The ReCAAP ISC alerts the maritime community on the continued occurrence of incidents of sea robbery onboard ships while underway in the Singapore Strait and warns of a possibility of further incidents.
According to ReCAAP, six incidents of sea robbery were reported on ships while transiting the Phillip Channel, in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in the Singapore Strait (SS) from 28-30 March 2025. Among the six incidents, three occurred on 30 March (between 0125 and 0255 hrs), two on 29 March (between 0408 hrs and 0515 hrs), and one on 28 March at 0630 hrs.
The incidents occurred onboard three container ships, two bulk carriers, and a tanker. One ship reported the loss of a portable welding machine, while another reported the loss of some engine spares. No items were reported stolen from the remaining four ships. The crew members were not injured in any of the incidents.
With these six incidents, a total of 35 incidents were reported in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS), all in SS, since January 2025. The locations of the incidents are indicated in the attached map. The ReCAAP ISC is concerned with the increasing number of incidents in SOMS compared to the corresponding period in 2024 (1 January – 31 March 2024), where only 11 incidents were reported.
The ReCAAP ISC urges the littoral States to increase patrols/surveillance in their respective waters, respond promptly to incidents reported by ships, strengthen coordination, and promote information sharing on incidents and criminal groups involved to arrest the perpetrators.
Ships are advised to
- intensify vigilance,
- maintain a sharp lookout while transiting the areas of concern, particularly during hours of darkness,
- adopt preventive measures recommended in the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia,
- report all incidents immediately using the ReCAAP ISC Mobile App to the nearest coastal State and flag State,
- and identify the perpetrators’ boat when reporting, referring to the ReCAAP ISC’s Guide Book on Identification of Fishing Boats in Asian Waters.
Location of Incidents in the Singapore Strait (1 January – 31 March 2025) ReCAAP
Focal Points reported 35 incidents that occurred to ships while underway in the SOMS between 1 January and 31 March 2025. The locations of the incidents are shown in the map below:
