The first month of 2021 saw a steady continuance of piracy incidents in the Eastbound Lane of the Singapore Strait, with Singapore’s Information Fusion Centre (IFC) reporting three attempted actions in January.
2020 was a year with increased piracy and armed robbery incidents, while in its yearly report the IFC observed one sea robbery, 17 sea thefts and 16 attempted actions.
Thus, the IG for January notes that the three attempted actions were against a cargo ship and bulk carriers.
According to the infographic, the key facts are that:
- All incidents occurred within hours of darkness between 2200H to 0400H
- All targeted vessels were transiting in eastbound lane of Traffic Separation Scheme in Singapore Strait, North of Batam and Bintan.
Modus Operandi
According to IFC, perpetrators usually are in a group if 4-6 pax; They use small boars, target-slow moving vessels with low freeboard and are non confrontational.
Concerning the attacks against cargo ships and bulk carriers:
- the perpetrators may be armed with weapons like knives and steel bars
- Usually target ship’s engine parts and stores
- Same group of perpetrators may target few vessels in succession, in same night.
Recommendations:
- Remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to local authorities immediately
- participate in voluntary community reporting as depicted in MARSEC charts Q6112 and Q6113
- adopt ship protection measures
