ReCAAP ISC: An armed robbery from August 20 to 26

AAccording to ReCAAP ISC, the incident occurred on 23 August 2024 on board a barge in the westbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) of the Singapore Strait (SS). Details of the incident are listed below:

• Location: SOMS, about 3.6 nm south of Tanjung Setapa, Malaysia
• Vessel type: Tug & barge
• Date/Time: August 23, 2024, 12:30 p.m.
• Number of perpetrators: 7 men
• Weapons: Not specified
• Treatment of crew: No injuries
• Significance level: CAT 4
• Stolen items: scrap metal

Problem area

With the incident in SS, a total of 31 incidents have been reported in the Strait of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) since January 2024. The ReCAAP ISC advises ships to exercise increased vigilance when transiting SOMS and advises coastal states to increase patrols and enforcement in these areas.

Reassessment and downgrading of threat level

The efforts of the Philippine government in Zamboanga, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi through continuous military operations resulted in the dismantling of the support base and neutralization of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the Sulu Archipelago. Against this backdrop, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in coordination with other stakeholders involved in maritime security in the Sulu-Celebes Sea, reviewed the threat situation and recommended downgrading the threat level of “Kidnapping of a Crew Member for Ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Sea” from “MEDIUM” to “MEDIUM-LOW”. This means that incidents are unlikely as the perpetrators are considered incapable of orchestrating an attack. However, in the event of an attack, only minimal damage to the vessel and crew is expected.

ReCAAP ISC Recommendation Letter Update

• Following the PCG's downgrading of the threat of “kidnapping of crew members for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Sea”, the ReCAAP ISC has updated its recommendation for vessels to “exercise vigilance and take necessary preventive measures” when transiting the area.
• Ship captains and crew transiting the area are strongly advised to exercise extra vigilance and immediately report any incidents to the Philippines' operational centres and the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) in Malaysia.