In its weekly report for 2-8 July, the ReCAAP ISC informed of three armed robberies against ships in Asia. The incidents occurred about one month apart (on 19 May and 18 June) and in close proximity to each other, within Malaysian waters.
The first incident involved the Malaysian-flagged bulk carrier ‘Safesea Neha II’. While at anchor East of Bandar Panawar, Johor, Malaysia, in the night hours of 31st May, two perpetrators armed with knives boarded the bulk carrier.
The crew sighted them and gave chase. The perpetrators jumped overboard and escaped. It was not known if they were picked up by other craft. The crew was not injured and nothing was stolen.
The second incident involved the Malaysian-flagged tug boat ‘Budget 19’. While underway about 4.5 nm southeast of Tanjung, Piai, Johor, Malaysia in the westbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) of Singapore Strait in the afternoon hours of 18 June, eight perpetrators boarded the barge from nine sampans. They stole scrap metal and escaped. The crew was not injured.
The third incident involved the Malaysian-flagged tug boat ‘Modalwan II ‘about 5.9 nm southeast of Tanjung, Piai, Johor, Malaysia in the westbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) of Singapore Strait.
While the tug boat towing barge was en route to Port Klang, Malaysia on 19 May afternoon, perpetrators in four sampans came alongside and boarded the barge.
The perpetrators stole some scrap metal and a few small items from the barge before they escaped. The crew was not injured.
Ship masters and crew are strongly urged to exercise extra vigilance while transiting the area, and report immediately to the Operation Centres of Philippines and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) of Malaysia.