Over the past week, one CAT 3 incident of armed robbery against ships in Asia was reported to the ReCAAP ISC, between 24 and 30 September 2024.
The incident occurred onboard a bulk carrier while underway in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) of the Singapore Strait (SS) on 30 Sep 2024. With this latest incident in SS, a total of 35 incidents were reported in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) since January 2024. The ReCAAP ISC advises ships to exercise enhanced vigilance when transiting SOMS and the littoral States to increase patrols and enforcement in these areas.
| Factors | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | SOMS, About 3.3 nm north of Pulau Cula, Indonesia |
| Type of ship | Bulk carrier |
| Date/Time | 30 Sep at 0102 hrs |
| Number of perpetrators | 5 men |
| Weapons | Gun-like objects |
| Treatment of crew | No injuries |
| Significance level | CAT 3 |
| Items stolen | Not confirmed |
Situation of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes seas and waters off eastern Sabah
Re-assessment and downgrading of threat level
Efforts by the Philippine Government in Zamboanga, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi through continuous military operations led to the dismantling of the support base and neutralising the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the Sulu archipelago. Against this backdrop, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), coordinated with other stakeholders and counterparts involved in maritime security of the Sulu-Celebes Seas, reviewed the threat situation and recommended further downgrading the threat level of ‘Abduction of Crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas’ from ‘MODERATE’ to ‘MODERATE LOW,’ implying that ‘Incidents are unlikely to occur due to perpetrators’ perceived lack of capability to orchestrate an attack. Nevertheless, minimal damages are expected to the vessel and crew in case of an attack.’
Update of ReCAAP ISC advisory
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With the downgrading of the threat on the ‘Abduction of Crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes seas’ by the PCG, ReCAAP ISC has updated its advisory for ships to “exercise vigilance & adopt necessary preventive measures while transiting the area.”
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Ship masters and crew are strongly encouraged to exercise extra vigilance and report all incidents immediately to the Operation Centres of the Philippines and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) of Malaysia.
