- One armed robbery incident was recorded in Asian waters between 25 November and 1 December.
- This brings the year’s total in the Strait of Malacca and Singapore to more than one hundred cases.
- Threat levels in the Sulu-Celebes Seas remain low, with no abduction cases reported for five consecutive years.
During the week of November 25– December 1, regional authorities recorded one CAT 41 armed robbery incident. The case took place onboard a tugboat and its barge while underway in the eastbound lane of the Singapore Strait’s Traffic Separation Scheme. The crew was unharmed, though a quantity of scrap metal was taken.
A Growing Area of Concern
With this latest incident, a total of over 100 cases have occurred in the Strait of Malacca and Singapore since January 2025. Authorities continue to advise vessels to maintain heightened vigilance when navigating these waters. Coastal states have also been encouraged to increase patrols and enforcement to reduce further incidents.
Threat Level Remains Low in the Sulu-Celebes Seas
For the fifth consecutive year, no incidents of crew abduction have been reported in the Sulu-Celebes Seas or in waters off Eastern Sabah. The last case occurred in early 2020. Earlier this year, the area’s threat level was officially downgraded to “low”, meaning there are no signs of imminent attacks.
Advisory for Ships Operating in the Region
Ships transiting the Sulu-Celebes area are advised to stay alert and maintain communication with the relevant maritime authorities. Regular reporting, close monitoring of surroundings and adherence to guidance issued by regional information centres remain essential.
Recommendations for Safe Transit
Shipmasters and crew members are encouraged to report all piracy or armed robbery incidents to the nearest coastal state and their flag state. They should follow the recommended preventive measures outlined in regional counter-piracy guides and maintain all watchkeeping practices as active and well-coordinated as possible.
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Source: Safety4Sea
