In its weekly report for 15-21 September, ReCAAP ISC informed of four incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia. Of the four incidents, three (comprising one CAT 3 and two CAT 4 incidents) occurred at Manila Anchorage, Philippines on consecutive days of 4, 5 and 6 Sep. The other incident was a CAT 4 incident on 29 April onboard a bulk carrier while anchored at Taboneo Anchorage, Indonesia.
From Jan to 21 Sep, there were 13 incidents in total at ports/anchorages in the Philippines (nine incidents in Manila, three incidents in Batangas and one incident in General Santos).
Incident #1
The first incident involved the Liberian-flagged Container ship Arguello in the morning hours of 6 September.
While at anchor waiting for crew change at South Harbour Anchorage Area, Manila, Philippines, the crew noticed that the lock of the bosun store was broken. The general alarm was raised immediately.
Ship stores including fire nozzles, fireman suits, breathing apparatuses, unlocking twist lock, a flashlight and a scaling machine were stolen.
The incident was reported to VTMS Manila and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The crew was not injured.
Incident #2
The second incident involved the Liberian-flagged container ship Ela in the morning hours of 5 September.
While at anchor, the crew reported to the bridge that he spotted a perpetrator at forward bow behind the life craft.
The crew proceeded to check the area and noticed that the perpetrator wore a mask and was holding a knife. The alarm was raised immediately and a search for the perpetrator was conducted.
Unfortunately, the person already left the ship. Two breathing apparatuses and a gong were stolen.
The incident was reported to VTMS Manila and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The PCG proceeded to the location of the ship and conducted inquiry into the incident. The crew was not injured.
Incident #3
The third incident involved the Liberian-flagged general cargo ship AAL Nanjing in the early morning hours of 4 September.
While at anchor at South Anchorage Area, Manila, Philippines, the crew noticed that the forecastle light was opened.
The crew conducted inventory check and discovered that some of their equipment including chainsaws, ship bell, welding machine and breathing apparatus were missing.
The incident was reported to VTMS Manila and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The crew was not injured.
Incident #4
The fourth incident involves the Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier APJ Jai in the morning hours of 29 April.
While at anchor, the rope access hatch on forecastle deck was found partially open. Three mooring ropes were reportedly stolen.
The incident was reported to the local agent and Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO). At about 1020 hrs, the deputy PFSO and the Marine Police boarded the ship for investigation. The crew was not injured.
