Piracy and Armed Robbery Incidents in Asia Decline

According to the ReCAAP ISC, there were no reported incidents of piracy or armed robbery against ships in Asia from September 12th to 18th. Since January 2023, a total of 79 incidents, including 78 actual incidents and one attempted incident, have been reported to the Centre. The ReCAAP ISC advises ships to remain vigilant while underway or at anchor/berthed at ports, and urges law enforcement agencies to enhance surveillance and 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 decision was made after considering input from stakeholders and counterparts involved in securing maritime security in the area. The PCG states that while incidents are still possible, they are expected to be less severe in nature.

Due to successful military operations and law enforcement initiatives, the threat of crew abduction in the Sulu-Celebes Seas has diminished since January 2020. As a result, the ReCAAP ISC updates its Advisory to ships, suggesting re-routing from the area as an option. Ship masters and crew are advised to exercise extra vigilance and report all incidents 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, the ReCAAP ISC recommends that ship masters and crew report all incidents to the nearest coastal State RCC and flag State. They should also exercise vigilance and adopt appropriate preventive measures, following the guidelines outlined in the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia.

Source .