One actual incident of armed robbery against ships (CAT 2 incident) in Asia was reported, between 24th and 30th October.
The incident occurred on 27 Oct 23 to a bulk carrier while underway in the Strait of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS). Five perpetrators armed with knives boarded the ship, and the master was stabbed in the chest. His condition was reported to be stable and he was conveyed ashore for medical treatment when the ship arrived in Singapore.
Area of concern
With this incident, a total of 62 incidents were reported in the SOMS since January 2023. The continued occurrence of incidents in the SOMS. The Centre advises ships to continue to exercise enhanced vigilance when transiting SOMS; and the littoral States to increase patrols and enforcement in the area.
Re-Assessment and Downgrading of threat level
The measures undertaken by the Philippine Government in Zamboanga, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, with the conduct of continuous military operations and dismantling the support base of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu archipelago, ensures the likelihood of the end of the group through surrender, arrest, and neutralization. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), coordinated with other stakeholders and counterparts that have vital involvement in the maritime security of the Sulu-Celebes Seas, reviewed the threat situation and recommended downgrading the threat level of ‘Abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas’ from ‘MODERATE’ to ‘MODERATE LOW’, which implies that ‘Incidents are unlikely to occur due to perpetrators’ perceived lack of capability to orchestrate an attack. Nevertheless, minimal damages are expected to the vessel and crew in case of an attack’.
Update Advisory
- With downgrading of the threat on the ‘Abduction of Crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes seas by the PCG. An advisory for ships to “exercise vigilance & adopt necessary preventive measures while transiting the area”.
- For ships transiting the area, the ship masters and crew are strongly encouraged to exercise extra vigilance and report all incidents immediately to the Operation Centres of the Philippines and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) of Malaysia.
Recommendations
Ship master and crew are to report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State RCC and flag State, referring to the Poster on Contact Details for Reporting of Incidents of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia, exercise vigilance and adopt appropriate preventive measures taking reference from the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia.