During 3-9 April 2018, an attempted incident of piracy was reported to the ReCAAP ISC, involving the Hong Kong-flagged catamaran ‘Swiss Prestige’, while underway in the South China Sea, on 6 April.
While sailing, a small ship Hong Lrut with two perpetrators onboard approached the catarman at high speed (approximately 15 knots) within 200 nm and turned parallel to the vessel. The catarman sounded “mayday” via VHF Channel 16 and increased her speed to 8 knots. The suspected ship moved away from the catamaran but continued on parallel course.
A cruise liner Diamond Princess responded to the mayday call and moved to the location. Swiss Prestige communicated with Diamond Princess that Falmouth MRCC had been informed. The suspected ship began to move away and depart from the area shortly. Swiss Prestige cancelled its mayday call and moved towards Johor, Malaysia.
The ReCAAP ISC urges crews to report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State and flag State, exercise vigilance and adopt relevant preventive measures taking reference from the Regional Guide to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia. It also urges for extra vigilance while transiting the Sulu-Celebes Sea and eastern Sabah region.
