Web Alert: ReCAAP issue alert on the increasing cases of abduction of crew from ships

As previously reported by the club here and here, ReCAAP ISC have reported a spate of abductions of crew from ships in waters off Eastern Sabah and Southern Philippines. Now ReCAAP ISC have published a follow-up incident report entitled Incident Alert on Increasing Cases of Abduction of Crew from Ships.

ReCAAP ISC report that they are 'deeply concerned about the situation of abduction of crew from ships while underway in the Sulu-Celebes Sea and eastern Sabah region' and make a particular note that the perpetrators are becoming more ambitious. Originally, smaller, slow moving vessels such as tug boats towing barges and fishing trawlers were targeted. However, it has now been reported that ships of greater tonnage are being targeted.

ReCAAP ISC advise that all ships should re-route from the area where possible and otherwise, ships should report immediately to the following centres when transiting the area:

• Operation Centre in the Philippine Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao for monitoring and immediate responses in any eventualities. (Sat phones: +63 929686 4129/+63 916626 0689, VHF: Channel 16 with callsign "ENVY", Email: hcgdswm@yahoo.com)

• Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) when transiting nearer to eastern Sabah. (Tel: +60 89863181/016, Fax: +60 89863182, VHF: Channel 16 with call-sign “ESSCOM”, Email: bilikgerakanesscom@jpm.gov.my)