News

Half-Yearly Report 2017 issued by ReCAAP ISC

27 July 2017 No.908

The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia information sharing centre (ReCAAP ISC) has issued Half Yearly Report 2017 on piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia. Please refer to its website at www.recaap.org.


A total of 36 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported during January – June 2017 in Asia. The total number of incidents reported during January – June 2017 has decreased by 22% compared to the same period in 2016. A total of 46 incidents were reported during January – June 2016. 


There were improvements at ports and anchorages in India, Indonesia and Vietnam. However, of concern was the occurrence of the incident involving the hijacking of ship for theft of oil cargo carried on board. Incident of similar modus operandi was last reported in October 2016.


Of serious concern was the occurrence of incidents involving the abduction of crew from ships while underway in the Sulu-Celebes Sea and waters off Eastern Sabah. A total of 7 incidents were reported during January – June 2017. As of 30 June 2017, 18 crew are still being held in captivity out of the 59 crew being abducted since March 2016.


The ReCAAP ISC reiterates its advice that all ships to re-route from the area, where possible. Otherwise ship masters and crew are strongly urged to exercise enhanced vigilance while transiting the area and report immediately to the relevant Centres.