Over the past week, 10 – 16 December, two incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia (both CAT 3 incidents) were reported to the ReCAAP ISC.
On 11 December at 0210 hrs and 14 December at 0001 hrs, two incidents of armed robbery occurred in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS). The first incident involved a tanker about 2.4 nm northwest of Pulau Cula, Indonesia, with two perpetrators armed with knives who assaulted the crew, although no injuries were reported. The second incident occurred about 8.1 nm west of Pulau Cula, Indonesia, involving a bulk carrier and six perpetrators, who stole engine spares while also using knives.
Area of concern
With the incidents in SS, a total of 59 incidents (58 incidents in SS and one incident in Malacca Strait) were reported in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) since January 2024. The ReCAAP ISC advises ships to exercise enhanced vigilance when transiting SOMS and the littoral States to increase patrols and enforcement in these areas.
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 and neutralising the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the 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 has 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 masters 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.
