(1) Incident Type : GENERAL ALERT |  Vessel Type: NOT APPLICABLE      
1505 UTC | 15 March | Posn: 03-20.00N 002-54.00E | Gulf of Guinea

The MDAT-GoG have issued a notice on behalf of the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre Area E that covers from Togo to the Cameroon border. Due to the two attacks that have occurred between 11th - 14th March and as efforts are intensified by countries across areas F, E and D, vessels are advised to navigate with extreme caution and vigilance, maintain strict anti-piracy watches. It is also advised that the following steps are also taken:

1. All security agents onboard and patrol vessels are requested to be on maximum alert while navigating and at anchorage.
2. All vessels are advised to remain vigilant, maintain sharp anti-piracy lookouts at sea and anchorages and report any suspicious movements to the nearest maritime authorities particularly in the Area E and MDAT-GOG.
3. Timely detection of pirates and withdrawal of crew to the citadel is critical. This is still the most effective method of evading pirates.
4. Fishing vessels are advised to be extremely vigilant since they can be easily attacked considering their peculiar vulnerabilities of low free board, slow speed and less manoeuvrability.

This information is provided to inform maritime situational awareness for mariners operating in the region.