Shipping reports are posted weekly on the ONI Intelligence Portal:
https://www.oni.navy.mil/ONI-Reports/Shipping-Threat-Reports/Worldwide-Threat-to-Shipping/

UNCLASSIFIED
13