Crew Member Stabbed Amid Rising Violence in Singapore Strait

A crew member was stabbed during a violent piracy attack in the Singapore Strait on December 11, 2024. Two pirates boarded a tanker and repeatedly stabbed a crew member before fleeing. The injured crew member was hospitalized, and authorities have not confirmed the incident. While most piracy attacks in the region involve stealing spare parts, this case involved violence against the crew. Pirates armed with knives usually leave quickly when confronted, but the increasing violence in the region is concerning.

In 2024, ReCAAP reported 86 piracy incidents and 10 attempted robberies, compared to 100 incidents in 2023. The number of incidents involving threats, hostage situations, or injuries has increased significantly. Four piracy incidents were reported in Asia in the week of December 3 to 9, 2024, with three occurring in the Singapore Strait. Despite no reported injuries in these incidents, they remain a serious concern.

The Singapore Strait continues to be a hotspot for piracy, with ReCAAP reporting 57 incidents in the strait since January 2024. The organization has issued warnings for ships to exercise vigilance when transiting these waters and has urged littoral states to increase patrols. The Philippine government has also taken action against piracy in the Sulu-Celebes Seas, resulting in a downgrade of the threat level for crew abductions. Despite this, ReCAAP advises ship crews to remain vigilant and report any piracy incidents.

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