The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has published its Monthly Piracy Report for the month of February 2025.
Sixteen acts of piracy and armed robbery were committed against ships during the month of February 2025, reported by IMO Member States or international organizations in consultative status. Some of the incidents include:
JSP Vento (General cargo ship, Portugal)
The incident: While underway around 40nm WNW of Bata, Equatorial Guinea, armed pirates boarded the ship. The crew raised the alarm, sent a distress alert via VHF radio, and retreated into the citadel. Once pirates left, the crew emerged safely.
Response: The incident was reported to the Equatorial Guinea authorities. PRC received the incident report.
Location: West Africa – 02° 02.00′ N, 009° 07.00′ E
Haima (Oil product tanker, Panama)
The incident: While underway 1.4 nm west of Helen Mar Reef, Indonesia, the alarm was raised and a search was conducted after suspicious activity. No perpetrators were found and nothing was stolen.
Response: The incident was reported to the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA).
Location: Malacca Strait – 01° 07.80′ N, 103° 45.00′ E
Belaja (Bulk carrier, Norway)
The incident: While underway in the Singapore Straits, alarm was raised, ship’s horn sounded, and crew mustered following the sighting of intruders.
Response: The incident was reported to VTIS West. Singapore Police Coast Guard and Indonesian Marine Police HQ were informed.
Location: Malacca Strait – 01° 02.78′ N, 103° 39.34′ E
Zevirous (Product tanker, Malaysia)
The incident: Three armed pirates boarded the ship underway. The crew raised the alarm and retreated into the citadel. Pirates left without harming the crew.
Response: VTIS West and Central were notified. Singapore Police Coast Guard and Indonesian Marine Police HQ were informed.
Location: Malacca Strait – 01° 06.00′ N, 103° 45.00′ E
Al Najma No.481 (Dhow, Yemen)
The incident: Six armed persons boarded and hijacked the dhow, taking its crew hostage. The Somali guard was later released. Pirates stole personal effects before abandoning the vessel.
Response: Somalia PRC received the incident report; Eunavfor Atalanta assets later spotted the abandoned dhow.
Location: East Africa – 07° 54.00′ N, 049° 56.00′ E
Cancun (Bulk carrier, Liberia)
The incident: While underway 2.5 nm northwest of Pulau Cula, Indonesia, the alarm was raised and a search conducted after perpetrators were suspected onboard. No perpetrators found.
Response: The incident was reported to Singapore VTIS.
Location: Malacca Strait – 01° 04.34′ N, 103° 41.11′ E
Atrotos Heracles (Bulk carrier, Panama)
The incident: Six robbers armed with knives boarded the vessel, tied up the 2nd and 3rd Engineers, and stole engine spares. Alarm raised and crew mustered.
Response: The incident was reported to VTIS West and Central.
Location: Malacca Strait – 01° 05.50′ N, 103° 43.79′ E
Pelicana (General cargo ship, Norway)
The incident: Four perpetrators armed with knives boarded the ship from the portside quarter, stealing electrical and engine room items. No crew injuries.
Response: The incident was reported to Singapore VTIS.
Location: Malacca Strait – 01° 03.72′ N, 103° 41.22′ E
Ocean Diligence (Bulk carrier, Marshall Islands)
The incident: While underway, three perpetrators armed with knives and a gun-like object entered the engine room, stole engine spares, but injured no crew.
Response: The incident was reported to Singapore VTIS; a safety broadcast was initiated; Singapore PCG boarded the vessel upon arrival.
Location: Malacca Strait – 01° 05.96′ N, 103° 44.15′ E
Saytuun 2 (Fishing vessel, Yemen)
The incident: Six armed pirates hijacked the vessel and took the Captain and four crew members hostage, later releasing the ship.
Response: Puntland Police and Somalia PRC received the incident report. Spanish naval forces later boarded the vessel and confirmed the pirates had left.
Location: East Africa – Off Garmaal, North of Eyl, Somalia
