UNCLASSIFIED

OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE

(U) WORLDWIDE: Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report
25 October - 23 November 2016
23 November 2016

(U) Table of Contents

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

(U) Scope Note

(U) Warnings and Advisories
(U) Summary
(U) Counter-Piracy and Maritime Crime Announcements and Advisories
(U) Details: Monthly Incidents by Region
(U) Appendix A: Further Contact Information and Resources
(U) Appendix B: Terminology and References

1. (U) Scope Note

1. (U) The Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) message provides info on piracy threats to, and criminal action
against, merchant vessels and the shipping industry worldwide in the last 30 days. This report is produced primarily
to inform merchant mariners and naval forces.

2. (U) Warnings and Advisories

1. (U) MARAD Advisory 2016-04 22 Nov 2016: U.S.-flag vessels are advised to remain vigilant when transiting
the Sulu and Celebes Seas in light of recent boardings and kidnappings that have taken place between Sabah,
Malaysia and the southern Philippines. There have been 13 reported kidnappings in this area this year, of which at
least nine were reportedly linked to the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). Previously when crewmember kidnappings took
place in this area, only towing and fishing vessels were targeted. However, since October 2016, ASG has
reportedly targeted two large commercial vessels and a private yacht. The level of violence has been high during
some of these attacks, as was demonstrated on November 7, 2016 when kidnappers boarded a yacht, killed one
female crewmember, and kidnapped the remaining crewmember. For additional information see:
https://www.marad.dot.gov/newsroom/advisory/2016/marad-advisory-2016-04-vessel-guidance-for-the-sulu-andcelebes-seas-pendingdraftworkflow/
2. (U) ReCAAP ALERT 21 Nov 2016: The ReCAAP ISC is deeply concerned about the situation of abduction
of crew from ships while underway in the Sulu-Celebes Sea and eastern Sabah region. Since March 2016, there
have been 11 incidents with nine actual incidents and two attempted incidents occurred in the area. Most of the
incidents are claimed by the terrorist group of the Philippines Abu Sayyaf Group. 44 crew were abducted and 11
crew among them are still in captive. Since October 2016, the perpetrators have begun to target ships of larger
tonnage (DONG BANG GIANT 2, ROYAL 16, SOUTHERN FALCON and KUMIAI SHAGANG). The latest
attempted incidents of SOUTHERN FALCON and KUMIAI SHAGANG show the vigilance of the crew and effective
activation of anti-piracy measures had successfully prevented boarding by the perpetrators. The ReCAAP ISC
reiterates its advisory to all ships to re-route from the area, where possible. Otherwise, ship masters and crew are
strongly urged to exercise extra vigilance while transiting the area and report immediately to the following centers:

