In the first nine months of 2024, reported incidents of piracy and armed robbery fell to the lowest levels since 1994, according to the latest report by the ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) International Maritime Bureau (IMB). Despite the lowest reported incidents in three decades, IMB and its Piracy Reporting Centre warns that crew safety remains at risk.
The IMB, based in east London, reported 79 incidents for January to September, down from 99 in the same period last year. While the Bureau reported violence and a steady rise in the number of reported incidents around Indonesia, it saw fewer incidents in Gulf of Guinea, Somalia and Singapore Straits. From January to September, 62 vessels were boarded, six were hijacked while nine faced attempted attacks and two were fired upon. In most, 86 per cent of incidents, perpetrators gained access to the vessel with most incidents occurring at night. Violence towards crew members remains, with 111 crew taken hostage, 11 kidnapped and three threatened. Perpetrators were armed with weapons, guns, and knives in 45 of the reported incidents.
IMB Director Michael Howlett said: “With reported incidents at their lowest since 1994, the decline in reported piracy and armed robbery incidents is encouraging. This is an important time to reinforce our message not to be complacent, and for vessel owners and operators to adhere to IMB guidelines. We commend governments and law enforcement for their excellent work, which has made this improvement possible.”
To request a copy of the January to September 2024 Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships report - visit https://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/request-piracy-report.
