Recently, the China Shipowners’ Association has successively received two maritime safety information notices from the 48th Chinese Naval Escort Taskforce concerning two types of security risk incidents in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters. To ensure the navigation safety of Chinese vessels, the life and property of crew members, and maritime rights and interests, the relevant risk situations and safety requirements are urgently highlighted as follows:
I. Details of Maritime Risk Incidents
1. Missing Vessel Search and Rescue Alert
According to a report from the Yemen Maritime Security Information Center, a maroon multi-masted sailing vessel named “Dam Al-Akhaween Deksam” (length 16.4 meters, width 4.20 meters) departed from Al Khaisa, Hadhramaut Governorate, southern Arabian Peninsula on November 17, bound for Socotra Island, carrying 5 sailors and 1 captain (6 people total). The vessel has not reached its destination and has been officially declared missing.
Affected Waters: The coastal waters of the Indian Ocean between Al Khaisa, Hadhramaut Governorate and Socotra Island.
2. Anti-Piracy Security Warning
According to a notification from the Indian Ocean Maritime Security Center, at 1915 hours on November 21 (Time Zone UTC+3), approximately 550 nautical miles southeast of Mogadishu, Somalia, a suspicious small boat was observed tailing a passing oil tanker. The small boat accelerated and closed in within 4 nautical miles, persistently tracking the tanker. The oil tanker subsequently managed to increase the distance by implementing anti-piracy security management measures.
Affected Waters: The area approximately 550 nautical miles southeast of Mogadishu, Somalia.
II. Core Safety Requirements and Operational Recommendations
1. Enhance Navigational Vigilance: All vessels transiting the aforementioned risk areas are requested to closely monitor the surrounding sea surface conditions, strengthen lookout observations, and pay particular attention to vessels matching the description of the missing ship, as well as unmarked suspicious small boats.
2. Strictly Implement Anti-Piracy Measures: Vessels navigating in the waters surrounding Somalia and the Gulf of Aden must strictly implement anti-piracy security management protocols, including but not limited to: maintaining communication availability, activating monitoring equipment, preparing protective gear, planning safe routes, etc. Avoid lingering for extended periods alone in risk areas.
3. Strengthen Coordination and Cooperation: The 48th Chinese Naval Escort Taskforce is currently conducting escort missions in the waters around the Gulf of Aden, providing security assurance for passing vessels through various methods such as accompanying escorts, area patrols, and security monitoring. Relevant vessels are requested to proactively maintain communication and coordination with the Association and the Taskforce, actively cooperate with escort deployment arrangements, and form a joint force for security protection.
III. Gulf of Aden Escort Application Guidance
1. Applicable Vessels: Vessels flying the Five-Star Red Flag, Chinese-funded vessels under flags of convenience, and Taiwan vessels; Hong Kong registered vessels should apply to the Hong Kong Marine Department.
2. Application Process: Please refer to the “China Shipowners’ Association Official Website – Escort Column – ‘Procedures for Chinese Vessels Transiting the Gulf of Aden and Somali Waters to Submit Escort Applications to the China Shipowners’ Association’”, the URL is .
Safety is no trivial matter; navigation requires caution. The China Shipowners’ Association will continue to monitor maritime security developments and promptly disseminate the latest notices from the Escort Taskforce. If vessels encounter difficulties or require assistance during navigation, please contact the China Shipowners’ Association at any time. We will fully coordinate resources to provide support.
