6 Pirates With Knives Attack 2 S’pore Ships In 1 Hour Yesterday Morning, All Crew Members Safe

6 Pirates With Knives Attack 2 Singapore Ships On 9 Feb, Some Engine Parts Stolen

When you think of pirates, I’m sure Jack Sparrow, or some wildly-bearded, hook-handed man wearing an eyepatch comes to mind.

Pirates seem like characters in a fantasy story to many, but they’re closer to home than you think.

Southeast Asia is known for its prolific piracy incidents in its waters, and Singapore is no exception.

In fact, maritime robberies and pirate activity have been on the rise.

Just yesterday (9 Feb) morning around 2am, 2 Singapore ships were attacked by pirates. The attack occurred in the Singapore Strait, and bring the total number of reported attacks this year to 6.

Image for illustration purposes only
Source

This has raised concerns, as piracy in regions surrounding Singapore has been on the rise, as of late.

Both ships were attacked as they passed near Nongsia Point, Indonesia, and both their crews were unharmed.

Nothing stolen from first ship during pirates attack

The first pirates attack took place around 2.20am, reported The Straits Times (ST).

A bulk carrier by the name of New Spirit was infiltrated by 6 pirates armed with knives. The pirates entered the engine room, but retreated upon seeing the vessel’s crew.

Image for illustration purposes only
Source

The vessel made its way back to Singapore after reporting the incident to Singapore authorities. Singapore’s Police Coast Guard conducted a search on the boat for the attackers, but to no avail.

Apparently, nothing was stolen from the New Spirit, and no pirates were found on board.

Second ship suffered losses

Around half an hour later at 2.52am, the second attack occurred.

Image for illustration purposes only
Source

The crew of the ship discovered the pirate in their engine room, and the ship master raised the ship’s alarm. After the crew convened, they searched the vessel for the pirate, as per the ship master’s instruction.

Although no one was injured, they suffered losses as some valves were missing from the engine room.

Increased measures to deal with pirates

Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) urged the law enforcement departments of related countries to aid in quelling the attacks by increasing surveillance and patrols.

They requested for more cooperation and coordination between them as well, so they can respond to future incidents more efficiently.

The Maritime Security Task Force is also reviewing their measures against piracy.

Image for illustration purposes only 
Source

Responding to MP Christopher de Souza’s query, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen wrote that the review of the measures should be finished “in the next few months”, published ST.

Dr Ng told ST that Singapore has been coordinating with our neighbours – Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia – to manage incidents outside local waters.

The countries are allegedly “committed” to “(improving) information exchange processes”, which will aid investigating maritime robberies.

Authorities concerned with pirate activity

ReCAAP told ST that it was “concerned with the continued occurrence” of pirate activities in the Singapore Strait.

They strongly advised all ships to “exercise utmost vigilance, adopt extra precautionary measures and report all incidents immediately”.

Given that none of the perpetrators from previous attacks have been arrested, it’s highly probable that the pirates will strike again soon.

We hope all maritime workers stay safe, and that the newly reviewed policies will be effective at solving this problem.

Featured image courtesy of AFP.