Tanker hijacked in Indonesia and rescued by navy

 On 8 May, the ReCAAP ISC received information from a shipping company about the loss of communications with one of their ships, oil product tanker. The vessel Hai Soon 12, carrying 4,000 metric tons of marine gas oil was successfully intercepted by the Indonesian navy on May 9.The 21 crew onboard were reported safe and unharmed. Nine perpetrators were found on board the ship and were arrested.

Hai Soon 12, carrying 4,000 metric tons of Marine Gas Oil (MGO), had departed Singapore and was supposed to travel down via Sunda Straits to the Southern Ocean to conduct high seas bunkering / selling MGO to fishing vessels. However, the ship deviated from her planned route and travelled in a southeasterly direction towards Sulawesi instead. The shipping company informed ReCAAP ISC that communication had been lost with the ship for about 12 hours; the ship did not respond to any of the company’s attempts for contact

On 9 May 16 at about 1430 hrs, the TNI-AL ships intercepted and boarded Hai Soon 12. Nine perpetrators were found on board the ship and were arrested. All 21 crew members of Hai Soon 12 were safe and not injured. The cargo was also found to be intact. The ship was reportedly renamed to “AISO”.

ReCAAP ISC notes that this is the first attempted incident of hijacking of tanker for oil cargo theft in 2016. The last oil cargo theft occurred on board Joaquim on 8 Aug 15. The failed attempt can be attributed to the regional cooperation and collaboration in information sharing and operational responses among the ReCAAP ISC, IFC and Indonesian authorities; leading to the arrest of perpetrators and cargo remained intact. Most importantly the crew was safe and not injured.

Please click below to read Incident Alert issued by ReCAAP ISC

Source & Image Credit: ReCAAP ISC