Piracy in Asia has decreased by 65 %, the [ds_preview]regional cooperation agreement ReCAAP announced today. However, there would be no room for complacency, it says.
»There has been a significant improvement during January-September compared to the same period in past four years (2012-2015)«, it is reported. In addition, the number of incidents has decreased by 65% compared to 2015. A total of 59 incidents were reported.
According to ReCAAP, of the 59 incidents, three were incidents of piracy and 56 armed robberies against ships. Also of concern was the CAT1 (very significant) incidents involving the abduction of crew in the Sulu Sea. As a result these cases led to several political discussions as the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf was expected to be involved, HANSA reported. The cases accounted for seven of the nine CAT 1 incidents reported during January- September 2016. The other two CAT 1 incidents involved the hijacking of ships for theft of oil cargo. Indonesian authorities had arrested the perpetrators involved in one of the incidents and recovered the cargo. More than two-thirds were CAT 4 (minimum significant) incidents. CAT2 and CAT3 incidents had also decreased and were the lowest among the five year period of January-September.
ReCAAP: »Decrease most evident in SOMS«
ReCAAP emphasizes, that the decrease in the overall number was most evident in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS). Furthermore, other improvements were reported at ports and anchorages in Bangladesh and Vietnam. There has also been a decrease in incidents involving hijacking of ships for theft of oil cargo. Two such incidents were reported compared to 11 during January-September 2014 while 12 incidents in 2015. About 73% of the incidents occurred on board ships while at ports and anchorages, and 27% on board ships while underway.
In cases where losses were reported, theft of ship stores were mostly stolen from ships anchored/berthed. However, the organization warns of being satisfied. »Although the total number of incidents has decreased, there is no room for complacency as more need to be done. And preventive measures be implemented to prevent the recurrence of incidents involving the abduction of crew in the Sulu Sea and hijacking of ships for theft of oil cargo.« As a result, the ReCAAP ISC also encourages crews to exercise enhanced vigilance while underway and maintain watchkeeping at ports and anchorages. Additionally, the relevant authorities should implement port security measures and maintain regular surveillance.
