Surge in Piracy Incidents in Singapore Strait: ReCAAP Alert

The ReCAAP ISC, which monitors piracy and criminal activity against shipping in Asia, issued a new alert on February 3, reporting a significant increase in robberies in the Singapore Strait this year. Within just over a month, there have been 11 incidents, all clustered in a specific area near the western terminus. The alert warns of a possibility of further incidents and highlights the continued occurrence of sea robberies onboard ships in the Singapore Strait.

Recent reports indicate that two more vessels were boarded overnight on February 3, with individuals armed with knives and possibly guns. These incidents have occurred in short intervals, with two reports each on January 26 and February 3, as well as two other reports overnight between January 28 to 29. Most of the crimes are robberies, with engine spare parts being a common target.

Of particular concern is the increase in aggressiveness of the perpetrators, who now appear to be armed with weapons. In the past, boarders would often flee when spotted and rarely interacted directly with the vessel’s crew. ReCAAP notes that in 2024, there were only four incidents reported during the same period, indicating a worrying trend of escalating criminal activity in the region.

To address this growing threat, ReCAAP urges littoral states to enhance patrols and surveillance in the respective waters, respond promptly to reports from ships, and coordinate with each other to apprehend the criminal groups responsible for these robberies. They also recommend that ships take preventive measures, intensify vigilance, and increase look-outs while transiting the affected areas, particularly during the hours of darkness.

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