Piracy attacks down in Asia while tankers targeted more often

Data from the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships (ReCAAP) in Asia said there were two incidents in the straits' sea lanes from January to June, down from three for the corresponding period in 2006.

The drop was attributed to enhanced security by Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. 

ReCAAP's members include the 10 Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) countries plus China, India, Bangladesh, South Korea, Japan and Sri Lanka.

The information-sharing centre noted that incidents in Asia dropped from 79 in the first six months of 2006 to 43 in the same period this year.

Tankers, however, are being targeted more often than bulk carriers. The ISC is examining the types of port facilities where the attacks took place.

Nearly one out of every two piracy incidents during the first half of the year involved tankers, the centre reported. Of the 20 incidents involving the vessels, 15 took place at anchorages.

Bulk carriers hold cargo loads, while tankers carry items such as crude oil. Both are slow moving, and tankers have few crew members aboard, making them more vulnerable to attack.//(Deutsche Presse-Agentur/DPA)