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(U) A. Operation Centre in the Philippine Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao for monitoring and
immediate responses in any eventualities. (Sat phones: +63 929686 4129/+63 916626 0689, VHF:
Channel 16 with call-sign "ENVY", Email: hcgdswm@yahoo.com)
(U) B. Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) when transiting nearer to eastern Sabah. (Tel: +60
89863181/016, Fax: +60 89863182,VHF: Channel 16 with call-sign ESSCOM, Email:
bilikgerakanesscom@jpm.gov.my)
(U) For additional information see: http://www.recaap.org/mwginternal/gj4f982jd95g4/progress?id=CxTHpGB3il0OE-IUlD_h7qbueby54Ui94BNu9494Rbg,&dl
3. (U) IMB ADVISORY 11 Nov 2016: All ships transiting Celebes Sea / Sulu Sea / off Zamboanga and
Moro Gulf / off Mindanao Island. On 10 November 2016 at 2031 UTC in position 06:40.45N - 122:29.45E, 10 nm
north-northeast of Basilan Island, Philippines. A merchant vessel was attacked and boarded by pirates. Six crew
members were kidnapped and one crew injured. This is the second merchant vessel to be attacked and crew
kidnapped in this area. Vessels are advised to maintain strict anti-piracy watch and exercise extreme caution and
keep clear of the position given in this report and maintain maximum CPA with any vessel acting suspiciously. All
attacks and suspicious sightings should be reported. IMB Piracy Reporting Centre 24 hours anti-piracy helpline
+603 2031 0014, fax: +603 2078 5769, Email: imbkl@icc-ccs.org <mailto:imbkl@icc-ccs.org> // piracy@icc-ccs.org
4. (U) UKMTO ADVISORY 007/OCT/2016 (2ND UPDATE): The incident reported on 25 Oct 16
(Advisory 007/Oct/16) and subsequently updated remains the subject of ongoing investigation. Indications are an
MV was fired upon with small arms from occupants of 1 skiff whilst underway 5 nm from the southern entrance to
the Bab el Mandeb TSS. There is a continuing naval presence in the Bab el Mandeb, an area known for small boat
activity. The motive for the incident or those involved are unknown at this time. Merchant Vessels are advised to
remain at a heightened state of vigilance when transiting the SRS/Bab el Mandeb. All attacks and suspicious
sightings should be reported. Email ukmto@eim.ae, Tel: +971 4 309 4268, Fax: +971(0)43094254.
5. (U) IMB PRC GENERAL ADVISORY 25 Oct 2016: General Advisory for ships transiting Celebes Sea / Sulu
Sea / Off Sibutu Island, Tawi Tawi, Philippines. In view of the latest and first kidnapping incident on 20 October
2016 involving a merchant ship off Sibutu Island, Philippines. Ships are advised to avoid this area and should
consider using the route west of Kalimantan/west side of Sabah/Sarawak instead. Past recent kidnapping incidents
involved tugs and fishing boats only. On 20 October 2016 at 1347 in position 04:32N - 119:33E, around 8.2 nm
southeast of Sibutu Island, Philippines, a ship was attacked and boarded by armed unknown persons. Two crew
members were then kidnapped. 24 hour Helpline +603 2031 0014, FAX: +603 2078 5769, Email: IMBKL@ICCCCS.ORG
6. (U) NGA Special Warning 134 3 Oct 2016. Commercial vessels in the region of the Red Sea, Bab el Mandeb
Strait, and the Gulf of Aden should operate under a heightened state of alert as increasing tensions in the region
escalate the potential for direct or collateral damage to vessels transiting the region. These threats may come from
a variety of different sources such as missiles, projectiles or waterborne improvised explosive devices. Huthi rebels
claimed responsibility for a 1 October attack on a UAE vessel. Vessels in the region should report hostile activities
immediately and contact coalition naval forces via VHF bridge to bridge radio. Email: catleader@me.navy.mil,
phone: 973 1785 3879.

3. (U) Summary
A. (U) VIETNAM: On 23 November, robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier in Vung Tau anchorage.
B. (U) NIGERIA: On 21 November, suspected militants attacked an oil installation at Omoku, near the oil hub of
Port Harcourt.
C. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 20 November, persons armed with guns in a speedboat approached an underway bulk
carrier 13 nm south-southeast of Pearl Bank.
D. (U) INDONESIA: On 19 November, robbers boarded a bulk carrier anchored in Muara Berau Anchorage.

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E. (U) MALAYSIA: On 19 November, five armed persons wearing masks boarded a fishing vessel engaged in
fishing activities 8.7 nm south of Merabung, Lahad Datu, Sabah and kidnapped two crewmen.
F. (U) NIGERIA: On 19 November, Singapore-flagged MAERSK COTONOU was approached by a speedboat with
eight armed men 25 nm south of Bonny.
G. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 16 November, five persons wearing masks, and possibly armed, in a white speed boat
with two outboard engines approached bulk carrier KUMIAI SHAGANG 17.8 nm south-southeast of Sibutu Island
H. (U) PERU: On 16 November, two robbers wearing masks and armed with knives boarded a berthed bulk carrier
in Callao Anchorage.
I. (U) CAPE VERDE: On 15 November, a fishing boat approached SV SHERPA 35 miles from El Aajum, Western
Sahara.
J. (U) MOZAMBIQUE: On 5 November, an unknown number of robbers stole an outboard motor from a dinghy tied
to SV EUTIKIA, anchored in Bazaruto anchorage.
K. (U) MADASCAR: On 30 October, three robbers boarded SV EUTIKIA, anchored in Mahajanga anchorage.

