Asia: Decrease in sea piracy and armed robbery cases in Southeast Asia

Event

The number of sea piracy and armed robbery cases in the first quarter of the year in Southeast Asia has decreased compared to the same period in 2017. According to the most recent report from the Information Sharing Centre of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia released on April 13, the number of incidents of sea piracy and armed robbery cases recorded in the first three months of 2018 has dropped by nearly half from the same period last year. Some 14 cases were reported from January to March this year, down from 27 in the first quarter of last year; notably, fewer incidents of such crimes were reported at ports and anchorages in Bangladesh and the Philippines due to increased vigilance. Additionally, incidents of piracy and armed robbery recorded thus far in 2018 have not been as violent as in years past.

Advice

Individuals in affected areas are advised to remain vigilant for the approach of suspicious ships while aboard vessels, monitor developments to the regional security environment, and report all incidents to the nearest coastal state and flag state authorities. Pirates and other criminals are often armed; do not resist if confronted.