Between May 2nd and May 7th, 2025, there were six reported incidents of sea robbery targeting ships navigating the Phillip Channel, specifically within the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in the Singapore Strait (SS). Two of these incidents occurred on May 2nd between 02:55 and 06:30 hours, one on May 5th at 03:30 hours, and three more on May 7th between 02:45 and 04:03 hours, reports ReCAAP.
Increase in Incidents
Following six recent incidents, the total number of reported incidents in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS), specifically within the Singapore Strait (SS), has reached 50 since January 2025. The locations of these incidents are detailed in the attached map.
The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC) expresses concern over this significant increase in incidents in SOMS compared to the same period in 2024 (January 1st – May 7th, 2024), during which only 14 incidents were reported.
The ReCAAP ISC strongly urges the littoral States to enhance patrols and surveillance within their respective territorial waters. They also emphasize the need for a prompt response to incidents reported by ships, strengthened coordination among the littoral States, and improved information sharing regarding incidents and the criminal groups involved to facilitate the arrest of the perpetrators.
Ships transiting these areas of concern, particularly during nighttime hours, are advised to:
- Intensify vigilance and maintain a sharp lookout.
- Adopt the preventive measures recommended in the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia.
- Report all incidents immediately using the ReCAAP ISC Mobile App to the nearest coastal State and flag State.
- Identify the perpetrators’ boat when reporting, referring to the ReCAAP ISC’s Guide Book on Identification of Fishing Boats in Asian Waters.
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Source: ReCAAP
