ASF calls for action on South China Sea piracy

The Asian Shipowners Forum (ASF) is concerned over the rise in pirate attacks in the South China Sea and calls for governments to take stronger action. The ASF Safe Navigation and Environment committee said it continued to express “grave concern” at the threat posed by piracy worldwide. The committee said it was increasingly concern that piracy was on the rise in the South China Sea with 18 attacks this year reported in the waters off Anambas and Mangkai Islands. “The committee urged all states to cooperate and to take stronger, pro-active action, both on-shore and at sea, to prevent such crimes from taking place,” the ASF said.