ReCAAP ISC Reports One Armed Robbery Incident In Singapore Strait

Between 4-10 March 2025, the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP ISC) recorded one armed robbery incident in Asian waters.

Incident Details

• Date: 7 March 2025
• Location: Eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS), Singapore Strait
• Vessel Type: Barge towed by a tugboat
• Perpetrators: Three unarmed individuals
• Stolen Items: Scrap metals
• Crew Injuries: None reported

Rising Incidents in the Singapore Strait

With this latest case, the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) have recorded 23 incidents since January 2025. ReCAAP ISC urges:

• Ships to remain vigilant when transiting these waters.
• Littoral states (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia) to increase patrols and enforcement.

Threat Level Downgraded in the Sulu-Celebes Seas

The Philippine government’s ongoing military operations in Zamboanga, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi have significantly weakened the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). As a result, the threat level for crew abduction for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas has been downgraded from “moderate-low” to “low”.

Updated Advisory for Ships

• Exercise vigilance while transiting the Sulu-Celebes Seas.
• Report any incidents to the Philippines’ operation centers and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM).
• Maintain communication with relevant maritime authorities.

While the situation has improved in the Sulu-Celebes Seas, armed robbery incidents in the Singapore Strait remain a concern, emphasizing the need for continued security measures.