We cover piracy, armed robbery at sea, IUU fishing, maritime cyber security and maritime security issues.
Two alleged Somali pirates previously accused of kidnapping an American journalist and holding him for more than two and a half years were hit with fresh federal charges on Wednesday — including new allegations they were working on behalf of terrorists.
Mohamed Thalil Mohamed and Abdi Hassad were previously hit with kidnapping raps in connection with the long captivity of Michael Scott Moore.
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Source: nypost.com
On the morning of 20 October 2019, EU NAVFOR Somalia Operation ATALANTA received a request to assist a vessel belonging to the Somali Navy in distress some 60 km north of Cadale. The vessel had reportedly experienced mechanical difficulties and the crew was concerned for their safety.
EU NAVFOR Somalia launched a maritime patrol reconnaissance aircraft (MPRA) to determine the location of the Somali Naval vessel in distress. After contact and coordination with the Somali Navy Headquarters and the Mogadishu Port Police, Operation ATALANTA decided to send its closest vessel to assist the Somali Navy personnel. The Spanish frigate ESPS Canarias had been on its way to make a scheduled port visit nearby when the distress call altered the mission.
“Our team has headed the ESPS Canarias with great tact and efficiency upon reacting on this emergency request,” said Operation ATALANTA Commander Major-General Antonio Planells Palau.
“Operation ATALANTA remains committed to maintaining security in the waters off the Somali coast and supporting other actors with shared objectives in the region. We are proud to have assisted these Somali Navy sailors to safety. Well done everyone.”
EU NAVFOR Somalia operates in an Area of Operations that covers the Southern Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and a large part of the Indian Western Ocean.
In addition to deterring piracy and contributing to the free flow of commerce, Operation ATALANTA’s mandate includes monitoring of fishing activity off the coast of Somalia, protecting vessels of the World Food Programme (WFP) and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and supporting other EU missions and international organisations working to strengthen maritime security and capacity in the region.
Source: eunavfor.eu
Aggressive action by Indonesia’s marine police is putting pressure on Southeast Asian pirates and the number of local attacks is falling, the crime-fighting International Maritime Bureau has reported.
“Recent meetings and continued dialogue between the Indonesian marine police and the IMB PRC resulted in positive actions by the Indonesian authorities which have so far brought incidents down. With the assistance and actions of the IMP, the incidents appear to be decreasing each quarter,” the IMB has stated.
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Source: freightwaves.com
TOKYO — Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Tuesday informed the United States’ government that Tokyo plans to send defence forces to help safeguard waterways in the Middle East without joining a US-led maritime security coalition, Japanese officials said.
During phone talks between Motegi and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the two also pledged close co-operation on Middle East issues so as to ease tensions, which remain high amid a standoff between the US and Iran.
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Source: vietnamnews.vn
Seizure Of Narcotics (Crystal And Heroine) 22 October By Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, Pakistan Navy Andpakistan Customs Through Combined Operation
In a joint Intelligence based Counter Narcotics Operation by Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Customs and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency at Pishukan near Jiwani, Balochistan a fishing boat namely AL-QAMBER Registration No. 13181 along with 12 crew members were apprehended and a huge cache of narcotics including 102.90 KGs Crystal and 171.15 KGs synthetic Heroine was recovered from the apprehended vessel which was hidden in specially constructed secret compartments of the boat.
The value of narcotics in International market is Rs 2740.5 Million. The seized narcotics are handed over to the Custom Authorities for further legal proceedings.
PSMA being the sole law enforcement agency in maritime Zones of Pakistan maintains its permanent presence at sea with its Ships and Aircraft to counter any legal activity. Successful operation by Pakistan Maritime Security Agency resulting in seizure is vigilant and remains committed in preventing use of Pakistani waters for any unlawful act/purpose. Pakistan Maritime Security Agency will continue to shoulder its national obligation and responsibility to establish lawful order at sea.
Source: paknavy.gov.pk
Ocean Marine Solution Limited (OMSL) has faulted the claim by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) that the Secure Anchorage Area (SSA) manned by it, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, constituted a threat to national security.
A Secure Anchorage Area is an area outside the Lagos port that the Nigerian Navy, together with OMSL, has defined as a secure place where vessels can anchor safely from the threat of pirate attacks.
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Source: nationalaccordnewspaper.com
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Relentless military operations have prevented the resurgence of kidnapping in Mindanao.
Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said recent reports of kidnapping could be the handiwork of mid-level Abu Sayyaf leaders who are out to make a living.
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Source: philstar.com
KOTA KINABALU: The curfew in the waters off seven districts in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), which ends tomorrow, has been extended to Nov 7, said Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Omar Mammah.
The curfew from 6 pm to 6 am covers the waters off Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran, he said in a statement today.
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Source: theborneopost.com
By Precious Igbonwelundu
Challenged by the delays in the criminal justice system, the Nigerian Navy (NN) has appealed to the government to consider establishing a special tribunal for speedy trial of suspected oil thieves.
Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral Oladele Daji stated this during interview with reporters at the 81 Division’s training day for Exercise Crocodile Smile IV held at the Ikeja Cantonment, Lagos.
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Source: thenationonlineng.net
India has a vast coastline of 7,516 km touching 13 states and union territories. It also has around 1,197 islands.
New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs has completed the modalities of setting up a new armed force — Central Marine Police Force — to strengthen coastal security. A final proposal would be sent to the Cabinet by early next month for approval, a source in the ministry said on Saturday.
About the structure of the force, a senior ministry officer said, “Unlike other Central Armed Police Forces, the Central Marine Police Force will have it own cadre, rules, manual, Act, infrastructure and would be headed by a Director-General rank officer.”
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Source: telanganatoday.com
Maritime Security News 