Eleven sea robberies in Singapore Strait in one week raises concerns over record-high year
Sea robberies in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore have surged, with 11 incidents reported in about a week — bringing this year’s total to 90 and raising concerns that 2025 could surpass previous records
While most cases remain low in severity, enhanced patrols and vigilance are urged to prevent further escalation
THE spike in sea robberies in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore accelerated recently, with 11 incidents occurring in about 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 underway 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,” said Starboard Maritime Intelligence analyst Mark Douglas.
He noted on LinkedIn that if this pace continued, the 2025 tally was likely to surpass 2015’s 122 incidents, the highest on record since ReCAAP began the reporting in 2005.
However, so far the vast majority of incidents fall into the less severe Category 3 and 4, in which the boarders are not heavily armed, the crew are not injured and the economic losses are limited.
At the same time, no 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 urges 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.