4. (U) Counter-Piracy and Maritime Crime Announcements and Advisories

A. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Government of Japan convoy schedule for November and December 2016. To apply for
JMSDF escort, visit http://www.mlit.go.jp/en/maritime/maritime_fr2_000000.html, please contact directly the AntiPiracy Contact and Coordination Office, Maritime Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
(MILT), Japan: Tel: +81-3-5253-8932; Fax: +81-3-5253-1643. Email: INFO-PIRACY@mlit.go.jp. (MSCHOA)
B. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Korean Navy convoy schedule for November 2016. All merchant vessels wishing to join
the convoy group must submit their application forms directly to the ROK naval warship carrying out the mission.
The ROK MTG can be reached directly at INMARSAT: 1-203-346-7633. Email: bluegun21@navy.mil.kr.
(MSCHOA)
C. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Chinese Navy convoy schedule for November and December 2016. For further
information, please e-mail planavy@navy.mil.cn, or call Tel: 00870 773 120 807; or 441 221 894. (MSCHOA)
D. (U) GULF OF ADEN: Indian Navy convoy escort schedule for November and December 2016. To register,
email dgcommcentre-dgs@nic.in; or visit www.dgshipping.com. Telephone numbers for contact are:
91-22-22614646 or fax at 91-22-22613636. (MSCHOA)

5. (U) Details: 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 last 30 days. Every effort is made to ensure that
incidents are not double-counted. In the event double-counting is detected, or an incident is later learned 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:
1. (U) MEXICO: On 4 November, authorities in the port of Manzanilla found 229 kilograms of cocaine in a shipping
container aboard the box ship LAURA MAERSK. The drugs were packed in with a cargo of grinding machine parts.
Ship and crew departed the port on schedule. (www.fleetmon.com)
2. (U) UNITED STATES: On 25 October, US officials seized 1,982 pounds of marijuana from an unmanned
suspicious boat on the South Shore Launch Ramp in Long Beach, California. After six hours, four men were
arrested when they attempted to retrieve the speed boat from the trailer. (www.presstelegram.com)
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B.

(U) CENTRAL AMERICA - CARIBBEAN - SOUTH AMERICA:

Figure 1. Central America - Caribbean - South America

Piracy and Maritime Crime
1. (U) PERU: On 16 November, two robbers wearing masks and armed with knives boarded a berthed bulk carrier
near position 12:02S - 077:08W, Callao Anchorage. Seeing the duty crew, the robbers threatened them with the
knives. Alarm raised and crew alerted. The robbers escaped with stolen ship properties. Incident reported to the
local authorities who boarded the vessel to investigate. (IMB)
2. (U) COLOMBIA: On 11 November, four robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored LPG tanker near
position 10:19N - 075:31W, Mamonal Inner Anchorage. Duty crewman on routine rounds spotted the robbers and
reported to the bridge. Duty officer raised the alarm, made PA announcement and sounded the fog horn. Seeing
the crews alertness, the robbers escaped with stolen ships properties. All crew mustered and a search was carried
out. Incident reported to port control and a coast guard patrol boat was dispatched to the area. (IMB)
3. (U) GUYANA: On 7 November, duty officer onboard a berthed general cargo ship noticed a robber attempting to
board the vessel from the stern, using a hook attached to a pole, near position 06:20N - 057:32W, Berbice Port.
The duty officer and a duty crewman confronted the robber and threatened to call the police resulting in the robber
aborting the boarding. No injury to crew and nothing stolen. (IMB)
4. (U) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: On 3 November, robbers boarded a sailing yacht anchored near Luperon. The
thieves were able to steal a laptop computer, a mobile phone, an Iridium satellite phone and other valuables.
(www.noonsite.com)
4. (U) GUATEMALA: On 5 November, a small dinghy and outboard motor were stolen from an anchored sailing
yacht in Rio Dulce. (www.riodulcechisme.com)
5. (U) HAITI: On 1 November, an unknown number of robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier near position
1834N - 07221W, Port Au Prince Anchorage. The thieves boarded via the anchor chain, stole ships stores and
escaped unnoticed. Crew noticed the theft on routine rounds and informed port control. (IMB)
C. (U) ATLANTIC OCEAN AREA: No current incidents to report.
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D. (U) NORTHERN EUROPE - BALTIC: No current incidents to report.

