1 January – 31 March 2014 for piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia
The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre has issued its Quarterly Report for piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia from January 1st to March 31st, 2014. The report reveals an overall improvement in the situatiuon of piracy for a third consecutive year, based on a quarter-on-quarter comparison.
While there has been an overall improvement in the situation in Asia,the number of incidents in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore hasincreased during the 1st Quarter of 2014 compared to the same periodin 2012 and 2013. These incidents involving ships while underwaywere mainly less significant incidents: of the eight incidents reportedin the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, six were Category 3 incidents.
With reports of incidents occurred at certain ports and anchorages,more stringent enforcement of the ISPS code, effective policing byport authorities and active patrolling by the relevant agencies areadvocated.
The ReCAAP ISC encourages ship masters to report all incidentsto the coastal State immediately, and the relevant authorities torespond by dispatching patrol vessel to the location of the incidentas demonstrated in the incident involving tug boat, SG Victory on21 Feb 14 where the robbers were arrested and the stolen itemsrecovered.
Image Credit: ReCAAP ICS Report, page 9
More information may be found at ReCAAP report
