Web Alert: The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) publishes its half yearly report for 2017

ReCAAP has published its report for the first half of 2017, covering the period from January to June 2017. The report highlights that the situation of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia continues to improve, with the lowest number of incidents reported during a five-year period.

A total of 36 incidents (comprising 30 actual and six attempted incidents) were reported during the first half of 2017, compared to 46 incidents reported in the same period last year.

The majority of incidents occurred in Indonesia, followed by Philippines and Bangladesh.

In relation to crew, ReCAAP reports that two crew members were taken hostage, one assaulted, one killed and two kidnapped.

Of the 30 incidents, 13 occurred on board tankers, eight on board bulk carriers, three on board offshore supply vessels, three on board tug boats and two on board container ships.

ReCAAP reports improvements at the ports and anchorages in India, Indonesia and Vietnam. However, hijackings of ships for theft of oil cargo remains a concern.

Of further concern are incidents involving the abduction of crew from ships whilst underway in the Sulu-Celebes Sea waters off Eastern Sabah. Seven incidents were reported during January-April. No incidents were reported in May or June 2017 but ReCAAP advises that there is no room for complacency.

A copy of the full report can be accessed here.