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

21 August–18 September 2024

18 September 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.

3. (U) Summary:

A. (U) INDONESIA: On 14 September, seven robbers boarded a Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier while
underway in the eastbound lane of the Singapore Strait Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS).

B. (U) MALAYSIA: On 14 September, eight persons boarded a barge under tow by a Malaysia-flagged tug in the
westbound lane of the Singapore Strait TSS.

C. (U) INDONESIA: On 14 September, five perpetrators boarded a Panama-flagged bulk carrier while underway in
the eastbound lane of the Singapore Strait TSS.

D. (U) MEXICO: On 11 September, robbers boarded an oil platform in the Bay of Campeche of the Gulf of Mexico.

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E. (U) HAITI: On 10 September, armed assailants in a speedboat boarded a container ship in the harbor of Port-au-
Prince and kidnapped two Filipino crew members.

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:

(U) Figure 1. Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea in the Gulf of Mexico

1. (U) MEXICO: On 11 September, six robbers boarded an oil platform in the Bay of Campeche (exact time and
position not specified). The robbers stole several unspecified items and departed. (Clearwater Dynamics)

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

(U) Figure 2. Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea in the Caribbean

1. (U) HAITI: On 10 September, armed assailants in a speedboat boarded a container ship as it maneuvered into
port at Port-au-Prince (exact time and location not specified). The perpetrators kidnapped two Filipino crew
members from the container ship before escaping in their speedboat. (HaitiLibre.com; LaNouvelliste.com;
PLEnglish.com; Clearwater Dynamics)

2. (U) COLOMBIA: On 28 August at 0130 local time, one perpetrator attempted to board an anchored Denmark-
flagged LPG tanker at Cartagena Inner Anchorage, near position 10:19N – 075:32W. The duty crew observed four
perpetrators in a boat near the anchor chain and another in the hawsepipe. The officer on watch was alerted to
the presence of the perpetrators and the fire pumps were activated. Seeing the crew’s alertness, the perpetrators
escaped. The vessel notified port control and the coast guard investigated the area around the tanker. (Clearwater
Dynamics; IMB)

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:

1. (U) EGYPT: On 8 September, Global Positioning System (GPS) interference was reported offshore of Port Said.
(UKMTO; Clearwater Dynamics)

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F. (U) WEST AFRICA – GULF OF GUINEA:

1. (U) NIGERIA: On 2 September at 1000 local time, perpetrators attacked a passenger boat underway in the Bonny
River between Bonny Island and Port Harcourt, near Dutch Island (exact location not specified). The perpetrators
escaped with 10 kidnapped passengers. (Clearwater Dynamics)

2. (U) NIGERIA: On 28 August, perpetrators attacked a passenger boat while underway in the Bonny River between
Abonnema and Kula, Rivers State (exact time and location not specified). The attackers robbed the passengers and
stole the boat. During the incident, one passenger was killed. (Clearwater Dynamics)

3. (U) NIGERIA: On 24 August, perpetrators attacked a passenger boat sailing in the Bonny River between Bonny
Island and Port Harcourt (exact time and location not specified). The attackers escaped with two kidnapped
passengers. (Clearwater Dynamics)

4. (U) NIGERIA: On 22 August, armed assailants attacked a passenger boat transiting in the Bonny River between
Bonny Island and Port Harcourt (exact time and location not specified). The perpetrators took all valuables and
kidnapped five passengers. (Clearwater Dynamics)

G. (U) ARABIAN GULF:

1. (U) IRAN: On 29 August, several reports indicated that GPS interference occurred offshore of Assaluyeh.
(UKMTO; Clearwater Dynamics)

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

1. (U) RED SEA: On 6 September at 0500 UTC, a blue and white skiff with three persons onboard approached a
Saudi Arabia-flagged tanker underway approximately 60 NM southwest of Hodeida, Yemen (exact position not
specified). The company security officer reported that one person onboard the skiff navigated, while the remaining
two individuals looked through binoculars. The skiff came to within 400 meters of the tanker but changed
direction after the vessel’s embarked armed security team displayed their firearms. (UKMTO; Clearwater Dynamics)

2. (U) RED SEA: On 4 September at 1112 UTC, an entity declaring itself to be from the UKMTO requested vessels to
switch on their AIS and provide a present position update. (UKMTO; Clearwater Dynamics)

