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<b>
NATO Shipping Centre: Daily Piracy Update
</b> 

<br><br>
<i>
Last updated: Thursday 23 February 2012
</i>
<br><br>

<b>Recent Activity</b>
<br>
There has been one attack (Alert 015/12) over the past 24 hours. On 22nd February an oil tanker has been attacked east of the Gulf of Aden (GOA) in the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) at position 1331N 05022E. PAG (Pirate Attack Group) operating from a yellow hull with a red band skiff has been disrupted. The ship is safe.
<br><br>
<b>Current Situation</b>
<br>

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A merchant vessel was hijacked off the coast of Oman in position 1810N 05721E (Alert 013/12) on 15th February. Masters are advised that a recent hijacking was initiated by pirates claiming mechanical problems and seeking assistance.  
<br><br>
PAGs have been operating in vicinity of position 0500S 06500E located east of the Seychelles.  A merchant vessel was approached 500nm east of the Seychelles in position 0529S 05959E (Alert 014/12) on 18th February. These incidents highlight the need for continued adherence to BMP when navigating through any region of the High Risk Area.
<br><br>
Masters are also reminded that a large number of fishing vessels operate in the Southern Red Sea (SRS). The fishing vessels may approach a merchant ship in order to maximise fishing opportunities and to warn vessels from getting too close to the fishing nets. Masters are requested to ensure they distinguish between fishing vessels and potential pirates.
<br><br>
<b>Guidance</b>
<br>
 Masters are advised that the threat of piracy against merchant shipping is always present in the High Risk Area (HRA), and are advised to ensure ALL necessary Self Protection Measures are implemented as recommended in Best Management Practices 4 (BMP4).  Prudent and timely application of BMP4 can make the important difference of being approached, attacked or pirated.
<br><br>
If any incident occurs, Masters are to report immediately to UKMTO via telephone and provide as much information as possible regarding the incident. This will ensure the information is quickly provided to other ships in the area for their awareness and vigilance. If Masters are safely able to take pictures and/or video of the suspicious activity, please provide these via email to UKMTO (ukmto@eim.ae), NATO Shipping Centre (info@shipping.nato.int) and   MSCHOA (postmaster@mschoa.org). This information will be used by Counter Piracy forces to combat piracy activities.





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<br><a href="http://www.shipping.nato.int" target="_blank">NATO Shipping Centre (NSC) press release</a>


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