Over the past week, 4-10 November, one (CAT 3) incident of armed robbery against ships in Asia was reported to
On 19 September 2025 at 0300 hours, a security incident occurred at the Port of Tanjung Priok, Indonesia, involving a bulk carrier. Six perpetrators armed with knives boarded the vessel. Fortunately, no crew members were injured during the incident, and some generator parts and ship stores were stolen.
The ships shall to exercise enhanced vigilance and step up watch-keeping when at ports and anchorages, and the coastal State to increase patrols and enforcement in the area.
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
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.