That’s 12 skiffs with 5-8 armed pirates per vessel, and all equipped with boarding ladders! First off, bravo to the armed security team that was able to hold off such an attack! I would give every security contractor on that boat a bonus and a medal.
This kind of swarming attack was discussed earlier on this blog when we were talking about the New Rules of War. It is an interesting evolution of tactics, but one that is not surprising. Wolfpack also comes from the famous U-boat naval tactic.
But this incident also brings up some serious questions about the state of armed security teams currently in operation out there. This particular company was able to repel the attack, probably because they had a sufficient defensive plan, an organized force and the proper weapons. But what about those companies out there that do not have their operations squared away or are poorly manned, equipped and armed? Right now, armed guards on boats have a pretty good track record, but with tactics like these, I could actually see pirates successfully defeating an armed team.
Now what is a sufficient plan and/or weapons? That is a great question, and I believe companies would be wise to consult those who are specialists when it comes to defending vessels. One individual in particular that I would recommend contacting, would be Fredrik C. Jonsson, the author of Maritime Sniper Manual. You can find him on Facebook, and he has set up a Maritime Sniper Manual Facebook page.
What is really cool about Fredrik is that he can advise companies on the most cost effective and accurate weapons they would need, in order to deal with threats like ’12 skiffs swarming a vessel’. I would imagine that most of the Russian type weapons would be adequate because of cost and availability. But definitely pick Fredrik’s brain on this if you are looking for ideas.
All in all though, it will be each team on each boat that has to pool their resources and thought power together, and figure out the best way to defend their client. I certainly hope that the companies that employ these brave souls are doing all they can to support them and give them the tools they need to be successful. From weapons to NVG’s, to solid admin and pay. All of this is important, if you want your teams to be successful out there. And what is really important, is to have solid leadership managing those teams.
Strategically speaking, I believe the defense has the advantage out there. They have the height, they have the fields of fire, and they have the size of the vessel to work with. Any pirate up against an aggressive defense coming from such a platform, will have a tough time. But that is why pirates are experimenting with wolf pack tactics. They can apply strength or combat power to one point on a vessel, and get the breach. Especially if they can occupy the rest of the defense of the vessel with the swarm and harassing fires. So to me, this is why it is so important that everyone gets the word about this potential threat, and really takes an honest look at their strategies and tactics for dealing with such a thing.
It is the same song and dance that I promote with the suicide assaulter tactic that enemies are using on land. You must study these attacks, and be honest with yourself about the effectiveness of your security plan. If you have a good learning organization within your team/company, and you apply Kaizen to the whole thing, you should do well. And never underestimate the enemy–know yourself, know your enemy. –Matt
John Hamilton's painting of a wolf pack attack on merchant vessels.
IMB Piracy Report
Attack Number: 303-11
Date: Sat Aug 06 2011
Type of Vessel : Bulk Carrier
Location detail: Around 20nm ENE of Assab, Eritrea
Attack Type: Fired_Upon
Narrations: 06.08.2011: 1505 UTC: Posn: 13:07.2N – 043:04.9E, Around 20nm ENE of Assab, Eritrea, Red Sea.
Twelve skiffs with five to eight pirates in each skiff approached a bulk carrier underway. As the skiff closed guns and ladders were noticed. Warning flares were deployed by te onboard security team. the skiffs continued to approach the vessel at 17 knots. At a distance of around 300 meters, on th ecommand of the Master, the onboard security team fired warning shots resulting in most of the skiffs falling back and circling the vessel. Two skiffs continued to chase the vessel and returned fire. The skiffs and the security team exchanged fire and after 30minutes and numerous approaches the skiffs aborted and moved away.
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Attempted Pirate Attack in Red Sea Suggests Pirates Hunting in Packs?
Monday, August 8, 2011
According to a report filed Sunday August 7th by the IMB Live Piracy Reporting Centre*, pirates attacked a vessel approximately 20 nm off the coast of Eritrea in the Red Sea. What marks this attack out for special attention, and the reason it should be of particular concern to all shipping companies and members of the maritime community is that in this instance, it would appear the pirates attacked in large numbers, en masse.