Security consultants and the monitoring operation ReCAAP have issued warnings about increased piracy activity in the region around the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. This follows a concerning trend that saw 62 vessels boarded and robbed while underway in the area in 2024. Since the beginning of the year, ReCAAP has received reports of seven incidents, with most occurring west of Pulau Cula, Indonesia. The majority of these cases involved bulkers and one general cargo ship, with crew members reporting that the pirates were armed with guns, knives, or steel bars.
Historically, most piracy incidents in the region were non-violent, with boarders fleeing upon discovery. However, recent cases indicate a higher likelihood of pirates carrying weapons, with some incidents involving groups of five or six individuals. While there have been no reports of injuries among crew members, stolen items such as spare parts have been reported. Additionally, there were two incidents in anchorages in Indonesia and Bangladesh in January, where armed boarders stole unsecured equipment.
ReCAAP’s end-of-year report for 2024 highlighted a six percent increase in piracy incidents across Asia, reaching a total of 107 cases. This marked the highest level in the past five years, with the first instance of hostages being taken and FAME fuel oil cargo being siphoned since 2020. The majority of incidents in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore occurred in the eastbound lane south of Singapore, with bulkers being the primary targets. ReCAAP emphasized the need for increased vigilance among crews and urged local authorities to enhance patrols and enforcement to combat the rising crime wave in the region.
