The ReCAAP ISC (Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia Information Sharing Centre) has reported two incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia during the past week, June 24-30, 2025.
Area of Concern: Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS)
The Straits of Malacca and Singapore continue to be an area of significant concern for maritime security. As of June 27, 2025, a total of 79 incidents of armed robbery against ships have been reported in SOMS since January 2025. This persistent activity, with incidents often occurring while vessels are underway in the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) of the Singapore Strait, has prompted the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ReCAAP ISC) to issue a strong advisory.
The ReCAAP ISC urges ships to exercise enhanced vigilance when transiting SOMS. Concurrently, it calls upon the littoral States (Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore) to increase patrols and enforcement in these critical waterways to deter further incidents and ensure the safety of maritime trade.
Situation Update: Sulu-Celebes Seas and Waters Off Eastern Sabah
In stark contrast to SOMS, the situation in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah has seen significant improvement regarding the abduction of crew. For the fifth consecutive year, there has been no report of any incident of abduction of crew in this area, with the last incident occurring on January 17, 2020.
In recognition of this sustained positive trend, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in coordination with other stakeholders, further downgraded the threat level of ‘Abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas’ to ‘LOW’ in January 2025. This ‘LOW’ threat level signifies that “No information or monitored activities suggest an impending attack; hence incidents are not expected to occur.” This downgrading reflects the successful efforts of the Philippine Government, including continuous military operations that have led to the dismantling of the support base of groups like the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
ReCAAP ISC Advisory
Following the reassessment of the threat level, the ReCAAP ISC updated its advisory on February 14, 2025. This advisory recommends that ships continue 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).” Additionally, ships are advised to maintain communication with the relevant authorities when transiting the area.
Recommendations for Ship Masters and Crew
To enhance maritime security across Asian waters, the ReCAAP ISC provides the following crucial recommendations:
- Report All Incidents: Ship masters and crew are to immediately report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State and their flag State. This should be done by referring to the “Poster on the Contact Details for Reporting of Incidents of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia,” which provides essential contact information for reporting centers.
- Exercise Vigilance: Maintain a high level of situational awareness and vigilance, especially when transiting areas of concern like the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.
- Adopt Preventive Measures: Implement appropriate preventive measures onboard, taking reference from the “Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia.” This comprehensive guide offers practical advice on avoiding, deterring, and responding to piracy and armed robbery attacks, including risk assessment, ship protection measures, and reporting procedures.
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Source: Safety4sea
