Eleven sea robberies in Singapore Strait in one week raise concerns of record year
While most cases remain low in severity, ReCAAP urges enhanced patrols and vigilance to prevent further escalation
Sea robberies in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore have surged, with latest incidents bringing this year’s total to 90 and raising concerns 2025 could surpass previous records
The spike in sea robberies in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore accelerated recently, with 11 incidents occurring in little more than a week, pushing the year-to-date total to 90.
These latest incidents were reported between June 28 and July 7, according to the Regional Co-operation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP).
They all took place on board ships under way in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme of the Singapore Strait.
“Eleven boardings in one week in the Singapore Strait is a staggering number,” Starboard Maritime Intelligence analyst Mark Douglas said.
Writing on LinkedIn he said if this pace continues the 2025 tally is likely to surpass 2015’s 122 incidents, the highest on record since ReCAAP began reporting in 2005.
However, so far the vast majority of incidents fall into the less severe category three and four, in which the boarders are not heavily armed, the crew are not injured and the economic losses are limited. None of the most serious category one events, involving either vessel hijacking or cargo theft, have been recorded yet.
The recent cases were similar, with no injury of crew members reported.
Engine spare parts were stolen in four incidents and nothing was taken in the other seven. The ships involved included one containership and 10 dry bulkers, according to ReCAAP.
As before, the group urged the littoral states to increase patrols and surveillance in their waters, promptly respond to reported incidents, strengthen co-ordination and share information on incidents and involved criminal groups to arrest the perpetrators.
The notice again advised ships to take preventative measures, such as maintaining vigilant watchkeeping and reporting all incidents immediately to authorities.
Tips included leveraging the ReCAAP mobile app and referring to guidance on identifying suspicious small boats when notifying officials.
This article first appeared in Lloyd’s List, a sister publication of Insurance Day
