The following pirate and armed robbery incidents are alleged to have occurred against ships in December 2023, as reported by IMO Member States or international organisations with consultative status.
#1 in international seas – Ruen, Bulk Carrier, Malta.
The incident occurred when armed individuals boarded and hijacked the ship as it was underway and proceeded towards the Somali shore. Further information was awaited.
#2 In territorial waters – Konrad Schulte, Bulk carrier, Singapore
The incident: While underway, the 3rd Engineer proceeded to gather engine spares from the engine room spare store and discovered that they were missing. The Chief Engineer promptly told the master about the event. Further inquiry revealed that the offenders may have accessed the steering gear room via the poop deck manhole. There were no perpetrators discovered onboard, and the crew did not detect any. The crew was not injured.
#3 In the port area – Pacific Kohinoor, Product tanker, Liberia
The event occurred when the duty crew onboard an anchored tanker observed that the aft station stores were missing. A search was carried out. No unapproved persons were on board.
#4 Shokai, Product tanker, Panama
The incident: Four robbers wielding long knives boarded an anchored tanker. They kidnapped the duty AB and tied him up. When threatened with knives, the onboard shore security watchman abandoned his post. The duty engineer, on normal rounds, observed the intruders and raised the alarm, resulting in the crooks fleeing with stolen engine spares. The incident was reported to the port authority through a local agent.