TWO MORE ATTACKS IN THE MALACCA STRAITS

Two vessels reported onboard attacks that took place on Saturday in the Malacca Straits, according to ReCAAP, a Singapore-based anti-piracy group
 
The first incident occurred around 0100 hrs local time, when four men boarded the 76,466 dwt Capetan Giorgis, a Marshall Island-registered bulk carrier, at about 3.8 nm off Tanjung Sengkuang, Batam, Indonesia. The vessel reported no crew casualties or missing property.
 
The second incident happened at around 0545 hrs local time, when MSC Vancover, a 7,455 teu containership registered in Luxembourg, was attacked by seven perpetrators armed with knives and tools at approximately 9 nm northeast off Pulau Karimum Besar, Indonesia. The intruders left after seizing the second engineer’s gold chain and watch.
 
ReCAAP warned that the robbers may strike again in the next few days, given the proximity of the two incidents.
 
“The ReCAAP ISC recommends vessels take extra precautionary measures when operating in this area, especially in the hours of darkness, post extra all-round lookouts and alert the authorities as soon as possible, even in attempted cases,” the group said.
 
“[We] also urge law enforcement agencies to heighten their attention to this area.”
 
Excluding these incidents, six attacks have been reported this year in Southeast Asian waters, with four in the Malacca Straits area, ReCAAP data shows.

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