DUBAI, United Arab Emirates _ Pirates from Somalia are expanding their areas of operation far from the coast and into the Red Sea, the U.S. Navy warned on Tuesday.
Pirates are now targeting merchant vessels around and beyond the Seychelles islands, using larger vessels for logistical support, the Navy said. It also warned of pirates' "potential move" into the southern Red Sea and their increased activity at night.
In the updated Special Maritime Advisory message, that regularly notes changes in pirates' tactics, merchant mariners were also advised on Tuesday to "use the weather to their advantage" and plan new routes due to the start of the southwest monsoon season along the east African coast, which will deter pirate attacks.
The advisory also urged heightened vigilance from vessels traveling through "the high risk areas" in and around of the Gulf of Aden even at night. Pirates are increasingly attacking ships under the cover of darkness, said Tuesday's statement, sent from the Navy's 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.
Most of pirate attacks in 2008 and in early 2009 took place during the day time in the Gulf of Aden, the Navy said. Recently pirates have attacked vessels farther out on the high seas and at night.
The advisory identified the southern part of the Red Sea as a new area of potential risk for commercial ships after a pirate attack there.
Комментариев нет:
Отправить комментарий