ReCAAP ISC: One incident of armed robbery 20-26 October

October 28 ------ Over the past week, 20 to 26 October, one incident of piracy or armed robbery against ships in Asia was reported to the ReCAAP ISC.

According to the ReCAAP ISC, the CAT 4 incident occurred onboard a tug boat and barge while underway in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in the Singapore Strait, approximately 4.3 nautical miles off Pulau Nongsa, Indonesia, on 17 October 2026. Six unarmed perpetrators were involved in the incident, during which scrap metals were stolen. The crew members were not injured.

Area of concern

With the incident reported in the Singapore Strait, a total of 25 incidents have been reported in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) since January 2026.

Ships are advised to intensify vigilance and maintain a sharp look-out while transiting areas of concern and report all incidents immediately to law enforcement agencies. The Centre also urges the littoral States to increase patrols and enforcement in their respective waters, respond promptly to incidents, 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

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