IMB Report Reveals Alarming Rise In Maritime Piracy Worldwide In 2023

Recent data from the International Maritime Bureau reveal a concerning increase in maritime piracy cases in 2023. The research indicates the first successful hijacking from Somalia since 2017, which alarmed specialists in marine security. The yearly Report on Piracy and Robbery (armed) shows 120 instances in 2023—a slight increase over the 115 incidents from the previous year.

The most disturbing incident mentioned in the report is the successful hijacking off the coast of Somalia on December 14, 2023. About 700 nautical miles east of Bosaso, a handymax bulk ship was taken over by alleged Somali pirates. Since 2017, there has not been a successful hijacking in Somali waters. This is a matter of concern, according to IMB Director Michael Howlett, who expressed concern. The IMB is again urging all masters and vessel owners to continue adhering to the guidelines and reporting requirements outlined in the most recent version of the Best Management Practices.

The incident highlights the ongoing threat that Somali pirates pose. Although fewer instances have been reported in the Gulf of Guinea (22 in 2023 compared to 81 in 2020), the region remains a hotspot for maritime piracy. This region accounted for three of the four hijackings reported worldwide in 2023, which also accounts for all 14 crew kidnappings and seventy-five per cent of reported crew hostages. Crew safety is also a concern in the Singapore Straits, where opportunistic crimes are rising. Michael Howlett raises concern about vessels’ incomplete and delayed reporting. The IMB continues to stand up for the timely reporting of all accidents since it advances its knowledge of risk.

Thirteen crew were hostage, and two were threatened in the 37 reported events that occurred in the Singapore Straits in 2023. Thirteen incidents involved knives, while three involved guns. In October 2023, another incident in the Malacca Straits involved a crew member who needed medical attention after being hurt during a bulk carrier boarding. This is the first instance of pirate-related crew injuries in the region documented since 2015. There has been an alarming yearly rise in recorded incidences throughout the Indonesian archipelago, from 10 in 2022 to 18 in 2023.

Thirteen incidences at the Callao anchorage in Peru have been reported, indicating that South America is not exempted from these problems. One crew member was threatened, and seven were taken hostage. Nine incidents involving guns and knives were reported. Other South American ports impacted are the anchorages at Macapa, Brazil, Cartagena, and Puerto Bolivar, Colombia. The IMB stresses that immediate reporting is critical to improving the accuracy of risk assessments in these unstable maritime regions.

Reference: IMB

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