Shipping alert sent by Bangladesh coastguard (8 March 2010)

Monday, 08 March 2010

The Bangladesh coast guard has informed the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (IMB PRC) that based on intelligence gathered recently, pirates/robbers in the area are planning to carry out attacks/robbery on vessels in the coming monsoon period even when the sea is rough. Therefore, the Bangladesh coast guard advises that all vessels should maintain a vigilant anti piracy watch and other precautionary measures especially during the hour of darkness from the 2nd/3rd hour of flooding to 3rd hour of ebbing. Any suspicious boats sighted or if vessel is being attacked by pirates/robbers to contact the Bangladesh coast guard on VHF Ch 12 immediately and also to inform the IMB PRC. Vessels should not allow any boat carrying vegetables to come alongside during the day time as these boats are the main informers for the robbers/pirates. Such incidents should also be reported to Bangladesh coast guard. The first night during anchor is the most dangerous and vessels are advised to make ETA to the anchorage during day time and employ local security watch keepers from local agents and to inform the coast guard of the vessel's arrival and position. In the past it is observed that when robbers/pirates attack a vessel or when a suspicious boat is sighted and the vessel contacts and inform the coast guard immediately, the robbers/pirates will flee as soon as the coast guard vessel depart from their station to intercept and provide assistance to the vessel. All actual and attempted attacks and suspicious boats should also be reported to the IMB PRC at:

IMB Piracy Reporting Centre
24 hours anti-piracy helpline: +603 2031 0014 / +603 2078 5763
email: piracy@icc-ccs.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
telex: ma 34199

Source: International Maritime Bureau Piracy Reporting Centre