Over the past week, 14-20 October, one CAT 3 incident of armed robbery against ships in Asia.
The incident occurred onboard a bulk carrier while underway in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) of the Singapore Strait (SS), on 16 October 2025. The crew was not injured. However, some engine spare parts were stolen from the ship.
Area of concern
There is a slight increase in incidents that occurred in SOMS. The ships shall to exercise enhanced vigilance when transiting SOMS and the littoral States to increase patrols and enforcement in the area concerned.
Situation of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah: Situation update
For a 5th consecutive year, there has been no report of incident of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah. The last incident occurred on 17 Jan 2020. In January 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), coordinated with other stakeholders and counterparts further downgraded the threat level of ‘Abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas’ to ‘LOW’, meaning ‘No information or monitored activities suggest an impending attack; hence incidents are not expected to occur’.
Advisory
An advisory 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.