ReCAAP Issues Guidance on Abduction of Crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and Waters off Eastern Sabah

July 26: The ReCAAP ISC has produced the Guidance on Abduction of Crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and Waters off Eastern Sabah. Between 2016 and 2019, a total of 29 incidents of abduction of crew (comprising 18 actual incidents and 11 attempted incidents) were reported to ReCAAP ISC. In the 18 actual incidents, 75 crew were abducted in total.  Among them, 65 crew were released or rescued, and 10 crew were killed or died. Currently, there is no crew in captivity.

In light of the existing threat of abduction of crew in the area as demonstrated by the latest incident on 18 June 2019, ReCAAP ISC made this Guidance to assist the shipping industry and ships to enhance their situational awareness and avoid such incidents. This Guidance consists of advisory on the measures to be taken by the ships transiting the area, including contact details and the Notice to Mariners (NOTAM) issued by the Philippines and Malaysia. It also shares the analysis of incidents based on the information collected from past incidents.

This Guidance complements the general guidance contained in the Regional Guide to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia produced by the ReCAAP ISC.

ReCAAP Guidance Available Via the CSO Alliance Website Here