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Flash Report Tuesday 25 March 2025 |
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Robbery- Singapore Straits |
Dear Client, Please find below our most recent Flash Report. If you have any queries about our reports please contact us at africaops@castorvali.com. |
Incident Details |
Incident Date & Time: 18 March 2025; 2230hrs Location: Singapore Strait Latitude/Longitude: 1° 5' 4.80" N, 103° 43' 19.80" E |
Vessel Name, IMO, Type, Flag & Status CNC LEOPARD, Container Ship, 9945356, Singapore, Underway Incident Type: Robbery Crew status No injuries reported |
Incident Details |
Description While underway, the ship's anti-piracy watchman noticed two perpetrators armed with long knives on the rescue boat deck on the starboard side. A perpetrator was trying to break the security grating lock of the external stairway, and the other perpetrator was climbing up by the water down spout. The watchman immediately notified the master, who raised the general alarm, instructed the crew to switch on all deck lights and inform the engine room. The two perpetrators escaped to the port side of the ship, and were later spotted escaping in a small wooden boat, with a total of about five perpetrators onboard. The crew conducted a check and found that the padlocks of the deck store, starboard side external stairway grating, steering gear room skylight access cover and paint locker were broken. There were also traces of the perpetrators' attempt to enter the upper deck and poop deck entrance doors. Some work tools and equipment including an electric impact wrench, hand drill, jig saw and ratchet wrench were stolen. The crew was not injured.
Response actions - Evasive Maneuvers - None Mentioned
Stolen items - Other Items
Key findings This incident demonstrates a sophisticated and well-coordinated robbery attempt on a moving vessel. The perpetrators employed multiple entry points, including climbing up a water spout and attempting to break security grating locks. Their use of a small wooden boat for approach and escape suggests local knowledge of waters and vessel traffic patterns. The targeting of specific tools and equipment indicates a planned operation rather than opportunistic theft. The attackers' ability to quickly locate and access multiple secured areas (deck store, external stairway, steering gear room, paint locker) implies possible insider information or prior surveillance of the vessel layout. The crew's prompt response in activating alarms and lighting likely prevented a more extensive theft or potential harm to crew members.
- Enhance physical security measures, particularly around external access points and storage areas - Implement regular, randomized security patrols, especially in high-risk areas and during night hours - Conduct thorough inventories and secure high-value portable equipment in reinforced, locked storage. |
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