IFC-IOR

Information Fusion Centre

Indian Ocean Region

MONTHLY MARITIME SECURITY UPDATE (MMSU)

Oct 2021

Collaboration for Safety and Security

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IFC-IOR is premised on mutual collaboration and cooperation and aims to advance maritime

safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region. The Centre aims to work closely with national

and regional agencies as well as like-minded organisations/ Centres to generate

comprehensive Maritime Domain Awareness. The mutual collaboration is further enhanced

with the presence of International Liaison Officers (ILOs) from partners nations positioned at

the Centre. The Monthly Maritime Security Update (MMSU) is a comprehensive effort by the

Centre to generate an overarching picture to assist the maritime community in better

understanding of the maritime challenges and threats in the region. While the various

maritime security threats are monitored on a daily basis by the integrated team with ILOs, and

is disseminated through the IFC-IOR website, the maritime security analysis culminates in the

form of MMSU. The maritime security incidents for the duration of 01 Oct – 31 Oct 21 have been

categorised under the following heads: -

(a) Piracy and Armed Robbery

(c) Contraband Smuggling

(e) Illegal Unreported Unregulated Fishing

(g) Natural Events

(b) Maritime Terrorism

(d) Irregular Human Migration

(f) Maritime Incidents

(h) Environmental Security

323 incidents were monitored in the wider

Indian Ocean Region in the month of Oct 21.

Maritime Incidents comprised about one third of

the total recorded incidents, followed by

Irregular Human Migration, Contraband

Smuggling, IUU Fishing, and Piracy & Armed

Robbery.

Additionally, the Centre also monitors the

maritime traffic in IOR. As per data observed, in 2020, approximately 145,000 vessels were

monitored to be operating in the region. In the month of Oct 21, an average of 20,000 – 22,000

distinct vessels have been observed in IOR, at any given instant.

SCOPE

OVERVIEW OF INCIDENTS

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Piracy & Armed Robbery IUU Fishing Irregular Human

Migration Contraband Smuggling

Maritime

Incidents Maritime Terrorism

* GoG – Focus on only Piracy & Armed Robbery incidents; Mediterranean – Focus on only IHM incidents

The maritime security situation in the wider Indian Ocean region has been monitored under various maritime security threat categories for the month of Oct 21.

• Piracy & Armed Robbery – In Oct 21, the Centre recorded a 60% increase in the number of incidents as compared to Sep 21 and a 24% decrease from Oct 20. Nine incidents occured in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) (eight in the Eastbound Lane of Traffic Separation Scheme in the Singapore Strait and one in precautionary area), four in Gulf of Guinea and one each in Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Sulu Celebes Sea. Four incidents of attempted sea theft, three of sea theft and one each of sea robbery and attempted sea robbery was recorded in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS), targeting bulk carriers and tankers, with knives and guns being carried by perpetrators in two of the incidents. One incident of suspicious approach (Ghana), one of sea robbery (Guinea), one of illegal boarding (Nigeria) and one of kidnap (Equatorial Guinea) were recorded in the GoG. Gulf of Guinea observed a 64% decrease in the number of incidents from Oct 20 (11 incidents) and a 20% decrease as compared to Sep 21. One incident of kidnap was recorded in GoG in which three Cameroonian crewmembers were kidnapped. Vessels are advised to continue following industry guidance laid down in BMP5 and BMP WA. The Centre continues to advise seafarers to avoid confronting the perpetrators.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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• Contraband Smuggling – The Centre observed a 25% increase in the number of incidents recorded from Sep 21. Majority of the incidents were related to domestic product smuggling followed by drug smuggling and fuel smuggling. A 25% decrease was observed in the number of recorded drug seizures from Sep 21. Use of small vesssels/ fishing vessels and concelament in containerised cargo were preferred modus-operandi of smugglers. Smuggling of domestic products and fuel from low cost/ high availability areas to other areas was predominantly caried out in fishing vessels, small boats and small cargo vessels. The Centre continued to monitor large seizures of turmeric (banned import commodity) off Sri Lanka.

• IUU Fishing – The centre observed 7% decrease in the incidents in Oct 21 vis-á-vis Sep 21 (29 incidents). The Centre observed 9% decreases in the number of poaching incidents as compared to Sep 21. This may be attributed to the enhanced enforcement operations by coastal states. Bangladesh Coast Guard was reported to have carried out 3049 operations against local IUU fishing during the 22 day ‘Mother Hilsa Conservation Program’ from 04 – 25 Oct 21.

• IHM Incidents – The Centre monitored a 15% decrease in the incidents recorded, as compared to Sep 21, which may be attributable to a decrease in the number of incidents recorded in the Mediterranean. About 77% of the total recorded incidents occurred in the Mediterranean region. 15 incidents were recorded off Mayotte, five off Oman, three off Malaysia and one off Madagascar. A 67% increase was recorded in the number of incidents of migrant crossings off Mayotte over the previous month. In addition to economic migration, the traditional familial ties between some of the states in the region is a likely driver behind some of these attempts.

• Maritime Incidents – The Centre monitored a 25% decrease in reported incidents in Oct 21, as compared to Sep 21. 22% of these incidents involved sinking/capsizing of vessels, predominantly small vessels. 14 incidents of detention in view of unauthorised anchoring off Malaysia were recorded. Four collisions, a 56% decrease as compared to Sep 21 were recorded. No significant oil-spills were reported in any of the recorded collision incidents.

• Environmental Security – In an incident of oil spill, dozens of litres of hydraulic oil reportedly spilled from a ship docked at an Israel Navy base off the Red Sea coast of Eilat.

• Maritime Security Threats (Non-piratical) - Saudi Arabia led coalition have reportedely destroyed 10 Water Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (WBIEDs) in four separate incidents in the Red Sea off Hodeidah, Yemen in Oct 21. On 16 Oct 21, Iranian Navy reportedly ensured the security of one of the country’s oil vessels in the Gulf of Aden, in an incident involving exchange of fire with unidentified perpetrators.

• Natural Events – Cyclonic Storm SHAHEEN made landfall in Oman on 03 Oct 21.

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• Piracy And Armed Robbery

16 piracy and armed robbery incidents (actual as well as attempted) were recorded by the Centre for the month of Oct 21. Majority of the incidents were reported in Straits of Malacca and Singapore followed by Gulf of Guinea and one each in Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Sulu Celebes Sea. A 60% increase in the number of incidents as compared to Sep 21 (10 incidents) and a 24% decrease from Oct 20 (21 incidents) was observed, driven by a rise in incidents in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. Incidents in SOMS – Nine incidents were reported in the SOMS, eight incidents in the Eastbound Lane of Traffic Separation Scheme in the Singapore Strait and one in precautionary area. Four of these were incidents of attempted sea theft, three of sea theft and one each of sea robbery and attempted sea robbery. Carriage of weapons (knives and guns) was reported in two of the incidents. Bulk carriers and tankers were targeted during night in all the incidents. This is the highest number of reported incidents in a single month in 2020 and 2021.

Incidents in GoG – Four incidents (one each of suspicious approach, sea robbery, illegal boarding and kidnap) were recorded in GoG in Oct 21. Gulf of Guinea observed a 20% decrease from Sep 21 (05 incidents) and a 64% decrease from Oct 20 (11 incidents).

Incidents in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden – One incident each of Suspicious Approach was recorded off Yemen.

Incidents in Sulu Celebes Sea- An incident of sea theft was reported onboard a tanker anchored at Sandakan Anchorage, Malaysia.

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The following piracy and armed robbery incidents were monitored in the region in the month of Oct 21: -

• Suspicious Approach/ Bab-el-Mandab Strait, Yemen/ 04 Oct 21. (GoA)

An incident of suspicious approach was reported onboard a Singapore flagged crude tanker KHK EMPRESS in Bab-el-Mandab Strait, Yemen on 04 Oct 21. Reportedly, eight to nine perpetrators onboard a skiff approached the vessel whilst it was transiting North and closed to 0.5 nm. Upon sighting the skiff, the vessel (with AST embarked) carried out evasive maneuvers. Subsequently, the skiff aborted the approach and went away. The crew and the vessel were reported to be safe.

Summary Of Piracy and Armed Robbery Incidents

Pattern of Life – Piracy & Armed Robbery in Gulf of Aden

➢ 07 incidents (06 of suspicious approach and 01 of attack off Somalia) were recorded in Gulf of Aden from Jan – Oct 21. In comparison, 23 incidents (20 of suspicious approach, 02 of attack off Yemen and 01 of sea robbery off Somalia) were recorded in 2020 in GoA. 01 incident of suspicious approach off Yemen was recorded in Oct 2021, as compared to 02 incidents of suspicious approach off Yemen in Oct 2020. ➢ Enhanced awareness by seafarers and mistaken identification of fishermen (in some instances trying to draw attention to their nets), may be a contributing factor in the high number of suspicious approaches reported in the region.

➢ One incident of attack was reported off Somalia on 13 Aug 21 on Ro-Ro passenger vessel ANATOLIAN where four armed perpetrators onboard a skiff approached the vessel and fired towards the vessel. Subsequently, armed security guards on board the vessel returned fire and after about an hour, the perpetrators aborted their attack.

➢ One incident of sea robbery was reported off Somalia on 19 Aug 20 on chemical tanker AEGEAN II where six armed perpetrators boarded the vessel while the vessel was in transit from UAE to Mogadishu and developed some technical failure off the east coast of Somalia. Perpetrators disembarked the vessel with cell phones, laptops, cash, personal belongings from the crew and weapons of the private armed guards.

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• Sea Theft/ Sandakan Inner Anchorage, Malaysia/ 05 Oct 21. (Sulu Celebes Sea)

An incident of sea theft was reported onboard a Cayman Islands flagged product tanker ORIENTAL ROSE at Sandakan Inner Anchorage, Malaysia on 05 Oct 21. Reportedly, two perpetrators boarded the vessel while anchored. The crew raised an alarm and a search was conducted onboard. It was reported that the perpetrators escaped with ship's stores and property. The incident was reported to the local port authorities.

• Sea Theft/ Eastbound Lane of TSS, SOMS/ 06 Oct 21. (SOMS)

An incident of sea theft was reported onboard a Malaysia flagged product tanker AMELIA, 3.3 nm Northeast of Nongsa Point, Batam Island, Indonesia, in the Eastbound Lane of TSS in Singapore Strait on 06 Oct 21. Reportedly, three perpetrators boarded the vessel while underway in the Singapore Strait. The crew noticed the perpetrators in the engine room workshop store, an alarm was raised and crew mustered. Subsequently, a search was conducted onboard and it was reported that the perpetrators escaped with some engine spares. The incident was reported to the local port authorities.

• Sea Theft/ Eastbound Lane of TSS, SOMS/ 07 Oct 21. (SOMS)

An incident of sea theft was reported onboard a Liberia flagged bulk carrier TRUE CHAMPION, 5.2 nm Southwest of Nipa Island, Indonesia, in the Eastbound Lane of TSS in Singapore Strait on 07 Oct 21. While underway in the Singapore Strait, the crew noticed that some engine spares were stolen. The incident was likely to have had occurred at about 0001hrs on 07 Oct 21. Subsequently, a search was conducted onboard and no perpetrators were sighted.

• Attempted Sea Theft/ Eastbound Lane of TSS, SOMS/ 10 Oct 21. (SOMS) An incident of attempted sea theft was reported onboard a Hong Kong flagged bulk carrier ROSCO OLIVE in the Singapore Strait. Reportedly, the crew noticed two perpetrators in the engine room, while the vessel was underway in the Eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme in the Singapore Strait on 10 Oct 21. The duty engine crew noticed the perpetrators, an alarm was raised and crew mustered. Subsequently a search was conducted onboard and no perpetrators were found. No item was stolen and all crew members were reported to be safe.

• Suspicious Approach/ Off Lome, Togo/ 11 Oct 21. (GoG)

An incident of suspicious approach was reported onboard a Ghana-flagged fishing vessel AFKO 805, 105 nm Southeast of Tema, Ghana in Gulf of Guinea on 11 Oct 21. Reportedly, unknown number of perpetrators approached the vessel onboard two skiffs and closed to 0.5 nm. Due to intervention of Ghanaian Navy, the skiff aborted the approach and went away. The crew members and the vessel were reported to be safe.

• Attempted Sea Theft/ Eastbound Lane of TSS, SOMS/ 14 Oct 21. (SOMS)

On 14 Oct 21, an incident of attempted sea theft was reported onboard a Panama flagged chemical tanker EVERRICH 7, 3.9 nm Northwest of Nongsa Point, Indonesia in the Eastbound Lane of TSS in Singapore Strait. Reportedly, three perpetrators boarded the vessel while underway in the Singapore Strait. The duty crew noticed the perpetrators on stern main deck, an alarm was raised and crew mustered. Subsequently a search was conducted onboard and no perpetrators were found. No item was stolen and all crew members were reported to be safe. The incident was reported to the local authorities.

• Sea Robbery/ Eastbound Lane of TSS, SOMS/ 15 Oct 21. (SOMS) On 15 Oct 21, an incident of sea robbery was reported onboard a Singapore flagged petroleum/chemical tanker THERESA II in Singapore Strait. While underway in the Eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme in the Singapore Strait, the duty oiler spotted about seven to eight perpetrators, armed with knives, in the engine room workshop. The perpetrators reportedly tied up the duty oiler and subsequently released him before they left. Upon release, the oiler reported the incident. The alarm was activated and a thorough search of the ship was conducted. The perpetrators were not found. There was no reported damage to the ship and the crew was not injured. Some engine spares were reported to be stolen. The incident was reported to the coastal authorities.

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• Sea Theft/ Off Tanjung Bulat, Malaysia/ 16 Oct 21. (SOMS)

An incident of attempted sea theft was reported onboard a Palau flagged bulk carrier EMBRACE, 3.8 nm South of Tanjung Bulat, Malaysia in the precautionary area of the TSS in Singapore Strait on 16 Oct 21. Reportedly, five perpetrators were sighted in the engine room of the vessel, while underway in the Singapore Strait. Duty crew closed all doors and reported to the bridge, an alarm was raised and crew mustered. Subsequently, the incident was reported to the local authorities and the vessel was instructed to anchor in the East Johor port waters. A search was conducted onboard by Malaysian authorities. No perpetrator was found onboard, no item was stolen and all crew members were reported to be safe.

Trend Analysis - Incidents in Straits of Malacca and Singapore

➢ Nine incidents were recorded in Oct 21 as compared to six in Oct 20. Eight incidents were recorded

in the Eastbound Lane of the TSS and one incident was recorded in precautionary area in the TSS in the

Singapore Strait.

➢ A total 35 incidents were recorded in SOMS out of which 32 incidents (91% of incidents) were

recorded in the East bound lane of Singapore Strait TSS till Oct 21.

➢ In 2020, 34 incidents were recorded in the area out of which 30 incidents (88% of incidents) were

recorded in Eastbound Lane of TSS, one incident in the Westbound Lane, two incidents in precautionary

area and one incident South of TSS.

➢ On 14 Oct 21, EVERRICH 7 (Eastbound Lane) and on 15 Oct 21, THERESA II (Eastbound Lane)

was targeted in an interval of about 43 min, in positions approximately 1.1 nm apart. These may have been

carried out by a single grou p of perpetrators.

➢ Perpetrators are likely to carry knives and target vessels for stealing ships stores such as engine

spares, breathing apparatus, etc. Small boats (sampans) are frequently used to target underway vessels.

➢ Altercation with crew have been recorded in the region. Seafarers are advised to avoid altercation

with perpetrators, specially since they have been reported to be carrying arms.

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• Suspicious Approach/ Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, Yemen/ 19 Oct 21. (Red Sea)

An incident of suspicious approach was reported onboard a Motor Vessel about 8 nm North West in Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, Yemen on 19 Oct 21. Reportedly, six perpetrators approached the vessel onboard a skiff and closed to 50 metres. Upon sighting the skiff, the vessel (with AST embarked) carried out evasive maneuvers. Subsequently, the skiff aborted the approach and went away. The crew members and the vessel were reported to be safe.

• Attempted Sea Robbery/Eastbound Lane of TSS, SOMS/ 20 Oct 21. (SOMS)

An incident of attempted sea robbery took place onboard a Panama flagged cargo vessel SUPER STAR, 6.3 nm Northwest of Tanjung Pergam in the Eastbound Lane of TSS, Singapore Strait on 20 Oct 21. Reportedly, five unauthorised persons were sighted in the engine room. Two of them were reportedly armed with guns. An alarm was raised and the crew conducted a search onboard the vessel. There was no further sighting of the perpetrators. The crew was reported to be safe. Nothing was stolen.The incident was reported to the local authorities.

• Attempted Sea Theft/ Eastbound Lane of TSS, SOMS/ 24 Oct 21. (SOMS)

An incident of attempted sea theft was reported onboard a Marshall Islands flagged Bulk carrier MAGIC NOVA off Batam, Indonesia on 24 Oct 21. Reportedly, four perpetrators boarded the vessel while underway in the eastbound lane of the TSS. The crew noticed the perpetrators at stern main deck, an alarm was raised and crew mustered. Subsequently, a search was conducted and it was reported that no perpetrators were found onboard. No item was stolen and all crew members were reported to be safe. The incident was reported to the local authorities.

• Illegal Boarding/ Off Brass, Nigeria/ 25 Oct 21. (GoG)

An incident of illegal boarding was reported onboard a Panama flagged Container ship MSC LUCIA about 149 nm South West of Brass, Nigeria in Gulf of Guinea on 25 Oct 21. Reportedly, the vessel was boarded by unknown number of perpetrators. The perpetrators left the vessel when approached by a Russian Navy helicopter. All crew members and the vessel were reported to be safe.

• Kidnap/ Off Bioko, Equatorial Guinea/ 25 Oct 21. (GoG) An incident of kidnap was reported onboard a Vanuatu flagged offshore supply vessel MONTET TIDE about 50 nm North West of Bioko, Equatorial Guinea on 25 Oct 21. Reportedly, the vessel was attacked by unknown number of armed perpetrators while transiting through the Gulf of Guinea. The perpetrators escaped the vessel after kidnapping three (all Cameroonian) out of the total 14 crew members onboard the vessel. The incident was reported to the coastal authorities.

Incidents on MSC LUCIA and MONTET TIDE

➢ Comment. The incident on MSC LUCIA and MONTET TIDE occurred in high seas, well away from coast. Even though the attacks took place at interval of 12 hours, the large distance between the two incidents (189 nm) indicates that in all probability two separate pirate groups were involved.

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• Sea Robbery/ Conarky Anchorage, Guinea/ 25 Oct 21. (GoG)

An incident of sea robbery was reported onboard a Panama flagged Bulk carrier WHITE IVY at Conakry anchorage, Guinea. Reportedly, seven perpetrators armed with knives and guns boarded the vessel at anchor on 25 Oct 21. An alarm was raised and the crew was mustered. Subsequently, a search was conducted by the crew and it was established that the perpetrators had escaped the vessel with 12 computers and nine laptops. The incident was reported to the local authorities.

• Attempted Sea Theft/ Eastbound Lane of TSS, SOMS/ 28 Oct 21. (SOMS)

An incident of attempted sea theft was reported onboard a Greece flagged Tanker AEGEAN ANGEL, 6.1 nm North of Tanjung Pergam, Bintan Island, Indonesia in the eastbound lane of the TSS on 28 Oct 21. Reportedly, three perpetrators boarded the vessel while underway. The perpetrators were reportedly sighted jumping overboard from the vessel's starboard quarter. A search was conducted and it was reported that no perpetrators were found onboard. Nothing was reported stolen and all crew members were reported to be safe. The incident was reported to the local authorities.

Weapon Carriage and Confrontation – South East Asia

➢ South East Asia has been the Asian hotspot of piracy & armed robbery in 2020 and 2021. While many of the incidents were “sea robbery”, some involved carriage of weapon, predominantly knives. However, there have been a few incidents of carriage of guns. ➢ 20 incidents were recorded in SE Asia in 2020 where weapons were involved, predominantly knives (19 incidents) and one incident of sea robbery reported in Malaysia where gun was used. In comparison to 2020, 25 incidents were recorded in 2021 till Oct 21. 21 incidents were reported where weapon involved was knives and 04 were of guns (03 off Manila Anchorage, 01 in Eastbound Lane of TSS, SOMS).

➢ The perpetrators are likely to carry knives to cut ropes (both to steal and to escape). Perpetrators have also been observed to use knives to threaten crew in some areas.

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Contraband Smuggling

75 contraband smuggling incidents were recorded by the Centre in the month of Oct 21, a 25% increase from Sep 21 (60 incidents). Majority of the incidents were related to domestic product smuggling followed

by drug smuggling and fuel smuggling. Drug Seizures – 24 drug seizures were recorded in Oct 21, a 25% decrease from Sep 21. Domestic Product Smuggling – 29 incidents of domestic product smuggling were recorded in Oct 21, with most of the incidents recorded off Sri Lanka, all involving seizure of turmeric (22,405kg), and one each off Philippines, Indonesia, Djibouti and Pakistan. Fuel Smuggling – Seven incidents of fuel smuggling involving seizure of about 787,725 liters and eight containers were recorded in Oct 21. Four incidents were reported off Thailand, two off Malaysia and one off Brunei. Wildlife Smuggling – Five incidents were recorded. Two each incidents recorded off India and Sri Lanka involved sea cucmbers and one incident off Philippines involving helmet shells off India. Natural Resource Smuggling – Five incidents (three incidents of wood, one of gold and kendu leaves), were recorded in Philippines, Sri Lanka and Seychelles. Tobacco Smuggling – Two incidents of tobacco smuggling were recorded by the Centre in Oct 21, one incident each off Philippines and Djibouti. Alcohol Smuggling – Three incidents of alcohol smuggling were recorded in Oct 21.Two incidents off Oman and one off Malaysia.

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• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Karukapane Beach, Sri Lanka/ 01 Oct 21. (Turmeric)

On 01 Oct 21, it was reported that Sri Lanka Navy apprehended a suspect and seized 1738 kg of turmeric from a dinghy at Karukapane beach, Chilaw, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was packed inside 47 sacks. The Sri Lankan Navy also held 02 lorries, a van, and a cab along with 05 other persons who were suspected to have arrived at the beach to transport the consignment. During further search operations conducted in the beach area, an additional 2218kg (approx) of dried turmeric stuffed in 77 sacks was recovered. The suspects and the seizure were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Domestic Product & Natural Resource Smuggling/ Off Gin Ganga, Sri Lanka/ 01 Oct 21. (Turmeric & Kendu Leaves)

On 01 Oct, it was reported that Sri Lanka Navy apprehended two suspects and seized 1112 kg of Kendu leaves and 175 kg of turmeric from two dinghies off Gin Ganga, Negombo, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, Kendu leaves were packed inside 31 sacks and turmeric in five sacks. The suspects and the seizures were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Natural Resource Smuggling/ Off Barangay Talisay, Philippines/ 01 Oct 21. (Magkono Logs)

On 01 Oct, it was reported that Philippine authorities apprehended four suspects and seized 4.85 cubic mtr of Magkono logs (a type of hardwood) from a motor banca off Barangay Talisay, Surigao, Phillipines. Reportedly, the contraband was transported illegally. The estimated value of the seizure was reported to be about USD 7190. The suspects and the seizure were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Fuel Smuggling/ Off Pulau Bohayen, Malaysia/ 01 Oct 21. (Petrol)

On 01 Oct, it was reported that Malaysian authorities apprehended two foreign suspects and seized 1225 ltr of petrol from a speedboat off Pulau Bohayen, Malaysia. Reportedly, the contraband was found in 35 containers each containing 35 ltrs of petrol and was believed to be smuggled to a foreign country. The suspects and the seizure along with their boat were handed over to local authorities for further investigation. Another speed boat involved in the incident reportedly escaped.

• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Off Norochcholai, Sri Lanka/ 04 Oct 21. (Turmeric)

On 04 Oct, it was reported that Sri Lanka Navy apprehended a suspect and seized 1064 kg of dried turmeric from a fishing hut at Norochcholai, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was packed inside 32 sacks and was believed to be smuggled via the sea route. The suspect and the seizure were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Drug Smuggling/ Off Narivilakulam, Sri Lanka/ 04 Oct 21. (Cannabis)

On 04 Oct, it was reported that Sri Lanka Navy apprehended a suspect and seized 45 kg of cannabis from beach area at Narivilakulam, Mannar, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was packed inside 12 packages and was abandoned by smugglers. The estimated value of the seizure was reported to be about USD 1,74,337. The seizure was to be destroyed by burning.

Summary Of Contraband Smuggling Incidents

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• Drug Smuggling/ Mumbai Port, India/ 05 Oct 21. (Heroin) On 05 Oct, Indian authorities apprehended a suspect and seized 25 kg of heroin from a container at Mumbai Port, India. Reportedly, the off-white coloured contraband was found concealed at the bottom of five cans of sesame seed oil and mustard oil. The suspect and the seizure were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Off Ippanthivu Island, Sri Lanka/ 05 Oct 21. (Turmeric)

On 05 Oct 21, it was reported that Sri Lanka Navy apprehended two suspects and seized 1210 kg of turmeric and two dinghies at Ippanthivu Island, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband, found in 12 packages from the dinghies, weighed 503 kg. During further search operations conducted in the beach area, an additional 707 kg of dried turmeric stuffed in 17 sacks was recovered. The suspects and the seizure along with the dinghies were handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Off Ippanthivu Island, Sri Lanka/ 05 Oct 21. (Turmeric)

On 05 Oct 21, it was reported that Sri Lanka Navy seized 430 kg of turmeric off Ippanthivu Island, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was recovered from the sea that was stuffed in 14 sacks and was believed to be thrown by a foreign fishing vessel. The seizure was handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Off Marathandikuda, Sri Lanka/ 06 Oct 21. (Turmeric) On 06 Oct, it was reported that Sri Lanka Navy seized 704 kg of turmeric from beach area at Marathandikuda, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was found inside 17 sacks and was hidden in the bushes. The seizure along was handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Off Kiranchi, Sri Lanka/ 06 Oct 21. (Turmeric)

On 06 Oct, it was reported that Sri Lanka Navy seized 800 kg of turmeric off Kiranchi, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband stuffed in 21 sacks was ditched overboard by a foreign fishing vessel.

• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Kiranchi Beach, Sri Lanka/ 06 Oct 21. (Turmeric) On 06 Oct, it was reported that Sri Lanka Navy seized 304 kg of turmeric at Kiranchi beach area, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was stuffed in 05 sacks and was submerged in coastal waters by the smugglers, failing to take them away due to naval operations in the area. The seizure was handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Off Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka/ 07 Oct 21. (Turmeric)

On 07 Oct, it was reported that Sri Lanka Navy seized 850 kg of turmeric at Udayirputi Island, Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was stuffed in 31 sacks and was believed to be hidden by the smugglers. The seizure was handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Fuel Smuggling/ Off Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand/ 07 Oct 21. (Oil)

On 07 Oct, the Thai Navy apprehended four crew members and seized 350,000 ltr of oil from a cargo vessel JP off Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand. The vessel without a flag, was reportedly transporting the oil without a valid license and crew members were without documents. The seizure and the suspects were taken into custody for further investigation.

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• Drug Smuggling/ Off Bengkong, Indonesia/ 08 Oct 21. (Meth)

On 08 Oct, the Indonesian authorities apprehended two suspects and seized two kg meth from a beach area off Bengkong, Batam, Riau, Indonesia. Reportedly, the contraband was being smuggled from a foreign country. The estimated worth of the seizure is about USD 53,490. The suspects and the seizure were handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Off Erukkalampiddy, Sri Lanka/ 08 Oct 21. (Turmeric)

On 08 Oct, the Sri Lanka Navy apprehended a suspect and seized 518 kg of turmeric from two abandoned dinghies at Erukkalampiddy, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was packed inside 10 sacks. The seized boat and items were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Fuel Smuggling/ Off Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand/ 08 Oct 21. (Oil)

On 08 Oct, the Thai Navy apprehended six and seven crew members from two vessels SURAT and CHOKCHADAPORN, respectively and seized oil from them off Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand. The vessels were reportedly transporting the oil in the tank without a valid permit. The seizure and the suspects along with the boats were taken into custody for further investigation.

• Fuel Smuggling/ Off Pulau Chermin, Brunei/ 08 Oct 21. (Oil)

On 08 Oct 21, the Bruneian authorities apprehended a suspect and seized eight containers of petrol from a boat off Pulau Chermin, Brunei. The vessel was reportedly transporting the oil without a valid permit. The seizure and the suspect along with the boat were taken into custody for further investigation.

• Domestic Product Smuggling / Off Deduru Oya Estuary, Sri Lanka/ 08 Oct 21. (Turmeric)

On 08 Oct 21, the Sri Lanka Navy apprehended a suspect and seized 1154 kg of turmeric from a dinghy at Deduru Oya estuary, Sri Lanka. The seizure was handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Domestic Product Smuggling / Off Kandakkuliya, Sri Lanka/ 09 Oct 21. (Turmeric)

On 09 Oct 21, the Sri Lanka Navy apprehended four foreign suspects and seized 1299 kg of turmeric from a foreign flagged dhow off Kandakkuliya, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was packed inside 52 sacks and was suspected that the smugglers might have attempted to transfer the consignment to local fishing vessels mid sea, to bring them ashore. The seizure was handed over to local authorities for further investigation and the suspects were sent back.

• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Off Nawadandawatta, Sri Lanka/ 09 Oct 21. (Turmeric)

On 09 Oct 21, the Sri Lanka Navy seized 178 kg of turmeric at Nawadandawatta, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was being abandoned by the smugglers on the beach. The seizure was handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Tobacco Smuggling/ Off Zamboanga, Philippines/ 09 Oct 21. (Cigarette)

On 09 Oct 21, it was reported that Philippine Navy apprehended eight crew members and seized 137 boxes of cigarettes from two speedboats off Zamboanga, Philippines. Reportedly, the estimated worth of the seizure is about USD 94,680. The suspects and the seizure were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

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• Drug Smuggling/ Off Tharuvaikulam, India/ 09 Oct 21. (Cannabis)

On 09 Oct 21, Indian authorities apprehended four suspects and seized 530 kg of cannabis from a boat at Tharuvaikulam, Tamil Nadu, India. Reportedly, the contraband was packed inside 15 gunny bags and was believed to be smuggled to a foreign country. The suspects and the seizure were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Drug Smuggling/ Off Dubai, UAE/ 09 Oct 21. (Cocaine)

On 09 Oct 21, the UAE authorities seized 500 kg of cocaine from a cargo container off Dubai, UAE. Reportedly, the estimated worth of the seizure was about USD 136 million. The seizure was handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Drug Smuggling/ Off Al Batinah South Governorate, Oman/ 10 Oct 21. (Crystal, Hashish & Psychotropic Substances)

On 10 Oct 21, the Omani authorities apprehended four suspects and seized 60 moulds of Crystal and hashish and more than 1000 tablets of psychotropic substances off Al Batinah South Governorate, Oman. The suspects and the seizure were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Alcohol Smuggling / Off Musandam Governorate, Oman / 10 Oct 21. (Liquor) On 10 Oct 21, the Omani authorities apprehended five foreign nationals and seized 61 boxes containing more than 4,200 cans and bottles of alcoholic beverages from two boats off Musandam Governorate, Oman. Reportedly, the two boats were illegally exchanging the contraband within Omani territorial waters. The suspects and the seizure were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Domestic Product Smuggling / Off Mandagalaru, Sri Lanka/ 11 Oct 21. (Turmeric)

On 11 Oct 21, the Sri Lanka Navy apprehended two suspects and seized 617 kg of turmeric and 12 kg of cardamom from a dinghy off Mandagalaru, Mannar, Sri Lanka. The suspects and the seizure along with the boat were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Off Gwadar, Pakistan/ 12 Oct 21. (Cooking Oil & Car Tyre)

On 12 Oct 21, the Pakistani authorities apprehended nine crew members and seized 2800 Itr cooking oil and 256 car tyres from a boat AL SOHAILI at Gwadar, Pakistan. Reportedly, the items were illegally transported to avoid taxes. The suspects and the seizure were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Off Narapadu, Sri Lanka/ 12 Oct 21. (Turmeric)

On 12 Oct 21, the Sri Lanka Navy seized 1503 kg of turmeric from a beach area at Narapadu, Mannar, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was packed inside 45 sacks. The seizure was handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Domestic Product Smuggling / Off Pallekuda, Sri Lanka/ 12 Oct 21. (Turmeric)

On 12 Oct 21, the Sri Lanka Navy seized 805 kg of turmeric from a dinghy at Pallekuda, Mannar, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was packed inside 15 sacks. The seizure along with the boat was handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

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• Drug Smuggling / Off Oman/ 13 Oct 21. (Hashish, Opium & Psychotropic Tablets)

On 13 Oct 21, the Omani authorities apprehended three suspects and seized 73 moulds of hashish and opium drugs and 5050 psychotropic tablets from a boat off Oman. The suspects and the seizure were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Drug Smuggling/ Off Batha Port, Saudi Arabia/ 13 Oct 21. (Amphetamine Pills)

On 13 Oct 21, the Saudi authorities in cooperation with UAE apprehended two suspects including one foreigner and seized 1.5 million amphetamine pills off Batha Port, Saudi Arabia. Reportedly, the contraband was hidden inside a truck carrying corn grain at Batha port. The suspects and the seizure were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Drug Smuggling/ Off Maldives/ 13 Oct 21. (Heroin)

On 13 Oct 21, Maldives authorities apprehended two suspects and seized 215 kg of heroin off Maldives. Reportedly, the contraband was believed to be smuggled from a foreign country via sea route. The suspects and the seizure were taken into custody for further investigation.

• Drug & Domestic Product Smuggling/ Off Djibouti/ 13 Oct 21. (Hashish & Electronic Items)

On 13 Oct 21, Djibouti Coast Guard apprehended four suspects and seized two bags of hashish off Djibouti. Reportedly, the authorities also seized 03 mobile phones, a laptop and various edged weapons. The suspects and the seizure were taken into custody for further investigation.

