A total of two actual incidents of armed robbery against ships were reported in Asia in July 2017 and no piracy incident was reported, the ReCAAP ISC informs in its latest monthly report. The two incidents occurred on board ships while anchored in the vicinity of Pier 13, South Harbour, Manila, Philippines. There was no report of actual or attempted incidents involving the abduction of crew from ships in the Sulu-Celebes Sea and waters off Eastern Sabah in July 2017. No abduction of crew incident was reported since April 2017.
Compared to July 2016, the ReCAAP ISC notes that the total number of incidents reported in July 2017 has decreased by more than 50%. A total of five incidents were reported in July 2016. Compared to the preceding months during the period of July 2016 to June 2017, July 2017 reported the lowest total number of incidents in a month. Graph below shows the number of incidents reported each month during July 2016 to July 2017.
A total of 39 incidents were reported during January-July 2017, of which 33 were actual incidents and six were attempted incidents. The number of incidents reported during January-July 2017 was the lowest among the 10-year reporting period. Compared to January-July 2016, there was a 24% decrease in the total number of incidents reported during January-July 2017, and a 69% decrease compared to the same period in 2015.
A total of 51 incidents were reported during January-July 2016, and 126 incidents reported during January-July 2015. The improvement during January-July 2017 was attributed to, amongst other contributing factors, the improvement of the situation in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (since 2016) and at certain ports and anchorages in India, Indonesia and Vietnam
While the overall situation during January-July 2017 has improved, there was increase in the number of incidents reported at certain ports and anchorages in Bangladesh (Chittagong) and Philippines (Manila and Batangas) compared to the same period in 2016.
ReCAAP ISC concludes that although the over situation has shown significant improvement, there is no room for complacency. Ship masters and crew are strongly urged to exercise extra vigilance while transiting the Sulu-Celebes Sea and in waters off Eastern Sabah, and to report all incidents immediately to the related Centres, as indicated by the ReCAAP ISC.
Further details may be found by reading the report for July 2017
