Seven incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia were reported to the ReCAAP ISC during the week of 19–26 November 2024.
These incidents included one CAT 2, three CAT 3, and three CAT 4 cases. All incidents occurred onboard bulk carriers. Six incidents took place while the ships were underway in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) of the Singapore Straits (SS), and one incident occurred while a ship was at anchor in Kutubdia Anchorage, Bangladesh. Details of the incidents are shown below:
Area of Concern
With these six incidents, a total of 53 incidents (52 in the Singapore Strait and one in the Malacca Strait) have been reported in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) since January 2024. Ships are advised to maintain sharp vigilance and heightened lookout while transiting these areas of concern. Littoral States are urged to strengthen coordination, increase patrols and surveillance in their waters, respond promptly to incidents, and promote information sharing regarding incidents and criminal groups.
Situation of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah
Re-Assessment and downgrading of threat level
Continuous military operations by the Philippine Government in Zamboanga, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi have dismantled support bases and neutralized the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the Sulu Archipelago. Consequently, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has recommended downgrading the threat level of “Abduction of Crew for Ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas” from MODERATE to MODERATE LOW. This implies that incidents are unlikely to occur due to the perpetrators’ diminished capability, though minimal damages might still occur in case of an attack.
Updated ReCAAP ISC advisory
ReCAAP ISC has updated its advisory for ships to “exercise vigilance and adopt necessary preventive measures while transiting the area.” Ship masters and crew are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant and report incidents immediately to the Philippine Operation Centres or the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) of Malaysia.
Recommendations
Ship master and crew are to report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State and flag State, referring to the Poster on the Contact Details for Reporting of Incidents of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia, exercise vigilance and adopt appropriate preventive measures taking reference from the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia; both produced by the ReCAAP ISC.
