Over the past week, 15-21 April, two CAT 3 incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia were reported.
Piracy in the Singapore Strait is escalating at an alarming rate, with a notable increase in incidents, particularly in Indonesian waters.
A recent attack underscores the growing threat: a Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier was boarded by four knife-wielding intruders on 21 April while transiting the Philip Channel, according to Ambrey. Although no injuries were reported and the vessel was able to continue its voyage, the incident adds to a string of concerning events.
Within a day, two more attacks occurred near Pulau Cula, Indonesia. On April 20, a container ship was targeted by three intruders, one reportedly armed with a gun. Fortunately, the crew was able to prevent any harm. The next day, three armed men breached the Engine Control Room of a tanker Aquaris. Thanks to the crew’s swift response, no injuries or theft were reported.
In light of these developments, security experts are urging heightened vigilance among vessels transiting the Singapore Strait.
fire and explosion on Petrobras’ Cherne 1 platform in Brazil’s Campos Basin injured 11 workers on 21 April, according to Petrobras and the North Fluminense Oil Workers Union.
The incident occurred at 7:25 a.m., disrupting gas flow and communications. The emergency crews responded to the scene and battled the blaze for nearly four hours. As reported, one worker fell into the sea but was rescued alive and conscious.
All injured personnel were taken to a hospital in Macaé. Of the 176 people aboard, all others were reported safe.
Furthermore, the union claims this accident reflects long-standing underinvestment and deteriorating safety conditions, citing a record 731 offshore incidents in 2024, which included 183 injuries and one fatality.
Petrobras has launched an internal investigation and pledged to review safety measures before any operations resume on Cherne 1.
A vessel experienced a serious incident at sea on 23 April, approximately 508 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, Somalia.
s informed, at 1200 UTC, the vessel reported a fire in the engine room. The blaze was successfully extinguished; however, the extent of damage remains unclear due to subsequent flooding in the engine compartment. The ship is currently adrift but not taking on additional water.