For the period January – September 2013
The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre issued its Quarterly Report for the period January – September 2013.
According to the ReCAAP Quarterly Report, there has been improvement in the piracy and armed robbery situation in Asia during January-September 2013 compared to the same period in past four years (2009-2012). Unlike the past years, there was no Category 1 (very significant) incident reported during January-September 2013, and the number of Category 2 (moderately significant) incidents was at its lowest.
Of the 90 incidents reported during January-September 2013, 86 were actual incidents and four were attempted incidents. Out of the 86 actual incidents, six were piracy incidents and the remaining 80 were armed robbery against ships.
Compared to past years, the decline in the number of incidents reported during January-September 2013 was most evident in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore involving ships while underway. However, there has been an increase in incidents onboard ships anchored off Pulau Nipah, Indonesia. Ship masters and crew are advised to exercise enhanced vigilance and maintain watch-keeping when anchored in the vicinity.
Location of Incidents reported during January-September 2013
Image Credit: ReCAAP ISC
Overall, incidents reported during January-September 2013 were generally less violent compared to those in the previous four years. Incidents involving crew being assaulted, taken hostage or threatened occurred less frequently during January-September 2013 compared to the same period in previous years.
Significance Level of Incidents (January-September of 2009-2013)
Image Credit: ReCAAP ISC
In incidents where losses were reported, theft of ship stores such as mooring ropes, paint and engine spares were more common at ports and anchorages, while loss of crew’s personal belongings and cash occurred onboard ships while underway.
About 80% of the incidents reported during January-September 2013 occurred to ships while at ports and anchorages.
For more information, click on the ReCAAP ISC Quarterly Report January-September 2013.
Source: ReCAAP ISC
