Maltese-flagged bulk carrier named MV Ruen was boarded by six unknown attackers on 14 December, likely Somali pirates, in the Arabian Sea.
According to India’s Ministry of Defence, the vessel, with 18 crew onboard, had sent a Mayday message on UKMTO portal, PM 14 Dec 23, indicating boarding by approximately six unknown personnel. The Indian Navy subsequently diverted its Naval Maritime Patrol aircraft undertaking surveillance in the area and its warship on Anti-Piracy patrol in the Gulf Aden to locate & assist MV Ruen.
Two actual incidents of armed robbery against ships (both CAT 4) in Asia between 12th – 18th December 2023.
The incidents occurred on 15 Nov 2023 onboard a petroleum/chemical tanker while anchored at Belawan Anchorage, Indonesia; and on 7 Dec 2023 onboard a bulk carrier while underway in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS).
A ballistic missile fired by Yemen’s Houthis slammed into a cargo ship Friday in the Red Sea near the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait, following another attack only hours earlier that struck a separate vessel, authorities said.
An article to inform interested parties how to maintain hatch covers properly, in order to avoid claims related to water ingress.
The lack of hatch cover maintenance and/or improper repairs to hatch covers has been shown to be the primary cause of water ingress into the cargo holds which can lead to cargo damage. In addition to the financial and insurance claims, there are other potentially more serious consequences that need to be considered: