ReCAAP ISC: One incident of armed robbery 12-18 May

May 21 ------ Over the past week, 12-18 May, one incident of piracy or armed robbery against ships in Asia was reported to the ReCAAP ISC.

One CAT 3 incident of armed robbery against ships in Asia was reported to ReCAAP ISC. The incident occurred onboard a bulk carrier while sailing in the Straits of Malacca & Singapore on 13 May 2026. The perpetrator, armed with a knife, attempted to threaten the engine room watchkeeping staff, who ran away and secured himself in the engine control room. The crew members were not injured, and nothing was stolen.

Area of concern

A total of 17 incidents were reported in SOMS since January 2026. Ships are advised to intensify vigilance and maintain sharp look-out while transiting the areas of concern or anchoring at ports and anchorages; and to report all incidents immediately to the nearest coastal State. The Centre also urges the coastal States to increase patrols/surveillance in their respective waters, respond promptly to incidents reported to them, strengthen coordination and promote information sharing on incidents and the criminal groups involved to arrest the perpetrators.

Situation of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah

Situation update

For a 6th consecutive year, there has been no report of incident of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah. The last incident occurred on 17 Jan 2020. In January 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), coordinated with other stakeholders and counterparts further downgraded the threat level of ‘Abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas’ to ‘LOW’, meaning ‘No information or monitored activities suggest an impending attack; hence incidents are not expected to occur’.

ReCAAP ISC Advisory

The ReCAAP ISC, in its Advisory on 14 Feb 2025 advised ships to “exercise vigilance when transiting the Sulu-Celebes Seas and report incidents to the Operation Centers of the Philippines and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM)”. Also, to maintain communication with the relevant authorities when transiting the area.

Recommendations

Ship master and crew are to report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State and flag State, referring to the Poster on the Contact Details for Reporting of Incidents of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia, exercise vigilance and adopt appropriate preventive measures taking reference from the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia; both produced by the ReCAAP ISC.

Source: safety4sea.com