ReCAAP Report on Crew Abduction in SE Asia
In the light of three incidents where the crew of tug boats were abducted in the waters off Eastern Sabah and Southern Philippines, the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia Information Sharing Centre (ReCAAP ISC) published a special report on the ‘Abducting of Crew from Tug Boats in Waters off Eastern Sabah and Southern Philippines’.
Between March and July 2016, six incidents occurred on board five tug boats towing barges and one fishing trawler, says the report.
The report provides an update of the situation, which focuses on the modus operandi of the perpetrators, the status of the abducted crew and the actions taken to combat the events that have occurred.
As a result of these six incidents, 33 crew members have been abducted. So far, 18 crew members have been released (thought to be as a result of ransoms being paid), whilst the remaining 15 crew are still being held in captivity.
The modus operandi in the six incidents was similar, as the perpetrators targeted the crew, rather than the ship or its cargo.
ReCAAP ISC report that it is common for perpetrators to target slow-moving ships, during daylight hours while using fast speed boats and carrying firearms.
As a result of the incidents, government officials from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines have held meetings to discuss immediate regional maritime and security challenges affecting the three countries. This has led to a Joint Declaration, which aims to address the security issues that are common concerns amongst the three countries.
Furthermore, the ReCAAP ISC and the Philippines Coast Guard are working together to monitor the situation closely, sharing the latest information, best practices and lessons learned with the shipping industry and regional authorities.
