Maritime Piracy in 2024: A Persistent Threat to Crew Safety Despite Declining Incidents
The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has released its annual Piracy and Armed Robbery Report for 2024, revealing a slight decline in reported incidents compared to previous years. Though, the report underscores a concerning rise in violence against crew members, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by seafarers worldwide.
A Snapshot of 2024 Piracy Trends
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In 2024, the IMB recorded 116 incidents against ships, a marginal decrease from 120 in 2023 and 115 in 2022. Of these, 94 vessels were boarded, 13 attacks were attempted, six vessels were hijacked, and three were fired upon. While the overall number of incidents remains stable, the report emphasizes a worrying escalation in crew endangerment.
The number of crew members taken hostage or kidnapped surged to 126 in 2024, up from 73 in 2023 and 41 in 2022.Additionally, 12 crew members were kidnapped, 12 were threatened, and one was injured. The use of weapons also increased, with guns reported in 26 incidents (up from 15 in 2023) and knives in 39 incidents (down slightly from 42 in 2023).
“While we welcome the reduction of reported incidents, the ongoing threats to crew safety remain a meaningful 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.
Regional Hotspots: Gulf of Guinea and Southeast Asia
The Gulf of guinea remains a critical area of concern, despite a decline in reported incidents. In 2024, 18 incidents were recorded, down from 22 in 2023 and 81 in 2020.Though, the region accounted for all 12 kidnapped crew members and 23% of crew taken hostage globally.
In East Africa,at least eight incidents were reported,including the hijacking of two fishing vessels and a bulk carrier in the first half of 2024. The IMB urges vigilance and adherence to the latest Best Management Practices to mitigate risks in these volatile waters.
Simultaneously occurring, Southeast Asia has seen a rise in piracy activity, notably in the Singapore Straits. The region reported 43 incidents in 2024, up from 37 in 2023 and 38 in 2022. Notably, 93% of targeted vessels were boarded, and 11 large vessels over 100,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT) were attacked.
“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,” commented IMB director, Michael Howlett.
Weapons on the Rise: A Growing Threat
The use of weapons in piracy incidents continues to escalate.In 2024, guns were reported in 26 incidents, a significant increase from 15 in 2023. Knives were used in 39 incidents, slightly down from 42 in 2023. These figures underscore the growing danger faced by crews, even as overall piracy numbers decline.
Key Takeaways: A Call for Continued Vigilance
While the IMB report highlights a reduction in piracy incidents,the rise in violence against crew members and the increased use of weapons demand sustained attention. Regional and international collaboration, coupled with strict adherence to safety protocols, remains crucial to safeguarding seafarers and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of global trade.
| Key metrics | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|————————–|———-|———-|———-|
| Total Incidents | 116 | 120 | 115 |
| Vessels Boarded | 94 | – | – |
| Crew Taken Hostage | 126 | 73 | 41 |
| Crew Kidnapped | 12 | 14 | 2 |
| Guns Reported | 26 | 15 | – |
| Knives Reported | 39 | 42 | – |
The IMB’s findings serve as a stark reminder that piracy remains a persistent threat to maritime security. As the global shipping industry navigates these challenges, the safety of seafarers must remain a top priority.
For more insights,explore the full IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Report here.Maritime piracy and armed robbery incidents surged in 2024, with the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reporting a concerning rise in attacks, particularly in the Indonesian archipelago and Bangladesh. Most incidents occurred during the hours of darkness and while vessels were underway,highlighting the persistent risks faced by seafarers globally.
The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) has raised alarms over the increase in weapon use and the troubling trend of late and underreporting by vessels. “The increase in use of weapons and the late and underreporting by vessels are areas of concern,” the PRC stated. “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.”
rising Threats in the Indonesian Archipelago
The Indonesian archipelago saw a significant year-on-year increase in reported incidents, jumping from 10 in 2022 and 18 in 2023 to 22 in 2024.Of these,20 incidents were classified as armed robbery,while two met the definition of piracy. In the latter cases, crew members were taken hostage, underscoring the severity of the threat. 31 crew members were taken hostage, and one was threatened during these attacks. Weapons were frequently involved, with knives reported in 10 incidents and guns in three.
