Yesterday a Hong Kong-flagged bulk carrier was boarded by two individuals while transiting eastbound in the Philip Channel, 4.6 nautical miles northwest of Kapalajernih Island, Indonesia. The suspects were reportedly armed with a “gun-like” object, according to UK maritime security consultancy Ambrey. During the incident, the vessel was underway at 10.1 knots, with an estimated freeboard of 6.25 m. 

This is the second attack on a merchant ship in the same area in the space of less than a week.

Crews transiting the Singapore Strait with freeboards lower than 10 m are advised by Ambrey they are at heightened risk. Crews should lock down access to the accommodation block and ship’s stores.