Armed robbery on container ship anchored in Manila

Armed robbery on container ship anchored in Manila
The Editorial Team June 22, 2021 https://safety4sea.com/armed-robbery-on-container-ship-anchored-in-manila/

In its weekly report for 15-21 June, ReCAAP ISC informed of one armed robbery against ships in Asia. The incident occurred to a container ship while anchored at South Harbour Anchorage, Manila, the Philippines.

The incident was classified as CAT (Category) 4, which is “least significant” in nature. Under this category, the perpetrators were not armed, and the crew not harmed.

The incident

While the Singaporean-flagged container ship ‘MV Sima Sahba’ was at South Harbor Anchorage, Manila, the Philippines, shorty after midnight on 16 June, the 2nd Officer spotted about four or five unauthorized persons onboard from an unidentified motorized banca leaving the container ship.

The crew immediately informed the duty officer. The Master reported the incident to VTMS Manila and conducted an assessment to determine the missing items on board the ship.

After conducting an inventory of the ship stores, some cans of paint were stolen (with quantity to be confirmed). The crew was safe.

"The ReCAAP ISC urges ship master and crew to report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State and flag State, exercise vigilance and adopt relevant preventive measures taking reference from the Regional Guide to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia."