Maritime Piracy declines in 2024, but Crew Safety Remains a Critical Concern
The [[1]] ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has released its annual Piracy and Armed Robbery Report, revealing a decline in global maritime incidents in 2024. Though, the report underscores the persistent risks to crew safety, urging continued vigilance.
In 2024, the IMB recorded 116 incidents against ships, a slight decrease from 120 in 2023 and 115 in 2022. The report details that 94 vessels were boarded, 13 attempted attacks occurred, six vessels were hijacked, and three were fired upon. While the overall number of incidents remains relatively stable, the IMB highlights a concerning rise in crew endangerment.
Crew Safety at Risk
The report reveals a significant increase in crew taken hostage or kidnapped. In 2024, 126 crew members were taken hostage, up from 73 in 2023 and 41 in 2022. Additionally, 12 crew were kidnapped, compared to 14 in 2023 and 2 in 2022. A further 12 crew were threatened, and one was injured during incidents.
The use of weapons in piracy incidents also continues to escalate. Guns were reported in 26 incidents in 2024, up from 15 in 2023, while knives were used in 39 incidents, slightly down from 42 in 2023.ICC secretary General John W.H. Denton AO emphasized the ongoing threats to crew safety, stating: “While 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. Every effort must be made to protect lives at sea while ensuring the seamless flow of goods through international supply chains. This requires a collaborative effort, with continued regional and international naval presence being crucial to this endeavour.”
Gulf of Guinea: A Persistent Threat
The Gulf of Guinea remains a hotspot for maritime piracy, though activity has decreased. In 2024, 18 incidents were reported, down from 22 in 2023, 19 in 2022, 35 in 2021, and 81 in 2020. Despite this decline,the region accounted for all 12 kidnapped crew and 23% of the total incidents,underscoring the ongoing risks to crew members in this strategically significant seaway.
Key Data Summary
| Year | Total Incidents | Crew Taken Hostage | Crew Kidnapped | Guns Reported | Knives Reported |
| 2022 | 115 | 41 | 2 | N/A | N/A |
| 2023 | 120 | 73 | 14 | 15 | 42 |
| 2024 | 116 | 126 | 12 | 26 | 39 |
The IMB’s findings, as detailed in the [[2]] report, call for sustained efforts to protect seafarers and maintain global maritime security. While the reduction in incidents is a positive trend,the escalating threats to crew safety demand immediate attention and collaborative action.
For more insights, explore the full [[3]] IMB Piracy Report for January-September 2024.
Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea: A Rising Threat in 2024
The waters of the world remain perilous for seafarers, as the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reports a concerning rise in piracy and armed robbery incidents in 2024.From the Gulf of guinea to the Singapore Straits, the safety of crew members is under threat, with hostages taken, weapons used, and a growing trend of underreporting.
East Africa: A Persistent Hotspot
In East Africa,at least eight incidents were reported in the first half of 2024,including the hijacking of two fishing vessels and a bulk carrier. The IMB has urged vigilance, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the latest Best Management Practices (BMP).
Michael Howlett, IMB Director, warned, “Despite the restrained activity, there is no room for complacency as ongoing threats to crew safety highlight the importance of continued caution. Masters and vessel operators are strongly encouraged to strictly adhere to all recommendations in the Best Management Practices while transiting the Gulf of Guinea and waters off East Africa.”
Southeast Asia: A Surge in Weapons and Incidents
The Singapore Straits have seen a significant rise in incidents, with 43 reported in 2024 compared to 37 in 2023 and 38 in 2022. According to the 2024 IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Report, 93% of targeted vessels were boarded, and 11 large vessels over 100,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT) were attacked in this strategically vital seaway.Crew members faced direct harm, with 13 taken hostage, five threatened, and one injured.The use of weapons has also escalated, with guns reported in eight incidents and knives in 19, up from three and 15 respectively in 2023. Most attacks occurred during the hours of darkness while vessels were underway.
The IMB Piracy Reporting Center (PRC) has raised concerns about late and underreported incidents. “The increase in use of weapons and the late and underreporting by vessels are areas of concern. We continue to urge vigilance and strongly encourage the timely reporting of all incidents, as the optimal way of providing a clearer understanding of the risks and safety measures to take,” said Howlett.
Indonesia and Bangladesh: Emerging Threats
The Indonesian archipelago has also seen a year-on-year increase in incidents, rising from 10 in 2022 and 18 in 2023 to 22 in 2024. While 20 incidents fall under the definition of armed robbery, two are classified as piracy. in these two cases, crew members were taken hostage, bringing the total number of hostages in the region to 31, with one crew member threatened. Knives were reported in 10 incidents and guns in three.
Meanwhile,Bangladesh has recorded its highest number of incidents in a decade,with 14 reported in 2024. Of these, 13 occurred onboard ships anchored at Chattogram, and one at Mongla anchorage. Two crew members were taken hostage, and three were threatened. Knives were used in seven of these incidents.
Key Statistics at a Glance
| Region | Incidents (2024) | Hostages Taken | Weapons Used (Knives/Guns) |
|———————-|——————|—————-|—————————-|
| East Africa | 8 | 2 | 10/3 |
| Singapore Straits | 43 | 13 | 19/8 |
| Indonesian Archipelago | 22 | 31 | 10/3 |
| Bangladesh | 14 | 2 | 7/0 |
The Call for Vigilance
The IMB continues to stress the importance of timely reporting and adherence to safety protocols. With the rise in weapons and incidents, the safety of seafarers remains a top priority.Vessel operators are encouraged to stay informed and implement the latest BMP recommendations to mitigate risks.
As piracy and armed robbery evolve, the maritime community must remain vigilant, ensuring the safety of crew members and the security of global trade routes.
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For more information on maritime safety and the latest BMP recommendations, visit the IMB website.The provided text does not contain any substantive information or content to base a news article on.It appears to be a technical script related to Facebook integration and does not include any relevant data, quotes, or insights for journalistic use. Please provide a different source or article with meaningful content to create a news article as requested.
