A RASH of six robbery cases was reported on board ships transiting the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme in the Singapore Strait between May 2-7, raising concerns about surging incidents in this key waterway.

According to the Regional Co-operation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP), all incidents occurred during the early morning hours, with target vessels including bulk carriers and tankers.

Stolen items were limited to engine spares in two cases, while nothing was taken in the other four incidents. No injuries to crew were reported across the six robberies.

The targeted vessels are: chemical tankers S M A (IMO: 9273002) and Elm Galaxy (IMO: 9331256), product tanker Culture (IMO: 9333254), as well as dry bulkers SW Legend (IMO: 9984170), Virgo (IMO: 9650925) and Hui Shun No. 1 (IMO: 9515670).

The incidents bring the number of piracy and sea robbery cases recorded in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore to 50 since the beginning of 2025.

This represents a steep rise from just 14 incidents logged during the same period of past year amid escalating concern.

“The ReCAAP ISC urges the littoral states to increase patrols/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,” the watchdog said.

The notice advised ships to take preventative measures, such as maintaining vigilant watchkeeping and reporting all incidents immediately to authorities.

Tips included leveraging the ReCAAP mobile app and referring to guidance on identifying suspicious small boats when notifying officials.