MarineLink News Search
Search term • pirates
Create an email alert for pirates
Combined Maritime Forces Alert to Mariners
![](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/-2498.jpg)
Following a series of attacks off the eastern coast of Somalia, Combined Maritime Forces issued an updated special maritime advisory message. The message highlights several recent attacks that occurred hundreds of miles off the Somali coast and states that merchant mariners should be increasingly vigilant when operating in those waters. "We continue to highlight the importance of preparation by the merchant mariners and the maritime industry in this message," said Vice Adm.
Cummings Statement, Maersk Alabama
April 8, Congressman Elijah E. “My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to the crew of the Maersk Alabama, as well as their families, as they endure this difficult time.
Pirates Seize Ship with Americans Aboard
According to a report from World News, Somali pirates hijacked a U.S.-flagged cargo ship on April 8, with 21 crew members aboard, a diplomat and a U.S. Navy spokesman said.
Ships Held by Somali Pirates
According to a report from Reuters, Somali pirates seized a British-owned ship operated by an Italian company on April 6, after taking three other ships over the weekend, a maritime official said.
GoAGT, Security Teams
Gulf of Aden Group Transits (GoAGT) is a new, non-profit industry supported, 24 hour operations centre dedicated to supporting the merchant fleet operating or passing the Gulf of Aden.
Pirate Hunter HDMS Absalon Returns Home
![](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/-2472.jpg)
Following an eight-month deployment, Sailors aboard HDMS Absalon (L-16) are returning home to Denmark. Absalon spent the last time of their deployment participating in Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, a multinational task force conducting counterpiracy operations to detect and deter piracy in and around the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Red Sea. During her deployment and her time with CTF 151…
USS Boxer, Counterpiracy in Gulf of Aden
![](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/-2470.jpg)
In a show of international sea power in the Gulf of Aden, seven nations representing three task forces coordinated efforts to pursue a skiff after the pirates on board opened fire on a German oiler, the Federal German Ship (FGS) Spessart, March 29. At approximately 3 p.m. local, FGS Spessart, reported they were being attacked by pirates who may have mistaken the naval supply ship for a commercial merchant vessel.
Ship Seizures Broaden Piracy Challenge
![](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/-2458.jpg)
Two ship seizures in the Indian Ocean in recent days appear to indicate that pirates have broadened their focus beyond the heavily patrolled Gulf of Aden. Pirates hijacked two chemical tankers: the Bahamian-flagged, Norwegian-owned vessel Bowasir March 25 and the Panamanian-flagged, Greek-owned Nipayia March 26, a Navy spokesman confirmed. Bowasir and its 23-member crew were operating more than 380 nautical miles southeast of Kismayo, Somalia.
Suspected Pirates Apprehended
![](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/-2441.jpg)
The guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) apprehended six suspected pirates in the Gulf of Aden on March 20 after responding to a distress call from two nearby merchant vessels. At approximately 4:30 a.m., the Philippines-flagged Motor Vessel Bison Express sent a distress call to all ships in the area reporting they were being pursued by a small skiff containing six heavily-armed suspected pirates.
Car Carrier Escapes Pirate Attack
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) reported that its operated car carrier Jasmine Ace was fired on by pirates in two high-speed boats about 480 miles (about 900km)…
Coast Guard, Navy Apprehend Pirates
![](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/-2320.jpg)
A Miami-based U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment operating as part of Combined Task Force 151 in the Gulf of Aden assisted in the apprehension of 16 suspected pirates in a 24 hour period. The eight-person LEDET 405 team is conducting counter-piracy operations aboard USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) and USS Mahan (DDG 72) as part of a multinational task force in and around the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. "Our role is to augment and train U.S.
Suspected Pirates Apprehended
![](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/-2318.jpg)
The crew of the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) apprehended seven suspected pirates in the Gulf of Aden Feb. 11 after responding to a distress call from a nearby merchant vessel. The event marks the first time CTF-151 has apprehended suspected pirates. The Marshall Islands-flagged Motor Vessel Polaris sent a distress call to all ships in the area reporting that a small skiff containing seven suspected pirates had attempted a forcible boarding of their vessel using a ladder.
U.S. Navy Assists Faina
![](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/-2300.jpg)
Following Motor Vessel Faina's release by Somali pirates Feb. 5, the U.S. Navy is providing humanitarian assistance support to the merchant vessel and its crew. Sailors from the Norfolk-based destroyer, USS Mason (DDG 87), went aboard Faina to conduct a health and comfort inspection of the crew as well as provide Faina's crew with food, water and medical support. The U.S. Navy fleet ocean tug USNS Catawba (T-ATF 168) also provided fuel and fresh water to the merchant vessel.
Chairman Cummings Statement on Piracy Hearing
On Feb. 4, Congressman Elijah E. “While the term ‘pirate’ may for many conjure romantic images of swashbuckling adventurers, there is in fact nothing romantic about…
Hearing on Piracy on the High Seas
On Feb. 4, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, will convene the Subcommittee to gather…
Navy, CG Train to Combat Piracy
On board USS San Antonio (LPD 17), Navy and Coast Guard boarding teams ,which are part of Combined Task Force 151, a multinational counterpiracy task force, train…
ATC Receives $500,000 in LRAD Orders
American Technology Corporation (ATC) (NASDAQ: ATCO), a provider of directed sound products and technologies, announced it has received new LRAD orders from the U.S.
Deterring Piracy at Sea
![](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/-2210.jpg)
Contrary to the romanticized portrayal of pirates that have populated folk tales and captured youngsters' imaginations, modern-day pirates pose a clear and present threat to lives, commerce and the environment as they lurk over shipping lanes attacking ships and crew without regard for nationality or cargo. Piracy in the Gulf of Aden not only poses a threat to global commerce, but also threatens aid…
Pirate Washes Ashore with $153,000
According to a Jan. 11 report from Associated Press, the body of a Somali pirate who drowned just after receiving a huge ransom washed onshore with $153,000 in cash…
French Navy Thwarts Hijackings
According to a Jan. 4 report from Radio Netherlands Worldwide, French sailors have thwarted two attempts to hijack ships in the Gulf of Aden. The French intervened…