In its monthly piracy report for November, ReCAAP ISC informed of a total of three incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia. Of these, one was a piracy incident and two were armed robberies at ports/anchorages. The total number of incidents against ships in Asia during January-November 2018 has decreased by 15% compared to the same period in 2017. The number of actual incidents reported during January-November 2018 was the lowest among the 10-year reporting period of January-November of 2009-2018.
Highlights
- A total of three incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported in Asia in November 2018
- Of the three incidents, one was a piracy incident that occurred in the South China Sea (SCS) and two were incidents of armed robbery against ships reported at ports/anchorages in Batangas, Philippines
- There was no report of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah
- There was no hijacking of ships for theft of oil cargo reported in November 2018
- However, the abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah remains a serious concern
November 2018
- A total of three incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported in Asia in November 2018
- Compared to the preceding month of October 2018, the number of incidents reported in November 2018 has decreased (six in October 2018 vs. three in November 2018)
- Of the three incidents reported in November 2018, two incidents occurred on board ships anchored/ berthed at Tabangao Anchorage Area, Batangas Bay; and one incident on board ship while underway in the South China Sea
- Of the three actual incidents reported in November 2018, one was a CAT 2 incident, one was a CAT 3 incident and one was a CAT 4 incident
January to November 2018
- A total of 73 incidents comprising of 59 actual incidents and 14 attempted incidents occurred during January-November 2018
- Of the 73 incidents, 69 were incidents of armed robbery against ships and four were piracy incidents
- Compared to January-November 2017, there was a 15% decrease in the total number of incidents reported during January-November 2018
- The decrease in the total number of incidents during January-November 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 was due to the lower number of actual incidents reported
- The total number of actual incidents reported during January-November 2018 was the lowest among the 10-year reporting period of January-November 2009-2017
Situation in Sulu-Celebes Seas and Waters off Eastern Sabah
- There was no report of actual or attempted incident involving the abduction of crew from ships while underway in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off eastern Sabah in November 2018
- The last actual incident reported to the ReCAAP ISC occurred on board fishing boat, Sri Dewi 1 while sailing off Gaya Island, Semporna, Sabah, East Malaysia on 11 September 2018
- The last attempted incident occurred to container ship, Kudos 1 while sailing off Sibago islands, Basilan, Philippines on 16 February 2018
- On 30 October 2018, ReCAAP ISC issued a Warning about a group of ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) members planning to conduct kidnapping activities at any opportune time in undisclosed areas in Sabah
The ReCAAP ISC reiterates the need for law enforcement agencies to enhance surveillance, increase patrols and respond promptly to reports of incident. Ships transiting areas of concern are to exercise enhanced vigilance, maintain all round lookout for suspicious boats, report all incidents to the nearest coastal State and flag State immediately, and implement preventive measures recommended in the Regional Guide to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia.
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