Latest Piracy Report from ICC Commercial Crime Services

Latest ICCCCS report here. Highlights:

30.05.2005 at 1720 UTC in position 04:00.50N - 099:36.20E, Malacca straits.
A general cargo ship underway sighted a craft, five metres long with white hull. When craft came within two miles, it increased speed and commenced approaching the ship. Master raised alarm, took evasive manoeuvres and crew mustered. Craft altered course and moved away.

30.05.2005 at 1615 UTC in position 03:12N - 105:24E, 14nm off Anambas island, Indonesia.

Five pirates armed with high-powered guns and long knives boarded a general cargo ship underway. Duty A/B at poop deck spotted them and locked himself inside accommodation and raised alarm. Pirates fired warning shots and broke open accommodation doors and entered bridge where they tied up 2/O, two A/Bs and an oiler. Two pirates remained on bridge with hostages. Other three pirates went to cabins of C/E and master and stole personal belongings, cash and equipment. Finally, pirates took master, C/E and an A/B to poop deck and escaped in a boat...

05.05.2005 at 1030 LT in position 02:46.064N - 106:12.285E, NW bay of Ayerabu island, Anambas islands, Indonesia.
Eight robbers armed with ak47 machine guns boarded a yacht at anchor. They ordered crew to remain below deck. They held skipper at gun point and took cash, stores and crew personal belongings and escaped.

Question related to the last incident: With increased merchant ship protection, will the local pirates go after apparently easier prey, such as yachts? And will the escalation of protection bring a corresponding increase in armament by pirates?