2020 saw 97 incidents reported to ReCAAP ISC from Asia
Significant increase in incidents of piracy and armed robbery have been reported from the region.
Sea News reports about ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC) releasing its Annual Report for the year 2020. Among the key findings, there has been a 17% Y-on-Y rise in overall incidents while actual incidents have surged by 32%.
Of the 97 incidents that were reported, an overwhelming majority – 95, were actual incidents with only 2 being attempted ones. Places with a significant rise in incidents include the Philippines, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. Seas that reported a significant increase in incidents are the Singapore Strait and the South China Sea. Alongside, the threat of crew abduction especially remains high in the Sulu-Celebes Seas.
Commenting on this development, Executive Director of ReCAAP ISC, Masafumi Kuroki, said “The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of shipping for global trade. The 32% year-on-year increase in the actual incidents in 2020 is a stark reminder that more needs be done to enhance the safety of maritime transport and safeguard the well-being of crew.”
Before concluding, he also added, “We urge the littoral States to take seriously petty theft and sea robbery because leaving criminals to continue their crime with impunity will only embolden them to escalate their acts.”
