Marine Security Advisory: 03/2019 - Attacks, hijackings, and kidnappings in the Sulu and Celebes Seas

July 29, 2019

MARINE SECURITY ADVISORY – 03/2019

Subject: Attacks, hijackings, and kidnappings in the Sulu and Celebes Seas

Dear Owners/Operators/Company Security Officers/Masters:

The purpose of this Advisory is to inform Liberian shipowners and operators of reported, attacks, hijackings, and kidnappings in the Sulu and Celebes Seas. The recent attacks in this area were reportedly linked to the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), a violent Islamic separatist group operating in the southern Philippines. Specific case details are available at the Office of Naval Intelligence’s “Worldwide Threat to Shipping” and “Piracy Analysis and Warnings” website at https://go.usa.gov/xUKfy.

The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia’s (ReCAAP) Information Sharing Center advises all ships to avoid anchoring outside port limit areas and to exercise enhanced vigilance, maintain strict look-outs (particularly during hours of darkness), and report all incidents to the relevant authorities immediately. Additional information on threats in this region, including specific recommendations for vessels transiting the area, are available on the ReCAAP web site found below.

Vessel Operators and Masters are to follow the guidance provided in MSC.1/Circ. 1601, and report all suspicious activity, and incidents to this Administration, and the Regional Contacts listed below.

Regional: Liberian Administration:

Information Fusion Centre (IFC) LISCR, LLC,

Email: information_fusion_centre@defence.gov.sg Email: security@liscr.com

Tel: +65 6594 5728 or +65 9626 8965 Phone: + 1 703 790 3434 - ask for Maritime Security AOH

Fax: +65 6594 5734 Phone: + 1 703 963 6216 to contact the Duty Officer AOH Web: www.infofusioncentre.gov.sg Email: dutyofficer@liscr.com Web: www.liscr.com

ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre

Email: info@recaap.org

Tel: +65 6376 3063

Fax: +65 6376 3066

Web: www.recaap.org

IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (IMB PRC)

Email: piracy@icc-ccs.org

Tel: +60 3 2031 0014

Fax: +60 3 2078 5769

Web: www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/live-piracy-map

See also U.S. Maritime Advisory 2019-011 for additional guidance provided by the USA.

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