Super yacht anti piracy!

Scenario:

A 40m motor yacht was transiting the Somali coast in severe weather conditions when a deckhand fell down a stairway breaking her arm: she was in considerable pain. Because of the weather, the Captain decided to seek the shelter of a bay close inshore.

A few hours after anchoring the yacht was approached by several boats carrying what appeared to be local militia. The boats opened fire causing damage to the yacht's upper deck.

The crew had a shotgun, hunting rifle and an elephant gun for the use of the owner and guests when embarked and with these returned fire. The attacking boats withdrew, probably because they did not expect any resistance. However this was assessed as a situation that could change at any moment and it was decided to leave the bay and return to Mombassa to decide on future actions.

The yacht's owners, management agency and insurers decided that an experienced anti-piracy escort was required. IMSA deployed two associates to Mombassa to advise and escort the yacht and crew from Mombassa to Port Suez.

Threat:

In briefing the Captain and crew it emerged that:

• There was no experience of sailing in hostile environments.
• There was no knowledge of IMO guidelines.
• There were no actions to take to protect their vessel.

Solution:

• Instructed the Captain and crew on ISPS awareness.
• Instructed the Captain and crew on IMO guidelines.
• OSSL (Over Side Security Lights).
• A radar watch was initiated.
• An alarm system to alert the crew.
• Actions to take on sighting suspicious boats.

Conclusion:

The crew benefited from instruction and exercises given, and were more confident in their ability to transit hostile waters in safety.