Loss Prevention Advice
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An armed small boat opened fire on a containership transiting the Southern Red Sea on 7 October, prompting renewed security concerns in the strategically important shipping corridor.
As reported, all crew members were reported safe following the incident, according to the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO), which operates as part of the EU Naval Force. The incident occurred at approximately 06:15 UTC, when the small boat fired at the vessel as it sailed north of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The attackers subsequently moved away from the containership, although the circumstances surrounding their withdrawal remain unclear.
Maritime security consultants identified the vessel as CUL Klang, operated by China United Lines (CULines). No immediate claim of responsibility was reported, and further details about the circumstances of the attack were not immediately available.
The vessel was sailing from Port Klang, Malaysia, at the time of the incident. The ship’s Automatic Identification System (AIS) was displaying the message “China owned & CHN crew” following the incident.
The attack adds to security concerns surrounding commercial shipping in the Red Sea, a key maritime route connecting the Indian Ocean with the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, remains a critical passage for international trade, making security incidents in the area a concern for shipowners, operators and seafarers.
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Over the past week, 6 to 12 October, one incident of piracy or armed robbery against ships in Asia.
The CAT 4 incident occurred onboard a bulk carrier while at anchor at Vung Tau anchorages, Phu My, Vietnam on 3 October 2026. Unidentified and unknown number of perpetrators approached the vessel by boat and boarded the vessel and stole some paint drums. The crew members were not injured.
Area of concern
Ships are advised to intensify vigilance and maintain sharp look-out while transiting the areas of concern or anchoring at ports and anchorages; and to report all incidents immediately to the nearest coastal State. The Centre also urges the coastal States to increase patrols/surveillance in their respective waters, respond promptly to incidents reported to them, strengthen coordination and promote information sharing on incidents and the criminal groups involved to arrest the perpetrators.
Situation of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes seas and waters off Eastern Sabah
For a 6th consecutive year, there has been no report of incident of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah. The last incident occurred on 17 Jan 2020. In January 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), coordinated with other stakeholders and counterparts further downgraded the threat level of ‘Abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas’ to ‘LOW’, meaning ‘No information or monitored activities suggest an impending attack; hence incidents are not expected to occur’.
In its Advisory on 14 Feb 2025 advised ships to “exercise vigilance when transiting the Sulu-Celebes Seas and report incidents to the Operation Centres of the Philippines and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM)”. Also, to maintain communication with the relevant authorities when transiting the area.
Recommendations
Ship master and crew are to report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State and flag State, referring to the Poster on the Contact Details for Reporting of Incidents of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia, exercise vigilance and adopt appropriate preventive measures taking reference from the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia.
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Below you will find ARC’s weekly report dated 14 October 2026, covering the period of 8 to 14 October, where the following incidents were reported:
- 0 maritime security incidents in West Africa in the last 7 days
- 18 maritime security incidents in the Indian Ocean/Middle East in the last 7 days
- 0 Somalia-based piracy incidents reported in the last 7 days.
Full advisory at the following link.
https://britanniapandi.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ARC-Weekly-Report-14.10.26.pdf
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A hidden chemical interaction in a vessel’s bilge system can turn routine cargo and cleaning operations into a serious toxic-gas hazard.
A hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) was detected by portable gas detectors in an open area of the main deck during a vessel’s transit back to port. The gas was traced to certain bilge vents, with the suspected source linked to mud loaded for a rig. No personnel were injured or suffered ill health, but the incident exposed gaps in bilge-system cleaning, chemical compatibility assessment and H₂S monitoring.
What happened
During the vessel’s return to port, portable gas detectors detected H₂S in an open area on the main deck, specifically around certain bilge vents.
The affected area was isolated and continuously monitored, while personnel working on the main deck and in the engine, room were equipped with portable gas detectors.
Sludge and bilge disposal services were arranged for the vessel’s arrival in port.