The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has published its Monthly Piracy Report for the month of February 2026.
According to the IMO, five acts of piracy and armed robbery were attempted against ships during the month of February 2026 and reported by Member States or international organizations in consultative status. The incidents include:
1- In territorial waters
- Nord Auriga (Bulk carrier, Singapore)
The incident: Duty engine crew onboard the ship underway noticed three robbers armed with a knife in the engine room. Alarm raised, PA announcement made, and crew mustered. A search of the vessel was conducted with no perpetrators found and all ship’s items accounted for. All crew members were safe. The ship was instructed to proceed to a designated anchorage for further investigation.
Response: The incident was reported to VTIS. PRC relayed the message to the Singapore Police Coast Guard (IMBKL).
Location: Malacca Strait, Singapore Straits, Singapore 01° 05.70′ N 103° 33.00′
2- In port area
- Sevillia (Container ship, Portugal)
The incident: Robbers in a canoe, armed with machetes approached an anchored container ship. Duty crew spotted one robber on deck and immediately raised the alarm. All crew members were instructed to remain inside the accommodation area and secure all access doors. Port authorities contacted but no response received. The incident was also reported to the local agent to notify the authorities. Two life rafts were
stolen. The following morning, patrol boats arrived and recovered one of the life rafts, which was opened and unusable. Upon docking, Customs Border Protection officials boarded the ship for further investigations.
Response: Port authorities were informed. PRC relayed the message to MRCC Papua New Guinea. (IMBKL)
Location: Port Rabaul Anchorage, Papua New Guinea 04° 15.10′ S 152° 11.00′ E
- AS Nora (Container ship, Marshall Islands)
The incident: While at anchor, the duty crew noted that the cover of the hawse pipe of the starboard anchor was opened. After informing the 2nd officer, the general alarm, including the typhoon alarm was raised. A search was conducted with no perpetrators found on board. Subsequently, the master ordered an inventory and inspection of the deck equipment. The crew were not injured. Some ship property/stores were stolen.
Response: Incident reported to Philippine VTMS and Coast Guard Station Manila. ReCAAP ISC via ReCAAP Focal Point (Philippines).
Location: Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) Anchorage, Philippines 14° 33.77′ N 120° 49.65′ E
- Maersk Vilnius (Container ship, India)
The incident: While at anchor, the crew noticed that several items, namely cable wires and parts of the ship’s beam were missing from the ship. The master subsequently confirmed that no other losses or damages were sustained, and that no further assistance was required. The crew were not injured
Response: Reported to Coast Guard Station Manila and Philippine Ports Authority. ReCAAP ISC via ReCAAP Focal Point (Philippines).
Location: Anchorage waters off Cavite City, Philippines 14° 31.08′ N 120° 47.43′ E
- Maersk Cap Jackson (Container ship, Singapore)
The incident: While at anchor in Manila Bay, crew discovered theft of ship’s stores including cable wires and parts of the ship’s beam. In a separate incident, robbers in a canoe boarded the vessel and stole two life rafts. In another case, armed perpetrators boarded the vessel and later escaped after a crew member activated the fire alarm. Additional tampering with access points was also discovered. No injuries reported.
Response: Coast Guard Station Manila and CGSS Cavite City conducted maritime patrols and shore patrols. Customs and border protection authorities boarded the vessel for investigation. ReCAAP ISC via ReCAAP Focal Point (Singapore).
Location: Manila Bay Anchorage, Philippines Philippines 14° 33.09′ N
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