Attempted Theft Aboard Bulk Carrier Underway in Singapore Strait

December 19, 23:01 LT (15:00 UTC): Six unauthorized persons were spotted aboard the underway bulk carrier TRUST STAR (IMO # 9610236), at which point the alarm was raised. Upon hearing the alarm, the six perpetrators escaped empty-handed. Two crew members who had been tied up in the engine room were able to free themselves.

The master reported the incident to Singapore VTIS, who initiated a safety navigational broadcast. The RSN, Singapore Police Coast Guard and Indonesian authority were notified. The master deviated from the voyage and sailed to the port of Singapore as he was not certain on the actual number of perpetrators on board. The RSN and Singapore Police Coast Guard subsequently escorted the ship to the port of Singapore. Upon the ship’s arrival in port of Singapore, the Singapore Police Coast Guard boarded the ship and conducted a search on board. There was no further sighting of any perpetrator, the crew was safe and nothing was stolen.

Source: ReCAAP