ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre released the October 2019 Monthly Report on Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia.
Overall Summary
- A total of seven incidents of armed robbery against ships were reported in Asia in October 2019
- No piracy incident was reported
- There were also no reports of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah; and no hijacking of ships for theft of oil cargo reported in October 2019
- However, the abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah remains a serious concern
- ReCAAP ISC is also concerned about the increase in the number of incidents reported on board ships while underway in the Singapore Strait
Cover: ReCAAP’s October 2019 Monthly Report. Click on image to download PDF.
Number of Incidents
- In October 2019, seven incidents of armed robbery against ships were reported
- Of the seven incidents, five were actual incidents and two were attempted incidents
Status of Ships
- Three incidents occurred on board ships while underway in the Singapore Strait
- Four incidents on board ships anchored at ports and anchorages in India and Indonesia
Significance Level of Incidents
- Of the five actual incidents reported in October 2019, one was a CAT 2 incident and four were CAT 4 incidents
- The CAT 2 incident occurred on board a bulk carrier while underway in the Singapore Strait; five perpetrators armed with gun and jungle knife boarded the bulk carrier, threatened the duty oiler and tied his hands, stole engine spares and escaped
- As for the four CAT 4 incidents, two incidents occurred in Indonesia (Cigading Anchorage and Dumai Anchorage), one occurred in the Singapore Strait and one off Gopnath Point, India
Source: ReCAAP