Armed Attackers Target Six Ships Near Singapore in 30 Hours

There was no loss of cargo and no crew members harmed.

• Update: Removed reference calling attackers hijackers, noted no reported attempts to take one of the vessels.

Six ships travelling in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore on Friday and Saturday last week were targeted by armed individuals, all within 30 hours of one another, the Regional Co-operation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) reports. 

There were reportedly five unauthorized boardings and one attempted boarding, though there was no loss of cargo and all crew members were safe.

According to the organization, only one ship saw some of the crew's personal effects stolen, while the perpetrators fled in every other case without causing damage.

It was suggested that the attacks may have been carried out by the same crew. 

"From the description of the incidents, the perpetrators operated in about 4-5 persons, armed with knives and were opportunistic in nature without targeting specific vessels," ReCAAP said. 

"Of concern was their persistence in 'hovering' in the vicinity seeking out their next target."

No official reports suggest there was any attempt to take one of the vessels. 

In total, ReCAAP said that three tankers, two containerships, and one bulker was attacked. 

The vessels targeted were Advantage Summer (tanker), Navig8 Stealth SV (tanker), Maersk Lebu (container ship),  Peace Bright (bulk carrier), Atout (container ship), and Elbtank Denmark (tanker).

Singaporean authorities have reportedly been notified for all cases, though ReCAAP has again reiterated warnings to be vigilant and wary while travelling through the area.  

it was reported last week that July was the first month in 2015 to experience no fuel siphoning incidents, which ReCAAP said was likely due to perpetrators lying low after some high-profile arrests earlier this year.