Rise In Maritime Incidents In Asian Waters

By
Mfame Editor
-
21

Asian waters witnessed a 7% increase in maritime incidents in 2024, totaling 107 incidents, up from 100 in 2023, according to the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC). The year marked the resurgence of Category 1 armed robberies, with two life-threatening cases reported after a long hiatus.

Category 1 Incidents

Category 1 incidents are the most severe, involving multiple armed perpetrators (with guns and knives) and posing significant risks to crew safety. These incidents often result in injuries, physical violence, and major losses such as ship hijacking or cargo theft.

  1. February 1 Incident:
    • Location: Indonesia, en route from Muara Sampit to Manggis.
    • Details:
      • Perpetrators armed with firearms and sharp weapons.
      • Held the crew hostage for over 27 hours.
      • Stole FAME cargo, cash, personal belongings, and navigation equipment.
    • Outcome: Perpetrators escaped after damaging navigation tools.
  2. September 22 Incident:
    • Location: Indonesia, en route from Bagendang Port to Stagen Kotabaru.
    • Details:
      • Five perpetrators, four of whom boarded the vessel while one remained in a small boat.
      • Crew members locked in the toilet or restrained with plastic ropes.
      • Stole FAME cargo, 21 mobile phones, cash, Furuno radar, and binoculars.
    • Duration: 8–10 hours.
    • Outcome: Central Kalimantan Police arrested 14 suspects by November 2024.

Category 2 Incidents on the Rise

The number of Category 2 incidents increased to 16 in 2024 from 9 in 2023 and only 4 in 2022. These incidents typically involved 4–9 armed perpetrators targeting crew cash and ship property, including engine spares. In one-quarter of the cases, firearms were used.

Geographical Hotspots

  1. Straits of Malacca and Singapore:
    • Remained the top hotspot with 62 incidents, unchanged from 2023.
  2. Indonesia:
    • Saw a rise to 22 incidents, up from 16 in 2023.
  3. Bangladesh:
    • Emerged as a new hotspot, with incidents surging from 1 in 2023 to 13 in 2024.
  4. Other regions:
    • Philippines: 3 incidents.
    • Vietnam, India, and South China Sea: 2 incidents each.
    • Malaysia: 1 incident.

The surge in maritime incidents, particularly in Asian waters, underscores the escalating risks faced by seafarers. The reappearance of Category 1 armed robberies, coupled with rising Category 2 incidents, highlights the need for enhanced security measures and regional cooperation to protect sailors and maritime assets in these high-risk zones.

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Source: CONTAINER NEWS