Two security incidents involving bulk carriers were reported to ReCAAP ISC in Asia during 2-8 June. The cases were classified as one CAT 3 incident and one CAT 4 incident.
Both cases took place on 5 June while the vessels were underway in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme in the Singapore Strait. No crew members were injured.
The first incident occurred at 0228 hrs, 1.9 nautical miles off Pulau Cula, Indonesia. Three perpetrators boarded the bulk carrier without weapons, and no items were taken. ReCAAP ISC placed the case under CAT 4, its least significant category.
The second case was reported at 0352 hrs, 2.3 nautical miles off Pulau Cula. It also involved a bulk carrier. Three perpetrators were seen with knives and a gun-like object. Service kits and a DG turbo charger were stolen, but the crew were unharmed. ReCAAP ISC classified the case as CAT 3, which is described as less significant.
With the two latest reports, the number of incidents in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore since January 2026 has risen to 19.
ReCAAP ISC advised vessels to increase vigilance, keep a close watch when transiting areas of concern, and report incidents immediately to law enforcement agencies. It also urged littoral States to raise patrol levels, improve enforcement, respond quickly, coordinate more closely and share information on incidents and criminal groups.
Separately, ReCAAP ISC said there had been no crew abduction incident in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah for a 6th consecutive year. The last reported case occurred on 17 January 2020.
In January 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard, together with other stakeholders and counterparts, downgraded the threat level for crew abduction for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas to LOW. ReCAAP ISC’s advisory of 14 February 2025 asked ships transiting the area to remain vigilant, keep in communication with relevant authorities, and report incidents to the Operation Centers of the Philippines and ESSCOM.
