From 8-14 Mar 22, no incident of piracy and armed robbery against ship in Asia was reported to the ReCAAP ISC. However, the ReCAAP ISC advises ships to continue to exercise enhanced vigilance.
During this period, one incident outside Asia was reported to the ReCAAP ISC by ReCAAP Focal Point (Japan). The incident took place on 12 March to a RORO car carrier while anchored at Callao Anchorage, Peru.
What is more, ReCAAP ISC has also informed that in February 2022, nine incidents of armed robbery against ships were reported in Asia. No piracy incident on high seas was reported. In addition, the situation in the Singapore Strait (SS) continues to be an area of concern.
Key points
- 9 incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia;
- 8 of the 9 incidents occurred in the SS;
- No report of abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah.
Abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah
There is no incident of abduction of crew reported since the last incident in January 2020 up to today, and no crew is currently being held in captivity by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
The Philippine and Malaysian authorities continued to conduct pursuit operations and intensify military operations to neutralise the ASG. In 2021, the operations carried out by the Armed Forces of the Philippines had resulted in the neutralisation of some ASG subleaders and members.
However, as Mundi Sawadjaan (one of the ASG Commanders responsible for the abduction of crew in the Sulu area) is still at large, the threat of abduction of crew from ships remains high, particularly in the areas of Sulu and nearby waters off Tawi-Tawi.
For this reason, ReCAAP ISC reiterates its advisory to all ships to reroute from the area, where possible. Otherwise, ship masters and crew are strongly urged to exercise extra vigilance while transiting the area, and report all incidents immediately to the Operation Centres of the Philippines and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) of Malaysia.
Recommendation
The ReCAAP ISC urges ship master and crew 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 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia.
