In its latest weekly piracy report, ReCAAP ISC informed of two incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia.
The first took place on 28 March and involved the bulk carrier ‘Captain Vangelis L’. While anchored at Muara Berau Anchorage, Indonesia, four perpetrators onboard a small boat approached the ship. Two robbers boarded while another two were waiting in the boat. Duty crew on routine rounds noticed the robbers and immediately raised the alarm. Seeing the alerted crew, the robbers escaped empty-handed.
The second occurred on 3 July and involved the tugboat ‘Sung Fatt 31’. While sailing 4.6 nm Southeast of Tanjung Piai, Malaysia, ten perpetrators from six sampans boarded the barge that was being towed by the tugboat. This incident was confirmed by the Singapore Police Coast Guard (PCG) who informed relevant law enforcement agencies.
The Singapore Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) informed the tug master who raised the alarm and the perpetrators escaped with some scrap metal from the barge. All crew are safe with no injury.
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.
