Advisory issued by Captain Anish Joseph, Deputy Nautical Adviser-cum-senior deputy director general also urged to follow the practices and take necessary precautionary measures as specified in the directorates circular and the guidelines.
Reacting to the same Frank Viegas, President, Goan Seamen Association of India (Goa) stated that great initiatives by Malacca straits patrol and CORPAT INDOSIN for boosting security operations during high-risk periods.
“Coastal guardians of the SOMS unite and strengthened patrols and better coordination at sea and ashore. Together, they’re ensuring safer seas for all and a morale boost for seafarers,” he added.
It is pertinent to note that recently the Goan Seamen Association of India had expressed deep concern over the recent surge in pirate attacks faced by seafarers.
The seafarers were urged to take concrete measures to protect the lives and interests of those navigating through the Malacca Straits and other vulnerable areas.
It has been mentioned in the advisory that on October 27, 2023, a significant incident involving a Marshall Islands-flagged bulker occurred in the Strait of Malacca Strait. Pirates boarding in this region are not uncommon, often resulting in petty theft. However, in this instance, the vessel’s master was injured during an armed robbery while the ship was enroute eastbound to Singapore for bunkering and stores.
“This event is part of a larger pattern of maritime security concerns in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, which as per GISIS, has exhibited a sharp increase in incidents from 45 in 2019 to a peak of 83 in 2023. In the same week of the stated stabbing incident, two other incidents involving armed robbery against bulkers were reported, with one resulting in theft,” the advisory further stated.
