A German-owned feeder containership was the only reported incident of piracy or armed robbery against shipping in Asia last week.
The 1,732-teu RHL Aqua (built 2007) was reportedly targeted near Manila, according to the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) Information Sharing Centre.
The incident involving the Liberia-flagged containership took place in the early hours of 10 August about 2.84 nm off Sangley runway, Cavite City, Philippines.
“While at anchor, the duty deck watch noticed four perpetrators at the forecastle deck of the ship,” Singapore-based ReCAAP said in its weekly report.
“He immediately reported the incident to the duty officer on watch who alerted the master, sounded the general alarm and reported the incident to the Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) Manila.”
However, the perpetrators, upon hearing the alarm quickly jumped into the water and moved away with their motor banca towards an unknown direction.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is said to have proceeded to the location of the incident and conducted maritime patrol in the area.
ReCAAP said the ship’s crew was not injured; and two sets of breathing apparatus and one set of fireman’s outfit were found missing.
Although the number incidents of piracy or armed robberies in the region have declined considerably, authorities have urged shipowners to remain vigilant.
