ROYALTB-17

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Tug and barge entered by armed pirates and looted

The 'Royal TB 17', towing the barge 'OB Royal 17', was attacked by pirates in the southern waters of Tanjung Malatayur, Pulang Pisau Regency, Central Kalimantan, on the morning of Sep 22, 2024. The ship was en route from Bagendang Port, Sampit, to Stagen Kotabaru, when the attack occurred in pos. 04°12’138” S - 113°49’371” E at approximately 6:30 p.m. WIB, The tug was approached by a small boat carrying five armed men. Four of the assailants boarded the ÄOB Royal 17', leaving one person on the small boat. The attackers, armed with firearms and sharp weapons, locked all crew members inside the barge’s toilet and took control of the vessel. Then the pirates moved to the ''Royal TB 17', where they also threatened and restrained the captain and crew in the mess room, binding them with plastic ropes. During the attack, the assailants siphoned the fame cargo onto a tanker while also stealing communication devices and valuables from the crew. The piracy lasted between 8 and 10 hours, Items stolen included 21 mobile phones, cash amounting to approximately IDR 17,200,000, and navigational equipment such as a Furuno radar and binoculars. The exact amount of fame stolen was still under investigation. Additionally, the pirates damaged communication and navigational tools, making it difficult for the crew to report the incident immediately. The perpetrators were reportedly speaking in a Malay or Banjar dialect. Three of the attackers were described as follows: two were thin, approximately 168 cm tall, while the other was stockier, with a similar height. The authorities have coordinated with the Samuda Navy to pursue the suspects. The tug was heading towards Samuda estuary for further action, including assistance with anchoring at Das Mentaya waters.