CTF-151 commander Turkish Rear Adm. Caner Bener said Somali pirates,
estimated at 5,000, have enhanced operations in 2009. Bener said the pirates
have become skilled in nighttime attacks that have reached the southern Red
Sea.
"The prior preparation and vigilance of merchant mariners at all times
of day and night is more important now than ever," Bener said. "While our
ability to deter and disrupt attacks has improved over time, we are
constantly adapting the way we do our business as the pirates adapt and
modify their tactics."
A CTF advisory urged mariners to employ a designated corridor through
the Gulf of Aden. About 30 warships have been deployed in the corrdior.
Still, the advisory said Somali pirates would focus on slow-moving
vessels with a low freeboard. The advisory urged merchant ships in the Gulf
of Aden to employ lookouts in areas deemed dangerous.
"In this environment, the importance of merchant mariners as first line
defenders against pirates is absolutely vital," U.S. Cmdr. Tim Lowe, deputy
commander of the anti-piracy force, said. "The crews of those merchant
vessels that have employed evasive maneuvering and other defensive measures
to protect their ships and their cargoes have proven to be more successful
at evading attack."