ReCAAP ISC informs that a total of 23 incidents of armed robbery against ships were reported in Asia during January-March 2022. This accounts for a 35% increase in the total number of incidents compared to the same period in 2021.
#1 Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia
A total of 23 incidents of armed robbery against ships were reported in Asia during January-March 2022. No piracy incident was reported during this period. Of the 23 incidents, 22 were actual incidents and one was an attempted incident.
Compared to January-March 2021, the total number of incidents reported during January-March 2022 increased by 35%. A total of 17 incidents were reported during January-March 2021.
Areas of Concern
Credit: ReCAAP ISC
#2 Armed Robbery Against Ships in the Singapore Strait
During January-March 2022, a total of 18 incidents were reported in the Singapore Strait (SS). Of the 18 incidents, 14 incidents occurred in the eastbound lane of the TSS in the SS, two incidents in the precautionary area, one incident in the westbound lane and one incident outside the TSS.
Recommendations
#3 Abduction of Crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and Waters off Eastern Sabah
No abduction of crew incident was reported during January-March 2022. The last known incident occurred on 17 Jan 20 off Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia. No crew is currently being held in captivity by the perpetrators (Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)).
However, the ReCAAP ISC reiterates its advisory issued via ReCAAP ISC Incident Alert dated 21 Nov 16 to all ships to reroute from the area, where possible. Otherwise, ship masters and crew are strongly urged to exercise extra vigilance while transiting the area, and report immediately to the Operation Centres of the Philippines and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) of Malaysia.
#4 Incidents in Asia using Data Analytics
The characteristics of the incidents reported in Asia during January-March 2022 are as follows:
In addition, 10 of the 23 incidents occurred on board tankers (43%), 10 incidents on board bulk carriers (43%) and three incidents on board tug /supply ships (14%).
EXPLORE MORE AT RECAAP ISC’S PIRACY REPORT
