According to the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC), the following armed robbery incidents against ships were reported in Asia during the week of March 25-31.
Area Of Concern
The Somali Sea’s (SOMS) region has seen a significant increase in maritime incidents. Specifically, seven incidents in the “SS” area have contributed to a total of 35 incidents reported in SOMS between January and March 2025. This is a sharp rise compared to the 11 incidents recorded during the same period in 2024.
Alarmed by this surge in incidents, the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships Information Sharing Centre (ReCAAP ISC) issued an Incident Alert on March 31, 2025. This alert is intended to inform the maritime community and warn of the potential for further incidents in the region.
Reassessing Threat Level
The Philippine government’s sustained military operations in Zamboanga, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi have successfully disrupted the support network of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), increasing the likelihood of the group’s demise through surrenders, arrests, and the elimination of its members.
As a result of these successful operations, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in collaboration with key maritime security stakeholders in the Sulu-Celebes Seas, conducted a reassessment of the threat level.
Based on this reassessment, they have recommended lowering the threat level for “Abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas” from “MODERATE LOW” to “LOW.” This “LOW” designation indicates that there is currently no intelligence or monitored activity suggesting an imminent attack, and therefore, such incidents are not anticipated.
Recommendations Given
Ship masters and their crews are required to:
- Report all piracy and armed robbery incidents to both the nearest coastal state and the ship’s flag state.
- Use the “Poster on the Contact Details for Reporting of Incidents of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia” (produced by the ReCAAP ISC) for reporting contact information.
- Maintain heightened vigilance.
- Implement appropriate preventive measures, using the “Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia” (also produced by the ReCAAP ISC) as a reference.
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Source: Safety4sea
