Looks like pirates in Asia have decided to make a big comeback! From January to June this year, there were 95 recorded cases of pirate attacks and armed robberies on ships, a staggering 83% increase compared to the same period last year. The main hotspot? The Malacca Strait near Singapore, where 80 of these 95 incidents occurred. It’s as if the pirates said, “Singapore, get ready!” Although the number of attacks has risen, most were not serious – in 90% of cases, ship crews were unharmed. But don’t be fooled, nine out of ten attacks happen at night, making pirates true night hunters. Even 29% of attackers took spare engine parts, which sounds like they’re more craftsmen than ordinary robbers. RECAAP’s executive director, Vijay Chafekar, urges authorities to increase presence in these dangerous waters and advises captains to boost night watch. If you think this is just another boring statistic, think again – piracy in Asia is on the rise and it’s serious! Maybe it’s time we all start paying attention to what’s happening at sea, because clearly, pirates aren’t planning to back down. What do you think – will Singapore manage to fight off this wave of pirates, or are we about to watch live-action pirate movies? Drop a comment and let’s see who’s up for some sea adventures and who just wants a peaceful night’s sleep!
