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sisiutl · 01-09-2013, 05:58

We are planning to cross Indian Ocean in 2014. Due to the uncertainties of a Red Sea passage we may go around South Africa. Are any other boats planning to cross Indian Ocean in 2014? A Red Sea trip is not out of the question depending on troubles along that route.

Bob & Alexandria. sv Sisiutl

Paul L · 01-09-2013, 06:09

There's a good article on the passage in Ocean Navigator mag here Staying clear of piracy - Ocean Navigator - July/August 2013

krafthaus · 01-09-2013, 06:20

I read your blog Bob. Some serious sailing there and hats off to you. Seychelles, Mauritius, Matagascar would be nice. Good luck on your passage west.

Wrong · 01-09-2013, 06:20

Depending on where you'll be leaving from, you'll no doubt be in a better position to poll other cruisers shortly before your departure. My guess is if you plan on crossing in 2014, your'e probably in N.Z. or Australia. Right?

Latest idea is the presence of U.S. and other countries naval vessels giving protection to commercial shipping in the Red Sea, pirates are more likely to go for the 'soft targets'. So, for cruisers it's actually more risky now. You are probably already aware of Noonsite. I'd monitor what's happening there with links to other useful sites.

sisiutl · 01-09-2013, 06:21

Pirates are one issue but have been relatively quiet lately. The problems in Egypt add another dimension to the hazards of a Red Sea passage. Would not want to go most of the way thru only to find a dangerous canal transit there.

Unklebuk · 01-09-2013, 06:35

I was on a US aircraft carrier heading North through the Red Sea back in the 90s and we received a distress call from a US couple sailing who had anchored near one of the Hanish Islands between Eritrea and Yemen. There used to be a dispute between the 2 countries over the islands, though I'm not sure of the current status today. We dropped a cruiser back to stay nearby overnight, and contacted both countries to have them notify whichever troops were on the island of the situation. The next morning, the couple happily departed......I'm assuming it makes a good story for them to tell their grandkids today.

Wrong · 01-09-2013, 06:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by sisiutl

Pirates are one issue but have been relatively quiet lately. The problems in Egypt add another dimension to the hazards of a Red Sea passage. Would not want to go most of the way thru only to find a dangerous canal transit there.

Excellent point. Stability in the whole region is threatened. Of course, your departure point is going to be an important factor in organizing an itinerary.

I've sailed from Thailand via the Maldives, Chagos and Madagascar to South Africa once, and from Australia via Christmas Island, Cocos Keeling, Rodriques Island and Madagascar to South Africa on the second voyage.

Happy to provide information about both routes.

Unklebuk · 01-09-2013, 06:53

Forgot to state that the distress call came because the couple's ship was being fired upon from the troops on the island they had anchored off of.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unklebuk

I was on a US aircraft carrier heading North through the Red Sea back in the 90s and we received a distress call from a US couple sailing who had anchored near one of the Hanish Islands between Eritrea and Yemen. There used to be a dispute between the 2 countries over the islands, though I'm not sure of the current status today. We dropped a cruiser back to stay nearby overnight, and contacted both countries to have them notify whichever troops were on the island of the situation. The next morning, the couple happily departed......I'm assuming it makes a good story for them to tell their grandkids today.

goboatingnow · 01-09-2013, 07:01

you could give EUNAVFOR a ring, thats the major naval force in the region. Might be able to give you some updates as to transit policy

European Union Naval Force
Operation Atalanta
Media and Public Information Office
European Union Operation HQ
Northwood Headquarters
Sandy Lane-Northwood
Middlesex
HA6 3HP

Tel: +44 (0) 1923 958693 (UK office hours)
Mobile: +44 (0) 7762 784746 (silent hours and weekends)
E-Mail: media@eunavfor.eu

( they also have a Facebook and twitter contacts!)

dave

Biologist · 01-09-2013, 18:10

Need crew?

sisiutl · 02-09-2013, 21:04

We will be leaving from Thailand. Any insights are welcome. Thanks

bbowers2004 · 02-09-2013, 22:44

We too plan to cross the indian ocean some time in late 2014, although it is way to early for us to be throwing dates around. I've seen groups get together, and with added naval escorts...might be a good route; but if all else fails we might end up going south as well.

SV.Louna · 04-09-2013, 03:53

Hi guys. Just tried to respond to the thread ad responded to an individual instead. Sorry about about that. David and Chris from the S.V. Taipan have only just recently crossed the Indian Ocean last month but from the other way. I would suggest looking at their blog and maybe have a talk to them. They have sailed in the Southern and Indian Ocean most of their lives and could give you some real beneficial tips. Food for thought.
L&N

SV.Louna · 04-09-2013, 04:00

[QUOTE="LouisAndNatasha;1330832"]Hi guys. Just tried to respond to the thread ad responded to an individual instead. Sorry about about that. David and Chris from the S.V. Taipan have only just recently crossed the Indian Ocean last month but from the other way. I would suggest looking at their blog and maybe have a talk to them. They have sailed in the Southern and Indian Ocean most of their lives and could give you some real beneficial tips. Food for thought.
L&N. ps They are in South Africa at the
Moment getting some cheap work done on the boat