Armed Intruders Board Tanker in Philip Channel Near Indonesia

A Panama-flagged tanker was boarded by seven individuals while traveling eastbound through the Philip Channel yesterday, about six nautical miles east of Kasu, Indonesia. This incident is the latest in a series of similar attacks in the area.

According to British maritime security firm Ambrey, the intruders were reportedly armed with “gun-like” weapons. At the time of the incident, the vessel was moving at a speed of 10.6 knots with a freeboard of 7.6 meters. Despite the breach, the ship was able to continue its voyage.

Ambrey has advised ships transiting the Singapore Strait to secure access points to the accommodation block and ship’s stores while also implementing partnered deck patrols to enhance security.