Infographic: 1 incident against tug and barge in Singapore Strait

According to the infographic, there were a total of 1 new incident, involving a tug and barge, which occurred in Eastbound Lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS), within the Singapore Strait. Some scrap metal were reported stolen.

From January to September 2022, there were 10 reported sea theft incidents involving tugs and barges. The majority of the incidents took place in waters off Tanjong Piai, the eastbound lane of TSS in the Singapore Strait and the Phillip Channel.

The figures recorded in 2022 thus are higher compared to the total annual figures recorded in the past two years respectively. Five incidents occurred in broad daylight while the other five incidents occurred during hours of darkness. Eight of the incidents reported theft of scrap metal and/or ship stores, and two incidents had nothing stolen.

Based on the incident reports, in most cases, perpetrators avoided confrontation, and fled immediately upon being sighted by crew.

Perpetrators usually are in group of average 4-6 pax, and use small boats, targeting slow-moving vessels (7-12 knots) with low freeboard.

Recommendations

• Remain vigilant, particularly when transiting the areas of concern in the Phillip Channel, off Bintan and Batam and Tanjong Piai;
• Adopt Ship Protection Measures recommended in the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia, e.g., turn on weather deck lighting around the accommodation block and rear facing lighting on the poop deck, maintain an all-round lookout at an elevated position with focus on suspicious small craft(s) approaching or in proximity to the ship’s aft, and (3) sound ship’s alarm when suspicious small craft(s) sighted;
• Participate in Voluntary Community Reporting as depicted in 4th Edition MARSEC Charts Q6112 and Q6113; upon sighting of suspicious activities, immediately report to local authorities and inform the IFC.