Maritime Security Report: 26 January -2 February 2026
- Palaemon Maritime
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Robberies across Southeast Asia and West Africa, with drone strikes on ports and beached naval mines in Europe.
This week, incidents spanned West Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia, with activity concentrated in Europe, including drone strikes on ports and the discovery of naval mines ashore.
Executive Summary
Key trends this week:
West Africa - A bulk carrier has been robbed by two individuals whilst at anchor at Takoradi anchorage, Ghana.
Europe - Pivdennyi port was hit by a Russian drone strike, and a naval mine was discovered on a Romanian beach. Meanwhile, a cargo ship experienced a hull breach and was rescued by Russian authorities.
Southeast Asia -A container ship was robbed whilst at anchor at Manila Bay, Philippines.
Indian Ocean - A naval live firing will take place 1-2 February 2026 from 2:30-20:30 UTC in the area 26‑57.00N 056‑28.00E to 26‑44.00N 057‑03.00E.
Threat levels remain high across multiple regions, with risks of piracy and threats from escalating geopolitical conflicts.
Key Incidents by Region
Southeast Asia
26 January 2026
A container ship was robbed at anchor at Manila Bay, Philippines. The pirates entered the bosun's store and stole two hydrant cups and a walkie-talkie. No crew injuries were reported.
Gulf of Guinea
27 January 2026
A bulk carrier was robbed by two individuals while at anchor at Takoradi anchorage, Ghana. Ships stores were stolen, but all crew members were safe.
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Europe
28 January 2026 - Naval Mine
A naval mine was beached on a Romanian shore near the Midia firing range, Constanta. Authorities secured the area and safely neutralized the mine.
28 January 2026 - Drone Strike
The Russian Army struck Pivdennyi port, Ukraine, with several drones. The attack seemed to be focused on damaging rail infrastructure and caused a fire. Ukrainian authorities stated that several buildings were damaged and that locomotive production was affected. Despite the damage, the port remains operational.
29 January 2026 - Rescue
Russian authorities reported that the general cargo ship Caspian Shiva had been rescued following a distress call. The vessel reportedly developed an unexplained hull breach, flooding the engine room and cargo hold. Two Rosmoport tugs refloated the vessel and brought it to safety. All crew members are safe.
Indian Ocean
30 January 2026 - Advisory
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre of Bandar Abbas reported that Iran will conduct a naval live firing from 2:30 to 20:30 UTC on the 1st and 2nd of February 2026 within the area:
26‑57.00N 056‑28.00E,
26‑45.00N 056‑24.00E,
26‑26.00N 056‑45.00E,
26‑15.00N 056‑44.00E,
26‑15.00N 057‑06.00E,
26‑44.00N 057‑03.00E.
Vessels are advised to keep well clear of the danger area and exercise caution when transiting these waters regarding US-Iran tensions.
Threat Outlook
Region | Threat Level | Assessment |
Black Sea | Very High | Attacks on ports and civilian vessels continue |
Indian Ocean | High | US/Iranian tensions rising |
Southeast Asia | Elevated | Frequent robberies |
West Africa | Elevated | Theft occurring regularly |
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Operational Guidance
Operators should:
Enforce BMP-MS procedures
Increase deck patrols and lighting
Harden access points
Maintain SSAS readiness
Report all incidents to:
UKMTO
MDAT-GoG
ReCAAP
IMB / IMO
Stopping Boardings Before They Start
Most maritime attacks succeed once criminals reach the main deck.
That’s why leading operators rent physical anti-boarding barriers:
No upfront CAPEX
Global deployment
Short or long-term rental
No vessel modification
Zero successful boardings. Ever.
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