ReCAAP : Asian Piracy Low, Beware of Hijack-for-ransom and Oil Siphoning

By
Mfame Team
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1678

Key Points

  • The number of piracy cases recorded in Asia for the first half of the year is the lowest seen since 2007, said an intergovernmental body
  • However mariners are advised to remain vigilant especially in the southern Philippines region as concerns remain over hijack-for-ransom and oil siphoning incidents

The Regional Co-operation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) has reported a total of 36 armed robberies and piracy incidents in the region for the period between January to June 2017, a drop of 22% from the 46 incidents recorded in the corresponding period of 2016.

The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia Information Sharing Centre (ReCAAP ISC) has released its half-yearly report.

With 36 reported incidents reported by government enforcement agencies in the region, ReCAAP stated the year to date had seen the lowest total number of incidents since 2007.

Of the 36 reported incidents, 27 were armed robbery against ships, two were piracy, seven were kidnaps for ransom. The number of incidents was a 22 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2016, and 41 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2013.

The situation of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Sea has improved, with no incidents reported in May and June 2017, but still remains an “area of concern”, ReCAAP stressed.

Also of concern was the recurrence of the hijacking of ships for theft of oil cargo, and a rise in the number of incidents reported at Bangladesh port or anchorages as well.

“While the number of incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia continued to decline, there is no room for complacency. ReCAAP ISC will continue our engagement with the enforcement authorities and shipping community in the region as we collectively work towards making seas in Asia safe and secure for all,” said Masafumi Kuroki, executive director of ReCAAP ISC.

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Source: ReCAAP ISC