The Covid-19 pandemic has meant that the incidences of robberies at sea have become more frequent in the Philippines, which is the largest source of seafarers.
Two container ships were robbed while at anchor in the Philippines in September, according to the Regional Co-operation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP ISC), which has released latest piracy and sea robbery statistics.
During January-September 2020, 13 incidents were reported at Filipino ports, up from seven in the same period last year. Nine of the incidents in the first nine months of the year occurred in Manila anchorage areas, compared with one incident during the same period of 2019.
ReCAAP ISC said the Manila Bay area has been designated as a Green Zone for crew change by the International Maritime Organisation due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which offers thieves more opportunities.
“The large number of ships anchored in the area provides opportunities for perpetrators to come alongside in small boats during hours of darkness to commit robbery from the ships,” said ReCAAP ISC.
On 5 September, Gold Star Line’s 1,740TEU Ela was at Manila anchorage, a crew member spotted a suspect at the forward bow behind a life craft. The suspect was masked and wielded a knife. The alarm was raised immediately, and the suspect escaped.
Two breathing apparatuses and a gong were stolen from Ela. The incident was reported to the Manila vessel traffic management system and the Philippine Coast Guard.
Meanwhile, The 4,228TEU Matson Navigation vessel Arguello was awaiting crew change at Manila’s South Harbour Anchorage on 6 September, when the crew noticed that the lock of the bosun store was broken. Ship stores including fire nozzles, fireman suits, breathing apparatus, twist locks, a flashlight and a scaling machine were stolen.
Martina Li
Asia Correspondent
