Full Breakdown
Monthly Piracy Report: September 2025 Overview
11/20/2025, 10:30:30 PM
Summary of Incidents
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) reported eight incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in September 2025. These incidents were documented by Member States and international organizations. The events occurred in various locations, including Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Bangladesh.
Detailed Incident Reports
1. Verity (Tanker, Malaysia): An unauthorized individual was spotted on board an anchored tanker in Sepangar Bay. The crew raised an alarm, prompting the intruder to flee. The incident was reported to Malaysian authorities.
2. Delta Maria (Oil Tanker, Malta): While underway near Pulau Cula, three perpetrators tied up an oiler in the engine room and stole engine spares before escaping. The incident was reported to Singapore's authorities.
3. MV Super Shuttle Ferry 18 (Passenger Ship, Philippines): Unidentified men boarded the vessel while it was anchored in Batangas City. The Philippine Coast Guard apprehended two individuals found with stolen generator parts.
4. Athens Spirit (Tanker, Bahamas): Suspicious activity was reported by the duty watchkeeper while the vessel was at Balongan Anchorage. The intruders fled upon the alarm being raised.
5. Adriatic Gas (LPG Tanker, Denmark): Three unidentified individuals were seen leaving the engine room while the vessel was anchored in Chattogram. The crew raised the alarm, but the intruders escaped with stolen items.
6. Ken Ann (Bulk Carrier, Panama): Robbers approached an anchored barge in Tanjung Priok Port, stealing an outboard engine and other properties before escaping.
7. Vivit Arabia (Gas Carrier – LNG, Liberia): While at anchor in Batangas, crew members spotted two perpetrators near the forecastle. The intruders escaped, leaving behind stolen equipment.
8. Otto 1 (Barge Carrier, Malta): Unnoticed robbers boarded an anchored barge in Pointe Noire, Congo, stealing items before being discovered.
Recent Developments in Piracy
In a separate report covering incidents from November 11 to November 17, 2025, two additional armed robbery incidents were recorded in the Singapore Strait. Both incidents involved theft of engine spares, with one incident classified as Category 3 due to the presence of armed perpetrators. The ReCAAP ISC noted that these incidents highlight ongoing security concerns in the region, advising ships to maintain heightened vigilance.
Official Statements & Responses
The IMO emphasized the importance of reporting piracy incidents and maintaining communication with local authorities. The ReCAAP ISC reiterated the need for enhanced vigilance in the Singapore Strait and surrounding areas, particularly following the recent incidents.
Criticism & Opposition
Some maritime security experts have raised concerns about the effectiveness of current anti-piracy measures, suggesting that more robust enforcement and international cooperation are necessary to combat the rising trend of piracy in these waters.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the IMO reported eight incidents for September, the ReCAAP ISC noted a total of 100 incidents in the Singapore Strait since January 2025, indicating a potential discrepancy in reporting or classification of incidents.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The ReCAAP ISC, known as the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP), said the crew members were not injured, and some engine spares were stolen in both incidents.” — ReCAAP ISC
