ReCAAP ISC Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia - July 2017 Report
ReCAAP ISC latest report for July 2017 states that a total of two actual incidents of armed robbery against ships were reported in Asia in July 2017. No piracy incident was reported. The two incidents occurred on board ships while anchored in the vicinity of Pier 13, South Harbour, Manila, Philippines. There was no report of actual or tempted incidents involving the abduction of crew from ships in the Sulu-Celebes Sea and waters off Eastern Sabah in July 2017. No abduction of crew incident was reported since April 2017. The ReCAAP ISC continues to reiterate the need for collective efforts and shared responsibility among ReCAAP Focal Points, regional authorities and the shipping industry in addressing the situation of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia.
Number of Incidents July 2017
Compared to July 2016, the total number of incidents reported in July 2017 has decreased by more than 50%. A total of ve incidents were reported in July 2016. Compared to the preceding months during the period of July 2016 to June 2017, July 2017 reported the lowest total number of incidents in a month.
Jan-Jul 2017
A total of 39 incidents were reported during January-July 2017, of which 33 were actual incidents and six were attempted incidents. The number of incidents reported during January-July 2017 was the lowest among the 10-year reporting period. Compared to January-July 2016, there was a 24% decrease in the total number of incidents reported during January-July 2017, and a 69% decrease compared to the same period in 2015. A total of 51 incidents were reported during January-July 2016, and 126 incidents reported during January-July 2015. The improvement during January-July 2017 was attributed to, amongst other contributing factors, the improvement of the situation in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (since 2016) and at certain ports and anchorages in India, Indonesia and Vietnam. While the overall situation during January-July 2017 has improved, there was increase in the number of incidents reported at certain ports and anchorages in Bangladesh (Chittagong) and Philippines (Manila and Batangas) compared to the same period in 2016.
Situation of Abduction of Crew from Ships While Underway in Sulu-Celebes Sea & Waters off Eastern Sabah (Jan-Jul 2017)
There was no report of incident involving the abduction of crew from ships in the Sulu-Celebes Sea and waters off Eastern Sabah in July 2017. The last incident reported to the ReCAAP ISC occurred on board Super Shuttle Tug 1 on 23 Mar 17.
On 5 Jul 17, the Philippine military found the bodies of two abducted crew of bulk carrier Royal 16 at Sitio Limbutulan, Brgy Tumahubong, Sumisip Basilan, Province. Royal 16 was boarded by 10 armed men who abducted six of its crew on 11 Nov 16.
On 7 Jul 17, the Philippine troops while conducting military operations in Pa kul Sulu recovered a cadaver which was later identified as one of the abducted crew of bulk carrier Giang Hai. An unknown number of armed men boarded Giang Hai on 19 Feb 17, abducted six of its crew and killed one while underway.
During January-July 2017, a total of 11 crew had been abducted from ships while underway in the Sulu-Celebes Sea and waters off Eastern Sabah. Of the 11 crew, two had been rescued, two killed and seven are still in captivity. The Philippine authorities continued to conduct pursuit opera ons and intensify its military opera ons to rescue the abducted crew and neutralize the militant group.
Conclusion
The overall situation of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia in July 2017 had improved compared to the same period in 2016. Two incidents were reported in July 2017 compared to five incidents reported in July 2016.
There was no report of incident involving the abduction of crew from ships while underway in the Sulu-Celebes Sea since the last reported incident that occurred in March 2017. Nevertheless there is no room for complacency.
Download the Full Report Here
Source: ReCAAP ISC
Subscribe to our newsletter. Receive a weekly round-up of all piracy-related & maritime situational awareness news.
OCEANUSLive.org
Information, Security, Safety; Shared
Submitted by Team@oceanuslive.org