Armed Attack Targets Bulk Carrier in Philip Channel

A bulk carrier flying the Hong Kong flag was boarded by two armed intruders while sailing eastbound through the Philip Channel, located 4.6 nautical miles northwest of Kapalajernih Island, Indonesia.

The incident occurred while the vessel was moving at a speed of 10.1 knots with a freeboard of 6.25 meters, according to a report from UK maritime security consultancy Ambrey.

The attackers were reportedly carrying a “gun-like” weapon, but further details on the confrontation have not been disclosed.

This marks the second attack on a merchant vessel in the same area within a week, raising concerns about the safety of ships transiting the busy Singapore Strait.

Ambrey has advised vessels with freeboards below 10 meters to take extra precautions while transiting the region. Crews are encouraged to secure access points to the accommodation block and ship stores as a preventive measure.