Police Coast Guard Responds to Midnight Piracy Attempt in Singapore

A midnight distress call in the Singapore Strait prompted a swift response from the Police Coast Guard (PCG) as four armed men boarded a bulk carrier. The incident escalated when the assailants attacked the ship’s second engineer, leaving the rest of the crew in a state of confusion. Mustaffa Muhd, a crew commander in the emergency response team, noted the immense size of the vessel, stating, “This bulk carrier could be as big as three football fields. The perpetrators could be anywhere.”

The attackers took the engineer hostage in the engine room, where he endured physical assaults, including choking. “After they pushed me down, I didn’t dare to lift my head,” he recounted after the ordeal. Following an alert from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, the PCG executed a thorough search of the five-deck vessel on arrival, but no suspects were located. Evidence on the hull indicated that the robbers had likely fled into international waters before the PCG could intervene. The ship’s captain reassured that while the crew was shaken, they were unharmed.

The incident reflects a troubling trend as piracy and armed robberies in the Singapore and Malacca Straits have surged, with 97 incidents reported by September 2023, compared to 35 incidents in the same timeframe last year. The PCG, as Singapore’s first responders, patrols some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, where over 1,000 vessels transit daily.

Behind the Scenes: Challenges and Operations

A two-part documentary titled “Inside The Police Coast Guard” provides an in-depth look at the challenges faced by officers who safeguard Singapore’s waters. The PCG’s responsibilities extend beyond maritime patrols to include land operations through the Coastal Hardening Strike Force (CHSF). For instance, during a routine patrol in Tuas, officer Richard Ong apprehended two men in a van containing illicit chewing tobacco and bundles of cash. The seizure, believed to include 3,870 sachets of tobacco, marked one of the largest he had encountered.

In another operation, PCG officers collaborated with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority to track a man attempting to leave Singapore illegally. The subject fled upon being spotted, leaving behind personal belongings which later identified him as a person of interest. The sea poses significant challenges for law enforcement, particularly regarding illegal entries and exits, as noted by Muhd Zayd Abdul Latif, an assistant crew commander.

In one noteworthy rescue operation, Mustaffa’s team responded to a collision between a supply vessel and a tanker, arriving to find two men clinging to floating debris after their boat sank. “If the survivors have been swept away by the current, chances of survival are very low,” he explained, emphasizing the urgency and danger present in such operations.

Technology and Training in Maritime Security

To enhance their operational effectiveness, the PCG employs advanced technology such as the seaborne electro-optics system, which provides 360-degree surveillance capabilities, including thermal imaging. This system allows officers to monitor suspicious activities and vessels, as detailed by Khairina Abdul Hamid Ali, another assistant crew commander.

Navigational challenges add complexity to their duties, especially in open waters lacking clear markers. The onboard navigational system helps officers remain within Singapore’s maritime boundaries during patrols. Additionally, rigorous training is crucial to ensure readiness for high-stakes situations. In a recent live-firing exercise in the South China Sea, officers demonstrated proficiency with the M2 Browning heavy machine gun, a vital tool in their arsenal. “We do this yearly to ensure that all our personnel are prepared for any situation that may arise,” Mustaffa stated.

Despite the demanding nature of their work, including long hours and the physical toll of sea sickness, the camaraderie among the crew fosters a supportive environment. Serena Ng, the executive officer of the Coastal Patrol Squadron, highlighted the challenges of 24-hour patrols, especially during the monsoon season when cooking is often impractical. “We usually just eat cup noodles or boil some porridge,” she quipped.

The emotional weight of their duties is palpable, with incidents often testing their resolve. Muhd Haikal Alias, a specialist officer, expressed frustration when crew members on a boat failed to disclose the total amount of duty-unpaid cigarettes they were carrying. “I feel that they were trying to deceive me,” he said, reflecting the challenges of maintaining integrity and order.

In conclusion, the men and women of the Police Coast Guard play a vital role in ensuring the safety of Singapore’s waters. Their unwavering commitment, combined with advanced technology and rigorous training, positions them as the first line of defense against maritime threats. The documentary “Inside The Police Coast Guard” offers a rare glimpse into their world, highlighting the complexities and realities of serving at sea.