The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (Recaap) organisation has warned that the robbery spree in the Singapore Strait has continued unabated in recent weeks.
Recaap said a total of 50 incidents had been reported since the start of 2025, and that three incidents had occurred in close proximity within one hour and 15 minutes on May 7. Two other incidents were reported in just three and a half hours on May 2.
The organisation said all these incidents had taken place aboard vessels sailing in the eastbound lane of the Singapore Strait near the Phillip Channel, the same hot spot region where most incidents have taken place so far this year. Most of the crimes were robberies where the perpetrators attempted not to interact with the crew or fled when they were seen.
However, Recaap said there was an increasing trend where more of the gangs were armed with guns or knives, including two suspects who boarded a Greek-owned bulker, Virgo, and two who boarded the Wisdom Ocean bulk carrier Hui Shun No 1 on May 7.
Reported incidents ranged from a single suspect who boarded the MOL Singapore chemical tanker Elm Galaxy to a gang of five people who got onto the UAE-operated tanker SMA on May 2.
Both vessels reported that suspects had stolen engine spare parts, while nothing was taken during the other incidents. No crew members were injured during the latest incidents.
Recaap has urged littoral states to increase patrols and surveillance in the region, saying it is critical to respond promptly to reports from vessels and to strengthen coordination and promote information sharing.
