While transiting eastbound in the Singapore Strait, the Master of the Liberian-flagged Bulk Carrier ANABELA (IMO: 9587350) reported to VTIS West that four armed perpetrators were sighted in the vessel's Engine Room.
The Master raised the alarm and mustered the crew to conduct a thorough search aboard the vessel. By approximately 05:15L hours, the search was completed with no sighting of the perpetrators. No items were reported stolen, and all crew members were accounted for without any injuries.
A safety navigational broadcast was initiated, and the Republic of Singapore Navy's Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) along with the Singapore Police Coast Guard (PCG) were notified. The incident details were also shared with Indonesian authorities. Upon arrival at the anchorage in Singapore, the PCG boarded the vessel, conducted a search, and confirmed that no perpetrators were found aboard.
This is the first 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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