Container ship MSC PALATIUM III anchored at Djibouti anchorage at around 0110 UTC Dec 16, fire extinguished according to UKMTO report.
Container ship AL JASRAH continues voyage and as of 0204 UTC Dec 16 was sailing in Gulf of Aden, with ETA Singapore Dec 24.
Most interesting and alarming is the unfolding story of Bulgarian bulk carrier RUEN, hijacked by unknown militants in the afternoon Dec 14 from cargo ship in Arabian sea some 400 nm east of Sokotra island. Strangely or not, ship’s AIS is on, she’s monitored in real time, and it is highly doubtful that the perpetrators who seized the ship and now steer her, don’t know about AIS.
The ship is sailing towards northeast Somalia coast, to by now almost forgotten, Puntland shores, once pirates stronghold. UKMTO assumes that probably, we’re witnessing Somalia piracy revival. Might be, but as well, the ship might be hijacked by Houthis or by Iranian militants, disguising the hijack as piracy.
Situation in Arabian sea – Gulf of Aden – Red sea, has become quite dangerous, with Houthis firing at their pleasure and greatly enjoying the show. Now some yet unknown brigands in Arabian sea added fuel to already raging fire.
Is it all coincidence? Wild criminal attacks on merchant ships in one of the main global routes in Red sea, and sudden, out of blue skies, draught in Panama Canal.
The opinions expressed herein are the author’s and not necessarily those of News2Sea.
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