Maritime Security Update: Armed Robbery and Crew Safety in Asian Waters

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Mfame Editor
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  • Crew Safe, Scrap Stolen in Latest Incident.
  • Sulu-Celebes Abduction Threat Remains Low.
  • Vigilance and Reporting Crucial for Maritime Safety.

Between December 23 and 29, there was one reported incident of armed robbery against vessels in Asia. This incident, categorised as CAT 4, took place on a tugboat and barge while they were navigating the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in the Singapore Strait, reports Safety4Sea.

Crew Safe in Latest Singapore Strait Incident

Fortunately, the crew was unharmed, although some scrap metal was taken. With this latest occurrence, the total number of incidents recorded in the Singapore Strait and nearby maritime security areas has reached 107 since January 2025. The ReCAAP ISC is advising vessels to stay extra vigilant while passing through these waters and is calling on coastal States to ramp up patrols and enforcement in high-risk zones.

Abduction Threat in Sulu-Celebes Seas Remains Low

For the fifth year in a row, there have been no reported cases of crew abduction in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and the waters off Eastern Sabah. The last incident was on January 17, 2020. In January 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard, working with other partners, lowered the threat level for abduction for ransom to ‘LOW’, indicating that no observed activities are suggesting an imminent attack.

The ReCAAP ISC, in its 14 February 2025 advisory, instructed vessels 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).” It also recommended maintaining communication with relevant authorities during transit.

Preventive Recommendations

Masters and crew are encouraged to:

  1. Report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery to the nearest coastal State and flag State.
  2. Check the Poster on the Contact Details for Reporting of Incidents of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia.
  3. Stay alert and implement the preventive measures outlined in the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia.

Both of these resources are provided by the ReCAAP ISC to bolster maritime security in the region.

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Source: Safety4Sea