A South Korean cargo ship was attacked by pirates near the Singapore Strait on Monday, according to national reports that quote government officials.
No casualties have been reported, but two seafarers sustained minor injuries following the attack, which saw seven pirates reportedly storm the CK Bluebell and steal approximately US$13,000 worth of goods, including mobile phones, clothes and shoes.
The CK Bluebell had set sail from its anchorage off Singapore late Saturday afternoon and was destined for South Korea’s Incheon Port.
According to Korean officials, the CK Bell was unharmed and able to sail safely following the attack.
On July 6, 2019, PTI reported how the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) had responded to China raising the security level for its vessels traveling through the Strait of Malacca, the vital route between Singapore and Malaysia by claiming there was no immediate threat.
Pirate attacks in the region have declined after an increased policing presence in recent years, there have been only eight so far this, compared to 20 in 2007, but it still remains a problem for the industry at large.
BIMCO, the world’s largest shipping agency, called for greater international action to fight piracy, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea, the world’s most dangerous shipping lane.
