Robbery - Philip Channel, Singapore Strait

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Incident Details

Incident Date & Time:

22 May 2025 : 0330hrs

Location:

Philip Channel, Singapore Strait

Latitude/Longitude: 

1° 3' 15.60" N, 103° 37' 60.00" E

Vessel Name, Type, Flag & Status

Bulk Carrier, Cyprus, Underway

Incident Type:

Robbery

Crew status

No injuries

Incident Details

Description

On May 22, 2025, at 03:30 UTC, an attempted robbery occurred aboard a Cyprus-flagged Bulk Carrier while underway in the Philip Channel, Singapore Strait. The crew spotted one perpetrator with a firearm-like object on the starboard side of the vessel, and four unarmed perpetrators in the engine room. The Master reported that all crew members were safe and no items were stolen. The vessel continued to its next port of call in Singapore.

Response Actions

- Security Incident Reported

- Singapore Vtis

Stolen items

- None

Key findings

This incident demonstrates a sophisticated approach by the perpetrators, combining an armed lookout with multiple unarmed boarders targeting the engine room. The presence of a firearm-like object suggests an escalation in tactics compared to typical opportunistic thefts in the area. The attackers' ability to board a moving vessel and penetrate as far as the engine room indicates a high level of maritime skill and familiarity with ship layouts. The crew's prompt detection of the intruders likely prevented theft and potential escalation, highlighting the importance of vigilant watch-keeping even in busy shipping lanes.

Recommendations

- Maintain heightened vigilance and increase watch rotations in high-risk areas.

- Conduct regular security drills focusing on engine room intrusion scenarios.

- Install and monitor CCTV coverage of vulnerable areas, especially the engine room.

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