Robbery/theft -  Singapore Strait

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Incident Details

Incident Date & Time:

07 June 2025 : 05:18 UTC

Location:

Singapore Strait

Latitude/Longitude: 

1° 14' 36.60" N, 104° 1' 52.80" E

Vessel Name, Type, Flag, IMO & Status

HK TUG 9 & LKH 7887, Tug Boat, 9767120  Singapore, Underway

Incident Type:

Robbery/theft

Crew status

No injuries reported

Incident Details

Description

On June 7, 2025, at 05:18 UTC, the Tug Boat HK TUG 9 and its accompanying Barge LKH 7887 were underway when they encountered multiple boats with perpetrators. The crew observed three boats on the port side of the barge, four on the starboard side, and one at the rear. Each boat carried three to four individuals, with approximately 14 perpetrators boarding the barge. Upon activation of the general alarm, the perpetrators fled. Some scrap metal was reported stolen. All crew members were accounted for with no injuries reported. The incident was reported to the Singapore Port Operations Control Centre (POCC).

Response Actions

- Security Incident Reported

- Singapore Vtis

Stolen items

- Other Items

Key findings

This incident demonstrates an unusually large and coordinated attack involving multiple small boats and a significant number of perpetrators. The use of eight boats surrounding the tug and barge suggests a well-planned operation, likely targeting the less maneuverable and more vulnerable barge. The attackers' quick retreat upon hearing the alarm indicates they were opportunistic and not prepared for confrontation. The theft of scrap metal, a low-value target, suggests the attackers may have been interrupted before accessing more valuable cargo or equipment. The large number of attackers involved (approximately 14) for a relatively small haul is noteworthy and may indicate inexperience or desperation among the perpetrator group.

Recommendations

- Implement enhanced watch schedules with additional lookouts when transiting high-risk areas.

- Install and regularly test loud alarm systems to deter boarders quickly .

- Secure all valuable cargo and equipment, even items of relatively low value like scrap metal.

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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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