3. (U) RED SEA: On 2 September at 0630 UTC, a UAV struck the Saudi Arabia-flagged crude oil tanker AMJAD while
underway approximately 58 NM west of Hodeida, Yemen, near position 14:45N – 041:51E. The UAV hit the tanker
in the forward center cargo tank area. The master reported that all crew members were safe, that the vessel
sustained minimal damage but did not require assistance, and that the vessel was continuing to its next port of
call. (UKMTO; Clearwater Dynamics; Joint Maritime Information Center; U.S. Central Command)

4. (U) RED SEA: On 2 September at 0130 UTC, the first of three ballistic missiles targeted the Panama-flagged
crude oil tanker BLUE LAGOON I while underway approximately 70 NM northwest of Saleef, Yemen (exact position
not specified). The first missile hit the tanker on its port quarter. At 0152 UTC, a second missile hit the vessel on its
port side. At 0242 UTC, a third missile impacted the water 50 meters astern of the tanker. The master reported that

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damage control was underway, all crew members were safe, there were no casualties onboard, and that the vessel
was proceeding to its next port of call. (UKMTO; Clearwater dynamics; Joint Maritime Information Center; U.S.
Central Command)

5. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 30 August between 1700 UTC and 1830 UTC, two ballistic missiles targeted the Liberia-
flagged container ship GROTON while underway approximately 130 NM east of Aden, Yemen (exact position not
specified). The first missile impacted the water 50 meters from the port bow. The second missile hit the water off
the ship’s stern. The master reported all crew members were safe and that the vessel was not hit and did not
sustain any damage. The vessel continued its voyage to its next port of call. (UKMTO; Clearwater Dynamics; Joint
Maritime Information Center)

6. (U) RED SEA: On 27 August at 0526 UTC, the Kuwait-flagged product tanker MUTRIBA reported the presence of
an unmanned surface vessel (USV) approximately 24 NM west of Mokha, Yemen, near position 13:20N – 042:49E.
The master of the vessel reported three small boats approximately 3 NM north of the USV. (UKMTO; Clearwater
Dynamics; Joint Maritime Information Center)

7. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 26 August at 1230 UTC, the Palau-flagged crude oil tanker CAROLINE BEZENGI reported
the presence of a USV at a distance of 1 NM, approximately 61 NM southeast of Mokha, Yemen, near position
12:27N – 043:43E. The tanker also reported that two small boats were located approximately 2 NM north of the
USV. (UKMTO; Clearwater Dynamics; Joint Maritime Information Center)

8. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 26 August at 0344 UTC, a small boat with as many as 10 persons onboard approached
the Hong Kong-flagged product tanker VELA approximately 55 NM southeast of Aden, Yemen (exact position not
specified). A ladder was observed onboard the boat but no weapons were noted. After the embarked armed
security team challenged the suspicious boat, it departed the area. (UKMTO; Clearwater Dynamics)

9. (U) RED SEA: On 22 August at 1630 UTC, a tanker reported three suspicious boats moving northeast
approximately 78 NM northwest of Hodeida, Yemen, near position 15:15N – 041:39E. After the master changed
course to increase distance, two of the boats passed on the starboard side at a distance of 1 NM, and the other
passed on the port side at a distance of 5 NM. The master confirmed that the boats were no longer in the area
and that the vessel was safe. (Clearwater Dynamics)

10. (U) RED SEA: On 22 August at 1000 UTC, a merchant vessel reported a USV and two small boats with as many
as three persons onboard maneuvering in a suspicious manner approximately 87 NM west of Saleef, Yemen, near
positon 15:37N – 041:12E. (UKMTO; Clearwater Dynamics)

11. (U) GULF OF ADEN: On 21 August at 1144 UTC, two explosions occurred in the water in close proximity to the
underway Panama-flagged bulk carrier SW NORTH WIND I approximately 57 NM south of Aden, Yemen (exact
position not specified). At 1417 UTC, another explosion happened 500 meters from the vessel, near position 1:18N
– 044:12E. A further two explosions took place in close proximity to the vessel, near position 13:03N – 043:08E. At
0759 UTC on 22 August, a USV struck the vessel on the port beam, resulting in minor damage. At 0900 UTC, the
embarked security team fired against a USV, causing an explosion that resulted in minor damage to the vessel.
The ship reported that all crew members were safe and that the vessel was proceeding to its next port of call.
(UKMTO; Clearwater Dynamics; gCaptain; Joint Maritime Information Center)

