ReCAAP ISC Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia - April 2017 Report
ReCAAP ISC in it’s latest monthly report that a total of three incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported in Asia in April 2017. Of these, two were actual incidents (armed robbery against ships) and one was an attempted incident (piracy).
There was no actual incident of abduction of crew from ship while underway in the Sulu-Celebes Sea and waters o Eastern Sabah in April 2017, except for an attempted incident involving a passenger/ cargo ferry on 18 Apr 17. However, there is no room for complacency. The ReCAAP ISC continues to emphasize collective and shared responsibility among the law enforcement agencies and shipping industry.
Number of Incidents
In April 2017, three incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported in Asia. Compared to the same period in 2016, there was a decrease in the number of incidents reported in April 2017. A total of 14 incidents were reported in April 2016 compared to three incidents in April 2017. On a month-on-month comparison between April 2016 and April 2017, the number of incidents fluctuated throughout the period, with the lowest of three incidents reported in August 2016 and April 2017; and the highest of 14 incidents in April 2016.
Location and Description of Incidents
Update on Situation of Abduction of Crew from Ships in the Sulu-Celebes Sea and Waters Off Eastern Sabah
Attempted Incident on 18 April 17
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) who is the ReCAAP Focal Point for Philippines reported to the ReCAAP ISC an incident involving a Philippine-registered passenger/cargo ferry, Doña Annabel. On 18 Apr 17, Doña Annabel was underway at approximately 14 nm northwest of Port Santa Maria, Siocon, Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines when three fast boats surrounded and tried to approach the ferry. An unknown number of perpetrators wearing bonnets and armed with guns were on board the boats. The ship captain reported the incident to the PCG.
Upon receipt of the distress call, the PCG immediately coordinated with local authorities, and deployed its assets to conduct maritime patrol in the area. The Philippine Navy also deployed its assets and the Philippine Air Force deployed two Huey helicopters to the location of the incident. The authorities located the ship and rendered assistance to her until she arrived safely at the port of Zamboanga City, Philippines.
Status of the Abducted Crew
The PCG reported to the ReCAAP ISC that on 13 Apr 17, one of the four abducted crew of fishing boat, Ramona 2, was beheaded in Sitto Pantay Minol, Brgy. Tanum, Patikul, Sulu. His remains were found by the Philippine Government forces who conducted a search operation after informed about the incident. Ramona 2 was boarded by an unknown number of perpetrators on 20 Dec 16. As of 30 Apr 17, of the 59 crew who were abducted since March 2016, 30 were released, seven were rescued, two were killed and 20 still in captivity.
Conclusion
The overall situation of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia in April 2017 had improved compared to the same period in 2016. Three incidents were reported in April 2017 compared to 14 incidents in April 2016. Although there was no actual incident of abduction of crew reported in April 2017, there is no room for complacency as the perpetrators continued to seek out for victim ships to board. This was evidenced in the incident involving Don?a Annabel on 18 Apr 17 where the perpetrators tried to approach the ship, but was not successful in boarding due to timely reporting by the crew and immediate response by the Philippine authorities.
Download the Full Report
Source: ReCAAP ISC
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