E.

(U) MEDITERRANEAN - BLACK SEA:

1. (U) TURKEY: On 10 November, the Turkish Coast Guard spotted the general cargo ship ENIZ navigating
suspiciously in the Dardanelles near the Eceabat district coast. The ship was ordered to stop for inspection and the
ship instead turned toward the coast and purposely grounded. Upon inspection, authorities found a large number of
migrants onboard, indicating the ship was being used for human trafficking. (www.fleetmon.com)
2. (U) TURKEY: On 5 November, Turkish authorities in Istanbul arrested the Ukraine-flagged cargo ship PETR after
an inspection found the ship was carrying 1,100,000 packs of contraband cigarettes. A Turkish fishing boat being
used to unload the illicit cargo was also detained. (www.fleetmon.com)
F.

(U) WEST AFRICA

Figure 2. West Africa Piracy and Maritime

Crime

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Figure 3. West Africa Piracy and Maritime

Crime
1. (U) NIGERIA: On 21 November, suspected militants attacked an oil installation at Omoku, near the oil hub of
Port Harcourt. During the gun battle, four members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps were killed.
(AFP World Service)
2. (U) NIGERIA: On 19 November, Singapore-flagged MAERSK COTONOU was approached by a speedboat with
eight armed men near position 04:01N - 007:03E, 25 nm south of Bonny. The alarm was raised and the ship
managed to evade the boat using speed and maneuvering. (www.safety4sea.com; www.fleetmon.com)
3. (U) CAPE VERDE: On 15 November, a fishing boat approached SV SHERPA near position 27:07N - 013:58W,
35 miles from shore of El Aajum, Western Sahara. Three men in the fishing boat made a very close aboard pass to
the sailing vessel but the fishing boat propeller became fouled and they fell back. The sailing vessel continued its
voyage. (www.noonsite.com)
4. (U) NIGERIA: On 15 November, suspected Niger Delta Avengers attacked the Nembe 1, 2, and 3 branches of
the Nembe Creek Trunk Line. (Reuters)
6. (U) NIGERIA: On 8 November, the Niger Delta Avengers claimed responsibility for attacking the Forcados Export
Pipeline in Delta State. (All Africa Global Media)
6. (U) NIGERIA: On 7 November, suspected militants attacked four community surveillance guards in Batan
community near Warri when the guards prevented an attack on a nearby pipeline. (All Africa Global Media)
7. (U) NIGERIA: On 5 November, Nigerian authorities were alerted to a possible pirate attack against bulk carrier
COLUMBIA RIVER, in the Lagos Outer Anchorage. The Nigerian Navy sent a ship, NNS KARADUWA, to
investigate. They found 16 men, 15 Nigerians, and 1 Liberian who had stowed away aboard the ship, bound for the
US. The stowaways are in custody and will be handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service for further action.
(www.gnnliberia.com; The Maritime Herald)
8. (U) GHANA: On 3 November, an unknown number of robbers boarded an anchored LPG tanker near position
04:52N - 001:39W, Takoradi Anchorage. The duty watchmen noticed one robber on the poop deck and raised the
alarm. Seeing the alerted crew, the robbers escaped in a small boat with stolen ships stores. Port control informed.
(IMB)
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9. (U) NIGERIA: On 1 November, an identified militant group reportedly attacked two major crude oil delivery lines
supplying the Trans Forcados Export trunk line in Burutu local government area of Delta state. (Punch Online)
10. (U) NIGERIA: On 25 October, a product tanker underway near position 06:15N - 003:21E, 15.7 nm south of
Lagos, was approached by two suspicious speed boats. The vessel raised an alarm, and the crew mustered in the
safe area. A Nigerian Navy patrol boat responded to the call and chased the suspicious boats away. (IMB)
11. (U) NIGERIA: On 25 October, Nigerian militants, the Niger Delta Avengers, attacked a Chevron pipeline at the
Escravos offshore facility. (AFP)
G.

(U) ARABIAN GULF: No current incidents to report.

