IFC - Information Fusion Centre - MARSEC Weekly Report

Highlights:

A. Robbery/Piracy

- 4 sea thefts/robberies events were reported the last week, 3 in vicinity of Singapore Strait :

• 1 on a tug anchored off Dhalghata, Bangladesh - 07/02;

• 1 on a tug and barge underway off Karimun Besar Island, Indonesia - 07/02;

• 1 on a Bulk Carrier underway in Singapore strait (East Bound) - 09/02

• 1 on a Tanker underway Eastbound lane of Traffic Separation Scheme in Singapore Strait - 09/02.

Incidents occurred in 2020 (incident reported last week in white circle) :

- IFC reminds to take some dispositions during any transit in Singapore strait, particularly at low speed and/or during the night :

• Take a previous contact before any transit in Singapore strait (sectors 7 to 9) with Singaporean authorities and timely reporting any suspicious activity : https://www.mpa.gov.sg/web/portal/home/port-of-singapore/operations/vessel-traffic-information-system-vtis/operational-areas ;

• Increase vigilance in watch-keeping and deploy additional lookout ;

• Be wary of suspicious small boats approaching. Take photo of the suspicious boat and send to me as soon as possible ;

• Use CCTV cameras for coverage of vulnerable areas (if available) ;

• Keep ship's whistle, search lights and fog horn ready for immediate use ;

• Secure or lift external ladders to prevent their use and to restrict external access to the bridge ;

• Deploy Self-Protection Measures (SPM) eg. Rig the water spray hoses and foam monitors in a fixed position. Evasive manoeuvres have also been proven to deter perpetrators in the areas of concern ;

• Secure all doors and hatches providing access to the accommodation and machinery spaces ;

• Rig safety precautionary measures on the anchor cable hawse pipe while anchored.

B. Maritime incidents

An overcrowded boat carrying about 125 refugees from Bangladeshi camps sank early Tuesday in the Bay of Bengal, Off St. Martin's Island, Bangladesh : 16 Dead, 47 Missing, 62 Rescued

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