Reports indicate that within 24 hours, two separate commercial vessels were boarded by armed intruders while transiting the Singapore Strait, specifically in the vicinity of Pulau Cula, Indonesia. This area is now being increasingly identified as a rising hotspot for piracy and armed robbery against ships, reports Marine Insight.
Prompt Reporting
A Liberian-flagged container ship was sailing eastbound within the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) approximately 5.6 nautical miles from Pulau Cula when three unidentified individuals were sighted on the upper deck.
A crew member observed one of the intruders holding what appeared to be a firearm and promptly retreated for safety. The ship’s master immediately activated the general alarm, gathered all crew members in a secure area, and ordered a comprehensive search of the vessel.
Fortunately, all crew members were confirmed to be safe, and no injuries or thefts were reported as a result of this incident.
The ship’s master promptly reported the incident to the Singapore Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS) via VHF communication.
Following the report, security alerts were broadcast to nearby vessels to provide a warning. The Republic of Singapore Navy’s Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) and the Singapore Police Coast Guard (PCG) were also immediately informed of the situation.
Second Incident
Less than 24 hours later, on April 21st at 1:34 am, a Panama-flagged tanker was also sailing in the eastbound lane of the TSS, approximately 2.5 nautical miles off Pulau Cula.
While the ship was underway, three intruders armed with knives were discovered inside the Engine Control Room. The master responded swiftly by sounding the alarm and gathering the crew. A thorough search of the vessel was conducted.
All crew members were confirmed to be safe, and no injuries or missing items were reported. The vessel which was heading to Tompok, Malaysia, reported the incident to Singapore VTIS via VHF. Anti-piracy safety broadcasts were immediately issued, and both the MSTF and PCG were informed. The incident details were also shared with the Indonesian and Malaysian authorities for further awareness and action.
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Source: Marine Insight
