Security Alert - Gulf of Aden

26.08.08



The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organisation (UKMTO) based in Dubai has released a flash alert.
In its alert, UKMTO advises the following:
  • There is extremely high activity in the Gulf of Aden over the past few days with 3 vessels taken and 2 attacked. Of the 5 vessels, 2 were attacked on the morning of 21 August 2008.
  • It is strongly advised that vessels transiting the region maintain 35 - 40nm off the Yemen coast and keep clear of the area bounded by 12 40N 046 40E south to Somali Coast and from 14 30N 53 00E south to Socotra, remaining at the very least 50nm from the island.
  • It must be pointed out, however, that the last incident with the Chemical Tanker Irene took place north of the Northern Attack line. UKMTO will be monitoring this closely.
  • Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 will continue to patrol the region.
In the event of an incident, members are advised to contact UKMTO immediately as part of the UKMTO Merchant Vessel Voluntary Reporting Scheme.

Directions on the reporting format are as follows:

21 August 2008

Royal Navy MTO Merchant Vessel Voluntary Reporting Scheme
Ships of any flag or ownership are invited to report, on a voluntary basis only, to the UK Royal Navy Maritime Trade Operations team on passing the following reference points:

a. Suez for vessels entering or leaving the Region via the Red Sea

b. 5S for ships entering or leaving the Region via the Indian Ocean (SOUTH)

c. 78E for ships entering or leaving the Region via the Indian Ocean (EAST)

The initial report should contain the following:
  • Ship Name
  • IRCS (International Radio Call Sign)
  • Flag
  • IMO number
  • MMSI
  • Inmarsat telephone number including satellite prefix
  • Telex and fax number
  • Email address
  • Name of Company having day-to-day management
  • Type of Ship
  • Date/time of current position course and speed
  • Itinerary in the region with route way points and destination port(s)
  • British personnel onboard (if any)
Subsequently, ships are requested to report their noon positions and speed, actual departure times and estimated arrival times at ports and destination when outward bound from the defined area. All timings are requested in UTC and the preferred method of communication is e-mail.
Telephone: +971 50 552 3215, fax: +971 4 306 5710, email: [email protected]

Source: Singapore Shipping Association