Two robbers have boarded a bulk carrier and entered its steering gear room while the ship was underway some 4.7 nautical miles off the coast of Pulau Nipah, Indonesia.
In the incident, which occurred in late afternoon hours on August 20, the perpetrators threatened the duty oiler with a knife, according to a report by ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB).
Once they left the steering gear room the oiler immediately informed the 3/E who notified the bridge. The ship master noticed on the radar two small boats heading towards Indonesia.
IMB added that the alarm was raised and the crew mustered. VTS Central Traffic Control was also informed.
Furthermore, a warship responded and assisted the ship to an anchorage in Singapore, where it was boarded by relevant authorities for investigations.