Source: ReCAAP
A total of 14 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported in April 2013, of which 13 were actual incidents and one was an attempted incident. Of the 14 incidents, three were piracy incidents and 11 were armed robbery against ships. No Category 1 incident for April for the first time during 5-year reporting period.
Of the 13 actual incidents reported in April 2013, five were Category 2 (moderately significant) incidents, four were Category 3 (less significant) incidents and four were petty theft (minimum significant) incidents. Compared to April 2011 and April 2012, there has been an increase in the number of Category 2 incidents reported in April 2013.
The number of Category 3 incidents has been fairly consistent throughout the past four years (April of 2010-2013). However, the number of petty theft incidents reported in April 2013 has increased compared to April 2012.
Most “notably, there was no Category 1 (very significant) [hijack] incident reported in April 2013, the first time during the five-year reporting period” (April of 2009-2013).
The number of incidents reported in April 2013 increased compared to April 2012, although  the number is less than that reported during the same month in 2010 and 2011.
ReCAAP, in a similar viewpoint to the piracy situation off Somalia, said “there is no room for complacency as  the situation at some ports and anchorages warrants heightened vigilance by crew and tightened enforcement by authorities.”
One outstanding incident highlighted by ReCAAP is the incident in Malaysia involving a flat-top deck cargo barge, Eng Tou 266 off Tanjung Ayam on 22 Apr 13. While at anchor, the crew from a neighbouring barge noticed an unknown tug boat come along and pull Eng Tou 266 away.
The charterer had lodged a police report with the Malaysian Marine Police. The barge is still missing at this juncture. The ReCAAP ISC requests all vessels to look out for Eng Tou 266 and report sightings of the barge to the nearest coastal State immediately, noting that Eng Tou 266 could have been repainted and renamed.
Via: http://www.oceanuslive.org/
