Bunker piracy in Straits of Malacca & Singapore remains a key concern
Image Credit: ReCAAP ICS
ReCAAP ICS has issued its report on piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia highilighting that bunker pirate activity in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore remains a key concern for the shipping industy.
According to the report, a total of 17 incidents were reported in Asia during April 2015.Of theese 17 incidents, two were piracy incidents, 14 were armed robbery against ships and one was an attempted incident. The two piracy incidents occurred in the South China Sea; one was a Category 1 case involving the siphoning of ship fuel from Dongfang Glory on 1 Apr 15, and the other was a petty theft incident onboard a bulk carrier while underway in the South China Sea. Of the 14 robberies onboard ships, 10 occurred while the ships were underway in the SOMS, and four onboard ships while anchored/berthed at ports and anchorages in Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam.
Incidents of Shiphoning of Ship Fuel/ Oil continue
On 1 Apr 15, 25 perpetrators armed with pistols boarded product tanker, Dongfang Glory and reportedly siphoned the ship fuel, stole the crews personal belongings, and damaged the communication equipment before they escaped. This was the fifth incident of siphoning reported in this region since January 2015.
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Incidents of siphoning of fuel/oil continue to occur in April 2015, and remains a key concern to the ReCAAP ISC and shipping industry. Early detection is essential in prevention of boarding. Ship masters and crew are advised to deploy extra security watches whenever possible and report any suspicious vessels to the nearest coastal states. The authorities are urged to step up surveillance efforts and response immediately to all reports. The ReCAAP ISC will continue to provide updates of the situation via its periodical reports and incident alerts to the shipping industry; and enhance cooperation with other stakeholders, such as the INTERPOL leveraging on its expertise in organised crime through its extensive network. |
You may read the report by clicking below
