There were no incidents of piracy or armed robbery against vessels reported to the ReCAAP ISC in Asia during the week of October 28 to November 3.
Areas of Concern and Vigilance
Despite the lack of reported incidents, the ReCAAP ISC maintains a cautionary stance and advises increased vigilance in specific areas:
- Vigilance Required: Vessels are urged to intensify lookout while anchoring or transiting the designated areas of concern, notably the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.
- Reporting: Masters and crew must immediately report all incidents and suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
- Littoral State Action: The coastal States bordering these areas are encouraged to increase patrols and enforcement activities.
Abduction of Crew Situation
The situation concerning the abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah remains favorable:
- Incident-Free Streak: For the fifth consecutive year, there has been no report of a crew abduction incident in this region, with the last reported incident occurring on January 17, 2020.
- Threat Level Downgrade: In January 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in coordination with other stakeholders, downgraded the threat level for “Abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas” to ‘LOW’. This assessment signifies that no information or monitored activities suggest an impending attack.
ReCAAP Advisory and Recommendations
The ReCAAP ISC continues to issue an advisory and recommendations for precautionary measures:
- Transiting Caution: Vessels transiting the Sulu-Celebes Seas are advised to exercise vigilance and maintain communication with the relevant authorities, reporting any incidents to the Operation Centres of the Philippines and the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM).
- Reporting Protocol: Masters and crew should report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery to the nearest coastal State and their flag State.
- Preventive Measures: All vessels should adopt appropriate preventive measures by referencing established guides such as the Regional Guide to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia.
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Source: Safety4sea
