A tug has recently been boarded by intruders off Malaysia’s Sabah state, in what is thought to have been a failed kidnap attempt.
During the incident, which took place close to Tambisan Island, the tug’s crew were able to retreat to a secure room and raised an alarm.
“The intruders, who boarded from speed boats, were unable to get into the vessel’s accommodation and fled at the approach of Malaysian patrol boats,” according to UK-based security consultancy Gray Page
A spokesman for Malaysia’s Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) told local media that around ten intruders were involved.
The crew of the tug, which was towing a barge laden with palm oil, was unharmed.
“Initial reports from Malaysia suggested the attack had been a failed attempt to kidnap the tug’s crew for ransom,” said Gray Page
According to Malaysian reports the intruders fled in their speedboats towards international waters. The perpetrators had yet to be identified.
“Tambisan Island is 45 nautical miles from Tawi-Tawi province in the southern Philippines where government forces have been battling Abu Sayyaf, a group claiming allegiance to so-called Islamic State,” said Gray Page.
“The group has a history of abducting crew and holding them for ransom but a Philippine military official said there was no evidence that the latest attack had been Abu Sayyaf inspired.”
Malaysia’s Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) has urged all vessels in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) to be on high alert and update the Esscom operation centre of their position.
They were also advised to keep their Automated Identification Systems (AIS) switched on and to report their routes and schedules, says Gray Page.
