A maritime security alert has been issued for the Arabian Sea after a merchant vessel was reported under attack, and possibly hijacked, 150NM north east of Masirah in position 21:27N - 062:37E at 1219 local time on 2 March.
Further details were unavailable at the time of writing.
Vessels should proceed with caution in the vicinity of the attack, and more generally when transiting along Oman's southern coastline which has seen a spike in pirate activity in recent weeks. Six incidents were recorded within approximately 180-200NM off the extent of the Omani coast over the past week, including one successful hijack of a dhow south of Salalah on 28 February. Further attacks are expected.
Vessels are advised that crew preparedness will be crucial to the early detection of attacks; up to date best management practices should be in place to mitigate the chances of a successful pirate attack.
Source: GAC