Number of Asian Piracy Incidents Down in January

The ReCaap ISC has released its latest figures citing three incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia in January 2019, down from 11 in January 2018.

All three incidents occurred on board ships anchored: one at Caofeidian anchorage in China, one at Jingtang anchorage in China and one at Ciwandan anchorage in Indonesia.

There was no report of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah and no hijacking of ships for theft of oil cargo reported in January 2019, but the abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah remains a serious concern.

The Situation in Sabah

On January 15, the Philippine authorities rescued the remaining abducted fisherman from the Sri Dewi 1. The fishing boat was sailing in waters off Gaya Island, Semporna, Sabah on September 11, 2018 when two masked men armed with firearms boarded the vessel and abducted two fishermen. One was rescued earlier by the authorities on December 5, 2018.

As of January 31, 2019, nine crewmen are still held in captivity. The Philippine authorities continue to conduct pursuit operations.

The ReCAAP ISC maintains its November 21, 2016 advisory 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 Philippines and Eastern Sabah Security Command of Malaysia.