In its weekly report for 7-13 January, ReCAAP ISC informed of two CAT 4 incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia. One incident occurred to a ship while anchored at Alang Anchorage, India; and one incident occurred to a ship while underway in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in the Singapore Strait.
The first incident involved the Palau-flagged offshore supply vessel ‘Amil 12’. While at anchor at Alang Anchorage, India, five perpetrators boarded the ship from a small boat and stole some stores and spares before escaping.
The master of the tug boat Amil 59 towing Amil 12 reported the incident to VTS Khambhat, MRCC Mumbai and the Indian Coast Guard. The crew was safe.
The second incident involved the Isle of Man-flagged tanker British Mariner, approximately 6.2 nm northwest of Tanjung Tondang, Pulau Bintan, Indonesia, in the east bound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in the Singapore Strait.
While underway, two perpetrators were sighted in the engine room of the ship. The alarm was immediately raised and the perpetrators escaped empty handed.
The master reported the incident to Singapore Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS) through VHF. The crew was safe.
The ReCAAP ISC urges ship master and crew to report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State and flag State, exercise vigilance and adopt relevant preventive measures taking reference from the Regional Guide to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia.
