Two incidents of armed robbery against ships (one CAT 4 and one attempted incident) in Asia were reported to ReCAAP ISC, between 30th January – 5th February 2024.
The CAT 4 incident occurred onboard ship while at anchorage in Kakinada Port, India on 24 Jan 2024; and the attempted incident occurred onboard ship while at anchorage in Chattogram Port, Bangladesh on 14 Jan 2024.
Area of concern
The ReCAAP ISC advises ships to exercise enhanced vigilance and adopt necessary preventive measures when anchored/berthed at ports and anchorages, and when transiting areas of concern.
Re-Assessment and Downgrading of threat level
- With downgrading of the threat on the ‘Abduction of Crew for ransom in the SuluCelebes 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 RCC and flag State, referring to the Poster on 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.