Global Security, Privacy, & Risk Management

Royal Navy Prevents Pirate Attack July 5, 2011

On July 4th, 2011 ten pirates in two skiffs made an attempt to board the MV Sagar Ratan approximately 150 miles from Muscat, Oman.  The ship signaled SOS and took evasive maneuvers while the RFS Fort Victoria headed toward the ship.  According to reports, the pirates fired 5 RPGs at the Ratan and attempted to board using boarding ladders.  At the same time the Fort Victoria was heading toward the ship, 2 F/A-18 fighters were launched from the USS Ronald Reagan. In addition to thwarting the attack, the Fort Victoria also identified the pirate mother-ship the Taiwanese fishing vessel Shiuh Fu No. 1 which had been hijacked Christmas day off the coast of Madagascar (pictured).  As the monsoon season is due to end shortly it is clear that the pirate attacks will again pick up steam.  For this reason it is important for ship owners and other stakeholders to carefully consider whether to arm their ships with contracted armed guards.