Local reports indicate that the Gulf of Mexico continues to see a sustained threat from maritime crime and piracy.
This is what Dryad Global’s latest Maritime Security Threat Advisory (MSTA) pointed out, adding that local media reports indicate that six thefts have occurred from platforms in the Bay of Campeche during the 2023.
“Official reports from the region are believed to be consistently lower than the actual number of incidents,” the MSTA said.
“Incidents continue to focus on the theft of equipment and personal effects rather than hijacking or hijacking of vessels. However, incidents are often reported to be violent and the perpetrators are known to be well-armed,” he added the MSTA.
Dryad’s latest MSTA ranks Mexico’s risk rating as “substantial” and the country’s Dos Bocas port terminal risk rating as “moderate.” The countries with the highest risk rating in this MSTA include Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen, which all have “critical” levels.
At the time of writing, a US State Department map warns travelers to use extra caution in all Mexican states bordering the Gulf of Mexico, except for Taumalipas, which has a no-travel advisory, and Yucatán and Campeche, which have “a normal precaution”. ” advice.
Black Sea
Regarding the Black Sea, the MSTA noted that the UN-sponsored grain deal has been renewed for another 60 days, “conditional on the suspension of sanctions against Russia.”
“Senalty reductions are highly unlikely,” the MSTA warned.
“Vessels operating within the Black Sea should continue to do so bearing in mind the increased risk of drifting sea mines as a result of recent periods of severe weather,” the MSTA added.
In a statement published on the UN website on March 14, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, said that “in the context of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the agreement provides for a renewal of 120 days but, in the present circumstances, the general secretary and his team are focused, in close contact with all parties, to do everything possible to guarantee the continuity of the Initiative”.
“The agreement on the Black Sea Grain Initiative, together with the MOU on the export of Russian food and fertilizers, are critical for global food security, especially in developing countries,” Dujarric added in the statement .
In an update posted on the UN website on March 18, the organization noted that the Black Sea Cereals Initiative had been expanded.
“The Initiative facilitates safe navigation for exports of grain and related food products and fertilizers, including ammonia, from designated Ukrainian seaports,” the update said.
“During the first two terms, about 25 million metric tons of grains and food have been moved to 45 countries., helping to lower world food prices and stabilize markets. We express our gratitude to the Government of Turkey for diplomatic and operational support to the Black Sea Grain Initiative,” he added.
Southern Red Sea
In its latest MSTA, Dryad also said reports indicate that a ship was fired upon while in transit northbound in the southern Red Sea.
“The incident occurred 3 miles nm after a further incident on 19 May 22, in which a sailing vessel was boarded by suspected Houthi militants seeking to steal personal items,” said the MSTA.
“In both cases, both vessels were operating east of the Hanish Islands, which is an area of widespread war risk due to the presence of Houthi militants nearby,” the MSTA added.
“Vessels continue to be advised that all transits in the southern Red Sea should take place west of the Hanish Islands as partial mitigation of this localized risk,” it continued.
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