Robbery - Phillip Channel, Singapore Strait

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Incident Details

Incident Date & Time:

23 June 2025: 0323 UTC

Location:

Phillip Channel, Singapore Strait

Latitude/Longitude: 

1° 3' 21.60" N, 103° 40' 60.00" E

Vessel Type, Flag and Status:

Tanker, Singapore, Underway

Incident Type:

Robbery

Crew status

No injuries reported

Incident Details

Description

On 23 June 2025, at 0323 UTC, a robbery occurred aboard a Singapore-flagged Tanker while underway in the Phillip Channel, Singapore Strait. The duty crew reported sighting four robbers armed with knives in the engine room. Following the incident, the Master confirmed all crew were safe, and three 20-litre drums of paint had been stolen. The vessel did not require assistance and continued to her next port of call in Singapore.

Response Actions

- No Response Mentioned

Stolen items

- Three 20-litre drums of paint

Key findings

This incident demonstrates a common tactic employed by opportunistic criminals in the Singapore Strait, targeting vessels during nighttime transits. The attackers' focus on the engine room suggests they were familiar with ship layouts and likely sought high-value portable items. The successful boarding despite the vessel being underway indicates a level of sophistication in the attackers' approach. The theft of paint drums, while seemingly minor, could be intended for quick resale or use in other criminal activities. The crew's prompt detection of the intruders likely prevented a more extensive theft, highlighting the importance of maintaining vigilant watch even in busy shipping lanes.

Recommendations

- Enhance engine room security with additional locks and motion sensors.

- Implement 24-hour CCTV monitoring of vulnerable areas, especially during night transits.

- Conduct regular anti-piracy drills to improve crew response times to intrusions.

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