Singapore’s Information Fusion Centre (IFC) published its latest infographic, marking two new incidents against ships in the Singapore Strait as of 21 April 2021.
-Key facts
- All incidents involving bulk carriers and tankers occurred within hours of darkness. Till date, five incidents recorded in April 2021.
- Most targeted vessels were transiting in eastbound lane of Traffic Separation Scheme in Singapore Strait.
-Perpetrators usually:
- are in group of average 4-6 pax;
- use small boats, target slow-moving vessels (7-12knots) with low freeboard; and are non-confrontational.
-Perpetrators on cargo ships and bulk carriers:
- 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
-Perpetrators on Tugs & Barges:
- Usually unarmed
- Usually target ship’s parts and scrap metals
Recommendations:
- Remain vigilant, even in daylight hrs; reportsuspicious activities to local authorities immediately and inform IFC
- Participate in Voluntary Community Reporting as depicted in MARSEC Charts Q6112 and Q6113
- Adopt Ship Protection Measures recommended in the Regional Guide to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia
