- Incidents occurred in the Singapore Strait TSS.
- No injuries reported, minor theft recorded.
- Crew abduction threat remains low in the Sulu-Celebes Seas.
During the week of December 9 to 15, two armed robbery incidents involving ships in Asia were reported to the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC). These incidents were categorised as one Category 3 and one Category 4 case, reports Safety4Sea.
Incidents in the Singapore Strait
Both incidents took place while vessels were navigating the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme in the Singapore Strait. Thankfully, no crew members were harmed. In one case, thieves made off with scrap metal, while in the other, engine spares were stolen.
With these recent events, the total number of reported incidents in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore has now reached 105 since January 2025. The ReCAAP ISC has urged ships to be extra vigilant while passing through the area and has called on nearby States to ramp up patrols and enforcement efforts.
Crew Abduction Update in the Sulu-Celebes Seas
For the fifth year in a row, there have been no reported crew abductions in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and the waters off Eastern Sabah. The last known incident took place on January 17, 2020.
In January 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard, in coordination with relevant stakeholders, further downgraded the threat level of “Abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas” to “LOW”, meaning “No information or monitored activities suggest an impending attack; hence, incidents are not expected to occur”.
Advisory from ReCAAP ISC
In its advisory issued on 14 February 2025, the ReCAAP ISC advised ships 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)”. Vessels were also encouraged to maintain communication with relevant authorities when operating in the area.
Reporting and Preventive Actions
Ship masters and crew are reminded to report any incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State and their flag State. They are also encouraged to check the Poster on the Contact Details for Reporting of Incidents of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia and to implement the preventive measures outlined in the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia, both created by the ReCAAP ISC.
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Source: Safety4Sea
