Asian piracy jumps by almost half in first quarter, ReCAAP reveals
- Vigilance needed when transiting Straits of Malacca and Singapore
- Some countries see fall in attacks
- Suspicious activities should be reported to coastal and flag states
Crews should step up security rounds and heighten watchkeeping
ATTACKS on ships in Asia rocketed by almost half during the first three months of 2025, according to a local piracy watchdog.
The latest quarterly report from the Regional Co-operation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) reported 42 incidents between the start of January and the end of March.
Two attacks were designated piracy, both occurring in the South China Sea.
This marks a 48% increase in the comparable total for the same period in 2024.
However, there were falls in the number of incidents reported in Bangladesh, Indonesia and the Philippines, while the number in India remained the same.
ReCAAP urged seafarers to remain vigilant and proactive while transiting high-risk areas, particularly the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.
Measures to take include regular security rounds, heightened watchkeeping, especially during night hours, and ensuring that CCTV and communication systems remain operational.
All suspicious activities must be reported immediately to the nearest coastal authorities and flag state.