Three incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia (one CAT 3 incident and two CAT 4 incidents) were reported to ReCAAP ISC, between 14th – 20th May 2024.
The CAT 3 incident occurred onboard a tanker while anchored at Chattogram Anchorage area, Bangladesh on 13 May, while the two CAT 4 incidents occurred onboard a container ship while anchored at Manila Anchorage area, the Philippines on 10 May, and a general cargo ship while anchored at Dumai Anchorage, Indonesia on 15 May. The crew members were not injured in all the three incidents.
Area of concern
The ReCAAP ISC advises ships to exercise enhanced vigilance and maintain lookout while anchored at ports and anchorages; and the coastal States to increase patrols and enforcement in these areas
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 and neutralising the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu archipelago. 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, reviewed the threat situation and recommended further downgrading the threat level of ‘Abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas’ from ‘MODERATE’ to ‘MODERATE LOW’, which implies that ‘Incidents are unlikely to occur due to perpetrators’ perceived lack of capability to orchestrate an attack. Nevertheless, minimal damages are expected to the vessel and crew in case of an attack’.
Update of ReCAAP ISC Advisory
With downgrading of the threat on the ‘Abduction of Crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes seas by the PCG, ReCAAP ISC have updated its Advisory for ships to “exercise vigilance & adopt necessary preventive measures while transiting the area”.
For ships transiting the area, the ship masters and crew are strongly encouraged to exercise extra vigilance and report all incidents immediately to the Operation Centres of the Philippines and 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.
