Summary of Piracy and Armed Robbery Incidents in Asia (January – June 2023)
Recent data released by the Information Sharing Centre of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) indicates a significant surge in piracy and armed robberies against ships in Asia during the first half of 2023. There were a total of 95 incidents reported, marking an alarming 83% increase compared to the same period in 2022.
Most of these incidents were concentrated in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, with a total of 80 occurrences in these crucial maritime routes. This sharp rise is particularly notable as there were only 21 reported incidents in the first half of 2022. Despite the increase, the majority of incidents were deemed non-severe; approximately 90% of the time, no crew members were injured. Interestingly, the majority of attacks, around 90%, occurred after dark, which raises concerns about the preparedness of vessels during nighttime hours.
Analysis conducted by ReCAAP revealed that the perpetrators were not targeting ships based on flags or nationalities. Instead, incidents primarily involved vessels that were slow-moving and had less vigilant crew members. This situation presents an indicator that socioeconomic factors may be influencing criminals, who risk their lives during such attacks to steal low-value items. In fact, half of the reported cases in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore resulted in nothing being stolen, while about 29% involved the theft of engine spares.
The assault patterns suggest that bulk carriers and tankers are the primary targets, accounting for nearly half and a quarter of the incidents, respectively. The ReCAAP report concludes that many ships were vulnerable during attacks due to their ill-preparedness, low freeboard, and slow maneuvers in congested areas.
To counter this growing threat, ReCAAP emphasizes the need for increased maritime security and vigilance. Authorities should bolster their presence in areas known for recurring piracy and robbery incidents. Shipmasters are advised to enhance watchkeeping duties during the night and implement proactive measures to deter unauthorized boardings. The executive director of ReCAAP, Vijay D Chafekar, underscored the importance of vigilance among crew members, especially in regions identified as high-risk.
In summary, while the rise in piracy and armed robbery incidents in Asia is concerning, the lack of severe injury among crew members offers some reassurance. Nonetheless, significant steps must be taken to improve ship security and increase awareness among crews to combat this growing threat in vital shipping lanes.
