Fewer Armed Robbery Incidents Reported at Indonesian Anchorages

ReCAAP ISC has released it's quarterly piracy report for Asia showing that there were 10 incidents of armed robbery against ships (including one attempted incident), a 52 percent decrease from the same period last year.

The number of incidents reported during January-March 2019 are also the lowest among the period for the last 13-years (2007-2019).

There were improvements at some ports and anchorages during January-March 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, notably in Indonesia; with three incidents reported in Indonesia during January-March 2019 compared to nine incidents during the same period in 2018. There were also improvements at the ports and anchorages in Bangladesh, India and Vietnam. No were reported for these nations during January-March 2019 compared to three incidents reported in Bangladesh and two incidents each in India and Vietnam during January-March 2018.

Of concern was the increase in the number of incidents at some anchorages in China and incidents of theft of scrap metal from barges while underway in the Singapore Strait.
 
There were no incidents of abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah during the period, but ReCAAP ISC says the issue remains a serious threat in the area.

ReCAAP ISC reiterates the need for enforcement agencies to enhance surveillance, increase patrols and respond promptly to the reports of incidents. Ship masters and crew are strongly advised to exercise vigilance, maintain all round lookouts, report all incidents to the nearest coastal State and flag State immediately and implement preventive measures recommended in the Regional Guide to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia.