The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has published its Monthly Piracy Report for the month of September 2024.
The following acts of piracy and armed robbery were allegedly committed against ships during the month of September 2024, as reported by IMO Member States or international organizations in consultative status. There were six incidents during September, all taking place in territorial waters:
#1 Sea Voyager, Bulk carrier, Panama
The incident: While underway, five perpetrators armed with knives were sighted in the ship’s steering room. The master raised the alarm, and all crew mustered to search for the intruders. No injuries were reported, and nothing was stolen. The master reported the incident to Singapore Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS), which initiated a safety navigational broadcast. The Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) and Singapore Police Coast Guard (PCG) were notified. Upon the ship’s arrival at Singapore port, the PCG boarded and searched the vessel; no perpetrators were found. Information was shared with the Indonesian authorities.
Location: MALACCA STRAIT, approximately 5.9 nm northwest of Pulau Cula (Indonesia), in the eastbound lane of the TSS.
#2 Target 10/Alam 281, Tug, Malaysia
The incident: While underway, the tug boat master reported that some scrap metal from its towing barge was stolen by perpetrators in a small boat. The crew mustered and conducted a search, confirming all crew were safe. The incident was reported to VTIS, and a safety navigational broadcast was initiated. The RSN MSTF and Singapore PCG were notified, and information was shared with the Malaysian and Indonesian authorities.
Location: MALACCA STRAIT, approximately 2.2 nm south of Pulau Mungging, within Johor Port Limit, Malaysia.
#3 Atlantic Tiger, Bulk carrier, Marshall Islands
The incident: While underway, six to seven perpetrators were sighted in the vicinity of the port quarter of the ship. All crew mustered to conduct a search. The crew was not injured. Engine spares were stolen from the ship. No injuries were reported. he incident was reported to Singapore Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS). Safety navigational broadcast was initiated. The Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) and Singapore Police Coast Guard (PCG) were notified of the incident. The PCG boarded the ship upon her arrival at Singapore Port and conducted a search. No perpetrators were found onboard. Information of the incident was shared with the Indonesian authorities.
Location: MALACCA STRAIT, approximately 4 nm northwest of Pulau Cula (Indonesia), in the eastbound lane of the TSS.
#4 Royal Tb 17, Tug, Indonesia
The incident: The tug crew reported four perpetrators armed with guns and knives who boarded the tug and barge, taking the crew hostage and securing them in the toilets and messroom. The perpetrators transferred cargo from the barge to a tanker, damaged communication and navigation equipment, and stole various crew belongings. The incident lasted approximately 8–10 hours, and Indonesian authorities are investigating.
Location: MALACCA STRAIT, approximately 47 nm south of Tanjung Malatayur, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia.
#5 Withheld, Bulk carrier, Marshall Islands
The incident: Duty oiler on the ship underway noticed five unauthorized persons, with their faces covered, in the engine room. One perpetrator appeared to be carrying a gun. Alarm raised, crew mustered, and VTIS notified. Upon hearing the alarm, the perpetrators escaped without stealing anything. The coast guard boarded the ship for an inspection.
Location: MALACCA STRAIT, Singapore Straits, Indonesia.
#6 New Destiny, Bulk carrier, Marshall Islands
The incident: While sailing, five perpetrators with gun-like objects were sighted in the engine room. The crew was mustered and a search conducted, but no perpetrators were found. It could not be confirmed whether any property was stolen. The crew was not injured. The master reported the incident to the Singapore Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS) West. Safety navigational broadcast was initiated. The Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) and Singapore Police Coast Guard (PCG) were notified of the incident. Upon the ship’s arrival at port of Singapore, the PCG boarded the ship and conducted a thorough search, and no perpetrators were found onboard. The information was also shared with the Indonesian authorities.
Location: MALACCA STRAIT, approximately 3.3 nm north of Pulau Cula (Indonesia), in the eastbound lane of the TSS.
