Piracy Incident Report: Singapore Straits

 

A detailed report from Allmode Security, with regular updates on piracy activity in the region of Indonesia this year. Incidents include multiple hijacks, boardings and attempted boardings. Despite the increased patrolling and extra monitoring of this particular region, pirates are still managing to board slow moving vessels whilst underway. Allmode advise continued enhanced vigilance in this piracy hotspot. 

 

Singapore Piracy Incident Report: 506

Incident Type: Boarding
Area: Singapore Straits
Position: 01°16’N - 103°59’E
Date of Incident: 06/09/2015
Time of Incident: 10.30
Information Source: IMB 

Singapore Piracy Incident Report: 481

Incident Type: Boarding
Area: Around 3nm SSW of Tanjung Ayam, Johor, Malaysia.
Position: 01°16’N - 104°11’E
Date of Incident: 23.04.15 REPORTED LATE
Time of Incident: 0415
Information Source: IMB 

Singapore Piracy Incident Report: 418

Incident Type: Boarding
Area: Singapore Strait
Position: 01°10’N - 103°50’E
Date of Incident: 09.05.15
Time of Incident: 0140
Information Source: IMB 

Two robbers, armed with long knives, boarded a bulk carrier underway. The duty crew noticed the robbers and raised the alarm. All of the crew members were mustered in the citadel, except the bridge team who informed the Singapore VTIS. They advised the ship to continue sailing at slow speed while waiting for the Singapore navy to approach the ship, After an amount of time had passed the crew thoroughly searched the ship and found no robbers on-board and nothing had been stolen. The search result was relayed to the VTIS and the Singapore navy.

Allmode Comment:
It is not recommended that the crew should carry out a search without the help of the authorities or a Maritime security team. It is well documented that the thieves will use violence against crew, therefore it is better to wait for the authorities to arrive and carry out the search, keeping crew out of harm’s way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Singapore Piracy Incident Report: 404

Incident Type: Suspicious Approach
Area: Singapore Strait
Position: 01°14’N - 104°07’E
Date of Incident: 27/04/15 REPORTED LATE
Time of Incident: 0230
Information Source: IMB 

Six persons in a fast moving unlit boat armed with guns and long knives, approached a Container ship underway. As the boat came closer to the ship, the Master raised the alarm and the crew were mustered. The duty AB directed the Aldis Lamp towards the boat, which resulted in the pirate boat moving away. The Singapore VTIS were informed.
Allmode Comment: The day before, in almost the same position, a Bulk Carrier had been boarded by two armed men. This report would suggest that this area is now the preferred area of operation for a pirate gang. As the incident the day before yielded no reward, they appeared to have increased the number of men and attempted another attack. Again, this proved unsuccessful and could indicate that this gang will continue, to target slow moving, low freeboard vessels transiting the same route. All vessels moving through the Singapore Straits will need to remain vigilant and have 24 hour watch-keeping Ensure that preventative measures are in place to make boarding difficult. 

 

 

Singapore Piracy Incident Report: 402

Incident Type: Boarding
Area: Singapore Strait
Position: 01°15’N - 104°07’E
Date of Incident: 26/04/15 REPORTED LATE
Time of Incident: 0150
Information Source: IMB 

Two robbers boarded a Bulk Carrier whilst underway. The Master immediately raised the alarm and the crew were mustered. Upon hearing the alarm and seeing the crew respond, the pirates escaped empty handed. VTIS Singapore was informed.

Allmode Comment: Boarding of vessels whilst underway are becoming less common in the east bound corridor, this is possibly due to an increase in Anti-Piracy patrols. Boarding’s have now becoming more common at the western end of the Singapore Straits. Vessels need to be prepared and have all anti-piracy measures in place before entering the Straits, regardless of direction of passage.