SIMIC

Such incidents are reported by the Singapore-based Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia Information Sharing Centre (ReCAAP ISC).

In another Manila incident, three armed men boarded the 4,250-TEU Seaspan New York and were spotted by the ship's duty crew.

One robber attempted to stab the duty crew, who was able to evade the attack, but was then tied up by two of the other robbers.

The thugs stole two portable welding machines with cables, 20 reefer cables, three bronze nozzles, and five hydrant caps, and left the vessel before the alarm could be raised.

On August 13, the 4,250-TEU CMA CGM Cai Mep was boarded by five robbers and one with a gun at the duty watch man when they were spotted.

They ordered the watch keeper to open the storage room and stole 20 buckets of paint. A deck cadet who went in search of the missing duty watcher was also threatened with a knife but was able to escape.

Given international restrictions on crew change vessels have been sailing to the Philippines and anchoring in Manila Bay to undertake exchanges of seafarers.

The latest incidents bring to eight the number of attacks on vessels at anchorage in Manila Bay since the beginning of the year.

ReCAAP said was concerned about the continued incidents and the increased level of violence used. "Ship masters and crew are strongly advised to exercise vigilance, maintain constant look-out for suspicious boats and report all incidents immediately to the local authorities. It is also very important for the crew not to engage in a confrontation with the perpetrators," said ReCAAP.