5 Pirate Attacks Thwarted in Gulf of Aden
Dispatches from the Front:
MANAMA, Bahrain, Oct. 29, 2008 -- Five piracy attempts occurred yesterday in the Gulf of Aden; they were all unsuccessful as a result of pro-active measures taken by masters and crews of the commercial shipping vessels.
Even when shots were fired during two of these attacks, the crews of commercial shipping vessels conducted evasive maneuvering and used fire hoses to repel their attackers.
“The pro-active measures taken yesterday by merchant vessels are exactly what we have been recommending,” said Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, Commander, Combined Maritime Forces. “For slightly more than two months the Coalition has been working with the commercial shipping industry and the International Maritime Organization to recommend best practices and leverage lessons learned to employ reasonable self-protection measures. These measures range from proactive lookouts and evasive maneuvering to embarking professional security teams.”
The Combined Maritime Forces also established a Maritime Security Patrol Area (MSPA) Aug. 22, in support of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) call for international assistance to discourage attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden
Since its establishment, Coalition units have deterred more than two dozen attacks in the Gulf of Aden.
“Piracy is a threat to the security of all nations and requires an international solution,” said Gortney. “The Coalition’s presence is helping deter destabilizing activity, allowing the shipping industry time to implement self-protection measures and the international community to establish a legal framework to hold pirates accountable for their actions.”
Piracy is an international crime that threatens global commerce. Governments, militaries, law enforcement and the maritime industry have a shared responsibility to repress the universal crime of piracy.
In addition to Coalition naval forces, ships and aircraft from several other nations to include a NATO task force are operating in the region. While there is no formal agreement between the Coalition and other navies, they have been communicating with each other and sharing information to more effectively patrol the area.
These additional forces also allow Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 to more broadly assign assets to conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO) throughout their 2.5 million square mile operating area.
MSO complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremist use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material. Through training opportunities with regional partners, CTF 150 enhances existing cooperative relationships which aim to support regional countries’ struggles against violent extremism.
(Report from Commander, Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs.)
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posted by Steven Moyer at 9:25 AM
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Canadian Security Firm Fights Pirates:
CBC Radio: interview with a Pirate and with Sunil Ram
of Executive Security Services International:
LISTEN TO PART ONE
http://www.cbc.ca/thecurrent/2008/200811/20081121.html
Contact: Mr. Sunil Ram
Media Security Consultant
www.executivesecurity.ca
November 19, 2008
Canuck seamen seek security advice
By TOM GODFREY, SUN MEDIA
TORONTO -- Canadian seamen and shipowners are looking at ways of warding off pirates in the dangerous waters along the coast of Somalia. And they're searching for answers in Huntsville, Ont.
The latest high seas seizure is a Hong Kong-registered Iranian cargo ship commandeered in the Gulf of Aden yesterday, just days after a Saudi supertanker was taken.
"I have been getting a steady stream of calls from concerned seamen," said Sunil Ram, of Executive Security Services International. "People want to know what they can do to ensure their safety," he said yesterday.
"We offer a range of services to help with their security."
Crews are advised to use high-pressure fire hoses to keep pirates from boarding vessels and to be equipped with floodlights and sirens and if necessary, armed security teams, he said.
GREASED RAILS
"The rails of the ship should be greased and electrified to prevent pirates from boarding," Ram said.
Foreign Affairs in Ottawa said its embassy in Somalia has been closed and Canadians are being told to leave the country.
"The security situation in Somalia is very volatile," a government website says.
Sylvie LaFleur, of Canada Steamship Lines, one of the Canada's largest carriers, said its ships travel through the pirate-infested waters.
"We take many precautions to ensure the safety of our crew," LaFleur said.
Pirates last month seized a Ukrainian cargo ship that had on board tanks, rocket-propelled grenades and ammunition. Food shipments to the war-torn region are also being disrupted.
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