- Several piracy and armed robbery incidents were reported in international waters and port areas in July 2024.
- Most incidents occurred in the Malacca Strait, involving perpetrators boarding ships and stealing materials.
- Crew members were generally unharmed, and authorities were notified in each case.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has published its Monthly Piracy Report for July 2024, detailing piracy and armed robbery incidents reported by member states and international organizations. Here’s an overview of the incidents that occurred, reports SAFETY4SEA.
Pirates Escape After Being Detected
In international waters near the Straits of Singapore, two unauthorized individuals were spotted on a vessel. After the crew raised the alarm, the intruders fled empty-handed. The incident was reported to Singapore Vessel Traffic Service (VTS).
Location: MALACCA STRAIT, Singapore, Straits Singapore
Scrap Metals Stolen from Barge
A tug boat towing a barge from Singapore to Indonesia was approached by three small boats with 10 perpetrators at about 1620 hours. They boarded the barge and stole scrap metals, fleeing temporarily when a naval warship approached. After the warship left, the thieves returned to steal more metals. The incident occurred about 7.5 nm from Tanjung Tondong, Indonesia, in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS).
Location:MALACCA STRAIT Approx. 7.5 nm of Tanjung Tondong, Indonesia. Eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) Indonesia
Armed Intruders in Engine Room (Malacca Strait, Indonesia)
Five armed perpetrators were sighted in the engine room of a vessel in the Malacca Strait, approximately 1.3 nm from Pulau Takong Light, Indonesia. The alarm was raised, and a search was conducted. While the crew was unharmed, the perpetrators escaped. Singapore Vessel Traffic Information Service (VTIS) and the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) Maritime Security Task Force were notified, but no perpetrators were found after a thorough search.
Location:MALACCA STRAIT Eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS), 1.3 nm from Pulau Takong Light, Indonesia.
Engine Parts Stolen During Robbery
In another incident near Pulau Cula, Indonesia (3.19 nm north), five perpetrators armed with knives entered a ship’s engine room and stole engine spare parts. The alarm was raised, and the crew was unharmed. After reaching Singapore anchorage, authorities boarded the ship but found no further signs of the intruders.
Location:MALACCA STRAIT Approximately 3.19 nm north of Pulau Cula (Indonesia), Eastbound lane of the TSS Indonesia
Perpetrators Flee Empty-Handed
Three intruders were seen in a ship’s steering gear room in the Malacca Strait, about 3.2 nm northwest of Pulau Cula, Indonesia. After the alarm was activated, they fled without stealing anything. The incident was reported to Singapore Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS). Safety navigational broadcast was initiated. The Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) and Singapore Police Coast Guard (PCG) were notified of the incident. Authorities conducted a search, but no intruders were found.
Location: MALACCA STRAIT About 3.2 nm north west of Pulau Cula (Indonesia), in the eastbound lane of the TSS Indonesia.
Intruders Sighted on Poop Deck
Five perpetrators armed with knives were seen on the poop deck of a vessel approximately 2.3 nm northwest of Pulau Cula, Indonesia. The ship’s alarm was raised, and the intruders escaped. No items were stolen, and the incident was reported to Singapore Vessel Traffic Information System. Safety navigational broadcast was initiated. The Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) and Singapore Police Coast Guard (PCG) were notified of the incident. A subsequent search by authorities found no signs of the perpetrators.
Location:MALACCA STRAIT Approximately 2.3 nm northwest of Pulau Cula (Indonesia), in the eastbound lane of the TSS Indonesia.
Crew Tied Up During Robbery
While anchored in the port area of Kuala Tanjung, Indonesia, three armed perpetrators boarded a vessel, tied up the duty engine crew, and stole engine spares. The crew was unharmed after the robbery. The incident was reported to the Indonesian Marine Police HQ.
Location:MALACCA STRAIT Kuala Tanjung Anchorage, Indonesia
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Source: SAFETY4SEA
