An armed robbery incident onboard a bulk carrier in the Singapore Strait was reported between September 24 and 30, 2024, marking the 35th such incident in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) since January 2024. The ReCAAP ISC has advised enhanced vigilance and increased patrols in the area to prevent further incidents, reports Safety4Sea.
Incident Details
The armed robbery occurred in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in the Singapore Strait on September 30, 2024. Five men, armed with gun-like objects, boarded the bulk carrier. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and the items stolen have not yet been confirmed. The incident was classified as a Category 3 (CAT 3) event, which signifies a lower level of threat and damage.
Downgrading Threat Levels in the Sulu-Celebes Seas
Efforts by the Philippine Government have significantly weakened the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), leading to a downgrading of the threat level for crew abduction in the Sulu-Celebes Seas from ‘MODERATE’ to ‘MODERATE LOW’. The reduction in threat indicates that such incidents are now less likely due to the diminished capacity of perpetrators.
ReCAAP ISC Advisory Update
Following the downgrade, ReCAAP ISC updated its advisory, urging shipmasters and crews to maintain vigilance and adopt necessary preventive measures while transiting the Sulu-Celebes Seas. Ships are encouraged to report any incidents to the appropriate operational centers in the Philippines and Malaysia.
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Source: Safety4Sea
