Increase in Maritime Robbery Incidents Prompts Advisory for Ships in Asia

An incident of armed robbery against a container ship in Asia has been reported to the ReCAAP ISC. The robbery took place while the ship was anchored at Manila North Harbour Anchorage in the Philippines. The ReCAAP ISC is advising ships to remain vigilant while underway or at anchor/berth at ports/anchorages, and for law enforcement agencies to increase surveillance and patrols.

The threat level for the ‘Abduction of Crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas’ has been downgraded from ‘POTENTIALLY HIGH’ to ‘MODERATE’ by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). This means that while incidents are still possible, they are expected to be less severe in nature. The ReCAAP ISC has updated its Advisory to ships, suggesting that they consider re-routing from the area as an option. However, for ships transiting the area, extra vigilance is strongly encouraged, and all incidents should be reported immediately to the Operation Centres of the Philippines and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) of Malaysia.

Ship masters and crew are reminded to report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery to the nearest coastal State RCC and flag State, exercise vigilance, and adopt appropriate preventive measures.

Source .