One CAT 3 incident of armed robbery against ships in Asia was reported between 17th – 22nd April 2024.
The incident occurred on board a bulk carrier while berthed at Kuala Tanjung Port, Indonesia. The perpetrators were armed with long knives and special tools, boarded the ship and stole engine spares. The crew was not injured.
Area of concern
Ships to exercise vigilance when anchored or berthed at ports and anchorages; and the littoral States to increase patrols and enforcement in the area.
Re-Assessment and Downgrading of threat level
The efforts by the Philippine Government in Zamboanga, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi through the conduct of continuous military operations led to the dismantling of the support base and neutralising the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu archipelago. Against this backdrop, 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 further 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
With downgrading of the threat on the ‘Abduction of Crew for ransom in the SuluCelebes seas, an Advisory for ships is “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.