• Drug Smuggling/ Off Rodrigues, Mauritius/ 13 Oct 21. (Hashish)

On 13 Oct 21, Mauritian authorities seized two bags of hashish off Rodrigues, Mauritius. Reportedly, the authorities also seized 03 mobile phones, a laptop and various edged weapons. The suspects and the seizure were taken into custody for further investigation.

• Wildlife Smuggling/ Mohoththuwaram, Sri Lanka/ 15 Oct 21. (Sea Cucumber)

On 15 Oct 21, the Sri Lanka Navy apprehended two suspects and seized 1197 kg of dried sea cucumber from a beach area at Mohoththuwaram, Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was being transported in violation of licensing conditions. The suspects and the seizure were handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Natural Resource Smuggling/ Off Pantabangan, Philippines/ 15 Oct 21. (Gmelina Lumber) On 15 Oct 21, Philippine Coast Guard seized 10 pieces of Gmelina lumber off Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Reportedly, the contraband was found abandoned during patrol. The estimated worth of the seizure was about USD 120. The seizure was taken into custody for further investigation.

• Drug Smuggling/ Off Tanjung Pelepas Port, Malaysia/ 16 Oct 21. (Meth) On 16 Oct 21, Malaysian authorities seized 398 kg of meth from a container being trans-shipped at Tanjung Pelepas Port, Malaysia. Reportedly, the contraband was hidden inside 14 gunny sacks falsely declared as coffee beans and believed to be destined to a foreign country. The estimated worth of the seizure was about USD 34,45,960. The seizure was taken into custody for further investigation.

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• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Off Nachchikuda, Sri Lanka/ 17 Oct 21. (Turmeric)

On 17 Oct 21, the Sri Lanka Navy seized 80 kg of turmeric from a beach area at Nachchikuda, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was left out at the beach by smugglers. The seizure was handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Natural Resource Smuggling/ Off Victoria, Seychelles/ 17 Oct 21. (Gold)

On 17 Oct 21, Seychelles authorities apprehended a suspect and seized 23 kg of gold at port Victoria, Seychelles. Reportedly, the boat was under surveillance for suspected drug trafficking. The suspect and the seizure was taken into custody for further investigation.

• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Off Thewampiddi, Sri Lanka/ 18 Oct 21. (Turmeric)

On 18 Oct 21, the Sri Lanka Navy seized 621 kg of turmeric from a dinghy at Thewampiddi, Mannar, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was packed in 12 sacks which were believed to be left behind by the smugglers. The seizure along with the dinghy was handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Tobacco & Domestic Smuggling /Off Khor Angar, Djibouti/ 18 Oct 21. (Cigarette & Milk)

On 18 Oct 21, Djibouti Coast Guard apprehended two suspects and seized 16 cartons of cigarettes from a foreign boat off Khor Angar, Djibouti. Reportedly, the authorities also seized nine cartons of Yemeni milk. The suspects and the seizure were taken into custody for further investigation.

• Wildlife Smuggling/ Off Mandapam, India/ 19 Oct 21. (Sea Cucumber)

On 19 Oct 21, the Indian Coast Guard apprehended two suspects and seized 600 kg of sea cucumber from a rubber boat off Mandapam, Tamil Nadu, India. Reportedly, the estimated value of the seizure was about USD 133,210. The seizure and the seized boat was handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Drug Smuggling/ Off Mannar, Sri Lanka/ 19 Oct 21. (Cannabis)

On 19 Oct 21, Sri Lanka Navy seized 18 kg of cannabis at Pesalai, Mannar, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was packed inside eight parcels which were hidden in close by shrubs and believed to be left behind by the smugglers. The seizure was destroyed by burning.

• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Ariyalai, Sri Lanka/ 19 Oct 21. (Turmeric)

On 19 Oct 21, Sri Lanka Navy seized 602 kg of turmeric from a dinghy at Ariyalai, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was packed in 12 sacks and abandoned by smugglers in a dinghy. The seizure along with the dinghy was handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Kolankanaththa, Sri Lanka/ 19 Oct 21. (Turmeric)

On 19 Oct 21, Sri Lanka Navy seized 750 kg of dried turmeric at Kolankanaththa, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was packed in 25 sacks and left behind in bushes by the smugglers. The seizure was handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

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• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Yahappar, Sri Lanka/ 19 Oct 21. (Turmeric) On 19 Oct 21, Sri Lanka Navy seized 913 kg of dried turmeric at Yahappar, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was packed in 10 sacks and left on the beach area by the smugglers. The seizure was handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Drug & Tobacco Smuggling/ Off Oman/ 20 Oct 21. (Khat & Cigarette)

On 20 Oct 21, Omani authorities apprehended 11 foreign suspects and seized khat and smuggled cigarettes from three boats off Oman. Reportedly, the contraband was believed to be smuggled from a foreign country via sea route. The suspects and the seizure were taken into custody for further investigation.

• Drug Smuggling/ Off Muar, Malaysia/ 20 Oct 21. (Syabu, Ecstasy & 5 Pills) On 20 Oct 21, Malaysian authorities seized 23 kg of Syabu, 2,000 Ecstasy pills and 90 Eramin 5 pills off Muar, Johor, Malaysia. Reportedly, the contraband was hidden inside togok (fishing platform) and believed to be smuggled from a foreign country via sea route. The estimated worth of the seizure was about USD 319,830. The seizure was taken into custody for further investigation.

• Alcohol Smuggling/ Al Buraimi Port, Oman / 20 Oct 21. (Liquor)

On 20 Oct 21, Oman authorities seized more than 17,000 bottles of alcoholic beverages off Al Buraimi Port, Oman. Reportedly, the contraband was hidden inside bricks. The seizure was taken into custody for further investigation.

• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Kalpitiya Beach Area, Sri Lanka/ 20 Oct 21. (Turmeric) On 20 Oct 21, Sri Lanka Navy apprehended a suspect and seized 640 kg of turmeric from beach area at Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was seized while being loaded into a cab. The suspect and the seizure was handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Kandakkuliya, Sri Lanka/ 20 Oct 21. (Turmeric)

On 20 Oct 21, Sri Lanka Navy seized 100 kg of turmeric from beach area at Kandakkuliya, Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was packed in three sacks and believed to be left by smugglers. The seizure was handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

➢ Comments. Nimetazepam (marketed under brand name Erimin and Lavol) is an intermediate-acting hypnotic drug which possesses powerful hypnotic, anxiolytic, sedative, and skeletal muscle relaxant properties. Nimetazepam is also a particularly potent anticonvulsant (used in treatment of epliptic seizures) and was also widely prescribed for the short-term treatment of severe insomnia in patients who have difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep. ➢ Prescriptions for the drug have decreased dramatically since 2005 due to rampant misuse and addiction. Abuse of the drug is still significant in certain parts of South East. It is commonly used in combination with methamphetamine and MDMA (Ecstasy) and opiates (especially heroin or morphine).

➢ The strict legal restrictions nimetazepam is subject to in Malaysia has made the drug scarce, but many pills sold as nimetazepam in the black market are counterfeit.

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• Domestic Product Smuggling/Kilikarayanpiddi, Sri Lanka/ 20 Oct 21. (Turmeric)

On 20 Oct 21, Sri Lanka Navy seized 395 kg of turmeric off Kilikarayanpiddi, Mannar, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was packed in 10 sacks and found submerged in water. The seizure was handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Drug Smuggling/ Off Koh Kong, Cambodia/ 22 Oct 21. (Meth)

On 22 Oct 21, the Cambodian authorities apprehended six suspects and seized 200 kg meth from a fishing vessel off Koh Kong, Cambodia. Reportedly, the contraband was being smuggled from a foreign country. The suspects and the seizure were handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Drug Smuggling/ Off Melaka, Malaysia/ 23 Oct 21. (Syabu)

On 23 Oct 21, Malaysian authorities seized one kg of syabu off Melaka, Malaysia. Reportedly, the contraband was ditched overboard by a fishing vessel, which managed to flee. The estimated worth of the seizure was about USD 8,680. The seizure was taken into custody for further investigation.

• Wildlife Smuggling/ Off Mandapam, India/ 24 Oct 21. (Sea Cucumber)

On 24 Oct 21, Indian Coast Guard seized 500 kg of sea cucumber from an unregistered boat off Mandapam, Tamil Nadu, India. The seizure, which was reportedly set to be smuggled abroad, was handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Drug Smuggling/ Off Dhofar, Oman/ 25 Oct 21. (Khat)

On 25 Oct 21, The Royal Oman Police arrested eight people onboard two boats for attempting to enter the country illegally. 1,508 packages of the drug khat were recovered from the first boat, while in the second boat, 1,366 packages were recovered. The suspects and the seizure were taken into custody for further investigation.

• Drug Smuggling/ Off Oman/ 25 Oct 21. (Narcotics)

On 25 Oct 21, Omani authorities apprehended two suspects and seized 71 kg and 800 tablets narcotics in the possession of two people. Reportedly, the contraband was being smuggled from a foreign country via sea route. The suspects and the seizure were taken into custody for further investigation.

• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Ippanthivu, Sri Lanka/ 25 Oct 21. (Turmeric)

On 25 Oct 21, Sri Lanka Navy apprehended two suspects and seized 160 kg of dried turmeric from a dinghy at Ippanthivu, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was packed in five sacks. The suspects and the seizure were handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

➢ Comments. Sea Cumbers in India are treated as endangered species listed under schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. ➢ Sea cucmbers has been observed to be illegally harvested and smuggled abroad, primarily for their purported medicinal properties in some regions.

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• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Ippanthivu Beach, Sri Lanka/ 25 Oct 21. (Turmeric)

On 25 Oct 21, Sri Lanka Navy seized 840 kg of dried turmeric from two fishing boats from Ippanthivu beach, Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was packed in 25 sacks which was abandoned alongwith the boats by smugglers. The seizure was handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Fuel Smuggling/ Off Tha Sala, Thailand/ 25 Oct 21. (Diesel)

On 25 Oct 21, Thai Navy apprehended five crew members and seized 35,000 ltr of diesel from a fishing vessel about 1.5 nm off Tha Sala, Thailand. Reportedly, the vessel was transporting the fuel without a valid permit. The seizure and the suspects were taken into custody for further investigation.

• Drug Smuggling/ Off Muscat, Oman/ 26 Oct 21. (Crystal Drug)

On 26 Oct 21, Omani authorities apprehended three suspects and seized 46 kg crystal drug from a boat off Muscat, Oman. The suspects and the seizure were taken into custody for further investigation.

• Drug Smuggling/ Jeddah, Saudi Arabia/ 26 Oct 21. (Captagon Pills)

On 26 Oct 21, Saudi authorities seized 12 million captagon pills from a container at Jeddah Port, Saudi Arabia. Reportedly, the contraband was hidden in a shipment of cocoa beans. The seizure was taken into custody for further investigation.

• Drug Smuggling/ Off Jeddah, Saudi Arabia/ 26 Oct 21. (Amphetamine Pills)

On 26 Oct 21, Saudi authorities apprehended three suspects and seized 5,246,000 amphetamine pills a container at at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Reportedly, the contraband was hidden inside crates of grapes. The suspects and the seizure were taken into custody for further investigation.

• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Cavite, Philippines/ 27 Oct 21. (Food Items, Medical Items)

On 27 Oct 21, Philippine authorities from Manila Port seized food items and beverages, medical protective gear, and fake goods bearing signature brands from a warehouse in Cavite, Philippines. Reportedly, the smuggled contraband was worth USD 9,906,880. The seizure was taken into custody for further investigation.

• Fuel Smuggling/ Off Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia/ 28 Oct 21. (Diesel)

On 28 Oct 21, Malaysian authorities apprehended three foreign suspects and seized 1500 ltr of diesel from a foreign flagged fishing boat about 81.3 nm off Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. Reportedly, the boat was transporting diesel without any valid documents. The estimated worth of the seizure is about USD 362,100. The suspects and the seizure was taken into custody for further investigation.

• Fuel Smuggling/ Off Chonburi, Thailand/ 28 Oct 21. (Diesel)

On 28 Oct 21, Thai authorities apprehended four crew members and seized 400,000 ltr of diesel from a tanker MV NUA SAMUT 9 off Chonburi, Thailand. Reportedly, the boat was transporting diesel without any valid documents and had smuggled the fuel into the country. The suspects and the seizure was taken into custody for further investigation.

• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Off Ngenang, Indonesia/ 28 Oct 21.(Sleeping Mat, Shoes & Ceramics)

On 28 Oct 21, Indonesian authorities seized sleeping mats, shoes and ceramics from a wooden boat off Ngenang, Nongsa, Indonesia. Reportedly, the boat was transporting the items without a valid permit. The seizure was taken into custody for further investigation.

21

• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Off Nawakkadu Beach, Sri Lanka/ 28 Oct 21. (Turmeric)

On 28 Oct 21, the Sri Lanka Navy seized 1120 kg of dried turmeric from a dinghy at Nawakkadu beach, Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was packed in 24 sacks. The seizure was handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Wildlife Smuggling/ Off Usimukkanthurai, Sri Lanka/ 28 Oct 21. (Sea Cucumber)

On 28 Oct 21, the Sri Lanka Navy apprehended seven suspects and seized 706 illegally harvested sea cucumber from a dinghy off Usimukkanthurai, Sri Lanka. The suspects and the seizure were handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Wildlife Smuggling/ Bantayan Island, Philippines/ 29 Oct 21. (Helmet Shell)

On 29 Oct 21, Philippine Coast Guard seized 735 helmet shells at Bantayan Island, Philippines. Reportedly, the contraband was packed inside 48 sacks and was abandoned on the shore. The estimated value of the seizure was reported to be worth USD 7,280. The seizure was handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Natural Resource Smuggling/ Off Northern Samar, Philippines/ 29 Oct 21. (Lumber)

On 29 Oct 21, the Malaysian authorities apprehended 131 pieces of illegally sawn lumber from a small boat off Northern Samar, Philippines. Reportedly, the boat was transporting the contraband without any documents. The seizure and the boat was handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Domestic Product Smuggling/ Kakarativu Island, Sri Lanka/ 30 Oct 21. (Turmeric)

On 30 Oct 21, Sri Lanka Navy seized 617 kg of turmeric at Kakarativu Island, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the contraband was packed in 12 sacks and believed to be left by smugglers. The seizure was handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Alcohol Smuggling/ Off Labuan, Malaysia/ 31 Oct 21. (Beer)

On 31 Oct 21, the Malaysian authorities seized 1680 cans of beer from a boat off Labuan, Malaysia. The estimated value of the seizure was reported to be worth USD 9,646. The boatman reportedly escaped by jumping overboard. The seizure was handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Drug Smuggling/ Jeddah Port, Saudi Arabia/ 31 Oct 21. (Methamphetamine Pills)

On 31 Oct 21, Saudi Arabia authorities apprehended two suspects and seized 1.8 million methamphetamine pills at Jeddah Port, Saudi Arabia. Reportedly, the contraband was found hidden inside a container of spices and legumes in a crushed form. The suspects and the seizure were handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

➢ Comments. Possession, sale and transport of the rare shells, considered endangered species is prohibited under Philippine Fisheries Code. ➢ Once processed and exported, the shells are reported to command higher prices abroad..

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Pattern of Life - Turmeric Smuggling in Sri Lanka

➢ A total of 77 incidents of turmeric seizure were recorded in Sri Lanka from Jan – Oct 21, of which

27 incidents were observed in Oct 2021 as compared to 05 incidents in Oct 2020.

➢ Incidents have been recorded by the Centre Jul 20 onwards, as the restrictions on import of

turmeric came into force on 01 Jul 20. The ban on import of turmeric and resultant shortages are likely to

be the drivers behind the trend.

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Saudi Arabia’s Crackdown on Captagon

➢ Captagon – a synthetic amphetamine first developed in the 1960s as a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – has become one of the most widely used drugs among young substance abusers in Saudi Arabia. ➢ Reliable data on the scale of drug use in Saudi Arabia is scarce, but researchers in 2016 estimated that as many as three quarters of the Saudis being treated for drug addiction had become addicted to amphetamines – mostly Captagon. ➢ As per the UNODC World Drug Report, in 2019 alone, Saudi Arabia seized almost 146 million of the amphetamine tablets. Lebanon and Syria are the most common source of Captagon tablets in Saudi Arabia, but some of the pills that make it are manufactured in Jordan, where the authorities in 2018 dismantled a laboratory producing Captagon. ➢ In April 2021, Saudi Arabia banned the import and transit of agricultural produce from Lebanon after five million pills were found hidden in a shipment of pomegranates from Lebanon. ➢ The measures have raised the street price of the drug and have made smugglers adopt more innovative measures, including trans-shipment through countries outside the region. Source: https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/captagon-crisis/2021/10/25/riyadh-vice-inside-saudi-

arabias-crackdown-on-captagon/

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Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU)Fishing

27 IUU fishing incidents were recorded by the Centre for the month of Oct 21, 7% decrease was observed in the number of incidents as compared to Sep 21 (29). The Centre observed 9% decrease in the number

of poaching incidents (10) as compared to Sep 21 (11).