H. (U) INDIAN OCEAN - EAST AFRICA:

Figure 4. Indian Ocean - East Africa

Piracy and Maritime Crime
1. (U) MOZAMBIQUE: On 5 November, an unknown number of robbers stole an outboard motor from a dinghy tied
to SV EUTIKIA, anchored near position 21:39S - 035:25E, Bazaruto anchorage. (www.noonsite.com)
2. (U) MADASCAR: On 30 October, three robbers boarded SV EUTIKIA, anchored near position 15:43S - 046:18E,
Mahajanga anchorage. The robbers threatened the crew with knives and forced them inside the boat. They then
stole our money, cameras, video cameras, cell phones, a laptop computer, and many personal items. Local police
informed. (www.noonsite.com)
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3. (U) YEMEN: On 25 October, a merchant tanker was approached by a small boat near Perim Island. The
occupants fired an RPG at the vessel, the damage is unknown at this time. All crew are safe and the vessel has
continued with her passage. (Hellenic Shipping News)
H. (U) EAST ASIA - SOUTHEAST ASIA - INDIAN SUBCONTINENT:

Figure 5. East Asia - Southeast Asia - Indian

Subcontinent Piracy and Maritime Crime
1. (U) VIETNAM: On 23 November, two duty crewmen on board a bulk carrier noticed a fishing boat slowly
approaching their vessel, anchored near position 10:15N - 107:00E, Vung Tau anchorage. The boat circled the
vessel and then stopped near the bow. One crewman stayed near the forecastle to keep watch on the boat.
Unknown to the crewman another boat had come alongside the vessel near the accommodation area. Two robbers
armed with knives boarded the vessel and started stealing ships stores. As the second crewman made his routine
rounds the robbers confronted and threatened him with the knife. The duty crew retreated into the accommodation
and raised the alarm, resulting in the robbers escaping. Incident reported to Port Control via VHF. (IMB)
2. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 20 November, persons armed with guns in a speedboat approached an underway bulk
carrier from astern near position 05:34N - 119:47E, 13 nm south-southeast of Pearl Bank. Ships Master raised the
alarm, commenced evasive manoeuvers, increased speed, alerted all ships in the vicinity and opened
communications with the Philippine Coast Guard. The boat closed to a distance of 100 meters. Seeing the alerted
crew and hearing the Masters communication over the PA system the persons aborted the approach and moved
away. (IMB)
3. (U) INDONESIA: On 19 November, a duty crewman on routine rounds onboard a bulk carrier anchored near
position 01:56N - 118:07E, Muara Berau Anchorage, noticed the forecastle store door open and the padlock
broken. Several robbers armed with long knives were seen stealing ships stores. The duty crewman shouted at the
robbers, raised the alarm and retreated towards the accommodation area. Seeing the alerted crew, the robbers
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escaped with the stolen stores. Incident reported to the security guards who notified the local police. Master called
the port authorities, but received no response. Ships Master instructed the duty officer to cross check the
stevedores ID cards with the authorized list. This revealed one unauthorized person, who attacked the duty officer
with a knife. The local agent and the duty officer were able to avert the attack. The armed person jumped overboard
and escaped. (IMB)
4. (U) MALAYSIA: On 19 November, five armed persons wearing masks boarded a fishing vessel engaged in
fishing activities near position 04:49N - 118:46E, 8.7 nm south of Merabung, Lahad Datu, Sabah. They stole crew
personal belongings and an outboard motor and then kidnapped two crew members. Malaysian authorities are
investigating the incident. (IMB; www.thesundaily.my; www.nst.com.my; www.ibtimes.sg)
5. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 16 November, five persons wearing masks, and possibly armed, in a white speed boat
with two outboard engines approached bulk carrier KUMIAI SHAGANG underway from astern, near position
04:23N - 119:37E, 17.8 nm south-southeast of Sibutu Island. Ships Master raised the alarm and tried alerting other
ships in the vicinity via VHF. Seeing the alerted crew and the ship hardening, the boat moved away and headed
towards other vessels in the vicinity. Incident reported to Philippine Navy and a warship arrived at the area. (IMB;
www.fleetmon.com; gCaptain)
6. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 13 November, the tanker SOUTHERN FALCON, underway near position 03:40N 119:51E, 65 nm southeast of Sibutu Island, reported a suspicious approach by six speed boats with one armed
person in each boat. The boats gave chase to the tanker; the master alerted ships in the vicinity, and commenced
maneuvering the vessel. Attempts to contact the Philippines Navy were not successful. After 15 minutes the boats
moved away. Vessel and crew are safe. (IMB; www.fleetmon.com)
7. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 11 November, ten persons armed with guns approached the underway bulk carrier
