The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has published its Monthly Piracy Report for the month of December 2025.
According to the IMO, nine acts of piracy and armed robbery were attempted against ships during the month of December 2025 and reported by Member States or international organizations in consultative status.The incidents include:
HK Tug 8/LKH 2882 (Tug, Singapore)
The incident: While sailing, nine perpetrators from three sampans were sighted alongside the barge removing scrap metals while the tug and barge were enroute from Singapore to Vietnam. After observing that all nine perpetrators had departed the barge, the Master resumed the eastbound passage. At 1510 hrs, three sampans with nine perpetrators were again observed alongside barge taking scrap metals. At 1525 hrs, the three sampans departed from the barge. The crew were not injured.
Response: The incident was reported to Singapore VTIS.
Location: In the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) Indonesia 01° 12.38′ N 103° 54.88′ E
Bulk Sydney (Bulk carrier, Liberia)
The incident: While underway, the 2nd engineer sighted four perpetrators armed with knives at the steering gear room without confrontation. The ship alarm was raised and deck lighting was switched on. A search was conducted with no perpetrators found onboard. All crew members were accounted for and without injury. Some engine spare parts were stolen.
Response: The incident was reported to Singapore VTIS West.
Location: Approximately 2.74 nm from Pulau Cula (Indonesia), in the eastbound lane of the TSS Indonesia 01° 04.28′ N 103° 40.65′ E
Eco Diagon Alley (Bulk carrier, Liberia)
The incident: While underway, the master reported that three perpetrators with batons were sighted in the engine room. The ship’s general alarm was activated and the crew mustered. A search was conducted with no perpetrators found onboard. All crew members were accounted for and without injury. Some engine spare parts were reported stolen.
Response: The incident was reported to Singapore VTIS West.
Location: Approx. 5.4 nm off Pulau Cula (Indonesia), in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme Indonesia 01° 03.32′ N 103° 37.38′ E
Jin Hwa 47/Jin Hwa 48 (Tug, Malaysia)
The incident: Five persons in a small boat approached and boarded the laden barge under tow and stole some of the scrap metal cargo before escaping.
Response: Singapore Police Coast Guard
Location: Singapore Straits Singapore 01° 18.51′ N 104° 15.07′ E
Saphira (Bulk carrier, Liberia)
The incident: Duty crew on routine rounds spotted ropes attached with hooks on the poop deck railings and immediately informed the bridge. Alarm raised and crew mustered. Four robbers armed with knives were seen escaping with stolen engine spares.
Response: Incident reported to the port authorities through the local agent.
Location: Tangkil Island Anchorage, Indonesia Indonesia 05° 31.20′ S 105° 17.29′ E
Nootka Island (Bulk carrier, Hong Kong, China)
The incident: Duty crew on routine rounds, onboard an anchored ship, reported the theft of ship’s forward mooring ropes. Security checks for unauthorised persons carried out.
Response: Incident reported to Callao Authorities via the agent.
Location: Callao Anchorage, Peru Peru 11° 59.67′ S 077° 13.34′ W
