During the reporting period of 24 May to 30 May 2012 only one pirate approach in the high risk area, says NATO Shipping Centre
Due to the arrival of the South-West monsoon between May and September, sea conditions in the High Risk Area are expected to become generally unfavourable for small boats.
Arabian Sea (AS)/Greater Somali Basin (SB)/Gulf of Oman (GOO)/Mozambique Channel (MC)
On 23 May a merchant vessel was approached by 3 skiffs in the Bab-Al-Mandeb at position 12 48N 043 11E. Six to eight people were seen on board each skiff and weapons were sighted. The skiffs were last seen heading towards Yemeni waters.
Southern Red Sea (SRS)/Bab Al Mandeb (BAM) / Gulf of Aden (GOA)/Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC)
There have been no significant changes over the past week. Masters are advised that fishing activity is expected to continue and likely increase in this area over the next few months.
The report adds: Successful disruptions by naval forces over the past few months, in conjunction with masters' adherence and implementation of BMP4, have significantly reduced the pirates' ability to capture vessels, but Somali pirates have shown the ability to act far off the coast of Somalia and in darkness. Somali pirates are in search of vessels of opportunity, such as those who are not readily employing BMP4 recommended Ship Protection measures.
