Loss Prevention Advice
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Over the past week, 20 to 26 October, one incident of piracy or armed robbery against ships in Asia.
The CAT 4 incident occurred onboard a tug boat and barge while underway in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in the Singapore Strait, approximately 4.3 nautical miles off Pulau Nongsa, Indonesia, on 17 October 2026. Six unarmed perpetrators were involved in the incident, during which scrap metals were stolen. The crew members were not injured.
Area of concern
With the incident reported in the Singapore Strait, a total of 25 incidents has been reported in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) since January 2026.
Ships are advised to intensify vigilance and maintain a sharp look-out while transiting areas of concern and report all incidents immediately to law enforcement agencies. The Centre also urges the littoral States to increase patrols and enforcement in their respective waters, respond promptly to incidents, strengthen coordination and promote information sharing on incidents and the criminal groups involved to arrest the perpetrators.
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Not all hazards are obvious at first glance. Conditions such as limited lighting and compromised footing can increase risk and make hazards more difficult to recognise, in the latest instalment of its Good Catch series.
Taking a few moments to assess the work environment before starting a task can help prevent injuries, falls overboard and other incidents that may have lasting consequences for seafarers. Identifying potential hazards early and addressing them before work begins can make a critical difference in keeping everyone on board safe.
Against this backdrop, the case in which a deckhand on an inland towing vessel fell overboard while working in a barge fleeting area.
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A crew member suffered second-degree chemical burns after a concentrated fuel biocide was incorrectly used to clean fuel oil strainers, according to a safety flash.
The chemical penetrated the worker’s clothing, and the exposure continued when the contaminated coveralls were worn again the following day. The incident highlights how inappropriate chemical selection, inadequate protective equipment and delayed decontamination can turn routine maintenance into a serious injury.
What happened
During maintenance work involving fuel oil strainers, a crew member used a concentrated fuel biocide as a soaking and rinsing agent. However, the substance was intended exclusively as a fuel additive and was not suitable for cleaning equipment.
While carrying out the task, the worker wore standard cotton coveralls rather than the chemical-resistant protective clothing required for handling the substance. The chemical mixture soaked through the fabric, exposing the worker’s skin to its corrosive effects.
Unaware of the chemical’s hazardous properties, the crew member did not immediately wash the affected skin. The situation was aggravated when the same contaminated coveralls were worn again the following day, extending the period of contact with the chemical.
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The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA has closed four piracy cases involving vessels off the northern coast of Somalia, while the motor tanker Asana remains under the control of pirates in Somali territorial waters, according to an update issued on 16 October 2026.
The closed cases involve the motor tankers Honour 25, Eureka and Sibu 1, as well as the merchant vessel Sward. The incidents occurred between April and August 2026, with Operation ATALANTA coordinating with relevant authorities and companies to support the release of the vessels and their crews.
Throughout the incidents, ATALANTA also issued maritime security warnings through the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) to vessels sailing in the affected areas.
Five crew members killed during Honour 25 operation
The Honour 25 incident followed the hijacking of fishing vessel Alkhary 2 on 20 April. On 21 April, ATALANTA reported that Honour 25 had also been hijacked, with its last known position 28 nautical miles southeast of Alkhary 2. The fishing vessel was subsequently released with all crew members safe, while the pirate group remained aboard the tanker.