ReCAAP reports new siphoning case
The Singapore-registered petroleum product tanker Ocean Energy, departed Singapore on 2 May 15 at 0845 hrs for Myanmar. At about 2130 hrs, eight perpetrators armed with guns boarded the vessel whilst she was making way in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.
The perpetrators ordered the vessel to anchor at 02 19.3 .64 N, 101 40.4 E (off Port Dickson) where a barge came alongside. Whilst the master and crew were locked away, 2023 MT of gas oil was discharged to the barge.
The perpetrators left the vessel at about 0430 hrs on 3 May 15, after damaging the ships communication equipment and took away the ships Iridium phone, the crews cash and mobile phones. The vessel only managed to contact the Company Security Officer (CSO) at about 0553 hrs to report the incident. The ship returned to its home port and all crew was reported safe and not injured.
This was the 5th fuel siphoning case reported since January 2015 and the 2 nd case in the Straits of Malacca. Whilst the crew was not harmed, the criminal act of holding them under threat, stealing their cash and personal belongings; and the vessels cargo is unacceptable. The ReCAAP ISC and its partners condemns the maritime act and advises all vessels to exercise enhanced vigilance while transiting the area, and report all incidents to the nearest coastal State; and urges relevant authorities to increase surveillance, render timely responses and follow-up on this transnational crime.
Source and Image Credit:ReCAAP ISC
