On April 23, 2025, a bulk carrier transiting eastbound through the Philip Channel in the Singapore Strait was boarded by four armed individuals wielding knives, reports Manifold Times.
Bulk Carrier Targeted by Pirates
The incident occurred approximately 9.5 nautical miles northeast of Great Karimun, Indonesia. At the time, the vessel was traveling at 10.6 knots with an estimated freeboard of 6.7 meters. Despite the boarding, the ship continued on its planned route without reported casualties or significant damage.
This attack is part of a concerning trend in the region. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reported a nearly 35% increase in piracy and armed robbery incidents in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, 92% of vessels targeted in the Singapore Strait were successfully boarded, with nine bulk carriers and tankers over 100,000 deadweight tonnage among the victims. While most incidents were considered low-level opportunistic crimes, some involved firearms, highlighting the escalating threat to crew safety.
Maritime security experts advise crews transiting the Singapore Strait, especially those with freeboards lower than 10 meters, to exercise heightened vigilance. Recommendations include locking down access to accommodation blocks and ship’s stores, conducting partnered deck patrols, and avoiding direct confrontation with criminals. These measures are crucial in mitigating risks in a region increasingly flagged as a piracy hotspot.
The recent uptick in piracy incidents underscores the need for enhanced security protocols and international cooperation to safeguard maritime trade routes and ensure the safety of seafarers operating in the Singapore Strait.
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Source: Manifold Times
