In a significant rise from previous years, the number of piracy and armed robbery incidents aboard ships in Asian waters has topped 100 this year (as of December 27), escalating from 84 last year and 82 in 2021, as per the latest figures from the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC), a regional inter-governmental agency.

Out of the total, the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) have been particularly affected with 63 reported incidents since January 2023. Indonesia has been noted as the second highest with 16 incidents, followed by the Philippines with 10, India with 5, Vietnam with 3, and Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Thailand reporting one each.

The Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) have been particularly affected with 63 reported incidents since January 2023

The ReCAAP ISC has highlighted an alarming increase in activities in the SOMS area. It has advised ships to maintain enhanced vigilance while transiting through SOMS and urged littoral States to bolster patrols and enforcement.

To date this year, Asian waters have witnessed nine Category-2 incidents, a sharp increase compared to four in the previous year. ReCAAP ISC categorizes incidents into four based on a matrix of violence and economic impact. Category-2 incidents typically involve 4-9 perpetrators, often armed with knives or machetes, and occasionally guns. These incidents often result in the crew being threatened or temporarily held hostage, enabling the theft of cash and ship property including engine spares. While there may be some injuries or physical violence involved, they are generally less severe than those in Category-1.

In 2023, the Asian region witnessed 9 category 2 pirate attacks, a significant increase from 4 incidents in 2022.

Furthermore, there has been a notable increase to 30 Category-3 incidents this year, up from 21 last year. These incidents involve smaller groups armed with knives, sticks, or other blunt objects. In these situations, the crew is usually not physically harmed but may be subject to duress.

In a move to address these concerns, the ReCAAP ISC and the Indian Coast Guard co-hosted a capacity-building meeting for senior officers in India from December 11-15. The meeting was attended by senior naval and coast guard officers from 14 ReCAAP Focal Points and representatives from various maritime authorities. They discussed best practices and strategies to strengthen cooperation in deterring and suppressing piracy and sea robbery in Asia.

Moreover, the ReCAAP Focal Point officers shared insights on how their respective countries are bolstering maritime security in ports, anchorages, and territorial waters to counter maritime crimes. Discussions also centered on enhancing cooperation between maritime and land agencies and improving incident reporting timeliness.

Given the alarming rise in incidents particularly in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, the ReCAAP ISC held a dialogue with the shipping industry in early November to discuss security concerns of vessels transiting the area, noting a significant 40% rise in incidents until October of this year.

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