During the period March-June 2011
The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre issued a Special Report on hijacked/missing tug boats and barges in Asia during the period March-June 2011.
Five potential incidents were reported, but only three could be confirmed as constituting piracy (one incident) or armed robbery against ships (two incidents). In the first incident, the tug boat and barge remain missing. In the second incident, the barge was found and the crew rescued, but the tug boat remains missing.
In the third incident, both the tug boat and barge were recovered and the crew was rescued. Owners and masters of tug boats in Southeast Asia are advised to exercise caution (particularly where the tug boat is relatively new)
Source: ReCAAP
