Pirates re-emerge as monsoons end

Pirates re-emerge as monsoons end    The U.S. Maritime Administration warned ship operators to expect an increase in pirate attacks once again in the Gulf of Aden region from October to early December with the end of the monsoon season.
   More favorable weather conditions allow for small boat activity in the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, Indian Ocean and waters off the Horn of Africa region. Recent attacks have occurred off the Kenyan and Tanzanian coasts, the Southern Red Sea, Seychelles and Maldives.

Matsuda

   'The change in season means every precaution must be taken in order to defend against pirate attacks,' said Maritime Administrator David Matsuda in a statement Wednesday. 'Our agency remains committed to helping U.S. crewmembers be vigilant and well-prepared for pirate attacks.'
   MarAd said it's continuing to work with other federal agencies to reduce the vulnerability of U.S. ships and crews, including:
   ' Issuing advisories directly to U.S. ship operators based on latest intelligence.
   ' Working with industry to improve implementation of best practices to deter piracy.
   ' Distributing industry produced anti-piracy training videos for crews.
   ' Conducting voluntary security vulnerability assessments with Naval Criminal Investigative Service on U.S. ships.