ReCAAP: Pirate attacks in Asia drop 6% on year over Jan-September period

There has been improvement in the piracy and armed robbery situation in Asia during January-September 2013 compared to the same period in past four years (2009-2012). Unlike the past years, there was no Category 1 (very significant) incident reported during January- September 2013, and the number of Category 2 (moderately significant) incidents was at its lowest.

Of the 90 incidents reported during January-September 2013, 86 were actual incidents and four were attempted incidents. Out of the 86 actual incidents, six were piracy incidents and the remaining 80 were armed robbery against ships1.

Compared to past years, the decline in the number of incidents reported during January- September 2013 was most evident in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore involving ships while underway. However, there has been an increase in incidents onboard ships anchored off Pulau Nipah, Indonesia. Ship masters and crew are advised to exercise enhanced vigilance and maintain watch-keeping when anchored in the vicinity.

Overall, incidents reported during January-September 2013 were generally less violent compared to those in the previous four years. Incidents involving crew being assaulted, taken hostage or threatened occurred less frequently during January-September 2013 compared to the same period in previous years.

In incidents where losses were reported, theft of ship stores such as mooring ropes, paint and engine spares were more common at ports and anchorages, while loss of crew’s personal belongings and cash occurred onboard ships while underway.

About 80% of the incidents reported during January-September 2013 occurred to ships while at ports and anchorages. As such, the ReCAAP ISC encourages the relevant authorities to step up enforcement and strengthen port security; and ship owners, masters and crew to keep abreast with the latest situation update, report all incidents immediately to the coastal State and adopt best management practices.

Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Incidents during January -September 2013
Number of Incidents
A total of 90 incidents were reported during the period of January-September 2013. Of these,  86 were actual incidents and four were attempted incidents. The number of incidents has  fluctuated throughout the nine-month period, with the highest number of incidents occurred  in July 2013 and lowest in May 2013. Refer to Graph 1 on the monthly number of incidents  reported during January-September 2013.
Source: Recaap