The number of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asian waters increased by 32% until August this year compared to same period last year, according to the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP).
ReCAAP said between January and August 2023, it received reports of 78 incidents compared to the 59 reports received in the corresponding period of 2022.
Data released by ReCAAP shows that last year a total of 84 incidents were reported during the entire 12 months. On the other hand, within eight months of this year, some 78 incidents have already been reported hinting at a significant rise of incidents.
The half-yearly report of ReCAAP had shown a 40% increase in incidents this year compared to the same period last year.
The increase of incidents during the first six months had occurred in the Philippines, Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS), Thailand and Vietnam.
The major concern was the continued occurrence of incidents at the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, like in the recent past.
Data shows that of the total 78 incidents in Asian water during the January – August period this year, 56 occurred in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore compared to 38 during the same period last year.
ReCAAP advised ships to continue to exercise vigilance while underway or at anchor, berth at ports and anchorages.
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