A maritime threat has been reported in the waters near Lahad Datu and Sabah, Malaysia.  ReCAAP issued a warning on 01 May 2018 of an Abu Sayaaf threat to kidnap merchant vessel crew members for ransom in this area.  Exercise caution when transiting this area.  Further updates will be provided when available. This alert will automatically expire on May 11, 2018. See U.S. Maritime Advisory 2018-003 for additional information on this area. The ReCAAP warning is available under the 2018 tab at www.recaap.org/alerts.