Machete wielding robbers have attacked an AM Nomikos ultramax bulker off Singapore stealing almost $7,000 in the process.

The 60,984-dwt TN Sunrise (built 2015) was around 11 nautical miles east of Pulau Merapas off Indonesia’s Bintan Island when it was boarded.

The five perpetrators, whose faces were covered with balaclavas, boarded the vessel via port quarter from a small boat while it was underway.

Reports say the perpetrators managed to enter the wheelhouse and confronted the chief officer who was on watch-keeping duty.

He was brought down to the master’s cabin where the perpetrators ordered the master to open the safe and they stole a reported $6,845.

The ship security alert system (SSAS) was activated and the attack was reported to the local authorities in Singapore.

The incident took place early last week, but news of the incidents has gone largely unreported by the media.

Philippines warns of imminent pirate attack

Details have only just emerged in the latest report by the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against ships in Asia (ReCAAP).

“The attack took place some 35 nautical miles east-southeast of the Singapore Strait,” said UK-based security consultant Grey Page.

“At least four vessels were the targets of boardings or attempted boardings while underway in the Strait in the first six months of 2018.”

In its half-yearly 2018 report the Singapore-based (ReCAAP) described the Strait as an “area of concern”.

And in 2017 there were reports of vessels being boarded while at anchor or underway off Indonesia’s Bintan Island at the Strait’s eastern end.

“Perpetrators have sometimes been armed with knives and machetes. They have generally stolen crew member’s belongings, cash and engine spares,” said Grey Page.

“Ships should remain vigilant when sailing in the Singapore Strait and southern waters of the South China Sea, especially when close to the coast.”