ReCAAP warns of renewed sea robbery incidents in Singapore Strait
The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC) has issued a maritime security alert following a recent increase in sea robbery incidents involving commercial vessels transiting the Singapore Strait, warning that further incidents could occur.
In its Incident Alert 2/2026, issued on November 11, the organisation reported three incidents on November 2, 4 and 10, all involving vessels underway in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. The incidents occurred within approximately 3.2 nautical miles of one another, indicating a concentrated area of recent criminal activity.
Two of the affected vessels were bulk carriers, while the third was an oil tanker. One crew member sustained injuries in one of the incidents, while no injuries were reported in the other two. Engine spare parts were stolen from two vessels, while the remaining ship reported no losses.
According to the incident locations identified by ReCAAP, the vessels involved were the bulk carriers STAR CALYPSO on November 2 and APL PRITI 2 on November 4, followed by the oil tanker SALSA on November 10.
ReCAAP calls for increased vigilance
The latest incidents bring the total number of reported sea robbery cases involving ships underway in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore to 28 between January 1 and November 11, 2026.
The increase comes after a substantial decline in reported incidents during the preceding ten months. Although the overall situation has improved compared with earlier periods, ReCAAP expressed concern about the recent concentration of incidents and the possibility of further attacks.
The organisation has urged the coastal states bordering the straits to strengthen patrols and surveillance, respond promptly to reports from vessels and improve coordination and information sharing between maritime authorities. These measures are intended to support the identification and arrest of perpetrators operating in the area.
ReCAAP also advised ships navigating the affected waterways to maintain heightened vigilance, particularly during nighttime transits. Recommended precautions include maintaining an effective lookout, monitoring potential boarding locations through CCTV systems and implementing preventive measures outlined in its regional guidance on piracy and armed robbery.
Vessel operators and crews have been encouraged to report incidents immediately to the relevant coastal and flag states and use ReCAAP’s reporting and information-sharing resources when assessing voyage risks.
The latest alert highlights the continuing vulnerability of vessels navigating one of Asia’s busiest maritime corridors, even as the broader regional picture has shown a marked improvement in reported piracy and armed robbery incidents during 2026.
