The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) reported that yesterday, at about 0530hrs, a Mongolian-registered general cargo ship 'Shipinco I' was underway approximately 1.9nm west of Batu Berhanti buoy off Singapore when five thieves boarded the vessel.
Armed with long knives, they robbed the master, third officer and chief cook, and escaped with cash and the crew's personal belongings including watches, mobile phones and clothing. The crew was not injured in the raid.
The master reported the incident to Singapore's Port Operations Control Centre (POCC), which is also the ReCAAP Focal Point (Singapore). The Singapore POCC initiated a broadcast to alert all vessels about the incident and urged them to enhance vigilance when operating in the vicinity.