The Japan P&I Club informs about a new increase of cases of robbery and pilferage on board anchored vessels overnight with persons armed with guns and rifles.
These recent incidents happens exclusively overnight with small boats (mostly like fishing boats) approaching vessels. The armed robbers get on board by climbing the anchor chain armed with guns and even larger rifles and granades showing even the will to kidnap an entire ship if notice is given to the authorities. Most of the items they mainly look for are electronic devices and money in cash.
However, there is a risk associated with drug trafficking as the crew may find it har to determine is any bag or similar was leaved on board.
The people that get on board in order to conduct a robbery or pilferage are usually under the the effect of narcotics and may be willing to hurt or kill any crewmember who reject with their request for which is adviced, in case of robbery on board, to provide full cooperation in order to preserve the crew members phisical integrity.
It´s recommended to all vessels and crews to increase the patrolling on board during staying at anchor (that some times exceeds 10 days) and in case is possible, to hire private security that could stay on board during the ship´s time at anchor and that could assure that none unidentified parties approach any vessel and to ensure the authorities and coast guard attend before any incident takes place.
Source: The Japan P&I Club
