Somali piracy to increase as monsoon season ends

Somali pirates have the capability and intent to surge into merchant shipping lanes as soon as heavy seas in the Horn of Africa region subside in mid-September, according to a recent warning.

BIMCO received the warning and recommendation from the United States Navy Office of Naval Intelligence regarding piracy off the coast of Somalia and the Western Indian Ocean.

Somali pirate activity will likely increase in the IndianOcean, Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden as the southwest monsoon season ends.  Waters will calm and be conducive for pirate small boat operations.

Pirates will attempt to access merchant shipping lanes and attack vessels in the Indian Ocean in excess of 1,000 nautical miles from the eastern Somali coast.  

"Pirates will attempt to operate as far east as the Maldives and as far south as Madagascar.  Pirates have demonstrated the capability to attack merchant ships transiting the Red Sea as well," according to BIMCO.

Recommendation to mariners:

• Employ counter-piracy measures and adhere to Best Management Practices promulgated by the Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa.
• Contact UKMTO and all appropriate authorities when transiting the Horn of Africa region.
• Make use of the International Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC).

Source: BIMCO (www.bimco.org)