ReCAAP ISC warns of renewed sea robbery incidents in Singapore Strait

November 12 ------ Following a significant decline in incidents over the past ten months, the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC) has issued an alert, warning of a recent increase in sea robbery incidents involving ships underway in the Singapore Strait, and raising concerns about the possibility of further attacks.

According to ReCAAP ISC, three sea robbery incidents were reported aboard vessels transiting the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) on November 2, 4 and 10, 2026.

The incidents occurred at 2125 hrs, 2335 hrs and 0240 hrs, respectively, within a relatively small area, with the locations approximately 3.2 nautical miles apart.

Two incidents involved bulk carriers and one involved a tanker. One crew member sustained injuries, while no injuries were reported in the other two incidents. Engine spare parts were stolen from two vessels, while no losses were reported in the remaining case.

These latest incidents bring the total number of reported sea robbery incidents in the SOMS to 28. ReCAAP ISC has expressed concern over the recent increase in incidents following the earlier decline and has called for stronger preventive measures.

Location of Incidents in the SOMS (1 January – 11 November 2026)

During 1 January – 11 November 2026, the ReCAAP Focal Points had reported to the Centre 28 incidents that occurred to ships while underway in the SOMS. The locations of the incidents are shown on the map below.

In response, the Centre has urged littoral States to increase patrols and surveillance in their respective waters, respond promptly to reports from vessels and strengthen coordination and information sharing to support the identification and arrest of perpetrators.

ReCAAP ISC also advises ships transiting the area to adopt the following precautions:

• Maintain heightened vigilance: Keep a sharp lookout, particularly during nighttime transits and in areas where incidents have recently occurred.

• Strengthen onboard security: Implement preventive measures, including CCTV coverage of potential boarding points, in accordance with the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia.

• Report incidents promptly: Notify the nearest coastal State and flag State immediately, including through the ReCAAP ISC Mobile App.

• Identify suspicious craft: Refer to ReCAAP ISC’s Guide Book on Identification of Fishing Boats in Asian Waters to assist in identifying vessels potentially involved in incidents.

• Assess voyage risks: Use the ReCAAP Data Visualization Map & Panel (Re-VAMP) interactive dashboard to review incident information and support voyage planning and risk assessments.

The Centre emphasizes that increased vigilance, timely reporting and stronger cooperation between ships and coastal authorities are essential to preventing further incidents and improving maritime security in the SOMS.

Source: safety4sea.com