Over the past week, 25-31 March, seven incidents (one CAT 3, five CAT 4 and one attempted) of armed robbery against ships in Asia were reported to the ReCAAP ISC.
All incidents occurred onboard ships while transiting the Phillip Channel, in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in the Singapore Strait (SS). The incidents occurred to three container ships, three bulk carriers, and a tanker.
One ship reported loss of a portable welding machine while another reported the loss of some engine spares. No items were stolen from the remaining ships. The crew members were not injured in all seven incidents.
Area of concern
With these seven incidents in SS, a total of 35 incidents were reported in SOMS during January-March 2025, compared to 11 incidents reported during the same period in 2024. Concerned with the increase and continued occurrence of incidents in SOMS, the ReCAAP ISC issued an Incident Alert on 31 March 2025, to alert the maritime community and warns a possibility of further incidents.
Ships are advised to intensify vigilance and maintain sharp look-out while transiting the areas of concern, and report all incidents immediately to the nearest coastal State. The Centre also 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.
Situation of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off eastern Sabah
Re-assessment and downgrading of threat level
The efforts by the Philippine Government in Zamboanga, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi through the conduct of continuous military operations led to the dismantling of the support base of the Abu Sayaaf Group (ASG), and ensure the likelihood of the end of the group through surrender, arrest, and neutralization.
Against this backdrop, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), coordinated with other stakeholders and counterparts that have vital involvement in the maritime security of the Sulu-Celebes Seas, re-assessed the threat level and recommended further downgrading the threat level of ‘Abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas’ from ‘MODERATE LOW’ to ‘LOW’, meaning ‘No information or monitored activities suggest an impending attack; hence incidents are not expected to occur’.
Update of ReCAAP ISC Advisory
- With downgrading of the threat on the ‘Abduction of Crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas, ReCAAP ISC have updated its Advisory on 14 Feb 2025 for ships to “exercise vigilance when transiting the Sulu-Celebes Seas and report incidents to the Operation Centres of the Philippines and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM)”.
- Ships are also advised to maintain communication with the relevant authorities when transiting the area.
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.
