Sea Robbery Incidents Surge in the Singapore Strait, ReCAAP Warns

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Mfame Editor
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  • ReCAAP Raises Alarm Over Rising Sea Robbery Cases in the Singapore Strait.
  • Six Sea Robbery Incidents Reported in Three Days in the Singapore Strait.
  • Maritime Authorities Urged to Act as Sea Robbery Cases Rise in SOMS.

The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP ISC) issued an alert to the maritime industry of the continued occurrence of incidents of sea robbery in the Singapore Strait. The group also warned of possible attempts at such incidents in the future, reports Safety4Sea

Six Incidents Reported in Late March

Six incidents of sea robbery were reported between 28-30 March 2025 while ships were passing through the Phillip Channel in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in the Singapore Strait, as per ReCAAP. Of these, three were recorded on March 30 from 0125-0255 hours, two on March 29 from 0408-0515 hours, and one on March 28 at 0630 hours.

The vessels affected were three container vessels, two bulk vessels, and a tanker. The loss of portable welding equipment was reported by one vessel, and stolen engine spares in another. There was no reported item stolen from the other four vessels, and crew members were not injured.

Surge in Incidents Compared to 2024

With the recent six attacks, 35 cases of sea robbery have been reported in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) since January 2025—except that all occurred in the Singapore Strait. This is a drastic rise compared to the same duration in 2024 (January 1 – March 31), during which only 11 were reported. The ReCAAP ISC has shown alarm at the increasing number of incidents and is calling for action from regional authorities to stem the trend immediately.

Call for Stronger Patrols and Cooperation

In response to the growing number of cases, the ReCAAP ISC has called on littoral states to:

  1. Increase patrols and surveillance in their respective waters.
  2. Respond swiftly to incidents reported by ships.
  3. Strengthen coordination among maritime authorities.
  4. Enhance information sharing to identify and apprehend criminal groups.

Guidance for Ships to Prevent Attacks

To mitigate the risks of sea robbery, ReCAAP ISC advises ships to adopt the following preventive measures:

  1. Maintain heightened vigilance and a sharp lookout, especially during nighttime transits through high-risk areas.
  2. Implement security recommendations outlined in the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia.
  3. Report all incidents immediately using the ReCAAP ISC Mobile App to the nearest coastal state and their flag state.
  4. Identify and report the perpetrators’ boats by referring to the ReCAAP ISC’s Guide Book on Identification of Fishing Boats in Asian Waters.

Escalating Threat Calls for Action Now

ReCAAP ISC continues to be concerned with the rise in sea robbery incidents in the Singapore Strait. It calls upon regional governments and maritime interests to take swift action to stem the attacks and protect ships transiting the area.

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Source: Safety4Sea