ReCAAP ISC reports double incidents from previous month

A total of six actual incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported in Asia, in May 2017, according to ReCAAP’s monthly report. Of the six incidents, one was a piracy incident in the South China Sea (SCS) and five were armed robbery against ships.

Specifically, the report highlights that there was no evidence on actual or attempted incidents involving the abduction of crew from ships while underway in the Sulu-Celebes Sea and waters off Eastern Sabah, in May 2017.

Compared to the same period in 2016, the number of incidents reported in May 2017 had decreased by almost 50%. A total of 11 incidents were reported in May 2016 compared to six incidents in May 2017. Compared to the preceding month, the number of incidents reported in May 2017 had doubled; from three incidents in April 2017 to six incidents in May 2017.

On a month-on-month comparison between May 2016 and May 2017, the number of incidents had fluctuated throughout the 1-year period; from as low as three incidents reported in August 2016 and in April 2017; to highest of 12 incidents in November 2016.

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Of the 29 incidents reported during January-May 2017, 23 were actual incidents and six were attempted incidents. The number of incidents reported for the period of January-May 2017 was the lowest among the five-year reporting period. Compared to the same period in 2016, there has been a 31% decrease in the total number of incidents reported during January-May 2017. This was due to, amongst other contributing factors, the improvement in the situation at ports and anchorages in India, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Conversely, the number of attempted incidents reported during January-May 2017 had increased compared to January-May of 2015 and 2016. The increase in the number of attempted incidents indicated that either more attempted incidents were reported, or ship masters, crew and the law enforcement agencies had been successful in preventing boarding by perpetrators. Of the six attempted incidents, four were incidents occurred to ships while underway in the Sulu-Celebes Sea.

Conclusions

The overall situation of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia in May 2017 had improved compared to the same period in 2016. Six incidents were reported in May 2017 compared to 11 incidents in May 2016.

Since the first report on the abduction of crew from ships while underway in the Sulu-Celebes Sea and off waters of Eastern Sabah was made to the ReCAAP ISC in March 2016, this is the first time no report on actual or attempted incident was reported in May 2017.

Nevertheless, the ReCAAP ISC together with ReCAAP Focal Points, particularly the ReCAAP Focal Point for Philippines (Philippine Coast Guard), and the regional authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely and update on advisories and proactive measures initiated by the Philippine authorities in addressing the situation.

While the situation at certain ports and anchorages had improved during January-May 2017, there is no room for complacency. The ReCAAP ISC reiterates the need for port authorities to maintain enhanced port security measures, particularly during hours of darkness; and ship masters to exercise vigilance and make timely reporting of all incidents to the relevant authorities.

Explore more by reading the official report herebelow: