Robbery/theft - Singapore Straits

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Incident Details

Incident Date & Time:

22 March 2025; 2038hrs

Location:

Singapore Straits

Latitude/Longitude: 

1° 8' 25.80" N, 103° 46' 22.20" E

Vessel Name, IMO, Type, Flag & Status

FATEMA JAHAN I, Bulk Carrier, 9749738, Bangladesh, Anchored

Incident Type:

Robbery/Theft

Crew status

No injuries reported

Incident Details

Description

While underway, the master reported to Singapore Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS) that two perpetrators carrying gun-like objects were sighted in the engine room of the ship. The emergency general alarm was raised and the ship crew conducted a search for the perpetrators, with no perpetrators found onboard. Nothing was stolen and the crew was not injured. Safety broadcast on anti-piracy watch was initiated to warn all vessels to maintain a vigilant watch at all times in the SS. The RSN's MSTF and Singapore PCG were notified of the incident. The Singapore PCG boarded the ship at anchorage and confirmed that no perpetrators were found and nothing was stolen. Information of the incident was shared with the Indonesian authorities.

Response actions

- Security Incident Reported
- Evasive Maneuvers

- Other Authorities
- Singapore Vtis
- Police Coast Guard

- Singapore Navy

Stolen items

- None

Key findings

This incident demonstrates a concerning level of boldness by perpetrators, who managed to board a moving vessel and access the engine room undetected. The presence of 'gun-like objects' suggests a potential escalation in the weaponry used by criminals in the Singapore Strait, as firearms are not commonly reported in this area. The quick response of the crew in raising the alarm and conducting a thorough search likely contributed to the perpetrators' hasty retreat without stealing anything. The involvement of multiple authorities, including Singapore's Navy and Police Coast Guard, highlights the seriousness with which such incidents are treated in this strategic waterway. The fact that the perpetrators were able to evade detection during the search and escape suggests they may have had a well-planned exit strategy or were highly familiar with ship layouts.

Recommendations

-  Implement enhanced engine room security measures, including restricted access and CCTV monitoring

- Conduct regular anti-piracy drills to improve crew response times and effectiveness

- Maintain constant vigilance and utilize additional lookouts, especially during night transits through high-risk areas

Disclaimer
You have received this report as part of your organisation’s subscription. Castor Vali assessment and advice is given based on the information received and processed by us and the surrounding circumstances known to us to exist at the time. Subsequent changes to relevant information or the surrounding circumstances may affect the reliability of our assessment and advice, but we do not accept responsibility for that effect. We do not accept responsibility for the outcome of any action taken or not taken as a result of our assessment and advice unless the possibility of that action being taken or not taken is set out in specific terms in our instructions.

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