IMB: Piracy Declined in 2024, But Seafarer Hostage-Taking is on the Rise
\n \t
\n
<\/BR>
\n
\n \t
\n
<\/BR><\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Piracy at sea is less common than it used to be, according to the ICC’s International Maritime Bureau, but the risk to crewmembers remains high – particularly in hotspot regions like the Singapore Strait.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In 2024, piracy levels remained about the same as in 2023 and 2022, holding steady at about 116 incidents. Out of these run-ins, 94 attacks resulted in a boarding, six ships were hijacked and three were fired upon by pirates. 13 unsuccessful attempted attacks were reported.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Kidnapping\u00a0remains lower than it was in the years of peak pirate activity off Somalia and Nigeria. 12 crewmembers were kidnapped last year (all in the Gulf of Guinea), a rate that was about the same as in 2023.\u00a0<\/p>\n
However, hostage situations are on the rise. In 2024, a total of 126 seafarers were held hostage, nearly three times the number reported in 2022. Another 12 crewmembers were threatened last year, and one was injured in an attack.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
These cases reflect a resurgence of activity in the Singapore Straits, a\u00a0hotspot with a centuries-long history of piracy. Last year, 43 attacks were reported, including 11 incidents in which a large merchant ship over 100,000 dwt was targeted – a departure from the normal target selection of low-freeboard tugs and freighters. 13 crewmembers were taken hostage in these incidents, and reports of knife and gun possession increased.\u00a0<\/p>\n
New areas of concern include the waters of the Indonesian archipelago and the anchorage areas off Chittagong and Mongla, Bangladesh, which saw increased pirate activity last year.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile we welcome the reduction of reported incidents, the ongoing threats to crew safety remain a significant concern. Safeguarding routes and ensuring the security of seafarers, who are essential to maintaining global commerce, is vital,” said ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO. “This requires a collaborative effort, with continued regional and international naval presence being crucial to this endeavor.\u201d<\/p>\n
The IMB called on shipowners to maintain vigilance and improve the timeliness of incident reporting, which helps other stakeholders to take action and prevent future attacks.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\t
\n
<\/BR><\/p>\n