Sepangar Bay anchorage, Malaysia

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Incident Details

Incident Date & Time:

09 September 2025, 02:48hrs

Location:

Sepangar Bay anchorage, Malaysia

Latitude/Longitude: 

6° 1' 40.20" N, 116° 4' 0.60" E

Vessel Name, Type, Flag and Status:

Malaysia-flagged Tanker

Incident Type:

Robbery

Crew status

No injuries reported

Incident Details

An attempted robbery occurred aboard a Malaysia-flagged Tanker while anchored at Sepangar Bay anchorage, Malaysia. The duty crew spotted one robber on the port side main deck. Upon being sighted, the perpetrator jumped overboard and escaped with an accomplice in a small boat. Nothing was reported stolen. The incident was reported to Port control.

Response Actions

- Security Incident Reported
- Local Maritime Authority

Stolen items

-None

Key findings

This incident demonstrates a common tactic used by opportunistic criminals in anchorages: small teams attempting to board vessels under cover of darkness. The quick response of the duty crew in spotting the intruder likely prevented a successful theft. The robbers' immediate retreat upon detection suggests they were not heavily armed or prepared for confrontation, typical of low-level criminal activity rather than organized piracy. The use of a small boat for approach and escape is a standard method in such attempts, allowing for quick ingress and egress.

Recommendations

-Maintain vigilant watch rotations, especially during night hours at anchorage

-Ensure proper lighting and consider using additional temporary lighting on the main deck

-Implement a predetermined emergency response plan for crew to follow upon detecting intruders

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