ReCAAP ISC released its update regarding piracy incidents in Asia. During 26 December 2017, to 1 January 2018, one incident of armed robbery against ships was reported to the ReCAAP ISC. The report also included an incident of armed robbery against ships that occurred in Ivory Coast on 4 December 17.
For the first incident, the bulk carrier ‘Thunderbird’s’ crew saw four perpetrators armed with knives/machetes near the engine room, off Malaysia.
The alarm was raised and the crew gathered, while a security search was conducted. A crew’s mobile phone was reported stolen, but the crew was not injured, and the ship proceeded to Singapore. There was no further sighting of the perpetrators.
The incident involved a tug/supply vessel, in Ivory Coast. After the change of watch officers, the CSO reported the discovery of missing ropes. The CSO also suspected that while the ship was at berth in the middle of the river, ‘Baie Du Bango’, an unknown number of perpetrators climbed over the lower freeboard of the ship and stole two mooring ropes. The crew was not injured and the ship not damaged.
The ReCAAP ISC recommends ship masters and crew to report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State and flag State, be vigilant and adopt preventive measures taking reference from the Regional Guide to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia.
The ReCAAP ISC restates that ships must re-route from the area, where possible. Otherwise, ship masters and crew are advised to be vigilant while transiting the Sulu-Celebes Sea and eastern Sabah region, and report immediately to the following Centres.
You can see full details on the incidents in the PDF below
