The CAT 3 incident occurred onboard a bulk carrier while anchored at Panjang Anchorage, Indonesia on 20 Feb 2024; and the CAT 4 incident occurred onboard a bulk carrier while underway in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) on 4 Mar 2024.
Area of concern
With the incident in SOMS, a total of seven incidents were reported in the area since January 2024. The ReCAAP ISC advises ships to exercise enhanced vigilance when transiting SOMS, and the littoral States to increase patrols and enforcement in these areas.
Downgrading of threat level
The efforts by the Philippine Government in Zamboanga, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi through the conduct of continuous military operations led to the dismantling of the support base and neutralising the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu archipelago.
Against this backdrop, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), coordinated with other stakeholders and counterparts that have vital involvement in the maritime security of the Sulu-Celebes Seas, reviewed the threat situation and recommended further downgrading the threat level of ‘Abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas’ from ‘MODERATE’ to ‘MODERATE LOW’, which implies that ‘Incidents are unlikely to occur due to perpetrators’ perceived lack of capability to orchestrate an attack. Nevertheless, minimal damages are expected to the vessel and crew in case of an attack.
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Source : Safety4sea
