While in transit near Singapore, the Hong Kong-flagged General Cargo vessel TOP DILIGENCE (IMO: 9767895) reported an incident involving four individuals armed with an object resembling a firearm in the engine room.
The alarm was promptly activated and the crew assembled. Despite a thorough search, the intruders were not located again.
At approximately 03:36LT, the ship's captain reported the theft of some spare parts, but confirmed the safety of all crew members and declined further assistance.
The vessel's previous port of call was in Ivory Coast and it was heading towards Singapore Anchorage.
This is the fourth reported incident this year which occurred within the wider Singapore & Malacca Straits region.
In 2023, at least 67 incidents occurred within, or near, the Singapore & Malacca Straits.
Incidents in this area typically involve individuals armed with small knives or blunt objects. These robbers usually escape on detection, with stolen ships' properties, stores or cargo, with minimal violence occurring between crew and robbers.
However, based on the volume of incidents, vessel's operating in this region should remain vigilant, implement proper security measures, and report any suspicious activities to authorities.
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