Singapore’s Information Fusion Centre (IFC) published its latest infographic, marking five new incidents against ships in the Singapore Strait as of 12 April 2021. Let us have a look into it in detail.
Key facts
- All incidents involving tugs and barges occurred within hours of daylight.
- Most targeted vessels were transiting in eastbound lane of Traffic Separation Scheme in Singapore Strait.
- First incident involving tanker reported in 2021. To remind the last one was marked back in November 2020.
Perpetrators usually
- are in group of average 4-6 pax;
- use small boats, target slow-moving vessels (7-12knots) with low freeboard; and are non-confrontational.
Perpetrators on cargo ships and bulk carriers
- May be armed with weapons like knives and steel bars
- Usually target ship’s engine parts and stores
- Same group of perpetrators may target few vessels in succession, in same night
Perpetrators on Tugs & Barges
- Usually unarmed
- Usually target ship’s parts and scrap metals
Recommendations
- Remain vigilant, even in daylight hrs; reportsuspicious activities to local authorities immediately and inform IFC.
- Participate in Voluntary Community Reporting as depicted in MARSEC Charts Q6112 and Q6113.
- Adopt Ship Protection Measures recommended in the Regional Guide to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia.
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Source: Safety4Sea
