Source: IMB-ICCS
There were 28 attempted maritime armed robberies in Asia and one attempted armed robbery during the first quarter of the year, according to maritime crime watcher ReCAAP.
“This accounts for a three-fold increase in the total number of incidents reported during January-March 2020 compared to the same period in 2019,” the ReCAAP said.
Large commercial ships are not immune from being targeted. Ships attacked included tankers and bulkers as well as smaller tug boats and barges.
Attacks on shipping happened in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore Strait. There was a “continued increase” of incidents on board ships underway in the Singapore Strait. However, there was an improvement in Chinese ports as there were no incidents in the first quarter of this year compared to three incidents in the same quarter last year.
The ReCAAP also expressed concerns about the abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and the waters off Eastern Sabah. There was an incident on 17 January this year off the coast at Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia. Five of the crew of a fishing trawler are still being held in captivity.
There were five separate incidents were robbers were armed with knives or sharp weapons. The robbers escaped when the crew were alerted. In one incident, the crew confronted the robbers, captured one of them and handed him over to the police. One of the crew suffered an injury to the face. In the five incidents, two reported the loss of mooring ropes and the loss of engine spares.
About 55% of the incidents happened on ships at anchor or at berth and the other 45% happened to ships that were underway. Typically the attacks are carried out by small groups of one to three men or groups of four to six men. About two thirds of the attacks are carried out in the hours of darkness.
“In view of the increase of incidents in the locations as indicated in this Report, the ReCAAP ISC reiterates the need for law enforcement agencies to enhance surveillance, increase patrols and respond promptly to incidents reported by ships in order to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.
“Ship masters and crew are strongly advised to exercise vigilance, maintain constant lookout for suspicious boats in the vicinity, report all incidents immediately to the nearest coastal State, and implement preventive measures,” the ReCAAP stated.
Visit the ReCAAP for more information on southern Asian piracy.
