[h=2]Hijack: What has happened to our Maritime security?[/h]
June 22nd, 2014 |
Author: Contributions
RSN patrol vessel
This morning, there was a hijack which is believed to have taken place. The vessel was just outside Singapore, between the mainland and the well-known Horsburgh Lighthouse. At around 1000 hours, the vessel lost communications with the owner. The owner tried for about 2 hours before calling 999. To be fair, it was already not under the PCG’s (Police Coast Guard) jurisdiction since the vessel was outside the area of responsibility.
For unknown reasons, the RSN (Republic of Singapore Navy) was made aware of the hijack. The RSN even knew the entire ship details but was not able to prevent the hijack from taking place. As we were informed, hijacking is not similar to usual Search and Rescue Operations.
The maritime users in this region know that there have been many hijacks recently. We are very concern about our safety as the hijackers are armed.
Open questions to RSN, PCG and MPA (Maritime Port Authority):
1. When a report is received at the first instance, how long does it take to mobilise rescue boats or ships to the site?
2. We are aware that there is a Maritime Security Task Force and they operate a very expansive control and command system. The RSN knew all the details of the hijacked ship but for unknown reasons, they were not able to rescue the ship.
3. Is rescuing a ship in distress less important than clearing red tape?
VERY CONCERNED MARITIME WORKER
* Submitted by TRE reader.
Editor’s note:
This morning, there was a hijack which is believed to have taken place. The vessel was just outside Singapore, between the mainland and the well-known Horsburgh Lighthouse. At around 1000 hours, the vessel lost communications with the owner. The owner tried for about 2 hours before calling 999. To be fair, it was already not under the PCG’s (Police Coast Guard) jurisdiction since the vessel was outside the area of responsibility.
For unknown reasons, the RSN (Republic of Singapore Navy) was made aware of the hijack. The RSN even knew the entire ship details but was not able to prevent the hijack from taking place. As we were informed, hijacking is not similar to usual Search and Rescue Operations.
The maritime users in this region know that there have been many hijacks recently. We are very concern about our safety as the hijackers are armed.
Open questions to RSN, PCG and MPA (Maritime Port Authority):
1. When a report is received at the first instance, how long does it take to mobilise rescue boats or ships to the site?
2. We are aware that there is a Maritime Security Task Force and they operate a very expansive control and command system. The RSN knew all the details of the hijacked ship but for unknown reasons, they were not able to rescue the ship.
3. Is rescuing a ship in distress less important than clearing red tape?
VERY CONCERNED MARITIME WORKER
* Submitted by TRE reader.
Editor’s note:
http://www.janes.com/article/39374/singaporean-malaysian-navies-rescue-tanker-from-pirates
Vessels from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) conducted a combined operation to rescue a Honduras-registered oil tanker in the South China Sea on 15 June, the RSN told IHS Jane’s .
The tanker, Ai Maru , was carrying 1,520 tonnes of marine gas oil (MGO) from Singapore to the Gulf of Thailand when it was boarded at about 20:30 pm on 14 June, off Eastern Peninsular Malaysia, by seven men from three speed boats.
The armed attackers tied and locked up the crew while they siphoned 620 tonnes of MGO onto an unidentified vessel. Also seized were crew personal belongings including laptops, money, and mobile telephones. Ai Maru was placed on a south-easterly course at a speed of about 4.5 kt while the MGO was being taken
Vessels from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) conducted a combined operation to rescue a Honduras-registered oil tanker in the South China Sea on 15 June, the RSN told IHS Jane’s .
The tanker, Ai Maru , was carrying 1,520 tonnes of marine gas oil (MGO) from Singapore to the Gulf of Thailand when it was boarded at about 20:30 pm on 14 June, off Eastern Peninsular Malaysia, by seven men from three speed boats.
The armed attackers tied and locked up the crew while they siphoned 620 tonnes of MGO onto an unidentified vessel. Also seized were crew personal belongings including laptops, money, and mobile telephones. Ai Maru was placed on a south-easterly course at a speed of about 4.5 kt while the MGO was being taken
