An attempted boarding involving a 56,045 dwt bulk carrier, Akij Pearl, was reported by the Philippines coast guard off Sibutu Island, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines on March 3 at about 1045 hrs

Shipping should expect more attacks in the Red Sea and Middle East Gulf linked to the proxy conflicts between Iran and Saudi Arabia after the suspected mine blast on the Israeli ro-ro Helios Ray, Risk Intelligence warns

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran is behind last week’s explosion on the Ray Shipping car carrier Helios Ray. Tehran has denied the claim, according to reports

A private maritime security company falsely claimed two Nigerian Navy guards had been killed in a pirate attack in an apparent attempt to cover up its failure to show up for a security escort job

The cause of an explosion reported on the Ray Shipping vessel Helios Ray in the Gulf of Oman is being investigated. Security experts said it could be another Iranian limpet mine attack, noting geopolitical tensions and the vessel’s link to Israel

Piracy in Southeast Asia is declining, with membership of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group dwindling, no recent kidnappings and few serious crimes against vessels thanks to better security co-operation, a webinar was told

The International Maritime Organization will form a piracy working group at its Maritime Safety Committee session in May amid ‘deep concern’ about attacks. It adds to growing calls for action on piracy since incidents resumed in October

Pirates have kidnapped nine crew from a Chinese tuna boat which had been hijacked and used as a mothership. They left five crew members to sail to Gabon, where authorities are investigating

Fifteen Turkish hostages from the containership Mozart have been released after three weeks in captivity and will soon be repatriated, the ship’s operator and manager said