The Association would like to take this opportunity to remind its members of the current situation in the area of the Gulf of Aden and Somalia.

Due to the passing of the recent monsoon, sea conditions have become more favourable and this has brought the pirates back out to sea. A number of attacks have been reported in the past couple of weeks which back up the claims that pirates are once again aggressively targeting merchant vessels in the area.

One of the most worrying things about this current wave of attacks is the range in which the pirates appear to be able to operate; the latest reports suggest that they are attacking over 700nm offshore. This range has meant that some attacks have taken place to the west of the Seychelles.

It has been reported in the press that the number of attacks so far this year has exceeded those for the whole of last year. The Association would advise its Members to remain vigilant at all times, posting extra lookouts where possible and follow the guidance contained in the "Best management practices to deter piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia" document which can be accessed through the link below.

Best management practices to deter piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia

Source of information:

Loss Prevention Department

craig.morton@thomasmiller.com