Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia - October 2014 ReCAAP Report
ReCAAP ISC states there has been an increase in the number of incidents reported in October 2014 (18) in Asia, the bulk of which were petty thefts (60%).
A total of 18 incidents were reported in October 2014, after a decline in the number of incidents during July, August and September 2014. Compared to October 2013 (20), there has been a slight decrease in the number of incidents reported in October 2014 (18).
The number of Category 2 incidents reported in October 2014 was the lowest among the five-years repor??ting period while the number of Category 3 incidents and pe??tty the??fts reported in October 2014 were fairly consistent with the same period in 2013. However, of concern were the two Category 1 incidents involving the siphoning of ship fuel/ oil.
The siphoning incidents involved Vietnam-registered product tanker, Sunrise 689 on 9 Oct 14 and Thailand- registered tanker, Suratchanya on 15 Oct 14. Occurred in the South China Sea, both incidents adhered to the general modus operandi of incidents involving siphoning of ship fuel/oil which has increased in frequency of occurrence since April 2014. In both incidents, the pirates siphoned off the cargos of gas oil/gasoline from the tankers, damaged the communica??tion equipment onboard, stole the crew’s personal belongings and cash before escaping. In the Sunrise 689 incident, the crew was slightly injured.
The Category 2 incident occurred on 27 Oct 14 when the Singapore-registered tug boat, Pioneer 89 was towing barge, Comfort Shipping 2578 in the vicinity of Nipa anchorage when five robbers armed with knives boarded the tug boat from a wooden speed boat. The robbers ??tied the crew, stole cash, and the crew’s personal belongings; and damaged the communication set onboard the tug boat before they escaped.
Of the 18 incidents reported in October 2014, seven occurred in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS), three in Indonesia, three in the South China Sea (SCS), three in Vietnam, one in Bangladesh and one in India.
Conclusion
With two incidents of siphoning of ship fuel/oil reported in October 2014, the total number of such incidents has increased to 11 this year so far. The ReCAAP ISC is concerned and will con??nue to work closely with the li??ttoral States in monitoring the situati??on and to encourage increase in surveillance and enforcement.
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