Local IUU Fishing – The Centre monitored a total of 17 incidents of local IUU. Five incidents were reported off Oman, four off Philippines, two incidents each off Mauritius, Malaysia and India and one incident each off Indonesia and Madagascar. The arrests and subsequent legal actions by the local agencies were aimed to curb illegal fishing using banned nets, trawling, blast fishing and fishing outside the designated areas. Some fishermen were apprehended for fishing of banned species and fishing during the period of seasonal ban. Poaching – Arrest of foreign fishermen undertaking poaching in waters of another country were reported in Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Djibouti. Bangladesh conducted a 22 day ‘Mother Hilsa Conservation Program’ from 04 – 25 Oct 21. Bangladesh Coast Guard was reported to have carried out 3049 operations against local IUU fishing during the 22 day period.

25

• IUU Fishing/ Off Tubbataha Reef, Philippines/ 01 Oct 21. (Local)

On 01 Oct 21, it was reported that Philippine authorities apprehended 26 fishermen from a local fishing vessel for illegal fishing off Tubbataha Reef, Philippines. Reportedly, the fishermen were observed to be fishing using explosives. Authorities also seized coral reef species Humphead wrasse and five tonnes of fish catch from them. The apprehended fishermen and the seizure along with their boat were handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• IUU Fishing/ Off Buton, Indonesia/ 02 Oct 21. (Local)

On 02 Oct 21, Indonesian authorities apprehended a fisherman for illegal fishing off Buton, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Reportedly, the fisherman was using explosives for fishing. Authorities also seized 150 kg of explosives from him. The suspect and the seizure was taken into custody for further investigation.

• IUU Fishing/ Off Muara Tok Bali, Malaysia/ 04 Oct 21. (Poaching)

On 04 Oct 21, it was reported that Malaysian authorities apprehended four foreign crewmembers from a foreign fishing boat for illegal fishing about 69.5 nm off Muara Tok Bali, Malaysia. Reportedly, the fishing boat was without registration and the fishermen did not possss valid identification documents. Authorities also seized 1000 ltr of diesel, fish catch and fishing gear from them. The apprehended fishermen and the seizure along with their boat were handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• IUU Fishing/ Off Kochi, India/ 05 Oct 21. (Local)

On 05 Oct 21, it was reported that Indian authorities seized three mechanised fishing boats for illegal juvenile fishing off Kochi, India. Reportedly, the boats were catching fish below the minimum legal size. Authorities also seized 1720 kg of juvenile threadfin bream and 610 kg of juvenile squid from the boats. The seized boats and the seizures were handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• IUU Fishing/ Off Oman/ 09 Oct 21. (Local)

On 09 Oct 21, the Omani authorities apprehended 26 foreign fishermen for illegal fishing off Oman. Reportedly, the fishermen who were expat workers were fishing for shrimp in a prohibited area. The suspects were taken into custody for further investigation and were scheduled to be deported.

• IUU Fishing/ Off Tok Bali Estuary, Malaysia/ 09 Oct 21. (Poaching)

On 09 Oct 21, the Malaysian authorities apprehended six foreign fishermen from a foreign flagged fishing vessel for illegal fishing off Tok Bali Estuary, Malaysia. Reportedly, the fishermen were fishing sea cucumbers in country's water without a valid permit. Authorities also seized 40 kg of sea cucumber, 1200 ltr of diesel and sea cucumber picking equipment worth USD 84,120. The suspects and the vessel were taken into custody for further investigation.

Comment. The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park covers 96,828 ha, including the North and South Atolls and the Jessie Beazley Reef. The Humphead wrasse, known as mameng, is a protected reef fish. These fish maintain coral reef health by keeping under check the population of crown-of-thorn starfish.

Comment. Omani Shrimp harvesting season is from September to November.

Summary Of IUU Fishing Incidents

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• IUU Fishing/ Off Djibouti/ 09 Oct 21. (Poaching)

On 09 Oct 21, Djibouti Coast Guard apprehended 17 foreign fishermen from three foreign fishing boats for illegal fishing off Djibouti. Reportedly, the fishermen were fishing in country's water without a valid permit. Authorities also seized large quantities of fish catch from the boats. The suspects and the vessel were taken into custody for further investigation.

• IUU Fishing/ Off Jarak Island, Malaysia/ 11 Oct 21. (Local)

On 11 Oct 21, the Malaysian authorities apprehended four foreign fishermen from a Class C fishing boat for illegal fishing off Jarak Island, Malaysia. Reportedly, the fishermen were fishing in a zone not designated for their class of fishing vessel. The suspects and the seized boat were taken into custody for further investigation.

• IUU Fishing/ Off Vettilaikeni, Sri Lanka/ 13 Oct 21. (Poaching)

On 13 Oct 21, the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 23 foreign fishermen from two foreign fishing boats off Vettilaikeni, Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the fishermen were observed in the country’s water without a valid permit. The suspects and the seized boats were taken into custody for further investigation.

• IUU Fishing/ Off Oman/ 15 Oct 21. (Local)

On 15 Oct 21, Omani authorities apprehended four foreign fishermen and seized 11 fishing vessels for illegal fishing off Oman. Reportedly, the fishermen who were expat workers were caught fishing outside the stipulated distances. The suspects and the seized boats were taken into custody for further investigation and were scheduled to be deported.

Smart Buoys Offer Hope for Reducing Damage Caused by Lost Fishing Gear

➢ Smart Buoys” can track and monitor all types of deployed gear and report its location directly to a cellphone or website. ➢ Ghost fishing by abandoned or lost fishing gear is an issue of concern, with both environmental and financial impacts. Such fishing nets, lines, pots, traps, and other commercial and recreational fishing gear that sits on the seafloor, gets caught on rocky reefs, or floats in the water column continue to ‘fish’ without accompanying devatsation. ➢ The small, 3-pound (1. Kg) buoys are seven inches in diameter and can can also track ocean temperatures, depth, movement, even how much has been caught.

Source: https://www.adn.com/business-economy/2021/09/27/smart-buoys-offer-hope-for-reducing-

maritime-damage-caused-by-lost-fishing-gear/

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• IUU Fishing/ Off Duqm, Oman/ 15 Oct 21. (Local)

On 15 Oct 21, the Omani authorities seized a fishing vessel for illegal fishing off Duqm, Oman. Reportedly, the vessel was involved in fishing of lobster outside the permitted area. The seized boat was taken into custody for further investigation.

• IUU Fishing/ Off Al Wusta, Oman/ 15 Oct 21. (Local)

On 15 Oct 21, the Omani authorities seized two fishing boats for illegal fishing off Al Wusta, Oman. Reportedly, the boats were seized for fishing outside the legal distances stipulated by the law and not carrying the licenses of the ship and workers. The seized boats were taken into custody for further investigation.

• IUU Fishing/ Off Djibouti/ 15 Oct 21. (Poaching)

On 15 Oct 21, the Djibouti authorities apprehended 11 foreign suspects and seized two fishing boats for illegal fishing off Djibouti. The suspects and the seized boats were taken into custody for further investigation.

• IUU Fishing/ Off Djibouti/ 15 Oct 21. (Poaching)

On 15 Oct 21, Djibouti Coast Guard apprehended 18 foreign crew members and seized three fishing boats off Djibouti. Reportedly, the authorities also seized a large quantity of fish catch from them. The suspects and the seized boats were taken into custody for further investigation.

• IUU Fishing/ Off Kuala Kemena, Malaysia/ 18 Oct 21. (Poaching)

On 18 Oct 21, the Malaysian authorities apprehended 18 foreign fishermen from a foreign fishing boat for illegal fishing about 132 nm North West of Kuala Kemena, Bintulu, Malaysia. Reportedly, the fishing boat was trawling inside the country’s waters without a valid permit. Authorities also seized 2,000 ltr diesel and about 15 metric tons of mixed fish catch. The suspects and the seized boat were taken into custody for further investigation.

• IUU Fishing/ Off Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia/ 18 Oct 21. (Poaching)

On 18 Oct 21, the Malaysian authorities apprehended 18 foreign fishermen from two foreign fishing vessels for illegal fishing about 60 nm North East off Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. Reportedly, the fishing boats were trawling inside the country’s waters without a valid permit. Authorities also seized 4 tons of seafood, 2,500 ltr of diesel and fishing equipment worth USD 721,590. The suspects and the seized boats were taken into custody for further investigation.

• IUU Fishing/ Off Mukah, Malaysia/ 19 Oct 21. (Local) On 19 Oct 21, the Malaysian authorities apprehended 14 foreign fishermen from a local fishing boat for illegal fishing about 10.4 nm South West of Mukah, Penang, Malaysia. Reportedly, authorities also seized 1000 kg of fish catch from the fishermen. The suspects and the seized boat were taken into custody for further investigation.

• IUU Fishing/ Off Djibouti/ 19 Oct 21. (Poaching)

On 19 Oct 21, Djiboutian authorities apprehended 11 foreign crewmembers and seized two fishing boats off Djibouti. Reportedly, the authorities also seized a large quantity of fish catch from them. The suspects and the seized boats were taken into custody for further investigation.

• IUU Fishing/ Off Carabao Island, Philippines/ 20 Oct 21. (Local)

On 20 Oct 21, Philippine authorities apprehended 10 fishermen from a fishing boat DEXWIN ACE for illegal fishing off Carabao Island, Cavite, Philippines. Reportedly, the fishermen were using illegal trawling gear for fishing. The suspects and the seized boat were taken into custody for further investigation.

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• IUU Fishing/ Off Ternate, Philippines/ 20 Oct 21. (Local) On 20 Oct 21, Philippine authorities apprehended five fishermen from two fishing vessels for illegal fishing off Ternate, Philippines. Reportedly, the fishermen were using blast-fishing technique. The suspects and the seized boats were taken into custody for further investigation.

• IUU Fishing/ Off Poste de Flacq, Mauritius/ 21 Oct 21. (Local) On 21 Oct 21, Mauritian authorities seized 216 mtr Nylon fishing nets off Poste de Flacq, Mauritius. Reportedly, the net was found floating during patrolling by the authorities. The seized net was taken into custody for further investigation.

• IUU Fishing/ Off Pulau Tigabu Pitas, Malaysia/ 23 Oct 21. (Poaching)

On 23 Oct 21, Malaysian authorities apprehended seven foreign fishermen from a fishing boat for illegal fishing about 07 nm off Pulau Tigabu Pitas, Malaysia. Reportedly, the fishermen were fishing inside the country’s waters without a valid permit. Authorities also seized 3000 ltr of diesel and sea cucumbers from them. The estimated worth of the seizure was approx USD 120,500. The suspects and the seized boat were taken into custody for further investigation.

• IUU Fishing/ Off Malitbog, Philippines/ 23 Oct 21. (Local)

On 23 Oct 21, Philippine authorities apprehended a suspect and seized illegally caught fish off Malitbog, Philippines. Reportedly, the suspect was fishing in a marine protected area. The suspect and the seizure was taken into custody for further investigation.

• IUU Fishing/ Off Duqm, Oman/ 24 Oct 21. (Local)

On 24 Oct 21, Omani authorities apprehended five foreign fishermen from an unlicensed fishing boat for illegal fishing about 07 nm off Duqm, Oman. Reportedly, the fishermen were using hedge nets. The suspects and the seized boat were taken into custody for further investigation.

• IUU Fishing/ Off Choisy Lagoon, Mauritius/ 24 Oct 21. (Local)

On 24 Oct 21, Mauritius authorities seized illegal Nylon fishing net lying at sea off Choisy Lagoon, Mauritius. Reportedly, the net was found at a depth of about two meters. The seized net was taken into custody for further investigation.

• IUU Fishing/ Off Analalava, Madagascar/ 24 Oct 21. (Local)

On 24 Oct 21, Madagascar authorities seized eight illegal fishing nets off Analalava, Madagascar. The seized nets were taken into custody for further investigation.

• IUU Fishing/ Off Gujarat, India/ 27 Oct 21. (Local)

On 27 Oct 21, Indian authorities seized 18 fishing boats for illegal fishing off Gujarat, India. Reportedly, the fishermen were found conducting prohibited line fishing. The seized boats were taken into custody for further investigation.

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Mother Hilsa Conservation Program - Bangladesh.

➢ As a part of ‘Mother Hilsa Conservation Program’ held from 04-25 Oct 25, Bangladesh Coast Guard has seized about 6.4 crore (64 million) meters of fishing nets during the 3049 operations conducted in the costal and riverine areas. The estimated worth of the seized net was about USD 27,241,770. ➢ During the operations, 9,832 kilograms of Hilsa fish and 115 boats were seized. 257 fishermen were also detained and were jailed for various terms through the Mobile Court.

Source: https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/coast-guard-seizes-64-crore-meters-fishing-nets-321313

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Irregular Human Migration

98 IHM incidents were recorded by the Centre in Oct 21, a 15% decrease from the 115 incidents recorded in Sep 21. The decrease could be attributed to decrease in the number of incidents recorded in the Mediterranean. About 77% of the recorded incidents occurred in the Mediterranean region. 15 incidents were recorded off Mayotte, five off Oman, three off Malaysia and one off Madagascar.

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Crossings off Mayotte – The Centre recorded 67% increase in the number of incidents of migrant crossings off Mayotte in Oct 21 as in Sep 21 (09 incidents). The incidents reported off Mayotte involved detaining of traditional local boats “kwassa-kwassa” along with the suspected smugglers and irregular migrants.

Mediterranean – 75 incidents were recorded in Mediterranean in Oct 21 amounting to a decrease of 20% as compared to Sep 21(94 incidents). 59 incidents were recorded off Turkey, 15 off Mayotte, 09 off Libya, two off Tunisia and one each off Greece, Lebanon and Malta. The Centre monitored 3,386 migrant crossings (both attempted & successful) in the region, from 4397 in Sep 21.

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• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mugla, Turkey/ 01 Oct 21.

On 01 Oct 21, it was reported that Turkish Coast Guard rescued 26 irregular migrants from an inflatable boat off Mugla, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to provincial migration office for onward legal processing.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mugla, Turkey/ 01 Oct 21.

On 01 Oct 21, it was reported that Turkish Coast Guard rescued 32 irregular migrants from an inflatable boat off Mugla, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to provincial migration office for onward legal processing.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Al Batinah, Oman / 01 Oct 21.

On 01 Oct 21, Omani Coast Guard apprehended 19 irregular migrants from a boat off Al Batinah Governorate, Oman. Reportedly, the migrants were trying to enter the country illegally. The apprehended migrants were transferred to the local authorities for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Libya/ 02 Oct 21.

On 02 Oct 21, it was reported that Libyan Coast Guard apprehended 90 irregular migrants including eight women and three children from a wooden boat off Libya. The migrants reportedly attempted to cross the Mediterranean to reach European shores. Mortal remains of two migrants were also recovered while 40 migrants were reported missing in the incident. The apprehended migrants were transferred back to the Libyan shores.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Libya/ 02 Oct 21.

On 02 Oct 21, it was reported that UNHCR rescued 56 irregular migrants including three children from a rubber boat off Libya. The migrants reportedly attempted to cross the Mediterranean to reach European shores when their boat encountered engine failure and was stranded at sea. The rescued migrants were transferred ashore to Libya and provided necessary assistance by authorities.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Izmir, Turkey/ 02 Oct 21.

On 02 Oct 21, it was reported that Turkish Coast Guard apprehended 19 irregular migrants from an inflatable boat off Izmir, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The apprehended migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to provincial migration office for onward legal processing.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mugla, Turkey/ 02 Oct 21.

On 02 Oct 21, it was reported that Turkish Coast Guard rescued 19 irregular migrants from a lifeboat off Mugla, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to provincial migration office for onward legal processing.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mugla, Turkey/ 02 Oct 21.

On 02 Oct 21, it was reported that Turkish Coast Guard rescued eight irregular migrants from a lifeboat off Mugla, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to provincial migration office for onward legal processing.

Summary Of Irregular Human Migration Incidents

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• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Aydin, Turkey/ 02 Oct 21.

On 02 Oct 21, it was reported that Turkish Coast Guard rescued 26 irregular migrants from an inflatable boat off Aydin, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded on the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to provincial migration office for onward legal processing.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mugla, Turkey/ 02 Oct 21.

On 02 Oct 21, it was reported that Turkish Coast Guard rescued 35 irregular migrants from an inflatable boat off Mugla, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters due to engine failure. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to provincial migration office for onward legal processing.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Libya/ 03 Oct 21.

On 03 Oct 21, it was reported that Libyan Coast Guard apprehended 500 irregular migrants from a wooden boat off Libya. The migrants reportedly attempted to cross the Mediterranean to reach European shores. The apprehended migrants were transferred back to Libyan shores.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mayotte/ 03 Oct 21.

On 03 Oct 21, it was reported that the Mayotte authorities apprehended 79 irregular migrants and four suspected smugglers from four kwassa-kwassa boats off Mayotte. The apprehended migrants were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Aydin, Turkey/ 04 Oct 21.