ROYAL 16 near position 06:40N - 122:31E, 10 nm north-northeast of Basilan Island. Ships master raised the
alarm and activated the SSAS. The armed persons boarded the vessel and took its crew hostage. They stole ships
properties, kidnapped six crewmen, and escaped. One crewman was injured during the incident. Incident reported
to the Philippines Coast Guard. A patrol vessel was dispatched and the authorities boarded and escorted the
vessel to a safe port. (IMB; www.fleetmon.com; gCaptain)
8. (U) INDONESIA: On 9 November, ten robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored tanker near position
01:41N - 101:30E, Dumai Anchorage, and entered the engine room. They took hostage the duty oiler, punched
him, tied him up, and threatened him with a knife. They then stole engine spares and escaped. The oiler managed
to untie himself and notified the master. Alarm raised, crew mustered and onboard investigation was conducted.
Incident reported to Dumai Port Authority. (IMB)
9. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 6 November, an unknown number of robbers boarded an anchored tanker near position
07:20N - 125:37E, Davao Anchorage. The robbers stole ships stores and escaped. The theft was noticed by the
duty crew on routine rounds. Port control informed. (IMB)
10. (U) PHILIPPINES: On 6 November, Abu Sayyaf militants boarded a Germany-flagged sailing yacht ROCKALL
near a remote island in the southern Sulu Archipelago. The militants kidnapped a 70-year-old German man and
killed his female companion. The boat and the dead woman were found by authorities and an investigation is
continuing. Of note, this couple and the same sailing yacht were kidnapped by Somali pirates in 2008 and held for
more than 40 days. (Reuters; www.globalnation.inquirer.net; www.bangkokpost.com)
11. (U) MALAYSIA: On 5 November, at about 11:00 local time, an Indonesian fishing boat captain was
kidnapped while his ship operated in Kertam waters some 15 nautical miles from the Kinabatangan river. The
gunmen, three of whom wore fatigues and two in civilian clothes, made off with all communication equipment,
including GPS system from the fishing vessel. It is believed that the gunmen are based in one of the Tawi-Tawi
islands and are not directly linked to the Abu Sayyaf kidnap for ransom group. (www.thestar.com.my)
12. (U) MALAYSIA: On 5 November, at about 11:45 local time, an Indonesian fishing boat captain was kidnapped
by the same group that attacked another fishing boat at 11:00 in the same area as the above incident in Kertam
waters some 15 nautical miles from the Kinabatangan river. The gunmen, three of whom were in fatigues and two
in civilian clothes, made off with all communication equipment, including GPS system from the fishing vessel. It is
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believed that the gunmen are based in one of the Tawi-Tawi islands and are not directly linked to the Abu Sayyaf
kidnap for ransom group. (www.thestar.com.my)
13. (U) VIETNAM: On 1 November, a Vietnam-flagged fishing boat was chased and hit by a Chinese ship and two
smaller boats 7 nautical miles north of Woody Island. The captain claimed 10 Chinese crewmen jumped onto the
Vietnamese boat and attacked the fishermen. They also smashed glass doors and the compass, cut anchor lines
and caused damage to other boat equipment. They then stole nearly five tons of fish, rice and other items.
(http://m.english.vietnamnet.vn)
14. (U) VIETNAM: On 30 October, a Vietnam-flagged fishing boat carrying 18 fishermen was attacked by Chinese
ships while fishing 6 nautical miles from Woody Island. The ships captain stated that his boat was chased and
boarded by Chinese sailors who proceeded to destroy much of the ships fishing and navigation equipment.
(http://m.english.vietnamnet.vn)
15. (U) MALAYSIA: On 25 October, pirates attacked the tug EVER OCEAN SILK towing the oil barge EVER GIANT
approximately 60 nm north of the port of Bintulu, Sarawak. The pirates robbed the crew of all valuables and fled.
Crew is safe. (Fleetmon)
J. (U) NORTHEAST ASIA:
1. (U) SOUTH KOREA: On 1 November, South Koreas Coast Guard fired live rounds at Chinese trawlers fishing
illegally in Korean-controlled waters for the first time. During the early evening hours, three coast guard patrol boats
fired M60 machine gun rounds at 30 Chinese fishing boats that were threateningly bearing down on them while
they towed away two trawlers that had been fishing about 90 km southwest of Socheong Island in Incheon. Three
hours earlier the patrol boats had spotted some 50 Chinese trawlers fishing illegally about 5.5 km inside Korean
waters. During that time, several Chinese fishing boats rammed a South Korean Coast Guard boat. Two patrol
aircraft were then scrambled and fired a total of 18 flare bombs before the trawlers finally turned back and fled
toward Chinese waters. The skirmish came about a month after a Chinese trawler rammed and sank a coast guard
speedboat on 7 October, which prompted Seoul to authorize the use of live ammunition. (www.english.chosun.com)
K. (U) PACIFIC OCEAN - SOUTHERN OCEAN: No current incidents to report.

