While underway in the Singapore Strait, the crew of the Panama-flagged Bulk Carrier SAKIZAYA MIRACLE (IMO: 9768019) observed approximately eight intruders, four of whom were armed with knives, in the engine control room.
The Master raised the alarm and mustered the crew to conduct a search, but no intruders were found. All crew members were accounted for, and there were no reported injuries. No further assistance was required.
The Master reported the incident to the Singapore Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS), prompting a safety navigational broadcast. The Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) and Singapore Police Coast Guard (PCG) were notified, and information was shared with Indonesian authorities.
Upon the vessel's arrival at Singapore Anchorage, the PCG boarded the ship, conducted a search, and found no intruders. It was reported, however, that a crew member's legs and hands had been tied by the intruders, and engine spare parts were missing.
This incident brings the total number of reported incidents in the region to at least 42 this year, with 29 of those exhibiting similar characteristics and occurring within the Singapore Strait area.
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