Asian waters see a 35% rise in ship robbery

Piracy and ship robbery in Asian waters have increased by 35% in the first six months of this year compared to the same period last year.

According to data from the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP), there were 57 reported incidents from January to June this year, while there were 42 incidents during the corresponding months last year.

Out of the 57 incidents, 40 occurred in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, which has raised concerns for the ReCAAP ISC (Information Sharing Centre).

To address the situation, the ReCAAP ISC advises ships to exercise heightened vigilance while transiting the Straits of Malacca and Singapore and urges littoral States to increase patrols and enforcement in the area.

However, the advisory also notes that the threat of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas has diminished since January 2020 due to successful military operations and law enforcement initiatives. As a result, the Centre suggests that ships may consider re-routing from the area as an option.

For ships still transiting the region, the ReCAAP encourages ship masters and crew to remain extra vigilant and promptly report all incidents to the Operation Centres of the Philippines and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) of Malaysia.

The ReCAAP Information Centre emphasizes the importance of reporting all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State and flag State and provides a Poster with Contact Details for Reporting such Incidents in Asia.

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