In an incident alert the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC) said the 179,171 dwt capesize bulker Kumiai Shagang came under attack on Sunday in the Sulu Sea between Sabah in East Malaysia and the Southern Philippines.
Philippines terrorist group Abu Sayyaf Group has been targeting shipping in kidnap for ransom attacks, but until recently restricted attacks to small vessels such as tugs and barges.
According to ReCAAP there have been nine actual attacks and two attempted attacks since March this year with 44 crew abducted and 11 currently still held hostage.
“Since October 2016, the perpetrators have begun to target ships of larger tonnage,” ReCAAP said.
“Nonetheless, the latest attempted incidents of Southern Falcon and Kumiai Shagang show the vigilance of the crew and effective activation of anti-piracy measures had successfully prevented boarding by the perpetrators.”
The 9,051 dwt chemical tanker Southern Falcon came under attack on 13 November.
“The ReCAAP ISC reiterates its advisory to all ships to re-route from the area, where possible,” the alert added.
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