On 04 Oct 21, it was reported that Turkish Coast Guard rescued 67 irregular migrants from three lifeboats off Aydin, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boats stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to provincial migration office for onward legal processing.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Izmir, Turkey/ 04 Oct 21.

On 04 Oct 21, it was reported that Turkish Coast Guard rescued four irregular migrants from a lifeboat off Izmir, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the migrants stranded after they landed ashore. The rescued migrants were transferred to provincial migration office for onward legal processing.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mugla, Turkey/ 05 Oct 21.

On 05 Oct 21, it was reported that Turkish Coast Guard rescued 26 irregular migrants from two lifeboats off Mugla, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boats stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to provincial migration office for onward legal processing.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mugla, Turkey/ 05 Oct 21.

On 05 Oct 21, it was reported that Turkish Coast Guard apprehended 12 irregular migrants from a lifeboat off Mugla, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boats stranded in the local waters while trying to leave the country. The apprehended migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to provincial migration office for onward legal processing.

Comment.. As per International Organisation for Migration (IOM), some 44,000 people have reached Europe’s shores by crossing the Central Mediterranean from Tunisia and Libya in the first nine months of 2021. More than 25,000 people have been intercepted and more than 1,100 migrants have been reported dead or presumed dead off Libya in the same period.

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• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Libya/ 06 Oct 21.

On 06 Oct 21, it was reported that 17 irregular migrants lost their lives off Libya. Reportedly, the migrants attempted to cross the Mediterranean to reach European shores when their boat capsized. The mortal remains of the migrants reportedly washed ashore in Libya.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Kuala Langat, Malaysia/ 06 Oct 21.

On 06 Oct 21, bodies of two suspected irregular migrants were recovered by authorities off Kuala Langat, Selangor, Malaysia.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mugla, Turkey/ 07 Oct 21.

On 07 Oct 21, it was reported that the Turkish Coast Guard rescued eight irregular migrants from a lifeboat off Mugla, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to provincial migration office for onward legal processing.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Aydin, Turkey/ 07 Oct 21.

On 07 Oct 21, it was reported that the Turkish Coast Guard rescued eight irregular migrants from a lifeboat off Aydin, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to provincial migration office for onward legal processing.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mugla, Turkey/ 07 Oct 21.

On 07 Oct 21, it was reported that the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 20 irregular migrants from a lifeboat off Mugla, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to provincial migration office for onward legal processing.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Izmir, Turkey/ 08 Oct 21.

On 08 Oct 21, it was reported that the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 10 irregular migrants from a lifeboat off Izmir, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to provincial migration office for onward legal processing.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mayotte/ 10 Oct 21.

On 10 Oct 21, Mayotte authorities apprehended 66 irregular migrants and three suspected smugglers from three kwassa-kwassa boats off Mayotte. The suspects and the boats were handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mayotte/ 10 Oct 21.

From 06 -10 Oct 21, it was reported that the Mayotte authorities apprehended 59 irregular migrants and eight suspected smugglers from seven kwassa-kwassa boats off Mayotte. The apprehended migrants were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mayotte/ 10 Oct 21.

On 10 Oct 21, it was reported that the Mayotte authorities apprehended one irregular migrant along with a suspected smuggler from a kwassa-kwassa boat off Mayotte. The apprehended migrants were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

Comment. As per International Organisation for Migration (IOM), 1,369 migrants had drowned in the Mediterranean from Jan – Sep 21. This was reported to be double of similar incidents recorded over the same period in 2020.

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• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Madagascar/ 10 Oct 21.

On 10 Oct 21, it was reported that authorities in Madagascar apprehended 44 irregular migrants and two crew members off Madagascar. Reportedly, the migrants attempted to reach Mayotte by sea. The apprehended migrants and crew members were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Libya/ 11 Oct 21.

On 11 Oct 21, it was reported that the Libyan Coast Guard rescued 140 irregular migrants from a wooden boat, while 15 migrants lost their lives off Libya. Reportedly, the migrants attempted to cross the Mediterranean Sea and reach European shores.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Libya/ 11 Oct 21.

On 11 Oct 21, the Libyan Coast Guard apprehended 165 irregular migrants off Libya. Reportedly, the migrants attempted to cross the Mediterranean Sea and reach European shores. The apprehended migrants were transferred ashore in Libya.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Kerkennah, Tunisia/ 13 Oct 21.

On 13 Oct 21, 97 irregular migrants were in distress about 16 nm off Kerkennah, Tunisia. Reportedly, the migrant boat was adrift since 13 Oct 21 and was taking in water.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Izmir, Turkey/ 13 Oct 21.

On 13 Oct 21, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 13 irregular migrants from a lifeboat off Izmir, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Aydin, Turkey/ 13 Oct 21.

On 13 Oct 21, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 26 irregular migrants from a rubber boat off Aydin, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Izmir, Turkey/ 13 Oct 21.

On 13 Oct 21, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 21 irregular migrants from a rubber boat off Izmir, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Izmir, Turkey/ 13 Oct 21.

On 13 Oct 21, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 33 irregular migrants from a rubber boat off Izmir, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Libya/ 14 Oct 21.

On 14 Oct 21, it was reported that Libyan Coast Guard rescued 70 irregular migrants from a boat off Libya. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Libya/ 14 Oct 21.

On 14 Oct 21, Germany flagged cargo vessel SEA-WATCH 3 rescued 50 irregular migrants from a boat off Libya. Reportedly, the ship sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

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• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mugla, Turkey/ 14 Oct 21.

On 14 Oct 21, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 28 irregular migrants from a rubber boat and a lifeboat off Mugla, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mugla, Turkey/ 14 Oct 21.

On 14 Oct 21, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 36 irregular migrants from a rubber boat off Mugla, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Aydin, Turkey/ 14 Oct 21.

On 14 Oct 21, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 25 irregular migrants from a rubber boat off Aydin, Turkey. Reportedly, the boat was stranded due to engine breakdown and authorities sighted the boat in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mugla, Turkey/ 14 Oct 21.

On 14 Oct 21, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 11 irregular migrants from a rubber boat off Mugla, Turkey. Reportedly, the boat was stranded due to engine breakdown and authorities sighted the boat in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Aydin, Turkey/ 14 Oct 21.

On 14 Oct 21, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 12 irregular migrants from a rubber boat off Aydin, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mayotte/ 14 Oct 21.

On 14 Oct 21, it was reported that the Mayotte authorities apprehended 37 irregular migrants, a suspected smuggler from a kwassa-kwassa boat off Mayotte. The apprehended migrants were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Aydin, Turkey/ 16 Oct 21.

On 16 Oct 21, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 28 irregular migrants from a rubber boat off Aydin, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Tunisia/ 17 Oct 21.

On 17 Oct 21, it was reported that Tunisian Coast Guard rescued 07 irregular migrants from a boat off Tunisia. Reportedly, the boat with 30 migrants enroute to Italy encountered heavy weather and eventually capsized. Two migrants lost their life and 21 went missing in the incident. The rescued migrants were transferred back to Tunisia.

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• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mugla, Turkey/ 17 Oct 21.

On 17 Oct 21, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 22 irregular migrants from a lifeboat off Mugla, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mugla, Turkey/ 17 Oct 21.

On 17 Oct 21, the Turkish Coast Guard apprehended 26 irregular migrants from a sailing boat off Mugla, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The apprehended migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Balikesir, Turkey/ 17 Oct 21.

On 17 Oct 21, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 32 irregular migrants from a rubber boat off Balikesir, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mayotte/ 17 Oct 21.

On 17 Oct 21, it was reported that the Mayotte authorities apprehended 32 irregular migrants, three suspected smugglers from three kwassa-kwassa boats off Mayotte. The apprehended migrants were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Oman/ 18 Oct 21.

On 18 Oct 21, Oman authorities apprehended 29 irregular migrants from four foreign boats off Oman. Reportedly, the migrants had illegally entered the country’s waters. The apprehended migrants were transferred to the local authorities for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mugla, Turkey/ 18 Oct 21.

On 18 Oct 21, the Turkish Coast Guard apprehended 19 irregular migrants from a rubber boat off Mugla, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The apprehended migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Musandam Governorate, Oman/ 18 Oct 21.

On 18 Oct 21, Omani Coast Guard apprehended eight irregular migrants from a boat off Musandam Governorate, Oman. Reportedly, the migrants were trying to enter the country illegally. The apprehended migrants were transferred to the local authorities for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Selangor, Malaysia/ 19 Oct 21.

On 19 Oct 21, Malaysian authorities prevented the landing of a boat with 40 suspected irregular migrants off Selangor, Malaysia. The boat was reportedly made to leave Malaysian waters.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Malta/ 19 Oct 21.

On 19 Oct 21, Spain flagged cargo vessel AITA MARI rescued 105 irregular migrants from a driftwood boat off Malta, Mediterranean Sea. Reportedly, the vessel sighted the boat stranded in the waters. The rescued migrants landed ashore in Trapani, Italy on 25 Oct 21.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mayotte/ 19 Oct 21.

On 19 Oct 21, it was reported that the Mayotte authorities apprehended 66 irregular migrants and three suspected smugglers from three kwassa-kwassa boats off Mayotte. The apprehended migrants were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

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• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Selangor, Malaysia/ 19 Oct 21.

On 19 Oct 21, Malaysian authorities apprehended 21 irregular migrants from an unregistered foreign wooden boat off Selangor, Malaysia. Reportedly, the migrants had illegally entered into the country. The apprehended migrants were transferred to the local authorities for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Aydin, Turkey/ 20 Oct 21.

On 20 Oct 21, Turkish Coast Guard rescued 87 irregular migrants off Aydin, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Izmir, Turkey/ 20 Oct 21.

On 20 Oct 21, Turkish Coast Guard rescued 25 irregular migrants off Izmir, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mayotte/ 21 Oct 21.

On 21 Oct 21, Mayotte authorities apprehended 10 irregular migrants and a suspected smuggler from a kwassa-kwassa boat off Mayotte. The suspects and the boat were handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mugla, Turkey/ 21 Oct 21.

On 21 Oct 21, Turkish Coast Guard rescued 15 irregular migrants from an inflatable boat off Mugla, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Mediterranean Sea / 22 Oct 21.

On 22 Oct 21, Norway flagged cargo vessel GEO BARENTS rescued 36 irregular migrants including 15 minors from an inflatable boat in Mediterranean Sea. Reportedly, the migrants had departed from Libya to reach European shores. A total of 186 migrants and corpses rescued in various operations by the vessel were disembarked in Messina, Italy on 19 Nov 21.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mugla, Turkey/ 22 Oct 21.

On 22 Oct 21, Turkish Coast Guard rescued 94 irregular migrants from four lifeboats off Mugla, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boats stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mugla, Turkey/ 22 Oct 21.

On 22 Oct 21, Turkish Coast Guard rescued 16 irregular migrants from an inflatable boat off Mugla, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mugla, Turkey/ 22 Oct 21.

On 22 Oct 21, Turkish Coast Guard apprehended 24 irregular migrants from an inflatable boat off Mugla, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The apprehended migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Izmir, Turkey/ 22 Oct 21.

On 22 Oct 21, Turkish Coast Guard rescued eight irregular migrants from a fiber boat off Izmir, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local

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waters. The rescued migrant were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Canakkale, Turkey/ 22 Oct 21.

On 22 Oct 21, Turkish Coast Guard rescued 38 irregular migrants from an inflatable boat off Canakkale, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters drifting due to engine breakdown. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Aydin, Turkey/ 22 Oct 21.

On 22 Oct 21, Turkish Coast Guard rescued 25 irregular migrants from two lifeboats off Aydin, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boats stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Izmir, Turkey/ 22 Oct 21.

On 22 Oct 21, Turkish Coast Guard apprehended 30 irregular migrants from an inflatable boat off Izmir, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The apprehended migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Libya/ 23 Oct 21.

On 23 Oct 21, Libyan Coast Guard rescued 198 irregular migrants from two boats off Libya. Reportedly, the migrants attempted to cross the Mediterranean to reach the European shores. The rescued migrants were transferred back to Libya.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mayotte/ 23 Oct 21.

On 23 Oct 21, Mayotte authorities apprehended 38 irregular migrants and two suspected smugglers from three kwassa-kwassa boats off Mayotte. The suspects and the boats were handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Aydin, Turkey/ 23 Oct 21.

On 23 Oct 21, Turkish Coast Guard apprehended 19 irregular migrants from an inflatable boat off Aydin, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The apprehended migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Aydin, Turkey/ 23 Oct 21.

On 23 Oct 21, Turkish Coast Guard rescued 33 irregular migrants from an inflatable boat off Aydin, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Izmir, Turkey/ 23 Oct 21.

On 23 Oct 21, Turkish Coast Guard rescued 22 irregular migrants from an inflatable boat off Izmir, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters when it was drifting due to engine breakdown. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Izmir, Turkey/ 23 Oct 21.

On 23 Oct 21, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued an irregular migrant from an inflatable boat off Izmir, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat

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stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrant was shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Canakkale, Turkey/ 23 Oct 21.

On 23 Oct 21, Turkish Coast Guard rescued 35 irregular migrants from an inflatable boat off Canakkale, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat which had encountered engine failure and was stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Mediterranean Sea/ 24 Oct 21.

On 24 Oct 21, Norway flagged cargo vessel GEO BARENTS rescued 71 irregular migrants from a rubber boat in Mediterranean Sea. Reportedly, the migrants had departed from Libya to reach European shores and the boat was in serious danger due to bad weather. A total of 186 migrants and corpses rescued by the vessel were finally disembarked in Messina, Italy on 19 Nov 21.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Izmir, Turkey/ 24 Oct 21.

On 24 Oct 21, Turkish Coast Guard rescued 32 irregular migrants from two lifeboats off Izmir, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boats stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Aydin, Turkey/ 24 Oct 21.

On 24 Oct 21, Turkish Coast Guard rescued 21 irregular migrants from an inflatable boat off Aydin, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mugla, Turkey/ 24 Oct 21.

On 24 Oct 21, Turkish Coast Guard apprehended 16 irregular migrants from an inflatable boat off Mugla, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The apprehended migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Aydin, Turkey/ 24 Oct 21.

On 24 Oct 21, Turkish Coast Guard rescued 25 irregular migrants from an inflatable boat off Aydin, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the stranded migrants on land. The rescued migrants were transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mayotte/ 24 Oct 21.

On 22 & 24 Oct 21, it was reported that the Mayotte authorities apprehended 75 irregular migrants and three suspected smugglers from three kwassa-kwassa boats off Mayotte. The apprehended migrants were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mayotte/ 25 Oct 21.

On 25 Oct 21, it was reported that the Mayotte authorities apprehended 15 irregular migrants and a suspected smuggler from a kwassa-kwassa boat off Mayotte. The apprehended migrants were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mayotte/ 26 Oct 21.

On 26 Oct 21, it was reported that the Mayotte authorities apprehended 20 irregular migrants and a suspected smuggler from a kwassa-kwassa boat off Mayotte. The apprehended migrants were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

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• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mugla, Turkey / 26 Oct 21.

On 26 Oct 21, Turkish Coast Guard rescued 25 irregular migrants from an inflatable boat off Mugla, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mugla, Turkey/ 26 Oct 21.

On 26 Oct 21, Turkish Coast Guard rescued 21 irregular migrants from an inflatable boat off Mugla, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mayotte/ 26 Oct 21.

On 26 Oct 21, it was reported that the Mayotte authorities apprehended 20 irregular migrants and one smuggler from a kwassa-kwassa boat off Mayotte. The apprehended migrants were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Aydin, Turkey/ 26 Oct 21.

On 26 Oct 21, Turkish Coast Guard rescued 28 irregular migrants from an inflatable boat off Aydin, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Aydin, Turkey/ 26 Oct 21.

On 26 Oct 21, Turkish Coast Guard rescued 39 irregular migrants from an inflatable boat off Aydin, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mayotte/ 27 Oct 21.

On 27 Oct 21, it was reported that the Mayotte authorities apprehended 15 irregular migrants and a suspected smuggler from a kwassa-kwassa boat off Mayotte. The apprehended migrants were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Izmir, Turkey/ 27 Oct 21.

On 27 Oct 21, Turkish Coast Guard and nearby fishing boats rescued 22 irregular migrants including seven women and one child from an inflatable boat off Mugla, Turkey. Reportedly, the boat encountered heavy weather and eventually damaged its hull. Four migrants have lost their lives in the incident. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Izmir, Turkey/ 27 Oct 21.

On 27 Oct 21, Turkish Coast Guard rescued 20 irregular migrants from a lifeboat off Aydin, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Karpathos, Greece/ 27 Oct 21.

On 27 Oct 21, the Greek Coast Guard rescued 400 irregular migrants from a Turkey flagged cargo vessel off Karpathos, Greece. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the overcrowded vessel stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were reportedly scheduled to be landed at a Greek port.

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• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Aydin, Turkey/ 28 Oct 21.

