After the recent surge in piracy incidents[ds_preview] and crew abduction by Abu Sayyaf in Asia, the regional cooperation ReCAAP advises all ships to re-route the Sulu-Celebes Sea.
The topic of most concern is the involvement of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, active in the Philippines. In a recent altert statement the Information Sharing Centre of the »Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia« said to be »deeply concerned about the situation of abduction of crew from ships while underway in the Sulu-Celebes Sea and eastern Sabah region«.
Since March 2016, there has been eleven incidents with nine actual incidents and two attempted incidents occurred in the area. Most of the incidents are claimed by the terrorist group of the Philippines Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). 44 crew were abducted and 11 crew among them are still in captive. Since October 2016, the perpetrators have begun to target ships of larger tonnage (»Dong Bang Giant 2«, »Royal 16«, »Southern Falcon« and »Kumiai Shagang«). Before, the activities were mainly focussed on small fisher boats and tourists.
Two weeks ago, Abu Sayyaf gained a lot of attention especially from Germany after abduction two Germans from their yacht.
However, there re positive signals, ReCAAP said. »Nonetheless, the latest attempted incidents of »Southern Falcon« and »Kumiai Shagang« show the vigilance of the crew and effective activation of anti-piracy measures had successfully prevented boarding by the perpetrators.«
As a result of the development, the ISC reiterated its advisory to all ships to re-route from the area, where possible. Otherwise, ship masters and crew would be strongly urged to exercise extra vigilance while transiting the area and report immediately to the information centres in the region. »Shipping industry is advised to adopt relevant preventive measures taking reference from the Regional Guide to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia«.
