Three incidents of armed robbery against ships were recorded in Asian waters between 18 and 24 November 2025, according to the latest update from the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre. All three incidents occurred in Indonesian waters or the Singapore Strait, and no crew members were harmed throughout the week’s events.
The first case took place on 14 November, when the chemical tanker, Solar Roma, built in 2021, was anchored at Belawan, Indonesia, was boarded by three intruders. Although no weapons were observed, the perpetrators managed to steal ship stores before escaping unnoticed.
Just days later, activity shifted to the busy Singapore Strait, where the bulk carrier, Fyla, built in 2013, was transiting the eastbound lane was boarded in the early hours of 24 November. Two individuals armed with knives were spotted on deck, but they fled quickly, leaving the vessel without taking anything and without confronting the crew.
A third incident was reported on 20 November near T. Tondong, involving a tugboat and barge underway in Indonesian waters. Three perpetrators boarded the barge and made off with stolen scrap metal. No weapons were reported, and the tug’s crew remained safe.
According to ShipAtlas, the Liberian-flagged Solar Roma was at anchorage for an STS-transfer when the incident happened. While the Cyprus-flagged bulk carrier Fyla was on its way to Zhanjiang, China and was about to start a STS bunkering operation outside Singapore when the incident occurred.
With two of the week’s incidents occurring in the Strait, the total number of cases in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore has risen to 102 so far in 2025, reinforcing the area’s status as one of the region’s busiest and most vulnerable maritime corridors. ReCAAP continues to urge ship operators transiting the area to maintain strict watchkeeping and heightened awareness.
Meanwhile, the situation in the Sulu–Celebes Seas remains steady, with no reports of crew abductions for a fifth consecutive year. Authorities have maintained the threat level at LOW, though vessels are still advised to keep communication lines open with maritime security centres when passing through the region.
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