- One armed robbery incident recorded in Asia during 16–22 December
- Bulk carrier targeted in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore
- No crew injuries reported
- No crew abductions in Sulu-Celebes Seas for five consecutive years
The ReCAAP ISC reported one incident of armed robbery against a ship in Asia during the week of 16–22 December, as published by SAFETY4SEA.
Armed Robbery Incident in SOMS
The incident occurred in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, approximately 5.4 nautical miles off Pulau Cula, Indonesia, on 17 December 2025 at 0110 hrs. The vessel involved was a bulk carrier. Three perpetrators armed with batons were reported. No crew members were injured during the incident. The significance level was assessed as Category 3, and engine spare parts were stolen.
Area of Concern
With this incident reported in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, a total of 106 incidents have been recorded in the area since January 2025. The ReCAAP ISC advises ships to exercise enhanced vigilance when transiting the area and urges littoral States to strengthen patrols and enforcement.
Situation in the Sulu-Celebes Seas
For a fifth consecutive year, there has been no report of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah. The last such incident occurred on 17 January 2020. In January 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard, in coordination with other stakeholders and counterparts, further downgraded the threat level of abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas to LOW, meaning that incidents are not expected to occur.
ReCAAP ISC Advisory and Recommendations
In its Advisory dated 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)”. Ships are also advised to maintain communication with relevant authorities when transiting the area.
Ship masters and crew are reminded to report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State and flag State, and to exercise vigilance and adopt appropriate preventive measures with reference to the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia and the Poster on the Contact Details for Reporting of Incidents of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia, both produced by the ReCAAP ISC.
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Source: SAFETY4SEA
