Robbery/theft - Phillip Channel, Singapore Strait

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Incident Details

Incident Date & Time:

17 June 2025: 1554 UTC

Location:

Phillip Channel, Singapore Strait

Latitude/Longitude: 

1° 3' 13.20" N, 103° 40' 22.80" E

Vessel Name, Type, IMO, Flag & Status

LIRICA, Tanker, 9302928, Liberia, Underway

Incident Type:

Robbery/theft

Crew status

No injuries reported

Incident Details

Description

On 17 June 2025, at 15:54 UTC, the Liberia-flagged Tanker LIRICA reported an attempted robbery while underway in the Phillip Channel, Singapore Strait. Four unarmed perpetrators were sighted on the stern deck. A thorough search was conducted, but no perpetrators were found aboard. All crew members were accounted for and uninjured. Nothing was reported stolen. The incident was reported to Singapore Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS) West. Safety broadcasts were initiated to warn vessels to maintain vigilant anti-piracy 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 was shared with Indonesian authorities. Upon arrival at anchorage, Singapore PCG boarded the ship, conducted a search, and confirmed no perpetrators were aboard. The vessel required no further assistance and continued its voyage to Singapore PEBGB.

Response Actions

- Security Incident Reported
- Self-defence Measures
- Singapore Vtis
- Police Coast Guard
- Singapore Navy
- Other Authorities

Stolen items

- None

Key findings

This incident demonstrates a common tactic used by opportunistic robbers in the Singapore Strait, targeting vessels during transit. The perpetrators' quick escape before a thorough search could be conducted suggests they were experienced and familiar with ship layouts. The absence of weapons and the fact that nothing was stolen indicate this was likely an opportunistic attempt rather than a well-planned operation. The rapid response and coordination between various authorities, including cross-border information sharing, highlight the effectiveness of established maritime security protocols in the region. The follow-up boarding and search by Singapore PCG at anchorage is a commendable practice, ensuring the vessel's security even after the initial incident.

Recommendations

- Maintain heightened vigilance and continuous deck patrols, especially in high-risk areas.

- Ensure proper lighting and have pre-planned emergency communication procedures.

- Conduct regular security drills to improve crew response times to potential threats.

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