ReCAAP ISC Reports Zero Cases of Piracy and Armed Robbery from 22 – 28 August

According to the ReCAAP ISC, no incidents of piracy or armed robbery against ships in Asia were reported between August 22nd and 28th. However, from January to August 2023, a total of 77 actual incidents and one attempted incident of armed robbery against ships in Asia were reported. The ReCAAP ISC advises ships to remain vigilant while underway or at anchor/berth at ports/anchorages, and for law enforcement agencies to increase surveillance and patrols to respond promptly to reported incidents.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has recommended downgrading the threat level of ‘Abduction of Crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas’ from ‘POTENTIALLY HIGH’ to ‘MODERATE’. This change suggests that incidents are possible but relatively less severe in nature. The ReCAAP ISC has updated its Advisory to all ships, recommending that they consider re-routing from the area as an option. 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.

In order to combat piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia, ship masters and crew should report all incidents to the nearest coastal State RCC and flag State. They should also exercise vigilance and adopt appropriate preventive measures as outlined in the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia.

Source .