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12. (U) RED SEA: On 21 August at 0257 UTC, two skiffs approached the Greece-flagged crude oil tanker SOUNION
while underway approximately 77 NM west of Hodeida, Yemen (exact position not specified). One skiff had as
many as five persons onboard while the other had more than 10 persons onboard. The skiffs hailed the tanker
leading to a brief exchange of small arms fire. Between 0500 and 0549 UTC, three unidentified projectiles struck
the tanker, resulting in a fire onboard and causing the vessel to lose engine power and its ability to maneuver.
Following the attacks, the crew members were reported safe with one crew member sustaining a minor injury. A
French Navy warship later rescued the crew. UPDATE: As of 28 August, multiple fires were detected on the main
deck of SOUNION, which was anchored near position 15:00N – 041:39E. The tanker poses both a navigation risk
and a serious and imminent threat of regional pollution, and all passing vessels in the vicinity are asked to
proceed with utmost caution. (UKMTO; Clearwater Dynamics; vesseltracker.com; Reuters; Joint Maritime
Information Center; Maritime Executive; EUNAVFOR ASPIDES)

I. (U) EAST ASIA – SOUTHEAST ASIA:

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

1. (U) INDONESIA: On 14 September at 0125 local time, seven robbers boarded the Marshall Islands-flagged bulk
carrier ATLANTIC TIGER while underway in the eastbound lane of the Singapore Strait Traffic Separation Scheme
(TSS), near position 01:03N – 103:38E. After crewmembers spotted the perpetrators near the port quarter of their
vessel, all crew members mustered to conduct a search. Following the incident, the master reported all crew as
safe, engine parts had been stolen, and that no assistance was required. The vessel continued its voyage to its
next port of call. (Clearwater Dynamics; ReCAAP)

2. (U) MALAYSIA: On 14 September at 0038 local time, eight robbers from a sampan boarded the barge ALAM 281
under tow by the Malaysia-flagged tug TARGET 10 in the westbound lane of the Singapore Strait TSS, near
position 01:19N – 104:17E. After the incident, the master reported robbers stole scrap metal and all crew members
were safe, no assistance was required, and that the tug proceeded to its next port of call. (Clearwater Dynamics;
ReCAAP)

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3. (U) INDONESIA: On 14 September at 0020 local time, five perpetrators boarded the Panama-flagged bulk carrier
SEA VOYAGER while underway in the eastbound lane of the Singapore Strait TSS, near position 01:04N – 103:37E.
The duty crew spotted the perpetrators in the engine room. One perpetrator carried a suspected firearm and
another was armed with a knife. The master raised the alarm and the crew mustered and conducted a search. No
perpetrators were found onboard the ship. Following the incident, the master reported that all crew members
were safe, no injuries were sustained, and nothing was stolen. The vessel continued its transit to the next port of
call. (Clearwater Dynamics; ReCAAP)

4. (U) INDONESIA: On 27 August at 2320 local time, five robbers boarded the Panama-flagged bulk carrier LUCKY
LONG while underway in the eastbound lane of the Singapore Strait TSS, near position 01:15N – 104:01E. The crew
spotted the robbers, two of whom carried knives, in the engine room and raised the alarm. After the crew
searched the ship, the master reported that all crew members were safe, generator spare parts were stolen, and
that the ship was proceeding to its next port of call. (Clearwater Dynamics; ReCAAP)

5. (U) INDONESIA: On 23 August at 1230 local time, seven robbers from two sampans boarded the barge JIN HWA
39 while under tow by the Malaysia-flagged tug JIN HWA 49 in the westbound lane of the Singapore Strait TSS,
near position 01:17N – 104:08E. The sampans left the barge after approximately 10 minutes. The tug master
reported that the robbers stole scrap metal, all crew members were safe, and that the tug and barge required no
assistance. (ReCAAP; Clearwater Dynamics)

J. (U) INDIAN SUBCONTINENT: No current incidents to report.

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

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

*Horn of Africa hijacking numbers include Dhows and Fishing Vessels

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.

 (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.

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 (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

2024-012: Black Sea and Sea of Azov – Military Combat
6 SEP 24 21 FEB 25
Operations
2024-010: Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean –
16 AUG 24 12 FEB 25
Piracy/Armed Robbery/Kidnapping for Ransom
2024-009: Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman – Iranian
16 AUG 24 12 FEB 25
Illegal Boarding / Detention / Seizure
2024-008: Southern Red Sea, Bab el Mandeb Strait, and
16 AUG 24 12 Feb 25
Gulf of Aden – Houthi Attacks on Commercial Vessels
2024-007: Gulf of Guinea – Piracy/Armed Robbery/
24 JUN 24 21 DEC 24
Kidnapping for Ransom
2024-005: Global – U.S. Maritime Advisory Updates,
16 APR 24 12 OCT 24
Resources, and Contacts

(U) ICOD: 18 September 2024

(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/

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