During 15-21 August, two incidents of armed robbery against ships were reported to the ReCAAP ISC.
- The Star Lily bulk carrier was sailing at eastbound lane of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, on 21 August, when the crew sighted four perpetrators armed with machete, boarding the vessel from a craft. The alarm was raised, accommodation area secured and anti-piracy measures activated on board. The perpetrators escaped in a waiting boat. Nothing was stolen and the crew was safe.
- On 13 August, the Aquabelle chemical tanker was at berth alongside the Karamunting Bulk Oil Terminal, in Sandakan, Malaysia. The crew along with the cargo surveyor and the loading master were carrying out cargo gauging, when the duty AB noticed one perpetrator attempting to board the ship through its starboard side near no.1 cargo tank using a small rope. The cargo control room was alerted and alarm was raised. The perpetrator escaped in a small boat which had another person on board.
Recommendations
The ReCAAP ISC urges ship master and crew to report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State and flag State, exercise vigilance and adopt relevant preventive measures taking reference from the Regional Guide to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia.
Ship masters and crew are strongly urged to exercise extra vigilance while transiting the Sulu-Celebes Sea and eastern Sabah region, and report immediately to the following Centres:
