The abductors of the two Indonesian fishermen of ‘Sri Dewi 1’, who were kidnapped by armed men in waters off Semporna on 11 September, had reportedly demanded for a ransom of RM 4 million for their release, according to local media reports.
The incident involving Sri Dewi 1 was the first actual abduction of crew reported in 2018 in waters in Sulu-Celebes Seas and off eastern Sabah, ReCAAP ISC noted.
The last actual incident reported to ReCAAP ISC occurred onboard Super Shuttle Tug 1 on 23 March 2017, and the last attempted incident occurred on board Kudos 1 on 16 February 2018.
As the threat of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and off eastern Sabah remains, ReCAAP ISC maintains its advisory issued via the ReCAAP ISC Incident Alert dated 21 November 2016 to all ships to reroute from the area, where possible. Otherwise, ship masters and crew are strongly urged to exercise extra vigilance while transiting the Sulu-Celebes Seas and eastern Sabah region.
Two armed robberies reported this week
In addition, in its weekly report for 18-24 September, ReCAAP ISC informed of two incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia.
The first involved the Maltese-flagged bulk carrier ‘Hako’, in Sandakan, Malaysia. While at berth, a perpetrator climbed up the ship from a craft via the portside anchor chain. Another two perpetrators were waiting in the craft.
The second involved the Panamanian-flagged LPG carrier ‘Maregas’, in Westbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS), Singapore Strait. While sailing, three perpetrators were sighted at the stern of the ship. The Chief Engineer sustained injuries to his face and hands after the perpetrators confronted him and forcibly took his gold chain. A wooden pole was used by the perpetrators. The perpetrators made their escape when the alarm was raised. Remaining crew are safe with no injury. The master reported the incident to Singapore Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS).
Incident outside Asia
The report also contained an incident involving the Singaporean-flagged chemical tanker ‘BW Puma’ in Anchorage, Lagos, Nigeria.
While at anchor, the AB who conducted a round saw two boats close to ship’s anchor chain. He immediately reported to the bridge, raised the alarm and verbally chased the boats away. At No.1 port cargo tank, the AB found two perpetrators hiding in structures on deck. He shouted at the perpetrators who ran to No.1 port side and jumped overboard using a rope. The crew was mustered at secondary muster station and search was conducted.
During the search, it was found out that the No. 1 port ullage port was opened. The vapour lock was closed to avoid IG leakage and manual unlacing of cargo tanks commenced. The side of ship was checked for traces of any pipe for transfer of cargo, but none was found. There was also no oil sheen found around vessel nor on deck.
The master reported the incident to the Nigerian Naval Service (NNS). A NNS Vision patrol boat came alongside the ship. The Navy was apprised of the situation onboard.
