Theft, Robbery and Piracy Incidents at Sea in Asia

Update on 06 Dec 2024:

The number of incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore area for the first six months of 2024 decreased to 37, compared to the same period in 2023, when 50 incidents were reported. This represents a decrease of 26%.

The number of incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships reported in the South China Sea for January to June 2024 is 4, compared to the same period in 2023, when 9 incidents were reported. This represents a decrease of approximately 56%.

From 19-26 Nov 2024, seven incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia were reported to the ReCAAP ISC. All incidents occurred onboard bulk carriers.

• Six incidents – while the ships were underway in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) of the Singapore Strait (SS).
• One incident – while the ship was at anchor in Kutubdia Anchorage, Bangladesh.

From 12-18 Nov 2024, five incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia were reported to the ReCAAP ISC.

All five incidents took place in close proximity with each other, onboard ships while transiting the Phillip Channel. Ships are advised to intensify vigilance and maintain sharp look-out while transiting the Areas of Concern.

• Between 13 – 14 November 2024, a series of five incidents occurred onboard ships underway in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in the Singapore Strait (SS).
• Two incidents were reported on the early morning of 13 November, and another three incidents on 14 November, all within a four-hour window period each day.
• All five incidents took place in close proximity off Pulau Cula, Indonesia, onboard ships while transiting the Phillip Channel.