A series of boardings in the Singapore Strait has ended a 10-month lull in maritime incidents, according to the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre.
Three vessels were targeted in the eastbound lane of the waterway within a nine-day window, Seatrade Maritime News reported.
The incidents occurred in Indonesian waters, with all three ships boarded under the cover of darkness.
The bulk carrier Star Calypso was boarded on November 2, followed by the bulk carrier APJ Priti 2 on November 4, and the tanker Salsa on November 10. The vessels were within 3.2 nautical miles of one another during the attacks.
Crew Injuries and Engine Spares Stolen During Boardings
The frequency of these boardings has raised concerns regarding crew safety and the theft of vessel components. In one of the three incidents, a crew member sustained injuries, though ReCAAP did not specify which vessel was involved or the severity of the harm.
Engine spares were reported stolen from two of the ships, while nothing was taken in the third case. The theft of engine components remains a recurring objective for perpetrators in the Singapore Strait, where total incidents for the year have now reached 28.
Call for Increased Surveillance
ReCAAP officials expressed deep concern regarding the recent surge in activity within the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. The organization urged littoral states to increase patrols and strengthen coordination to arrest those responsible.
“The ReCAAP ISC urges the littoral States to increase patrols/ surveillance in their respective waters, respond promptly to incidents reported by ships, strengthen coordination, and promote information sharing on incidents and criminal groups involved to arrest the perpetrators,” the agency said in an alert.
🚨 INCIDENT ALERT! ⚓️ Three incidents of sea robbery were reported on board ships transiting the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) on 2, 4, and 10 November 2026. ⚓️ The first incident occurred on 2 November at… pic.twitter.com/s0wtzHjaaJ
Maritime Security Trends
The region experienced a spike in activity during the first half of 2025, with 79 incidents reported in that six-month period. A subsequent series of arrests by the Indonesian Marine Police led to a sharp decrease in boardings starting in mid-July 2025.
To mitigate risks, ReCAAP has advised vessel operators to maintain a sharp lookout while transiting the area, particularly during nighttime hours. The agency also emphasized the necessity of reporting all suspicious activity promptly to both coastal and flag states.
What Robbers Target and How Incidents Changed
What is the primary target for robbers in these waters?
Perpetrators frequently target engine spares. These parts are often removed from ships during boarding incidents in the Singapore Strait.
How did the number of incidents change in 2025?
Incidents surged in the first half of 2025, totaling 79 cases. Following enforcement actions by the Indonesian Marine Police, the frequency of boardings dropped significantly starting in mid-July 2025.
What safety measures are recommended for vessels?
ReCAAP recommends that crews intensify vigilance and maintain a sharp lookout while transiting the Singapore Strait, especially during hours of darkness. Reports should be made immediately to both coastal and flag state authorities.
Worth a look