The UK P&I Club has urged shipowners to be aware of the developing situation in the Sulu Sea, where there has been a rise in seafarers kidnappings.
Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines have signed a tri-nation agreement to combat piracy in the region.
Consultancy firm Global Risks released the results of research yesterday, which showed that kidnappings of seafarers went up 44% in 2016.
This was due to a higher number of incidents in the Gulf of Guinea and the Sulu Sea.
Local terrorist organization Abu Sayyaf has bolstered its presence in the area and has conducted a number of attacks over the past months.
It currently holds over 31 hostages, according to local military intelligence, UK P&I Club said.
George Devereese, loss prevention adviser at UK P&I Club, added: “Since August last year there has been a rise in the amount of kidnappings and assaults on local small craft, international pleasure craft and smaller international trading vessels operating in the area.
“To prevent the rise of “Somalia-type” piracy in the area the three nations have agreed on intelligence sharing and patrolling of the area.
“We urge members to be aware of the current and developing situation in the area and prepare their vessels accordingly.”
As TradeWinds reported earlier today, the first hijacking since 2012 in Somali waters occurred yesterday, while there have been more attacks off Nigeria during the last 10 days.
