The ReCAAP ISC has issued its Quarterly Report revealing that during January- March 2017, there has been a significant drop in actual piracy and armed robbery in Asia, although the number of attempts increased. A total of 20 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships (comprising 15 actual incidents and five attempted incidents)were reported.The number of actual incidents has decreased by 12% compared to the same period in 2016.
A total of 17 incidents (all actual incidents) were reported during January – March 2016. The increase in the number of attempted incidents during January March 2017 was an indication of successful efforts by crew in deterring boarding by perpetrators.
Specifically, of the 15 actual incidents reported during January-March 2017, three were CAT 1 incidents, one was a CAT 2 incident, three were CAT 3 incidents and eight were CAT 4 incidents. Except for the CAT 1 incidents and CAT 3 incidents, the number of CAT 2 and CAT 4 incidents were the lowest in January-March 2017 compared to the same period of 2013-2016. The Chart below shows the Significance Level of incidents reported during January-March of 2013-2017.
Furthermore, there were improvements at ports and anchorages in Asia, particularly India. One incident was reported in India during January-March 2017 compared to 10 incidents reported there during the same period in 2016.
However, of serious concern was the continued occurrence of incidents involving the abduction of crew from ships while underway in the SuluCelebes Sea and waters off Eastern Sabah, East Malaysia. During January-March 2017, six incidents comprising three abduction incidents and three attempted incidents were reported to the ReCAAP ISC by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) who is the ReCAAP Focal Point for Philippines. The operations carried out by the Philippine military, PCG and other law enforcement agencies of the Philippines during 23-27 Mar 17 resulted in the rescue of the two abducted crew of Super Shuttle Tug 1 and five abducted crew since March 2016, 37 were released and 21 are still in captivity.
The ReCAAP ISC emphasises the importance of collective and shared responsibility among all stakeholders including the littoral States’ enforcement agencies and the shipping industry to institutionalise their efforts on land and at sea. More need to be done to strengthen regional cooperation and coordination among the littoral States in conducting coordinated patrols, maintaining stringent enforcement and apprehending the perpetrators.
Further details may be found by reading the full ReCAAP ISC Quarterly Report (January – March 2017)
Click here to view ReCAAP ISC’s infographic which depicts the piracy and armed robbery situation during the January – March 2017.
Source: ReCAAP ISC
During January-March 2017, six incidents comprising three abduction incidents and three attempted incidents were reported to the ReCAAP ISC by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) who is the ReCAAP Focal Point for Philippines.