Five incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia were reported to the ReCAAP ISC during the week of 12-18 November 2024.
These incidents included one CAT 2, two CAT 3, one CAT 4, and one attempted incident. were reported to the ReCAAP ISC. All incidents occurred while the ships were underway in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) of the Singapore Straits (SS). One incident occurred on 13 Nov, three incidents on 14 Nov and one attempted incident on 17 Nov. All five incidents took place in close proximity with each other, onboard ships while transiting the Phillip Channel. Details of the incidents are shown bellow:
Area of Concern
The ReCAAP ISC issued an Incident Alert on 14 Nov 2024, to alert the shipping industry of the incidents that occurred within a short time interval and at close proximity to each other in SOMS on 13 Nov and 14 Nov. Ships are advised to intensify vigilance and maintain sharp look-out while transiting the areas of concern; and also the littoral States to strengthen coordination, increase patrols/surveillance in their respective waters, respond promptly to incidents reported by ships, and promote information sharing on incidents and criminal groups. With these five incidents, a total of 47 incidents (46 incidents in Singapore Strait and one incident in Malacca Strait) were reported in SOMS since January 2024.
Situation of Abduction of Crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and Waters off Eastern Sabah
Re-assessment and downgrading of threat level
The efforts by the Philippine Government in Zamboanga, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi through the conduct of continuous military operations led to the dismantling of the support base and neutralising the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the Sulu archipelago. Against this backdrop, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), coordinated with other stakeholders and counterparts that have vital involvement in the maritime security of the Sulu-Celebes Seas, reviewed the threat situation and recommended further downgrading the threat level of ‘Abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas’ from ‘MODERATE’ to ‘MODERATE LOW’, which implies that ‘Incidents are unlikely to occur due to perpetrators’ perceived lack of capability to orchestrate an attack. Nevertheless, minimal damages are expected to the vessel and crew in case of an attack’.
Update of ReCAAP ISC advisory
- With downgrading of the threat on the ‘Abduction of Crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes seas by the PCG, ReCAAP ISC has updated its Advisory for ships to “exercise vigilance & adopt necessary preventive measures while transiting the area.”
- For ships transiting the area, the ship masters and crew are strongly encouraged to exercise extra vigilance and report all incidents immediately to the Operation Centres of the Philippines and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) of Malaysia.
Recommendations
Ship masters and crew are to report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State and flag State, referring to the Poster on the Contact Details for Reporting of Incidents of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia, exercise vigilance, and adopt appropriate preventive measures taking reference from the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia; both produced by the ReCAAP ISC.
