Description
On May 21, 2025, at approximately 18:20 UTC, the Liberian-flagged Bulk Carrier ALPHA PEACE was underway in the Philip Channel, Singapore Strait, when four perpetrators armed with knives were sighted on the starboard quarter deck. Upon detection by the alerted crew, the perpetrators immediately jumped into the water. The Master raised the general alarm and mustered the crew for safety. A subsequent search revealed no further presence of the perpetrators aboard. All crew were accounted for with no injuries reported, and nothing was stolen. The vessel resumed its voyage to Vietnam. The incident was reported to Singapore Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS). Safety broadcasts on anti-piracy watch were initiated to warn all vessels to maintain vigilant watch in the Singapore Strait. The Republic of Singapore Navy's Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) and Singapore Police Coast Guard (PCG) were notified. Information about the incident was shared with Indonesian authorities.
Response Actions
- Self-defense Measures
- Evasive Maneuvers
- Singapore Vtis
- Police Coast Guard
- Singapore Navy
Stolen items
- None
Key findings
This incident demonstrates a typical opportunistic robbery attempt in the Singapore Strait, characterized by a small group of lightly armed perpetrators targeting a vessel underway. The attackers' quick retreat upon discovery suggests they were not prepared for confrontation, likely hoping to board undetected and steal easily accessible items. The crew's vigilance and prompt response, including raising the alarm and mustering, effectively deterred the attack without escalation. The multi-agency response, including notifications to Singapore VTIS, RSN's MSTF, and PCG, as well as information sharing with Indonesian authorities, highlights the well-established regional cooperation mechanisms in place for addressing maritime security incidents in this high-traffic area. The safety broadcast initiated serves as an important real-time warning system for other vessels transiting the area.
Recommendations
- Maintain heightened vigilance and implement 24-hour visual and radar watch, especially in high-risk areas.
- Ensure crew is trained in and ready to execute anti-piracy procedures, including alarm activation and mustering.
- Report all suspicious activities or attempted boardings to relevant authorities immediately.