6. (U) Appendix A: Further Contact Information and Resources

(U) This appendix provides contact information for the author of the WTS as well as other entities that can be
contacted with maritime crime reports. It also lists other resources where the WTS is posted and where piracy and
maritime crime incident information can be found.
(U) Contact
(U) Originator of this WTS report requests consumer feedback. Originator will incorporate all anti-shipping events
and violence against the maritime industry into this weekly message where appropriate. To aid in our reporting,
please add the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) to your normal corporate and organizational reporting
requirements. The 24-hour watch can be reached at +1 (301) 669-4053.
(U) Other Resources
(U) This Worldwide Threat to Shipping Report is posted at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agencys Maritime
Safety site: http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) also publishes a live
piracy report based on reporting from the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, listing all piracy
and armed robbery incidents in the last ten days: http://www.icc-ccs.org/. The PAWW and WTS Reports are posted
weekly on the ONI Intel Portal: http://www.oni.navy.mil/Intelligence_Community/piracy.htm.

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7. (U) Appendix B: Terminology and References

(U) This appendix is provided to promote consistent use of accurate terms of reference in reporting and also
identifies those references that were used to gather the information contained in this report. ONI welcomes
comment and suggestions for addition or amendment.
(U) Terminology
(U) In order to promote consistent use of accurate terms of reference, the following have been adopted to describe
the range of criminal anti-shipping activity and impediments to safe navigation in our worldwide reporting and
analysis. Please note that these terms relate to observable activity and are independent of target vessel status and
exclude actions by governmental powers in lawful pursuit of their authorities:

(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 boarding 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) 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.

(U) Sourcing
(U) ONI derives information in this report from direct reporting and analysis of reports from the following agencies
and commercial sources.

Agence France Presse (AFP)

Associated Press (AP)
Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), Denmark
BBC News
EU Naval Forces (EU)
Fairplay (FP), London
Informa Group (INFO), formerly LLP, Llp Limited, London
International Maritime Bureau (IMB), London and Kuala Lumpur
International Maritime Organization (IMO), London
gCaptain
Latitude38.com (LAT) website
Lloyd's List (LL), daily, London
Local Media (LM)
LSS-SAPU.com (LSS)
Maritime Administration (MARAD), U.S.
The Maritime Executive (website)
Maritime Security Centre - Horn of Africa (MSCHOA)
Maritime Security Council (MSC), U.S.
Marine Domain Awareness for Trade Gulf of Guinea (MDAT-GoG)
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), Navigation Safety System
UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Brussels

Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) (analysis and comment)
Operator (owner or operator of affected vessel)
Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)
Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia,
Information Sharing Center (ReCAAP ISC)
Reuters
Royal Australian Navy (RAN)
Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN)
Seafarers Assistance Program (SAP), Kenya
Tradewinds (TW)
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization (UKMTO)
United Press International (UPI)
U.S. Maritime Liaison Office (MARLO) Bahrain
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

(U) ICOD: 23 November 2016

(U) The PAWW and WTS Reports are posted each week on the ONI Intel Portal and can be found at:
http://www.oni.navy.mil/Intelligence-Community/Piracy

UNCLASSIFIED