In the past 7-days the following attacks were noted by the International Chamber of Commerce, Commercial Crimes Services.
Balikpapan Anchorage, Indonesia
Two robbers armed with long knives boarded an anchored bulk carrier via the anchor chain. Duty crew noticed the robbers and raised the alarm. All crew mustered and rushed to the forecastle. On seeing the crew alertness, the robbers escaped empty handed in their speed boat.
Singapore Straits
About six robbers in a speed boat approached and boarded a barge under two, stole barge properties and escaped. Later the same evening a speedboat with five persons wearing camouflage uniforms approached the tug. Two of the persons boarded the tug and took hostage the duty bosun and held him face down at knife point. Seeing the boarding the Master raised the alarm and all crew mustered. Seeing the crew alertness, the persons in the camouflage uniforms left the tug without stealing anything.
Ramsburg Terminal, Georgetown, Guyana
Two robbers armed with guns and long knives boarded a berthed LPG tanker from the offshore side by using a grappling hook. They took the C/O and shore security guard as hostage, proceeded to the Master’s cabin and stole ship’s cash and escaped. No injury to crew.
ICC add that the definition of Piracy is as laid down in Article 101 of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and Armed Robbery as laid down in Resolution A.1025 (26) adopted on 2 December 2009 at the 26th Assembly Session of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).