The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has published its Monthly Piracy Report for the month of March 2025.
Twenty four acts of of piracy and armed robbery were committed against ships during the month of March 2025 reported by Member States or international organizations in consultative status. Some of the incidents include:
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MSC Romane (Container ship, Portugal)
The incident: Duty crew onboard a ship underway noticed two small boats secured to the aft of the vessel and eight unauthorized persons on board stealing ropes. Master raised the alarm, ship’s speed increased, authorities notified, and nonessential crew gathered in the citadel. The coast guard communicated with the ship via VHF channel 16 and directed the Master to head to Santa Marta for inspection. All crew members safe.
Response: The incident was reported to the Colombia Coast Guard. Colombia PRC relayed the message to Colombia Maritime Authorities.
Location: Around 36nm NNW of Santa Marta, Colombia 11° 48.90′ N 074° 25.70′ W
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Jin Hwa 43/Jin Hwa 44 (Tug, Malaysia)
The incident: While underway, the master reported to Singapore POCC that three perpetrators had boarded the barge from a small boat. After about 20 min, the perpetrators were seen leaving the barge. The crew was unable to determine any loss of property and the crew was not injured. Safety broadcast on anti-piracy watch was initiated to warn all vessels to maintain a vigilant watch at all times in the SS. The RSN’s MSTF and Singapore PCG were notified of the incident. Information of the incident was shared with the Indonesian authority.
Response: The incident was reported to Singapore POCC.
Location: At the approaches to Singapore Strait Malaysia 01° 24.89′ N 104° 31.15′ E
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MENG XIN 1 (Fishing vessel, Ghana)
The incident: Five armed pirates boarded the fishing vessel. They fired three warning shots and ordered the crew to lay on the deck. They then stole crew mobile phones and properties and locked them in a cabin. Before escaping, the pirates damaged communication equipment and kidnapped three crew. On emerging from the cabin, the crew sailed to Tema.
Response: The incident was reported to local authorities. Ghana Incident report received from Ecowas MMCC Zone F.
Location: Around 12nm SE of Accra, Ghana 05° 24.65′ N 000° 01.98′ W
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Ailama (Tanker, Gambia)
The incident: Four masked robbers armed with a gun and knives boarded a tanker underway and entered the engine room. The duty engine crew noticed the robbers and alerted the bridge officer, who raised the alarm, mustered the crew and notified VTIS. Upon hearing the alarm, the robbers escaped with stolen engine spares. On anchoring the coast guard boarded the vessel for investigations.
Response: The incident was reported to Singapore VTIS. Indonesia PRC relayed the message to Singapore Police Coast Guard & Indonesian Marine Police HQ.
Location: Malacca Strait 01° 03.79′ N 103° 41.09′ E
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Prisma (Tanker, Panama)
The incident: Six robbers armed with guns boarded a tanker underway. They entered the engine room and took the C/E and 3/E as hostage and tied them up in the engine room. Both C/E and 3/E managed to escape and immediately informed Bridge. Alarm raised, ship’s horn sounded and crew mustered. Seeing the alerted crew, the robbers escaped empty handed. The incident reported to VTIS. All crew safe are reported safe.
Response: The incident was reported to Singapore VTIS. Singapore PRC relayed the message to Singapore Police Coast Guard & Indonesian Marine Police HQ.
Location: Malacca Strait 01° 06.59′ N 103° 44.90′ E
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Cancun (Bulk carrier, Liberia)
The incident: Four armed robbers in a skiff approached and boarded a laden ship underway and entered the engine room. Alert duty oiler noticed the robbers, secured himself in the engine control room and alerted the bridge. Alarm raised, PA announcement made, SSAS activated and VTIS West notified. After around one hour, the crew made a search. No robbers were found on board, and nothing reported stolen. As a precaution, a patrol vessel escorted the ship to the anchorage area where an inspection was carried out.
Response: The incident was reported to VTIS West. Singapore PRC relayed the message to Singapore Police Coast Guard & Indonesian Marine Police HQ.
Location: Malacca Strait 01° 04.48′ N 103° 41.38′ E
