Piracy watchdog warns of January spike in Singapore Strait sea robbery incidents
The number of incidents in January almost tripled to 11 compared with just four in the previous corresponding period last year
All 11 incidents took place in close proximity to each other on board ships while transiting the Phillip Channel. Also there were three separate episodes of two vessels being attacked within short intervals, suggesting the same group of attackers was involved
THE Regional Co-operation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia has issued an alert amid a spike in incidents of robbery on board ships underway in the Singapore Strait, as the number of incidents has almost tripled compared to the previous corresponding period.
Between January 1 and February 3, 2025, a total of 11 incidents of sea robbery occurred on board ships underway in the eastbound lane of the strait’s traffic separation scheme, ReCAAP’s Information Sharing Centre said in a press release.
Of note, among these 11 incidents, several occurred within a short interval. Two incidents each were reported in the early morning of January 26 and February 3, and two incidents on the intervening night of January 28-29.
All 11 incidents took place in close proximity to each other off Pulau Cula and Helen Mar Reef, on board ships transiting the Phillip Channel, ReCAAP ISC noted.
Engine spares were stolen in seven incidents and the perpetrators were left empty-handed in four incidents. Of the 11 reported incidents, four incidents involved perpetrators carrying guns or gun-like objects, while five involved perpetrators carrying knives.
The crew members were not injured, except for one incident where the chief engineer’s hands were tied up.
The ReCAAP ISC expressed concern at the sharp increase in the number of incidents, which was almost triple the four incidents reported in the same period in 2024, and warned the maritime community of the possibility of further incidents.
The centre also urged littoral states to increase patrols and surveillance in their respective waters, respond promptly to incidents reported by ships, strengthen coordination and promote information sharing on incidents and criminal groups involved to arrest the perpetrators.
Ships were also advised to intensify vigilance and maintain a sharp look out while transiting the areas of concern, particularly during hours of darkness.
There have been previous spates of incidents that occur within short intervals and mainly in the same area in the Singapore Straits. They are typically indicative of a particular group exploiting a known vulnerability while the opportunity remains open. Slow-moving, low-freeboard vessels such as smaller tankers, bulkers and general cargo vessels are particularly susceptible.