Over the past week, 17-23 June, five incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia (two CAT 3 and three CAT 4 incidents) .
All incidents occurred onboard ships while underway in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS). The crew members were not injured in all five incidents. Loss of items were reported in three incidents while nothing was stolen in two other incidents.
Area of concern
With the five incidents in SOMS, a total of 77 incidents were reported in the area since January 2025. Ships should exercise enhanced vigilance when transiting SOMS and the littoral States to increase patrols and enforcement in these areas.
Situation of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah
Situation update
For the 5th consecutive year, no incidents of crew abduction have been reported in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah, with the last incident occurring on 17 Jan 2020. In January 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), coordinating with stakeholders, downgraded the threat level of ‘Abduction of crew for ransom’ in the area to ‘LOW,’ meaning no imminent attacks are expected.
An advisory
In its Advisory on 14 Feb 2025 advised ships to “exercise vigilance when transiting the Sulu-Celebes Seas and report incidents to the Operation Centres of the Philippines and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM)”. Also, to maintain communication with the relevant authorities when transiting the area.
Recommendations
Ship master and crew are to report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State and flag State, referring to the Poster on the 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.