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A maritime security alert has been issued for the Arabian Sea after a fishing vessel was boarded by pirates approximately 35NM SW of Masirah Island in position 19:57.1N 58:25.51E at 1930 local time on 14 February.
According to reports, armed pirates operating from a 20 foot brown-coloured dhow named ‘Hander’ stole the crew’s possessions, food and fuel before escaping.
The attack should remind operators of the continued presence of dhows operating as motherships off the Omani coastline; the incident occurred roughly 105NM NE of where Italian-flagged MV Enrico Ievoli was hijacked in December.
‘Hander’ is expected to remain active in the vicinity over the coming days. Vessels are advised to proceed with caution
