An attack off Samarinda anchorage saw one crewmember assaulted and taken hostage as robbers tried to steal ships stores

The incident saw a group of ten individuals armed with knives and steel bars board the Liberian-flagged 68,788-dwt bulker Usolie (built 1990).

Fortunately, the alarm was raised and the group of attackers escaped into their boat. However, there was no news of any injuries to the crew.

Details of the incident, which took place earlier this month, come in the latest piracy report from security consultants AKE Maritime

This is the second use of violence used in attacks off Indonesia in almost as many days, according to the UK-based company.

The previously reported attack on the Bumi Armada VLCC Armada Ali (built 1999) is also said to have seen a use of violence.

The incident off Nipah anchorage during a ship-to-ship transfer saw one of the assailants allegedly throw at least one knife at the crew.

“Regular attacks continue to take place in Indonesian and littoral waters, with a mixed response from the authorities. It is also likely that a lot of attacks are going unreported,” AKE Maritime said.

Shipowners operating in Indonesia face one of the highest chances of a piracy attack in the world where around one-third of sea crimes occur.

Almost all attacks are opportunistic ‘smash and grab’ type robberies on vessels in port or at anchor, according to AKE intelligence analyst Rory Lamrock.