On 28 Oct 21, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 22 irregular migrants off Aydin, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mugla, Turkey / 28 Oct 21.

On 28 Oct 21, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 21 irregular migrants from an inflatable boat off Mugla, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Mayotte/ 29 Oct 21.

On 29 Oct 21, it was reported that the Mayotte authorities apprehended 13 irregular migrants and a suspected smuggler from a kwassa-kwassa boat off Mayotte. The apprehended migrants were handed over to local authorities for further investigation.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Al-Ballan Island, Lebanon/ 30 Oct 21.

On 30 Oct, the Lebanese authorities apprehended 54 irregular migrants including 25 men, 9 women and 20 children off Al-Ballan Island, Lebanon. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the migrants waiting for the ships to transport them to Cyprus. The apprehended migrants were transferred to the local authorities for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Izmir, Turkey/ 30 Oct 21.

On 30 Oct 21, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 28 irregular migrants from an inflatable boat off Izmir, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Izmir, Turkey/ 30 Oct 21.

On 30 Oct 21, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 24 irregular migrants from a lifeboat off Izmir, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Oman/ 31 Oct 21.

On 31 Oct 21, Omani authorities apprehended 31 irregular migrants from two boats off Oman. Reportedly, the migrants were trying to enter the country illegally. The apprehended migrants were transferred to the local authorities for onward legal proceedings.

• Irregular Human Migration/ Off Izmir, Turkey/ 31 Oct 21.

On 31 Oct 21, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 29 irregular migrants from an inflatable boat off Izmir, Turkey. Reportedly, the authorities sighted the boat stranded in the local waters. The rescued migrants were shifted ashore and transferred to the provincial migration office for onward legal proceedings.

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Environmental Migration and Climate Change in the Indian Ocean Littoral

➢ According to a World Bank report (2018), there will be approximately 140 million internal climate

migrants by 2050 in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.

➢ There are many drivers of migration – social, political, economic, demographic and environmental -

but climate change can affect all these factors, which is why it is regarded as a threat multiplier.

➢ A project entitled "Environmental Refugees: Climate, Health and Livelihood in the Indian Ocean World" – a consortium based on researchers from four Indian Ocean countries (India, Bangladesh, Tanzania and Mozambique) is sponsored by the US-based Social Science Research Council (SSRC). ➢ The study was originally commissioned in 2020 and has gathered some evidence during its planning phase (September 2020- August 2021), and it will continue to generate more knowledge during this uncertain Covid-19 times (September 2021 to August 2022) by putting to test a few key questions: (i) Is migrating out of disaster-prone areas the only way forward to mitigate climate change impact on society and economy? (ii) How do we place migrant agency and their social capital? (iii) What does vulnerability and resilience mean to them, and (iv) how can we learn from our shared cross-country experience of migrant lives. (v) How does migration affect the health and wellbeing of migrants? Source: https://www.dhakatribune.com/tribune-supplements/tribune-climate/2021/10/22/environmental-

migration-and-climate-change-in-the-indian-ocean-littoral

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107 maritime incidents were recorded by the Centre for the month of Oct 21, a 25% decrease as compared to Sep 21 (143). In the month, about 56% decrease in collision and 23% decrease in SAR incidents were recorded as compared to Sep 21. 15 incidents involving detention of vessels including 14 incidents of detention due to unauthorised anchoring off Malaysia were recorded. No significant oil-spill was reported in any of the recorded collision incident. Aground – The Centre recorded 10 incidents of vessels running aground. Eight of these incidents were reported at various locations in SE Asia while one each in Maldives and Madagascar were reported. Capsize and Sinking of Vessels – 07 incidents of capsizing and 17 incidents of vessels sinking at sea were recorded by the Centre during Oct 21. This is about 29% decrease from Sep 21. SAR Operations – 13 SAR and 10 MEDEVAC operations, undertaken by various maritime agencies were monitored by the Centre during Oct 21. The combined SAR and MEDEVAC saw a decrease of 12% from Sep 21. Mechanical Failure- 12 incidents of mechanical failure were recorded by the centre during Oct 21. This is about 50% decrease from Sep 21.

Maritime Incidents

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• Vessel Detained/ Off Pangkor, Malaysia / 01 Oct 21.

On 01 Oct 21, it was reported that the Malaysian authorities detained a local fishing boat with five crew members onboard including one foreign crew member about 0.4 nm East of Pangkor, Malaysia. Reportedly, the foreign crew member did not possess valid documents. The apprehended crew members along with the boat were taken into custody for further investigation.

• SAR/ Off Karachi, Pakistan/ 01 Oct 21.

On 01 Oct 21, it was reported that Pakistani authorities rescued a fisherman off Karachi, Pakistan. Reportedly, the boat encountered engine failure and was stranded at sea due to Cyclone Shaheen.

• Missing/ Off Socotra Island, Yemen/ 02 Oct 21.

On 02 Oct 21, it was reported that a Yemen flagged vessel went missing off Socotra Island, Yemen.

• Sunk/ Off Pulau Satang, Malaysia/ 02 Oct 21.

On 02 Oct 21, a fishing boat with 10 crew members onboard sank about 2 nm of Pulau Satang, Malaysia. Reportedly, nine crew members have been rescued while one crew member has lost his life in the incident.

• Sunk/ Sultan Qaboos Port, Oman/ 03 Oct 21.

On 03 Oct 21, it was reported that a wooden ship (name withheld) sank at Sultan Qaboos Port, Muscat, Oman. Reportedly, all the crewmembers have been rescued.

• Fire/ Koh Phanang, Thailand / 03 Oct 21.

On 03 Oct 21, it was reported that a ferry RAJA 3 with 30 passengers onboard caught fire at Koh Phanang, Thailand. Reportedly, a vent in the cargo deck area caught fire due to a fault in electric wiring. The ferry was loaded with 14 cars and motorbikes on board. All the passengers were rescued safely. Fire was extinguished by the local authorities.

• Missing/ Off Santubong, Malaysia/ 03 Oct 21.

On 03 Oct 21, a fishing boat with five crew members onboard went missing about 9.3 nm off Santubong, Malaysia. Reportedly, the boat went for fishing at sea on 01 Oct 21 and did not return. Malaysian authorities have initiated a search and rescued operation to locate the missing boat.

• Medevac/ Off K.Guraidhoo, Maldives/ 04 Oct 21.

On 04 Oct 21, it was reported that Maldives Coastguard evacuated a fisherman from a fishing vessel about 11 nm East of K.Guraidhoo, Maldives. Reportedly, the fisherman was critically ill and required medical assistance urgently. The fisherman was evacuated by a Coast Guard patrol vessel and was transferred to a local hospital.

• Capsize/ Off Paradip, India/ 04 Oct 21.

On 04 Oct 21, it was reported that a fishing boat with five fishermen onboard capsized about 2 nm off Paradip, Odisha, India. Reportedly, the boat lost its balance and overturned while returning ashore. All the fishermen were rescued by the fishermen in the vicinity and shifted ashore.

• Vessel Detained/ Off Tanjung Jompat, Malaysia/ 04 Oct 21.

On 04 Oct 21, the Malaysian authorities detained a Hong Kong flagged tanker with 17 crew members onboard about 9.3 nm East of Tanjung Jompat, Malaysia. Reportedly,

Summary Of Maritime Incidents

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the vessel was anchored in country’s water without a valid permit. The skipper and the vessel were taken into custody for further investigation.

• Vessel Detained/ Off Tanjung Siang, Malaysia / 04 Oct 21.

On 04 Oct 21, the Malaysian authorities detained a Thailand flagged tanker with 16 crew members onboard about 20.1 nm North East of Tanjung Siang, Malaysia. Reportedly, the vessel was anchored in country’s water without a valid permit. The skipper and the vessel were taken into custody for further investigation.

• Death/ Off Mumbai, India/ 04 Oct 21.

On 04 Oct 21, it was reported that two personnel have lost their lives off Mumbai, India. Reportedly, two individuals along with six others went swimming in the Arabian sea. Six of them returned to shore safely while two personnel went missing. On 05 Oct 21, mortal remains of both missing individuals were recovered from the shore by the SAR team.

• Aground/ Off Lombok, indonesia/ 04 Oct 21.

On 04 Oct 21, it was reported that an Indonesia flagged Ro-Ro vessel PERMATA LESTARI 2 with 47 passengers onboard ran aground off East Lombok, Indonesia. Reportedly, the vessel encountered heavy weather and ran aground. All passengers were evacuated safely by SAR team.

• Vessel Detained/ Off Pangkor Island, Malaysia/ 04 Oct 21.

On 04 Oct 21, Malaysian authorities detained a tugboat with eight crew members onboard about 2.6 nm North West of Pangkor Island, Malaysia. Reportedly, the tugboat was anchored in country’s water without a valid permit. The boat captain and machinery chief along with the vessel was taken into custody for further investigation.

• SAR/ Off Aklan, Philippines / 04 Oct 21.

On 04 Oct 21, it was reported that Philippine Coast Guard rescued two fishermen from a motorbanca off Aklan, Philippines. Reportedly, the fishing boat encountered engine failure and was adrift at sea due to heavy weather prevailing in the area caused by tropical Depression LANNIE. The stranded fishermen raised a distress alert. Subsequently, Philippine Coast Guard rescued the fishermen and shifted them ashore. No injuries were reported in the incident.

• Sunk/ Off Besalampy, Madagascar/ 05 Oct 21.

On 02 Oct 21, a dhow FANANARADY with six passengers onboard sank off Besalampy, Madagascar. Reportedly, the dhow was carrying 85 square timbers when it hit a tree in water and broke up and eventually sank. Three passengers lost their life in the incident. Mortal remains of three passengers have been recovered.

• Sunk/ Off K. Kashidhoo, Maldives / 05 Oct 21.

On 05 Oct 21, it was reported that a local supply vessel with five crew members onboard sank off K. Kashidhoo, Maldives. Reportedly, the vessel encountered heavy weather prevailing in the area. The crew members were rescued safely by Maldives authorities and shifted ashore.

• Mechanical Failure/ Off Malé, Maldives/ 05 Oct 21.

On 05 Oct 21, it was reported that an Indian flagged MSV ANNAI VAILANKANNE AROCKIA VENNILA with nine crew members reported to be in distress (sinking) about 140 nm Northeast of Malé, Maldives. Subsequently, Maldives Coast Guard responded to the distress. Meanwhile, in an operation coordinated by MRCC, all nine crew members were rescued by MV MCP SALZBURG, which was in the vicinity of distress location.

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• Mechanical Failure/ Off Karachi, Pakistan/ 05 Oct 21.

On 05 Oct 21, it was reported that an Indian flagged barge AM ATULYA encountered mechanical failure about 40 nm off Karachi, Pakistan. Reportedly, the barge was loaded with 8904 tonnes lime stones and was being towed by a tug boat. The barge went adrift after the towing wire rope broke due to rough weather caused by Cyclone SHAHEEN. Pakistan’s Private Salvage Company Seamax secured the vessel by a Pakistani flagged tugboat HARMONY. Later, the barge was towed by an Indian flagged tug boat AM ADWAY and resumed her voyage.

• Death/ Off Kuala Gula, Malaysia / 05 Oct 21.

On 05 Oct 21, it was reported that a fisherman lost his life off Kuala Gula, Malaysia. Reportedly, the fishermen went for fishing in the sea but failed to return. Later, the mortal remains of the missing fisherman was found floating in water.

• Aground/ Off Helen Reef, Indonesia/ 06 Oct 21.

On 06 Oct 21, it was reported that an Indonesia flagged bunkering tanker WIJAYA KUSUMA 2 ran aground off Helen Reef, Indonesia. Reportedly, the vessel was refloated the same evening and was brought away from the incident area to be inspected.

• SAR/ Off Batam, Indonesia/ 06 Oct 21.

On 06 Oct 21, Indonesian authorities rescued a fisherman from a fishing boat off Batam, Indonesia. Reportedly, the boat was leaking and drifting at sea. Authorities rescued the fisherman and shifted him ashore.

• Medevac/ Off Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam/ 06 Oct 21.

On 06 Oct 21, it was reported that a crew member along with two other fishermen were evacuated off Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam. Reportedly, the crew member was hit by a winch in the head and required urgent medical assistance. Later, the patient alongwith two other fishermen were evacuated and transferred to a local hospital for further treatment.

• Fire/ Off Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam/ 06 Oct 21.

On 06 Oct 21, a fishing vessel DNA 90956 TS with four fishermen onboard caught fire off Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam. Reportedly, fire was caused due to a fault in electrical wiring. All the fishermen were rescued by a SAR vessel. One fisherman suffered head injury and was shifted to a local hospital.

• Sunk/ Off Chittagong, Bangladesh/ 07 Oct 21.

On 07 Oct 21, it was reported that vessel MV TITU-7 with 13 crew members onboard capsized off Chittagong, Bangladesh. Reportedly, the vessel encountered engine failure and eventually sank. The vessel was loaded with 1,000 metric tonnes of scrap goods. All the crew members swam safely to another boat in the vicinity and were rescued.

• Death/ Off Keti Bandar, Pakistan/ 07 Oct 21.

On 07 Oct 21, it was reported that a fisherman lost his life off Keti Bandar, Pakistan. Reportedly, the fisherman was missing for six days. Later his mortal remains was found floating in the sea.

• Medevac/ Off Green Point, South Africa/ 07 Oct 21.

On 07 Oct 21, sea rescue craft SPIRIT OF VODACOM evacuated a crew member from a motorboat about 7 nm off Green Point, Cape Town, South Africa. Reportedly, the crew member suffered injuries after sustaining a fall onboard the vessel and required medical assistance urgently. The crew member was evacuated and transferred to a local hospital.

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• Sunk/ Off Memba, Mozambique/ 07 Oct 21.

On 07 Oct 21, a sailing boat FANANARADY with 30 passengers onboard sank off Memba, Mozambique. Reportedly, nine passengers lost their life in the incident while 13 passengers went missing. Eight passengers have been rescued.

• Sunk/ Off Selat Panjang, Indonesia/ 07 Oct 21.

On 07 Oct 21, it was reported that a small boat with four crew members onboard sank off Selat Panjang, Riau, Indonesia. Reportedly, the vessel encountered heavy weather prevailing in the area. The crew members were rescued safely by Indonesian authorities and shifted ashore.

• Sunk/ Off Mongla Port, Bangladesh/ 08 Oct 21.

On 08 Oct 21, the cargo vessel MV DESH BONDHU with 10 crew members onboard sank off Mongla Port, Bangladesh. The vessel was carrying fertilizer. All the crew members swam safely to the shore and were rescued.

• Mechanical Failure/ Off Zambales, Philippines/ 08 Oct 21.

On 08 Oct 21, a motorbanca with three passengers onboard encountered engine failure about 5 nm West of Zambales, Philippines. Reportedly, the motorbanca drifted to an undetermined location due to strong winds and big waves caused by tropical depression ‘’Lannie’’. All the passengers were rescued by Philippines Coast Guard and shifted ashore.

• Death/ Off Chittagong, Bangladesh / 08 Oct 21.

On 08 Oct 21, it was reported that a foreign crew member died after accidentally injuring himself and falling from the MAERSK JAKARTA off Chittagong, Bangladesh. Reportedly, the crew was carrying out repairs on the ship at anchor, when he fell and injured himself. The Bangladeshi Coast Guard rescued the crew member and transferred him to the local hospital where he was declared dead.

• Collision/ Off Riau Islands, Indonesia/ 08 Oct 21.

On 08 Oct 21, a Japan flagged fishing vessel BT 98398 TS collided with a Panama flagged tanker BISHU MARU, Off Riau Islands, Indonesia in South China Sea. Reportedly, the fishing vessel sank due to collision.

• Sunk/ Off Ko Kut, Thailand / 09 Oct 21.

On 09 Oct 21, a fishing boat CHOKWANNARAT with three crew members onboard sank off Ko Kut, Thailand. Reportedly, the boat was swamped by waves and eventually sank. All the crew members were rescued by Thai authorities and shifted ashore.

• Sunk/ Off Mongla Port, Bangladesh/ 09 Oct 21.

On 09 Oct 21, the lighter vessel MV BEAUTY LOHAGARA-2 with 10 crew members onboard sank off Mongla Port, Bangladesh. The vessel was carrying stones weighing roughly 100 metric tones. All the crew members were rescued by Bangladesh Coast Guard and shifted ashore.

• Vessel Detained/ Off Pulau Kendi, Malaysia / 09 Oct 21.

On 09 Oct 21, a tug boat JAYA RAYA with five crew members and a barge PISB CAHAYA with three crew members onboard were detained about 0.5 nm off Pulau Kendi, Malaysia. Reportedly, the vessels had anchored without any valid permit. The vessel were taken into custody for further investigation.

• Capsize/ Off Cape Vidal Bay, South Africa/ 09 Oct 21.

On 09 Oct 21, a fishing boat with four fishermen onboard capsized off Cape Vidal Bay, South Africa. Reportedly, one of the outboard motors of the fishing boat had failed causing the boat to capsize. The fishermen were rescued by the locals. One crew member was severely injured and airlifted by the authorities for treatment.

