Security experts and the ReCAAP monitoring organization have issued a warning regarding a surge in piracy incidents in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. In 2024, there were 62 reported cases of vessels being boarded and robbed in this region. Since the beginning of the year, ReCAAP has documented seven incidents, primarily involving bulk carriers, with most occurring west of Pulau Cula, Indonesia. Alarmingly, the majority of these incidents involved armed pirates, with reports of crew members being threatened with guns and knives.
Historically, piracy in this area has been relatively non-violent, but recent trends indicate a shift towards more aggressive tactics, with groups of five or six individuals involved in the attacks. While no injuries have been reported among the crews, valuable equipment and spare parts have been stolen. Additionally, there were two separate incidents in Indonesian and Bangladeshi anchorages where armed boarders targeted unsecured items.
ReCAAP's end-of-year report for 2024 revealed a six percent increase in piracy incidents across Asia, totaling 107 cases—the highest in five years. The Straits of Malacca and Singapore remain particularly vulnerable, with most incidents occurring at night, especially between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM. ReCAAP urges crews to remain vigilant and calls for enhanced patrols and enforcement from local authorities to combat this rising threat.