The International Maritime Organization (IMO) reports three incidents of piracy and armed robbery against vessels during August 2025, highlighting persistent security threats in international shipping.
One incident involved a tanker that was adrift when a small boat approached. The crew retreated into the citadel and alerted authorities; naval forces intervened and escorted the vessel to port with no damage or injuries.
In a second case, a tug-and-barge unit towing scrap metal from Singapore to Vietnam was boarded by ten perpetrators in nine small craft who removed cargo while the barge was underway. No crew were harmed.
The third incident saw three unarmed individuals board the engine-room area of a bulk carrier in transit. The general alarm was raised, the intruders fled without theft or injury, and a security search turned up nothing.
These events demonstrate that while the monthly number of attacks remains limited, the risks of boarding and theft continue in critical shipping zones. Forward-leaning vigilance and maritime security protocols remain essential for shipowners and seafarers navigating global trade routes.
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Source: Safety4Sea
