Piracy incidents in Bangladesh increased by ninefold in first five months of 2024 compared to full previous year

The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) Information Sharing Centre (ISC) recently revealed that there has been an increase in the number of piracy incidents reported in Bangladesh since January 2024. During January to May 2024, a total of nine incidents were reported in Bangladesh, compared to only one incident reported in the entire year of 2023.

Of the nine incidents reported during January-May 2024, seven were actual incidents and two were attempted incidents. These seven incidents occurred off Kutubdia Island and at Chattogram Anchorage.

Following the spate of incidents reported during January to May 2024, the Bangladesh Focal Point called for the enhancement of maritime patrol/presence in port and anchorages, mooring outer anchorage, and ships while underway, with emphasis in the areas where incidents occurred more frequently. Restrictions have also been implemented at ports, anchorages and outer anchorages for country boats, fishing boats and motorboats that cannot ply or come alongside anchored ships without any valid documents. Barter trade is also prohibited in the port, anchorages, and outer anchorage areas.

The Bangladesh Navy, on its part, has increased its vigilance and sea patrols to respond to any potential ships in distress. The Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) has also increased its patrols and surveillance as well as the monitoring of any illegal boat activities in the areas of concern. With its area of responsibility of up to the territorial waters, ports, anchorages, and outer anchorages, the BCG is responsible for immediate incident response, arrest of perpetrators, and investigation of the incidents that occurred within its jurisdiction.

With the increasing number of incidents at the Chittagong Port and Anchorage, the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has established a Visual Tracking Information Management System (VTIMS) to monitor the movement of small country boats in the anchorage and outer anchorage areas. The Port Authorities of Chittagong and Mongla have also conducted port-arranged random boat patrols with its security personnel onboard in the port water areas. During January to May 2024, the Bangladesh authorities have successfully boarded three ships, arrested the perpetrators, and recovered the stolen items.

The Bangladesh's Department of Shipping (ReCAAP Focal Point) advises ships bound for Bangladesh to adopt the following measures:

• Exercise enhanced vigilance, alertness and report all incidents to the relevant authorities immediately.
• Slow-speed ships, deep draft ships, tug boats and towed vessels are to avoid the fishing zone. For ships sailing to Chattogram port and anchorages, they are to commence their voyage from Saint Martin Island to Cox's Bazar areas and navigate on safe route.

In addition, ships at ports/anchorages are advised to implement the following:

• Maintain communication over VHF channel with the port control and law enforcement agencies when entering Bangladesh waters.
• While at anchor, request for port-approved watchmen via the local shipping agent.
• No barter trade or any types of business are permitted at anchorages and in the port and berthing areas.
• While at anchor, keep sharp lookout and do not allow any boats to come near ship.