Maritime Piracy On A Rise In Somali Waters, Violent Attacks On Crew A Major Concern

The latest updates from the International Maritime Bureau’s (IMB) Piracy Reporting Center highlight an increase in violence faced by the crew of merchant vessels, though there is an overall reduction in piracy. However, most of the violence is reported from Somalia and other parts of the world show a decline.

Per the report, the first half of 2024 saw 60 incidents of maritime piracy and ship robberies, showing a decrease from 65 such cases reported in 2023.

Incidents of piracy boardings were reported in 46 out of 60 incidents with 8 attempted attacks, 4 being hijacked and 2 involving firings.

However, the greatest concern is the rise of violence against seafarers. In the same period, 85 were taken hostage compared to 36 last year. 11 were kidnapped and 2 threatened. Use of weapons like knives and guns was recorded in 34 out of 59 incidents, another increase from the same period the previous year.

John W.H. Denton AO, ICC Secretary General said that while there is a decrease in global piracy accidents, the rise of violent attacks makes it crucial for the international community to remain vigilant, especially at a time of uncertainty in the sector.

IMB mentioned that after a decade of calmness in Somali waters, piracy is back with 8 incidents reported in the first half of 2024 however, now Somali pirates can attack ships which are even 1000 nm off the coast of Somalia, something which never happened in the past.

A notable piracy case in the Somali waters this year was the hijacking of Abdullah, a Bulk Carrier sailing under the Bangladeshi flag. The 23 crew members and the vessel were released after a five-million-dollar ransom was paid.

Michael Howlett, IMB Director has urged shipowners and seafarers to be cautious and follow the guidelines while transiting the Somali waters.

Though Somali pirates are back, piracy in the once-hotbed Gulf of Guinea has declined but crew safety and overall well-being remain a concern. In the first half of 2024, incidents declined from 14 to 10.

Singapore Straits also saw a decline from 20 to 13 such cases this year although ships are still a target in this region. 10 crew were taken hostage in 6 different incidents using guns and knives in 11 incidents.

The Indonesian Archipelago saw 12 incidents, the highest since 2021 when 15 such cases were recorded. In Bangladesh, incidents rose to 10 compared to 1 in 2023, the highest jump since 2015.

References: ICC

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