Gulf Of Aden and Indian Ocean Piracy
Military Authorities have issued further warnings of piracy attacks in the Gulf of Aden and the Northern Indian Ocean region. As a result the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) has re-issued advice on guidelines.
“Piracy attacks continue in Gulf of Aden and Northern Indian Ocean: ISAF, supported by the naval forces, strongly recommends yachtsmen to avoid these areas – see ISAF guidelines at – but if under attack or suspected attack immediately telephone (do not email) UKMTO +971 50 552 3215.”
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) office in Dubai acts as the primary point of contact for merchant vessels and liaison with military forces in the region.
In response to these warnings the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) recently updated and re-issued its guidelines to yachts contemplating making a passage through the Gulf of Aden and the Somali Basin. A single-sheet summary of the guidelines was sent to marina managers, Port Captains and ships’ Agents in all the places frequented by long-distance sailors with a request that it be displayed prominently and, where possible, copied and given out to visiting yachts. This document can be found here: -sailing.org/32074.php
“We are determined to do all we can to inform the long-distance sailing community of the very real risks passages in these waters entail’ said Alan Green, chairman of the ISAF International Regulations Commission “and to make sure that skippers and crews are aware of the advice of the naval authorities who co-ordinate warship operations in the area”.
