ReCAAP ISC has issued an incident alert to inform that armed men boarded the bulk carrier Royal 16 on 11 November in the Basilan Strait of the Philippines and abducted six crew members, urging vigilance is advised for all vessels transiting the Sulu-Celebes Sea region.
On 11 Nov 16, the ReCAAP ISC received inputs from the Vietnam Maritime Security Information Centre (MSIC) about an SSAS alert from a Vietnam-registered ship, Royal 16. The ReCAAP ISC informed all its Focal Points and Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) which is also the Focal Point (Philippines) and the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) which is also the Focal Point (Vietnam) reported to the ReCAAP ISC that at or about 0330 hrs, the bulk carrier while enroute from Hai Phong, Vietnam towards Davao, and when in the vicinity of 8.3 nm southeast off Coco Island, Basilan Strait at 06°40.45’N, 122°29.05’E, an unidentified number of armed men boarded the ship and abducted six crew members (comprising the master, chief mate, 2nd Officer, 3rd officer, bosun and assistant bosun) and fled in a speed boat. The remaining 13 crew was left on board Royal 16 which reportedly proceeded to Zamboanga port.
The ReCAAP ISC is concerned about the situation of abduction of crew from ships while underway in the Sulu-Celebes Sea region; and advised all slow moving ships to re-route from the area, where possible.
Otherwise, ship masters and crew are strongly urged to exercise extra vigilance while transiting the area; and report immediately to Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) when transiting nearer to eastern Sabah, particularly when sighting any suspicious activities or boats; and to the Operation Centre in the PCG District Southwestern Mindanao for monitoring and immediate responses in any eventualities.
Source: ReCAAP ISC
