The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC) has released its 3rd Quarterly Report of 2025, covering the period from January to September, reports SAFETY4SEA.
The report records a total of 119 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships (ARAS) in Asia during this period, a 68% increase compared to 71 incidents reported during the same period in 2024. Of these, two were piracy incidents and 117 were sea robberies, with 114 being actual incidents and five attempted incidents.
Nature and Severity of Incidents
The majority of sea robberies involved petty theft, with perpetrators typically unarmed and no injuries reported among crew members. These CAT 4 incidents accounted for 53% (60 incidents) of the total reported. In comparison, 9% of incidents were CAT 2, 44 incidents were CAT 3, and no CAT 1 incidents were reported.
The overall severity of incidents in 2025 was lower than in the same period of 2024, when 20% of incidents were CAT 1 and CAT 2. Historical trends indicate that since 2017, most incidents in Asia have been of lower severity, with 88% classified as CAT 3 or CAT 4.
Regional Trends
SOMS (Straits of Malacca and Singapore): 97 incidents reported, compared to 35 in 2024. Despite a decline in Q3 2025 following arrests by Indonesian authorities, the area remains a key area of concern.
- India: Slight increase to three incidents from two.
- South China Sea: Two incidents compared to one in 2024.
- Vietnam: Two incidents compared to one in 2024.
- Bangladesh: Improvement observed, with four incidents compared to 11.
- Indonesia (excluding SOMS): Eight incidents compared to 18.
- Malaysia (excluding SOMS): One incident, consistent with 2024.
- Philippines: No incidents reported, compared to two in 2024.
In terms of ship status, 84% of incidents occurred while ships were underway, and 16% occurred while at anchor or berth.
Quarterly Patterns
- Q1 2025: 36 incidents
- Q2 2025: 44 incidents
- Q3 2025: 17 incidents
The reduction in Q3 was largely attributed to the arrest of at least two syndicates in July 2025, improving the situation in SOMS, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.
Recommendations for Mitigation
Law Enforcement Agencies are advised to:
- Respond promptly to incidents
- Strengthen coordination and information sharing among states
- Increase surveillance and patrols
- Arrest and prosecute perpetrators
- Encourage shipping industry reporting
- Minimize detention time of ships post-incident
Ship Masters and Crew should:
- Report all incidents immediately to nearest coastal states
- Maintain vigilant lookouts and sound alarms
- Conduct informed risk assessments in voyage planning
- Adopt preventive measures in high-risk areas
- Stay updated on navigational advisories and situation reports
The ReCAAP ISC report underscores that while the overall number of incidents has increased, the severity remains generally lower, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance, coordination, and preventive measures in high-risk maritime areas.
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Source: SAFETY4SEA
