Summary of the maritime security incidents that occurred in August 2024:
1. August 28, 2024, 0730 UTC: At the Cartagena anchorage in Colombia (10:19.35N - 075:32.10W), an oil tanker’s AB on duty heard unusual noises near the bow. Upon inspection, they found a small boat with four people near the anchor chain, one of whom was attempting to enter the anchor chain pipe. The OOW activated the fire pump, and the intruders fled upon noticing the crew’s alertness. The incident was reported to the port control and coast guard, with a patrol boat conducting a search around the tanker, but no suspects were found.

2. August 27, 2024, 2320 UTC: In the Singapore Strait (Latitude 1°15.25'N, Longitude 104°1.85'E), about 4.2 nautical miles from Pulau Nongsa Lighthouse, five suspects, two armed with knives, were discovered in the engine room of the Lucky Long vessel. The alarm was raised, and the crew was assembled. The captain reported all crew safe with no injuries but missing generator parts. The incident was reported to the Singapore VTIS EAST and Singaporean and Indonesian authorities. After arriving in Singapore, the PCG conducted a thorough search without finding suspects.

3. August 23, 2024, 1230 UTC: In the Singapore Strait (Latitude 1°17.02'N, Longitude 104°8.62'E), about 3.6 nautical miles from Tanjung Setapa, two tugboats and barges were boarded by seven unauthorized individuals who stole some scrap metal. The crew was unharmed, and no assistance was needed. The incident was reported to Singapore VTIS East, and a security broadcast was issued.

4. August 13, 2024, 0115 UTC: At the anchorage in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (05:16.11N - 004:02.16W), an unauthorized person boarded an anchored offshore tugboat via a canoe. The crew, noticing the intruder, raised the alarm, causing the individual and accomplices to flee with stolen ship's supplies. The incident was reported to port authorities, and a security vessel was dispatched, finding the stolen goods abandoned.

5. August 11, 2024, 0445 UTC: In the Singapore Strait (Latitude 1°4.8'N, Longitude 103°42.8'E), about 2.6 nautical miles from Pulau Cula, two suspects were found on the aft deck of the Aphrodite L bulk carrier. They jumped into the water when spotted. The ship raised a general alarm, but no suspects were found, and no property was damaged. The incident was reported to Singapore VTIS, and a safety broadcast was issued.

6. August 10, 2024, 2045 UTC: In the Singapore Strait (Latitude 01:04.5N, Longitude 103:42.2E), a bulk carrier’s vigilant crew discovered two unauthorized individuals on board. The alarm was raised, and the intruders fled empty-handed. The incident was reported to VTS, and the Singapore Coast Guard escorted the vessel to a safe anchorage for investigation.

7. August 6, 2024, 0120 UTC: In the Singapore Strait (Latitude 1°3.1'N, Longitude 103°38.3'E), about 4.3 nautical miles from Pulau Cula, five to six armed suspects were found in the engine room of the Ultra Colonsay bulk carrier. The general alarm was sounded, and the suspects escaped upon hearing it. Some engine parts and an old man’s phone were stolen. The incident was reported to Singapore VTIS, and a Navtex broadcast was issued to warn other vessels.

8. August 5, 2024, 1710 UTC: In the Singapore Strait (Latitude 01:03.1N, Longitude 103:38.3E), six armed robbers boarded a bulk carrier, took control of the engine room, and stole items. The old man managed to escape his bindings and raised the alarm. The incident was reported to VTS, and the Singapore Coast Guard escorted the ship to a safe anchorage for investigation.

9. August 5, 2024, 1705 UTC: In the Singapore Strait (Latitude 1°15.43'N, Longitude 104°11.5'E), near Tanjung Tondong, several small boats boarded and stole scrap metal from a barge. The suspects left after about half an hour. The incident was reported to Singapore POCC.

10. August 4, 2024, 0300 UTC: At the anchorage in Pulau Batam, Indonesia, two unauthorized persons boarded the Spec Nichole supply vessel and stole items. The theft was discovered by the crew in the morning.

11. August 3, 2024, 2000 UTC: At the anchorage in Batam Island, Indonesia (Latitude 01:09.7N, Longitude 103:57.7E), two unauthorized individuals boarded an anchored offshore supply vessel and stole items. The theft was discovered by the crew in the morning.

The opinions expressed herein are the author's and not necessarily those of The Xinde Marine News.