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<b>
NATO Shipping Centre: Daily Piracy Update
</b> 

<br><br>
<i>
Last updated: Saturday 18 February 2012
</i>
<br><br>

<b>Recent Activity</b>
<br>
Over the past 24 hours there has been a hijacking and a suspicious approach.
<br><br>
<b>Current Situation</b>
<br>

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PAGs are increasingly active in Bab al Mandeb, the North Arabian Sea and off the coast of Oman.  There may be PAGs within a 100nm radius of approximately 16 00N 061 30E. 
Increased reports of suspicious activity throughout the High Risk Area have been received over the past week. A merchant vessel was hijacked in position 1810N 05721E (Alert 013/12) and a merchant vessel was approached in position 0529S 05959E (Alert 014/12). These incidents highlight the need for continued adherence of BMP when navigating through any region of the High Risk Area.
<br><br>
Masters are 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.  Prudent and timely application of BMP can make the important difference of being approached, attacked or being pirated.
<br><br>
If any incident occurs, Masters are to report immediately to UKMTO viatelephone 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) and the NATO Shipping Centre (info@shipping.nato.int).  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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