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• SAR/ Off Moucha Island, Djibouti/ 09 Oct 21.

On 09 Oct 21, Djibouti Coast Guard rescued six passengers from a pleasure boat off Moucha Island, Djibouti. Reportedly, the boat had exhausted its fuel supply. Djibouti Coast Guard rescued all the passengers and shifted them ashore.

• Sunk/ Off Koh Kut, Thailand/ 09 Oct 21.

On 09 Oct 21, a fishing boat with three fishermen onboard sank about 25 nm South East of Koh Kut, Thailand. Reportedly, the boat encountered heavy weather and eventually capsized. Thai authorities rescued all the fishermen onboard and shifted them ashore.

• Capsize/ Off Tawi-Tawi, Philippines/ 10 Oct 21.

On 10 Oct 21, a speedboat with four personnel onboard capsized off Tawi-Tawi, Philippines. Reportedly, the boat capsized due to bad weather and unfavourable sea condition prevailing in the area. All four personnel were rescued by Philippine Navy after staying in water for 15 hours.

• Capsize/ Off Ko Lon, Thailand/ 10 Oct 21.

On 10 Oct 21, a sailboat with two foreign crew members onboard capsized off Ko Lon, Phuket, Thailand. Reportedly, the boat capsized and partially sank due to strong winds. Thai Navy rescued the crew members who were found floating with lifejackets and towed the boat ashore.

• Missing/ Off Che Mat Zin Island, Malaysia/ 10 Oct 21.

On 10 Oct 21, a fisherman went missing off Che Mat Zin Island, Malaysia. Reportedly, the fisherman went for fishing in his boat and was feared to have fallen into the sea. A search operation is underway to locate the missing fisherman.

• Mechanical Failure/ Off La Selle, Comoros/ 10 Oct 21.

On 10 Oct 21, a passenger boat RAPIDE ONE with 25 personnel onboard encountered engine failure off La Selle, Comoros. Reportedly, Comorian Coast Guard rescued all the personnel onboard.

• Sunk/ Off Chumphon, Thailand / 10 Oct 21.

On 10 Oct 21, a small boat PHAKJIRAPON 2 with two crew members sank off Chumphon, Thailand. Reportedly, the boat encountered heavy weather and eventually sank. A boat transiting in the vicinity rescued both crew members and shifted them ashore.

• Sunk/ Off Mananara, Madagascar/ 10 Oct 21.

On 10 Oct 21, a pirogue with five personnel onboard sank off Mananara, Madagascar. Reportedly, mortal remains of one individual were recovered, while one went missing. Three personnel have been rescued. A search operation is underway to locate the missing personnel.

• Sunk/ Off Tanjung Karang, Bontang/ 10 Oct 21.

On 10 Oct 21, a motorboat KM NIAGA SARI with five crew members onboard sank about 25 nm South East of Tanjung Karang, Bontang, Indonesia. Reportedly, 650 kg of fertilizer was laden onboard the vessel. Authorities rescued all the crew members onboard and shifted them ashore.

• Medevac/ Off Fuvahmulah, Maldives/ 11 Oct 21.

On 11 Oct 21, the Maldives Coastguard evacuated a fisherman from a fishing vessel SAMAK about 22 nm East of Fuvahmulah, Maldives. Reportedly, the fisherman required medical assistance urgently. The fisherman was evacuated by a Coast Guard Sea ambulance and transferred to a local hospital.

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• Collision/ Off Carles, Philippines/ 11 Oct 21.

On 11 Oct 21, a fishing vessel with four crew members onboard is collided with a commercial vessel off Carles, Iloilo, Philippines. Reportedly, all the crew members jumped into the water as the boat submerged halfway. Subsequently, the crew members were rescued by the commercial vessel.

• SAR/ Off Pangasinan, Philippines/ 12 Oct 21.

On 12 Oct 21, a fisherman was rescued off Pangasinan, Philippines. Reportedly, the fisherman and his brother went fishing when their motorized boat capsized due to heavy weather and waves. One fisherman swam ashore, while the other fisherman was rescued by the authorities and transferred to a local hospital for further treatment.

• SAR/ Philippine Sea/ 12 Oct 21.

On 12 Oct 21, all three air crew members were rescued after their helicopter crashed in Philippine Sea operating from HMAS Brisbane. Reportedly, a Royal Australian Navy (RAN) helicopter (MH-60R Seahawk) crashed whilst conducting routine operations.

• Mechanical Failure/ Off Carles, Philippines/ 12 Oct 21.

On 12 Oct 21, a fishing vessel with seven fishermen onboard encountered mechanical failure off Carles, Iloilo, Philippines. Philippine Coast Guard rescued all the fishermen and shifted them ashore.

• SAR/ Off Pulau Kendi, Malaysia/ 13 Oct 21.

On 13 Oct 21, a seafarer was rescued off Pulau Kendi, Malaysia. Reportedly, the individual went missing after venturing out to sea on 12 Oct 21, when his boat capsized. Fishermen in the vicinity rescued the person.

• Aground/ Off Likas Bay, Malaysia/ 13 Oct 21.

On 13 Oct 21, a barge ran aground due to strong winds and heavy rain off Likas Bay, Malaysia. Reportedly, the anchor cable of the unladen barge snapped and was eventually dragged ashore due to high tide.

• Sunk/ Off Sadah, Oman / 13 Oct 21.

On 13 Oct 21, a Comoros flagged cargo vessel AL AHMEDI with 21 crew members onboard sank off Sadah, Oman. Reportedly, another vessel MV COLOMBO EXPRESS transiting in the vicinity rescued 18 crew members while three were missing. Cause of the incident was not reported.

• Vessel Detained/ Off Qatar/ 14 Oct 21.

On 14 Oct 21, Qatar authorities detained a Bahrain flagged boat with two crew members onboard off Qatar. Reportedly, the vessel has entered in the country’s waters without a valid permit. The crew members and the vessel were taken into custody for further investigation.

• Missing/ Off Mauritius/ 14 Oct 21.

On 14 Oct 21, it was reported that a person went missing while snorkeling off Mauritius.

• Medevac/ Off Coega, South Africa / 14 Oct 21.

On 14 Oct 21, South African authorities evacuated a crew member from an oil tanker about 7 nm off Coega, Gqeberha, South Africa. Reportedly, the crew member required medical assistance urgently. The crew member was evacuated and transferred to a local hospital.

• Medevac/ Off Kuala Kedah Estuary, Malaysia/ 14 Oct 21.

On 14 Oct 21, Malaysian authorities evacuated a foreign crew member from a Class C fishing boat about 6 nm off Kuala Kedah Estuary, Malaysia. Reportedly, the crew

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member suffered leg injury and required urgent medical assistance. The crew member was evacuated by the authorities and transferred to a local hospital.

• Vessel Detained/ Off Tanjung Penawar, Malaysia/ 15 Oct 21.

On 15 Oct 21, the Malaysian authorities detained a Panama flagged cargo vessel with 24 crew members onboard about 9.1 nm East of Tanjung Penawar, Johor, Malaysia. Reportedly, the vessel was anchored in country’s waters without a valid permit. The skipper and the vessel were taken into custody for further investigation.

• Fire/ Off Tanjung Kulim, Indonesia/ 15 Oct 21.

On 15 Oct 21, two wooden boats caught fire off Tanjung Kulim, Merbau District, Riau, Indonesia. Reportedly, the fire was caused due to the hot exhaust fumes. No one was injured in the incident.

• Man Overboard/ Off Malé, Maldives/ 16 Oct 21.

On 16 Oct 21, it was reported that two passengers went overboard from a ferry DREAM SPEED off Malé, Maldives. Reportedly, the ferry travelling with 12 passengers from Male’ to Vaavu Atoll encountered rough weather conditions wherein sudden huge waves threw three passengers (a mother and two child) overboard. The lady was recovered in critical condition with her 5-year-old child while the 4-year boy is still missing. The lady was taken to the nearest medical hospital where she was declared dead.

• Vessel Detained/ Off Kepulauan Sembilan, Malaysia/ 16 Oct 21.

On 16 Oct 21, the Malaysian authorities detained an Indonesia flagged wooden boat with 21 crew members including six women onboard about 15.5 nm North West of Kepulauan Sembilan, Malaysia. Reportedly, the vessel encroached in the country’s waters without a valid permit. Also, the crew members were not having any valid identity documents. The crew members and the vessel were taken into custody for further investigation.

• Vessel Detained/ Off Kuala Kemaman, Malaysia/ 16 Oct 21.

On 16 Oct 21, the Malaysian authorities detained a Malaysia flagged tanker with five crew members onboard about 8.3 nm off Kuala Kemaman, Malaysia. Reportedly, the tanker was loaded with diesel without a port clearance document. The crew members and the vessel were taken into custody for further investigation.

• Aground/ Off Mahajanga, Madagascar/ 16 Oct 21.

On 16 Oct 21, a dugout canoe with three persons onboard ran aground off Mahajanga, Madagascar. Reportedly, the boat encountered bad weather and eventually ran aground. A search and rescue team has rescued all the personnel and shifted them ashore.

• SAR/ Off Mauritius/ 16 Oct 21.

On 16 Oct 21, Mauritius authorities rescued two passengers from a fibre glass boat off Mauritius. The rescued personnel were shifted ashore.

• SAR/ Off Mauritius/ 16 Oct 21.

On 16 Oct 21, Mauritius authorities rescued 14 passengers and five crew members from a pleasure Craft DAKSHA off Mauritius. The rescued personnel were shifted ashore.

• Mechanical Failure/ Off Guinlabog Island, Philippines/ 16 Oct 21.

On 16 Oct 21, a motor banca MBCA AXELLE with three crew members onboard encountered mechanical failure off Guinlabog Island, Palawan, Philippines. Reportedly, the boat had engine problem. Later, Philippine authorities rescued the crew members and towed the motor banca ashore.

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• Aground/ Off Cua Viet, Vietnam/ 17 Oct 21.

On 17 Oct 21, a Hong Kong flagged Bulk carrier GLORY FUTURE ran aground about 1.7 nm off Cua Viet in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam. Reportedly, the vessel was anchored at a buoy when a wave broke its anchor, drifting the vessel off the south coast of Cua Viet & eventually running aground. All the crew members were reported safe and a rescue operation was undertaken to safely evacuate the crew.

• Fire/ Off Sungei Pakning, Indonesia/ 17 Oct 21.

On 17 Oct 21, a Panama flagged cargo vessel DOREEN caught fire off Sungei Pakning, Indonesia. Reportedly, the fire was caused by a short circuit in hatch cover hydraulic mechanism on cargo deck. Fire was extinguished by the crew members immediately and no serious damages were reported.

• Mechanical Failure/ Off Kalk Bay Harbour, South Africa / 17 Oct 21.

On 17 Oct 21, a fishing boat with 10 crew members onboard encountered mechanical failure about 1 nm off Kalk Bay Harbour, South Africa. Reportedly, the boat had rudder failure and limited emergency steering capabilities. South African authorities rescued all the crew members and towed the boat ashore.

• Man Overboard/ Off Malé, Maldives/ 18 Oct 21.

On 18 Oct 21, a seafarer fell overboard from a boat off Malé, Maldives. Reportedly, the person swam ashore to K. Kaashidhoo, Maldives and was unharmed in the incident.

• Missing/ Off Sri Lanka/ 18 Oct 21.

On 18 Oct 21, a fisherman went missing off Sri Lanka after falling into sea while crossing International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). Reportedly, two other fishermen in the boat were detained by the Sri Lanka Navy for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line and one fisherman went missing after he fell into the sea.

• Capsize/ Off Feevah, Maldives / 18 Oct 21.

On 18 Oct 21, a fiber boat with three persons onboard capsized off Feevah, Maldives. Reportedly, the boat was hit by a high-wave and eventually capsized. The boat was towed to harbour with all personnel safely onboard.

• Aground/ Off Kayangan Harbour, Indonesia/ 19 Oct 21.

On 19 Oct 21, an Indonesia flagged Passenger RO/RO WICITRA DHARMA with 35 passengers onboard ran aground off Kayangan Harbour, Lombok, Indonesia. Reportedly, the vessel encountered an unexpected engine failure and was dragged by ocean currents and eventually, ran aground. Indonesian authorities safely evacuated all the passengers using a rubber boat.

• Aground/ Off Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines/ 19 Oct 21.

On 19 Oct 21, a vessel LCT METAL HAWK with 17 crew members onboard ran aground off Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines. Reportedly, the vessel encountered engine trouble and eventually ran aground. Philippine Coast Guard evacuated all the passengers and shifted them ashore.

• Man Overboard/ Off Kuala Panchor, Malaysia/ 19 Oct 21.

On 19 Oct 21, a fisherman fell overboard from his fishing boat while fishing off Kuala Panchor, Pantai Remis, Malaysia. Authorities recovered the mortal remains of the fisherman.

• SAR/ Off Kuala Kangkung Estuary, Malaysia/ 19 Oct 21.

On 19 Oct 21, Malaysian authorities rescued two fishermen from a fishing boat off Kuala Kangkung Estuary, Malaysia. Reportedly, the boat encountered engine failure and was adrift at sea. Authorities rescued the fishermen and shifted them ashore.

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• Aground/ Off Gilimanuk Pier, Indonesia/ 19 Oct 21.

On 19 Oct 21, a Landing craft TUNU PRATAMA JAYA 3888 with 17 personnel onboard ran aground about 1 nm off Gilimanuk Pier, Bali, Indonesia. Reportedly, the vessel encountered strong currents and eventually ran aground. There were no injuries or damage reported in the incident.

• Sunk/ Off Bali, Indonesia/ 19 Oct 21.

On 19 Oct 21, a Cargo Ship LIBERTY I with 15 crew members onboard sank off Bali, Indonesia. Reportedly, the vessel encountered heavy weather and capsized. Six crew members were rescued while nine crew members went missing in the incident.

• Mechanical Failure/ Off Yemen/ 20 Oct 21.

On 20 Oct 21, a Panama flagged tanker GT FREEDOM encountered mechanical failure in Gulf of Aden. The vessel resumed has voyaged after completing repairs at sea.

• Mechanical Failure/ Off Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India/ 20 Oct 21.

On 20 Oct 21, fishing vessel IFB MOUNT MARY encountered mechanical failure about 10 nm South West of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Reportedly, the fishing vessel raised distress alert. Subsequently, Indian Coast Guard SHIP 151 responded to the distress signal and towed the boat ashore.

• Mechanical Failure/ Off Pandan, Philippines / 20 Oct 21.

On 20 Oct 21, a motorbanca F/BCA BENEDECT UNO with three fishermen onboard encountered mechanical failure about 50 nm North East of Pandan, Catanduanes, Philippines. Reportedly, the boat’s engine absorbed salt through seawater and was diluted to the engine fuel. Philippine Coast Guard rescued all the fishermen and shifted them ashore.

• Vessel Detained/ Off Langkawi, Malaysia/ 22 Oct 21.

On 22 Oct 21, Malaysian authorities apprehended five suspects including four foreign suspects and three crew members from a cruise vessel and a cargo vessel respectively for attempting oil transfer about 0.5 nm North West of Langkawi, Malaysia. Reportedly, the vessels were transferring oil without any valid permit. The suspects and the seized boats were taken into custody for further investigation.

• Collision/ Off Colachel, India/ 22 Oct 21.

On 22 Oct 21, a Panama flagged Bulk carrier NAVIOS VENUS collided with a fishing boat SHIJUMON with 17 fishermen onboard about 19 nm off Colachel, Tamil Nadu, India. Reportedly, two fishermen onboard the fishing vessel went overboard due to the impact and Indian Coast Guard rescued them. Injured fishermen were shifted to the local hospital for further treatment.

• Mechanical Failure/ Off Calayan Island, Philippines/ 23 Oct 21.

On 23 Oct 21, a fishing boat with a fisherman onboard encountered mechanical failure off Calayan Island, Philippines. Reportedly, the boat had engine trouble. The fisherman was rescued after being afloat for a day by a cargo ship transiting in the vicinity and shifted ashore.

• SAR/ Off Cape Vidal, South Africa/ 23 Oct 21.

On 23 Oct 21, South African authorities rescued 20 kayakers off Cape Vidal, South Africa. Reportedly, the kayakers encountered heavy winds on the sea. One kayaker was severly injured while other suffered minor bruises. Authorities rescued all the kayakers and shifted injured kayaker to a local hospital for further treatment.

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• Vessel Detained/ Off Langkawi, Malaysia/ 23 Oct 21.

On 23 Oct 21, the Malaysian authorities apprehended five and four suspects from a cruise boat and a cargo ship respectively off Langkawi, Malaysia. Reportedly, the cruise boat was attempting to transfer oil to a cargo ship. The suspects and the seized vessels were handed over to the local authorities for further investigation.

• Vessel Detained/ Off Tanjung Penawar, Malaysia / 24 Oct 21.

On 24 Oct 21, the Malaysian authorities detained a Malaysia flagged bulk cargo ship with 22 crew members onboard about 10 nm North East of Tanjung Penawar, Johor, Malaysia. Reportedly, the tanker was loaded with diesel without a port clearance document. The crew members and the vessel were taken into custody for further investigation.

