Cargo Business Newswire

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Malaysia and Indonesia fight against soaring pirate attacks

Malaysia and Indonesia are deploying rapid reaction teams to fight an increasing number of pirate attacks on cargo ships in the Malacca and Singapore straits, according to a Malaysian admiral.

"We have in general recommended that vessels proceeding to Singapore and passing Malaysian waters take appropriate security measures," said Michael Storgaard, spokesman for Maersk Line. One of the ships attacked last week was the Maersk Lebu.

More than 70 vessels have been attacked this year

on the west side of the Malay Peninsula — including at least seven at the end of last week, say security and anti-piracy groups.

"There remains a need for a proactive, permanent security presence in the area during the hours of darkness," said Mark Thomas, Asia Pacific regional manager at maritime security consultancy Dryad Maritime in Singapore.

For more of the Reuters story: www.reuters.com