Priority Broadcast Alert – Asia and Oceania

A Bangladesh-flagged general cargo vessel was reportedly boarded by approximately 12 perpetrators while anchored in the vicinity of the port of Mongla, Bangladesh. The perpetrators, armed with bladed weapons and blunt objects, reportedly boarded the vessel via the anchor chain from a fishing vessel and subsequently restrained the seven crew members, all Bangladeshi nationals, binding their hands and feet with rope. The perpetrators reportedly spent three hours on board the vessel before departing, having stolen engine parts, tools, the crew’s mobile phones, and $574.56 in cash. Reportedly, three members of the crew were injured during the incident. The theft was reported to the Mongla Port Authority and the Bangladesh Coast Guard, and at the time of writing, an investigation was underway. The vessel agent stated that this was the third instance in which the vessel had been targeted following its arrival at the anchorage in June 2024, where it had remained due to mechanical defects.
ADVICE: Vessels calling Bangladesh are advised to enhance security measures and maintain strict watchkeeping protocols while at anchor.