While underway, the Master of the Hong Kong-flagged Bulk Carrier TRINITY ISLAND (IMO: 9971903) reported to the Singapore Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS) that six perpetrators armed with knives were sighted in the engine room.
The alarm was raised, and all crew members mustered at the bridge. At approximately 06:49L hours, the Master reported that a search was completed with no sighting of the perpetrators. Some engine spares were stolen, but the crew was not injured. The vessel was en route to Pilot Eastern Boarding Ground "B" (PEBGB).
A safety navigational broadcast was initiated, and the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) and Singapore Police Coast Guard (PCG) were notified. Information about the incident was shared with Indonesian authorities. Upon arrival at the anchorage in Singapore, the PCG boarded the vessel, conducted a search, and found no perpetrators onboard.
This is the second incident of this type to be reported in the region this year. However, there were at least 49 incidents reported in 2024; 35 of which exhibited similar characteristics and occurred within the Singapore Strait area.
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