We're aware of the date, but we refuse to make any Star Wars puns.
A busy week on the water, with one event in particular overshadowing the news cycle. An armed robbery/pirate attack against fishermen off Suriname has left a large number of casualties, possibly as many as 15, according to  local media reports. The brutality involved is particularly concerning, and law enforcement will be stretched trying to follow up. There's news that another attack has already taken place with at least one fatality. 
In the Indian Ocean region, an attack was reported on a fishing vessel in the Gulf of Oman. Disputes here between fishermen are not uncommon, although the perpetrators in this incident have not been identified, it's unlikely to be piracy-related. 
Meanwhile, there are calls for more unified anti-piracy approaches in the region from the Africa Defence Forum. This week has also seen maritime security courses held in Djibouti, funded by Japan. 
In West Africa, Nigeria has joined the Navigate Response network as part of its push to respond to maritime crime and piracy in its waters. 
We end in Southeast Asia, where ReCAAP took the unusual step of issuing an alert to shipping, warning of impending crew kidnap efforts by the Abu Sayyaf terror group. Fortunately, there have been no reports of attacks so far.

Regards,
David Rider                  
Editor