• Mechanical Failure/ Off Gwadar, Pakistan/ 24 Oct 21.

On 24 Oct 21, a fishing boat Al-NOOR with 14 fishermen onboard encountered mechanical failure off Gwadar, Pakistan. Reportedly, the boat was stranded at sea due to machinery failure. Pakistani authorities rescued all the fishermen and towed the boat ashore.

• SAR/ Off Zambales, Philippines/ 24 Oct 21.

On 24 Oct 21, Philippine Coast Guard rescued 12 personnel including a minor from a speedboat off Zambales, Philippines. Reportedly, the boat encountered heavy weather, collided with a rock and eventually damaged its hull. All the rescued personnel were shifted ashore.

• Medevac/ Off Madagascar/ 25 Oct 21.

On 25 Oct 21, Madagascar authorities evacuated a crew member from a fishing vessel CLIPPERTON off Madagascar. Reportedly, the crew member fell onboard and required urgent medical assistance. Later, the patient was transferred to a local hospital for further treatment.

• Medevac/ Off Pulau Kendi, Malaysia/ 25 Oct 21.

On 25 Oct 21, Malaysian authorities evacuated a crew member from a Malta flagged bulk carrier KIRAN AUSTRALIA about 33.5 nm South West of Pulau Kendi, Malaysia. Reportedly, the crew member was unconscious and required medical assistance urgently. The crew member was evacuated by the Malaysian authorities and transferred to a local hospital.

• Aground/ Off Dofior Island, Indonesia/ 26 Oct 21.

On 26 Oct 21, a cargo vessel DARLIN ISABEL with 15 crew members onboard ran aground off Dofior Island, West Papua, Indonesia. Reportedly, the vessel ran aground to avoid collision with a passenger vessel

• Aground/ Off Maamendhoo, Maldives/ 26 Oct 21.

On 26 Oct 21, a cargo vessel with five crew members including four foreign crew members onboard ran aground off Maamendhoo, Maldives. Reportedly, the Maldives Coastguard deployed a vessel to rescue all the crew members

• Missing/ Off Ratnagiri, India/ 26 Oct 21.

On 26 Oct, a fishing vessel, NAVED-2, with six fishermen went missing off Ratnagiri, India. Reportedly, the fishermen were lost at sea while fishing. Subsequently, a search operation was initiated and were recovered two bodies Remaining four fishermen are still missing.

• Vessel Detained/ Off Batu Uban, Malaysia/ 27 Oct 21.

On 27 Oct 21, the Malaysian authorities detained a ferry with nine passengers onboard about 0.2 nm off Batu Uban, Malaysia. Reportedly, the boat was carrying passengers

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without any valid documents. The skipper and the vessel were taken into custody for further investigation. • Vessel Detained/ Off Tanjung Kelesa, Malaysia/ 27 Oct 21.

On 27 Oct 21, the Malaysian authorities detained a Singapore flagged tugboat with 13 crew members onboard about 13.7 nm North East of Tanjung Kelesa, Malaysia. Reportedly, the vessel encroached in the country’s waters without a valid permit. The captain and a crew and the vessel was taken into custody for further investigation.

• Medevac/ Off Goa, India/ 28 Oct 21.

On 28 Oct 21, Indian Navy evacuated a fisherman from a fishing vessel about 50 nm South West of Goa, India. Reportedly, the fisherman had severe chest pain and required urgent medical assistance. Later, the patient was transferred to a local hospital for further treatment.

• Medevac/ Off Oman/ 29 Oct 21.

On 29 Oct 21, Omani authorities evacuated a foreign crew member from a ship off Oman. Reportedly, the crew member met with an accident and required urgent medical assistance. Later, the patient was airlifted by the Royal Air Force of Oman and transferred to a local hospital for further treatment.

• Death/ Off Thumba, India/ 29 Oct 21.

On 29 Oct, a fisherman lost his life off Thumba, India. Reportedly, the fisherman was struck by lightening while fishing at sea. He was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

• Missing/ Off Pulau Selat Kering, Malaysia/ 29 Oct 21.

On 29 Oct 21, a diver went missing off Pulau Selat Kering, Malaysia. Reportedly the diver was diving with four other divers at the time of the incident, whose search efforts were unsuccessful as their boat suffered damage. Malaysian authorities have reportedly launched a search and rescue operation to locate the missing diver.

• Collision/ Off Aru Islands, Indonesia / 29 Oct 21.

On 29 Oct 21, a Korea flagged chemical tanker NEW GLOBAL collided with an Indonesian coastal wooden cargo vessel MAJU 9 with 32 crew members onboard south off Aru Islands, Dobo, Indonesia. Reportedly, both ships were trying to avoid collision with local fishing boats in the area and eventually collided and then capsized. 28 crew members of the cargo vessel MAJU 9 were rescued by the tanker NEW GLOBAL and remaining four were reported missing.

• Capsize/ Off Cebu, Philippines/ 30 Oct 21.

On 30 Oct 21, a motorbanca with 51 passengers (including eight crew members) onboard capsized off Cebu, Philippines. Reportedly, the boat ran aground due to overloading and eventually capsized. The Philippines authorities rescued 50 passengers and remaining one lost his life in the incident.

• Vessel Detained/ Off Port Dickson, Malaysia/ 30 Oct 21.

On 30 Oct 21, the Malaysian authorities detained a tourist boat with 10 passengers onboard off Port Dickson, Malaysia. Reportedly, the boat was carrying passengers without a valid document. The skipper and the vessel was taken into custody for further investigation.

• Capsize/ Off Kuala Kurau Estuary, Malaysia/ 30 Oct 21.

On 30 Oct 21, a fishing boat with eight fishermen onboard capsized about 11.9 nm South West Kuala Kurau Estuary, Malaysia. Reportedly, the boat encountered heavy weather and consequently capsized. The Malaysian authorities rescued all the fishermen and shifted them ashore.

• Sunk/ Off Chonburi Province, Thailand/ 30 Oct 21.

On 30 Oct 21, a fishing boat ANANTASAK with seven fishermen onboard sank off Chonburi Province, Thailand. Reportedly, three fishermen were rescued by another fishing vessel PORNSAMUT 14/4 and three

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were missing. One fisherman lost his life in the incident. A search and rescue operation was initiated to locate the three missing fishermen.

• SAR/ Off Ekafaru Island, Maldives/ 31 Oct 21.

On 31 Oct 21, the Maldives Coast Guard rescued eight crew members from a cargo vessel off Ekafaru Island, Maldives. Reportedly, the vessel encountered flooding due to heavy weather. The distressed vessel was escorted safely to the harbour.

New Video Highlights Need for Domestic Ferry Regulations.

➢ Domestic ferry operations play a crucial role in the movement of people and goods in many regions around the world.  But about 95% of ferry casualties world-wide occur during domestic operations. ➢ In a new short animated video, International Maritime Organization (IMO) provides key messages on the importance of safety standards on domestic passenger ferries and the development of model regulations.

➢ Regulations for passenger ship safety in IMO’s International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) do not generally apply to passenger ships on domestic voyages, but many countries base their regulations on the IMO standards.

Source: https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/Pages/WhatsNew-1641.aspx

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• Oill Spill/ Red Sea/ 14 Oct 21.

On 14 Oct 21, dozens of liters of hydraulic oil reportedly spilled from a ship docked at an Israel Navy base off the Red Sea coast of Eilat. The cause of leak was not specified. It was however reported that the leak was arrested. Reportedly, the Israeli Navy was working with the Israeli Environmental Protection Ministry to block the spread of the oil and assess the damage to the surrounding area.

Environmental Security

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• WBIEDs Destroyed / Off Hodeidah, Yemen / Oct 21.

Saudi Arabia led coalition have reportedely destroyed 10 Water Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (WBIEDs) in the Red Sea off Hodeidah, Yemen in October 2021. (03 WBIEDs on 06 Oct 21, 04 WBIEDs on 23 Oct 21 and one WBIED each on two unspecified dates).

• Seccuity Operation by Iranian Navy/ Gulf of Aden/ 16 Oct 21.

On 16 Oct 21, Iranian Navy destroyer ALBORZ reportedly ensured the security of one of the country’s oil tankers in the Gulf of Aden. It was reported that a heavy exchange of fire took place with five unidentified speedboats.

West Asia

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• Cyclonic Storm ‘SHAHEEN’ over Northern Arabian Sea.

A low pressure area formed in the Bay of Bengal on 24 Sep 21 which further strengthened into a Cyclonic storm GULAB on 25 Sep 21. The system made a landfall in Andhra Pradesh, India on 26 Sep 21. The system thereafter weakened overland, but in a rare occurrence remerged as Cyclone SHAHEEN in the Arabian Sea, after crossing the Indian peninsula. The cyclonic storm affected parts of Pakistan, Iran and Oman before finally making landfall in northen Oman coast on 03 Oct 21.

Natural Events

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• Catalog Technology Science – Facebook lays the longest submarine cable in the world.

In cooperation with telecom companies, Facebook has begun expanding the 2Africa platform. With the expansion, the total length of the data cable system will be 45,000 km and the infrastructure will be able to serve a total of three billion people in Africa, Europe and Asia. The extension, which is part of the cable system planned for the 2Africa project, will be called “Pearls” and will connect Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Pakistan, India and Saudi Arabia to the global network.

• Study: Marine Heatwaves Will Increase Climate's Effect on Fisheries.

In a new study published in Science Advances, a team of researchers from University of British Columbia predicted that extreme marine heatwaves could add to the impact that climate change is having on fisheries. The UBC Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries team created a model that incorporates extreme annual ocean temperatures within EEZ waters - where the majority of global fish catches occur - into existing projections for the impact of climate change on fish, fisheries and fishing communities. In British Columbia, sockeye salmon catches are expected to decrease by 26 % on an average during each given high temperature event between 2000 and 2050. On a global scale, the impact is expected to cost about three percent of global fishery revenue per year (on average) and about two percent of all fishery jobs.

• An autonomous, uncrewed vehicle sets out to map the ocean floor.

Saildrone’s autonomous, uncrewed surface vehicle the SAILDRONE SURVEYOR arrived in Hawaii in July this year after a 2,250-nautical-mile voyage from San Francisco. After 28 days at sea, the SURVEYOR mapped 6,400 square nautical miles of seafloor, running mostly on renewable energy. The vehicle’s data will contribute to Seabed 2030’s mission – a collaboration between the Nippon Foundation and GEBCO – to complete a map of the world’s ocean floor by 2030. The company’s fleet of uncrewed vehicles are utilized for snap the ocean flow with the aim to fill a void in our oceanic knowledge: just 20 per cent of the world’s ocean seafloor had been mapped, which stymies our understanding of the ocean system, geology and meteorology. SAILDRONE also envisaged a future where its autonomous vehicles, roaming the waters with on-board cameras and machine learning systems, will be able to detect signs of illegal fishing in marine protected areas.

• Climate change killing the world's coral reefs as oceans warm, study shows.

The world's coral reefs are under attack by climate change and more will disappear if oceans keep warming, according to a report released on 05 Oct 21. The study by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN), a U.N.-supported global data network, showed that 14% of the world's coral on reefs was already lost between 2009 and 2018, equal to about 11,700 square kilometers, an area 2.5 times the size of Grand Canyon National Park. As per reports, while coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, they support more than 25% of marine biodiversity, including turtles, fish and lobsters, which fuel global fishing industries. The reefs are responsible for an estimated $ 2.7 trillion annually in goods and services, including tourism.

• Suez Canal achieved a new daily traffic record.

Suez Canal has set a new record for the highest number of ships transited in a day. On 29th Sep 21, a total of 87 vessels made transit through this strategic canal, leaving behind the previous high of 75 that was achieved on 06 Feb 19. SCA has achieved this feat in less than six months since the infamous incident of EVER GIVEN, the mega container ship that went aground and blocked the canal for around a week. With the completion of the $10 billion expansion project that involves the deepening and widening of the southern part of the canal, it is said that the canal will be handling as many as 97 vessels per day. This strategic

Information/ Events of Interest

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maritime passage remains a national treasure for Egypt that generated approximately $5.6 billion in 2020, and this year till August, the canal has earned USD 3.8 billion.

• Foreign fishermen's assets worth almost USD 167 million seized since 2019, said MMEA.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) recorded the seizure of assets belonging to foreign fishermen worth almost USD 167 million from 2019 to Sep 21 through its operations codenamed Op Naga and Op Kuda Laut. MMEA has seized 303 boats with a total seizure value of USD 106 million, including boats and auction proceeds. A total of 2,000 foreign fishing boat crews comprising Vietnamese nationals and Indonesians were also detained and for Op Kuda Laut, a total of 149 boats were seized with a total value of USD 53.5 million while a total of 1,516 foreign fishing crews were detained.

• FAD use in marine fisheries increased despite mounting concerns.

The number of drifting fish aggregating devices (FADs) in the Indian Ocean increased four-fold between 2007- 2013, raising concerns on the harmful impacts of the fishing gear on marine fisheries. The use of FADs is reported to be coming under increasing scrutiny for its effects on ecosystems, including high levels of bycatch of endangered, threatened and protected marine species, the harvesting of large volumes of juvenile fish, and the contribution to ocean pollution and the

associated threats to sensitive coastal habitats. Additionally, more than 100 global seafood stakeholders thus far backed the foundation's guidelines for supporting increased transparency in FAD fisheries and strict adherence to the "polluter pays" principle.

• MEPA To Undertake X-Press Pearl’s Wreck Removal in early Nov 21.

The removal of X-Press Pearl, the shipwrecked container ship in vicinity of Sri Lanka, is expected to commence in early Nov 21. The Marine Environmental Protection Authority will be undertaking removal activities following pre-decided terms and conditions. The Marine Environment Protection Authority also aspires to take part in a long-term investigation plan into the damage caused. The Singapore-registered MV X-Press, an almost brand new ship transporting chemical cargo caught fire on 20 May 21, when at anchorage about 9.5 nautical miles off the port of Colombo. Investigations found that a chemical leak in a container has caused the incident.

• COVID-19 Crew Change - IMO Draft Assembly Resolution Approved.

The 104th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), (4-8 Oct 21), approved a draft IMO Assembly resolution consolidating issues related to crew change, access to medical care, ʺkey workerʺ designation and seafarers’ prioritization for COVID-19 vaccination, with a view to adoption at the 32nd session of the IMO Assembly (scheduled 6-15 Dec 21).

• Adani Ports Decides to Ban Containers from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran.

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), the largest port operator in India recently announced that it will no longer deal with any form of containerized cargo from Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The move comes amid growing concerns of national security after a massive drug seizure at the Mundra Port last month. On 14 Sep 21 at Western Port of Mundra, which included confiscation of heroin worth US$2.65 billion that originated in Afghanistan, which was concealed in two containers arriving from the Bandar Abbas Port in Iran.

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• Maritime Leaders Called for Government Support for Decarbonization.

Before start of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, leaders from across all sectors of the maritime industry have come together calling on governments and international regulators to take decisive action in support of shipping decarbonization. More than 200 industry leaders and organizations signed the Call to Action for Shipping Decarbonization developed by the Getting to Zero Coalition, a partnership between the Global Maritime Forum, the World Economic Forum, and Friends of Ocean Action. The Call to Action demonstrated that there was broad industry support for the decarbonization of shipping and shown the many actions and commitments that were already being made by the companies.

• State of the Climate in Asia 2020.

Sea-surface temperature changes and ocean heat directly affects the ocean-atmosphere coupling and thus regional and global circulation, as well as marine life. In 2020, average sea surface temperatures reached

record high values in the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean and the Arctic Ocean. Sea-ice extent was a key indicator of the changes in the polar regions and it shaped not only the regional climate but also the global climate. Global average sea level has risen at a rate of 3.3 mm per year since the early 1990s. The North Indian Ocean and the Northwest Pacific Ocean have experienced sea level rise significantly higher than the global mean. China’s loss stood at $238 billion in 2020, followed by India’s at $87 billion.

• Weather Forecast. A monthly weather forecast for the month of Nov 21 in IOR region has been uploaded on IFC-IOR website for reference.

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Disclaimer Information collated in the IFC-IOR’s monthly report has been derived from various internal and external linkages such as partner nations, other maritime stakeholders, agencies and open sources. The report aims to undertake analysis of incidents by establishing trends and anomalies to ensure safety and security of mariners and seafarers. While due care and effort has been taken to ensure veracity of data, due diligence may be exercised for subsequent usage of information contained therein. IFC-IOR requests and seeks assistance of all stakeholders to report incidents in the region to undertake accurate predictive and prescriptive analysis and build a comprehensive picture of existing threats in the maritime domain. The information contained in the report and the analysis thereon, is not reflective of the views of the Indian Government or Indian Navy in any manner.

Contact Details

In case of any incident at sea, suspicious approach or unusual observed activity at sea, please contact IFC-IOR:-

Website: - https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/ifc-ior/ Email: - ifc-ior.gurugram@navy.gov.in Tel: - +91 1242208385, +91 7428963733 Fax: - +91 1242209385 Twitter: - @IFC_IOR