Bulker boarded by pirates in the Singapore Strait

UK maritime security consultancy Ambrey is reporting a bulk carrier was boarded yesterday by four individuals carrying knives while transiting eastbound in the Philip Channel, Singapore Strait, some 12 nautical miles northwest of Pulau Terung, Indonesia, the latest in a string of attacks in the same area over the past few months. Like earlier attacks the ship had a low freeboard, estimated at 6.25 m. 

Crews transiting the Singapore Strait with freeboards lower than 10 m are advised by Ambrey they are at heightened risk. Crews should lock down access to the accommodation block and ship’s stores.