Priority Broadcast Alert – Asia and Oceania

UPDATE01: Authorities subsequently revealed that there were four suspects armed with bladed weapons. The suspects stole some engine spare parts before they departed. No casualties were reported.

A Greece-flagged tanker was reportedly boarded while transiting eastbound in the Philip Channel, approximately 4NM northwest of Kapalajernih Island, Indonesia. At the time of writing, no weapons had been reported as involved in the incident. During the incident, the vessel was underway at 7.2kts and had an estimated freeboard of 7m. At the time of writing, the vessel was observed continuing its planned route to Balikpapan, Indonesia. No casualties or damage to the vessel had been reported.
ADVICE: Crews transiting the Singapore Strait with freeboards lower than 10m are advised they are at heightened risk. Crews should lock down access to the accommodation block and ship’s stores. It is recommended to carry out partnered deck patrols. Do not confront criminals.