Somalia, Pirates Use Hijacked Ro-Ro

The NATO Shipping Centre reported that on Jan. 30 the vehicle carrier Asian Glory (Blue hull and white superstructure), previously hijacked and still under pirates control, was in position 04:19N - 052:13E CO:005 SPEED 14. It is assessed pirates are using Asian Glory for their pirate activities.  All vessels navigating in the Indian Ocean to consider keeping east of 60E when routing north/south and to consider routing east of 60E and south of 10S when proceeding to and from ports in South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya.  Vessels are also advised not to approach closer than 100 miles from the position given in this report and maintain maximum CPA with any ship acting suspiciously. While navigating in the region vessels are urged to operate at a heightened state of readiness, maintaining strict 24 hours anti-piracy visual and radar watches, actively implement recommended anti-piracy measures and regularly report their position/course/speed to UKMTO. Early assessment / detection will allow ships to take evasive measures to prevent boarding and request for assistance. All attacks and suspicious sightings including possible pirate mother vessel towing skiffs should be reported.