Asia robberies against ships sink to seven-year first-half low

The number of reported incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia in the first half of 2026 was the lowest for this period since the first half of 2019, when 28 incidents were recorded.

The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC) released yesterday its half year report (January to June 2026) on piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia, according to which a total of 35 incidents were reported to ReCAAP ISC from January to June 2026.

This represents a 64% decrease compared to the 96 incidents reported in the same period last year.

All incidents were armed robbery against ships which occurred in internal waters, territorial seas and archipelagic waters under coastal states’ jurisdiction. Most incidents were opportunistic theft committed by perpetrators who were non-confrontational and who adopted a ‘hit-and-run’ approach.

Of the 35 incidents, 21 took place while the ships were underway, while 14 took place while the ships were anchored.

According to ReCAAP ISC report, a total of 10 incidents were reported in Philippine ports and anchorages from January to June 2026, compared to zero incidents during the same period last year. In response, the Philippine Coast Guard arrested several perpetrators from January to April 2026. Separately, there has been no reported incidents of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah since 17 January 2020.

Meanwhile, the number of incidents in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS), the South China Sea and Vietnam decreased in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year.

Area of Concern – Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS)

A total of 21 incidents were reported in the SOMS from January to June 2026, a significant 74% decrease compared to the first half of 2025 when 80 incidents were reported. The number of incidents reported in the SOMS accounted for 60% of all incidents reported in Asia in the first half of 2026, according to the report.

Of the 21 incidents reported in the Singapore Strait (SS), twenty incidents took place in the eastbound lane of the SS, while the remaining incident took place in the precautionary area. 62% of the incidents took place onboard bulk carriers, 29% onboard barges towed by tug boats, while the remaining 9% happened onboard tankers.

ReCAAP ISC said the crew were not injured in 85% of the incidents. In 10% of the incidents, the crew were threatened or injured.

Meanwhile, engine spares were taken in 33% of the incidents, while scrap metal was stolen from barges in 24% of the incidents. Approximately three out of every four incidents occurred during hours of darkness between 2100H and 0559H.