|
While underway, the master reported to Singapore VTIS West that four perpetrators were sighted in the engine room. The ship's alarm was raised, and the crew mustered. A search was conducted on board the ship, and at about 2245 hrs, the search was completed with no further sighting of the perpetrators. All crew members were safe, and some main engine spare parts were missing. The ship proceeded to Singapore to pick up the pilot at Pilot Eastern Boarding Ground "B" at 0100 hrs.
A safety navigational broadcast was initiated. The RSN's MSTF and Singapore Police Coast Guard were notified of the incident. Information on the incident was shared with the Indonesian and Malaysian authorities.
Singapore Police Coast Guard boarded and searched the ship when she was anchored in port, confirming no perpetrators were found.
This is the 57th incident reported near the Singapore & Malacca Straits since the beginning of the year; the third in August.
Ten similar incidents were reported in July, in which property was stolen aboard several of the vessels, including scrap metal and engine parts. Most incidents occurred while vessels were underway, with robbers being discovered by duty crew in or near the vessels' engine room, and often armed with knives.
|
