ReCAAP reports lowest piracy incidents to January-August period
A total of four incidents of armed robbery against ships were reported in Asia in August 2017, according to ReCAAP ISC’s monthly report. Of these, three were actual incidents and one was an attempted incident.
Compared to August 2016, the total number of incidents reported in August 2017 has increased by one incident. A total of three incidents (comprising two actual incidents and one attempted incident) were reported in August 2016.
A total of 43 incidents were reported during January-August 2017, of which 36 were actual incidents and 7 were attempted incidents. In particular:
- The number of incidents reported during January-August 2017 was the lowest among the 10-year reporting period.
- Compared to January-August 2016, there was a 20% decrease in the total number of incidents reported and a 72% decrease compared to the same period in 2015. A total of 54 incidents were reported during January-August 2016, and 151 incidents reported during January-August 2015.
- The improvement during January-August 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.
Conclusions
- The number of incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia in August 2017 had increased slightly compared to the same period in 2016.
- However, the total number of incidents during January-August 2017 was the lowest among the 10-year reporting period of January-August 2008-2017.
- There was no report of incident involving the abduction of crew from ships in the Sulu-Celebes Sea since the last actual incident that occurred in March 2017.
Nevertheless, the ReCAAP ISC together with ReCAAP Focal Points, particularly the Focal Point for Philippines (Philippine Coast Guard), and the regional authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely, and update on advisories and proactive measures initiated by the Philippine authorities in addressing the situation.
The ReCAAP ISC reiterates the need for port authorities to maintain enhanced port security measures, particularly during hours of darkness; and ship masters to exercise vigilance and make timely reporting of all incidents to the relevant authorities.
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