Bangladesh Anchorage Hotspots
Bangladesh recorded its highest number of incidents in a decade, with 14 reported in 2024. Thirteen of these occurred onboard ships anchored at Chattogram, while one took place at Mongla anchorage. Two crew members were taken hostage, and three others were threatened. Knives were the weapon of choice in seven of these incidents, further emphasizing the dangers faced by vessels in these waters.
Key insights and Recommendations
The IMB has urged ship operators and crews to remain vigilant and report incidents promptly. Timely reporting not only aids in understanding the risks but also helps authorities implement effective safety measures.The rise in weapon use and hostage situations highlights the need for enhanced security protocols and international cooperation to combat maritime crime.| Region | Incidents (2024) | Hostages Taken | Weapons Used |
|————————–|———————-|——————–|————————–|
| Indonesian Archipelago | 22 | 31 | Knives (10), guns (3) |
| Bangladesh Anchorages | 14 | 2 | Knives (7) |
The data underscores the growing challenges in maritime security, particularly in high-risk regions. As piracy and armed robbery continue to evolve,the IMB’s call for vigilance and timely reporting remains critical to safeguarding seafarers and ensuring safer waters.
for more detailed insights, explore the IMB’s annual report and stay updated on the latest maritime safety measures.
Maritime Piracy in 2024: A Persistent Threat to Crew Safety Despite Declining incidents
The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has released it’s annual Piracy and Armed Robbery Report for 2024, revealing a slight decline in reported incidents compared to previous years. Though,the report underscores a concerning rise in violence against crew members,highlighting the ongoing risks faced by seafarers worldwide. To delve deeper into the implications of thes findings, Senior Editor of World-Today-News.com, Sarah Thompson, sits down with maritime security expert Dr. James Carter, a leading authority on piracy and maritime safety.
Understanding the 2024 Piracy Landscape
Sarah Thompson: Dr. carter, thank you for joining us. The IMB report shows a slight decline in piracy incidents globally, but violence against crew members has increased. How do you interpret these trends?
Dr. James Carter: Thank you, Sarah. It’s a complex picture. While the overall number of incidents has decreased, the rise in violence is deeply concerning. Pirates are becoming more aggressive, often resorting to weapons like guns and knives to intimidate and control crews. This shift suggests that while fewer attacks are occurring, the ones that do happen are more perilous for seafarers.
Sarah Thompson: The report mentions 126 crew members were taken hostage in 2024, up from 73 in 2023. What’s driving this increase?
Dr. James Carter: Hostage-taking is a tactic used to exert control and demand ransoms. In regions like the Gulf of Guinea, where piracy remains a important threat, criminal networks are highly organized. They target vessels to kidnap crew members, knowing that shipping companies and governments are frequently enough willing to pay for their safe return. This trend reflects the economic motivations behind piracy.
Regional hotspots: Gulf of Guinea and Southeast Asia
Sarah Thompson: The Gulf of Guinea remains a critical area of concern,despite a decline in incidents. What makes this region so vulnerable?
Dr. James Carter: The Gulf of Guinea is a strategic shipping route, rich in resources like oil and gas.This makes it a prime target for piracy. While international efforts have reduced the number of attacks, the region still accounts for a disproportionate number of kidnappings. The lack of effective governance and law enforcement in some coastal states exacerbates the problem.
Sarah Thompson: Southeast Asia, particularly the Singapore Straits, has also seen a rise in piracy activity. What’s behind this increase?
Dr.James Carter: The Singapore Straits is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, making it an attractive target for opportunistic pirates. Many of the attacks here involve armed robbery rather than hijackings.Pirates board vessels to steal cargo or valuables,often under the cover of darkness. The rise in incidents highlights the need for enhanced surveillance and patrols in this region.
weapons on the Rise: A Growing Threat
Sarah Thompson: The report notes a significant increase in the use of guns during piracy incidents. why is this happening, and what does it mean for crew safety?
dr. James Carter: The use of firearms is a worrying trend. pirates are becoming more heavily armed, which increases the risk of violence during attacks. Guns are often used to intimidate crews and deter resistance, but they also raise the likelihood of injuries or fatalities. This escalation underscores the need for better security measures on board vessels, including armed guards in high-risk areas.
Sarah Thompson: Knives remain the most commonly used weapon, though their use has declined slightly. Why are knives still prevalent?
Dr. James Carter: Knives are easily accessible and less conspicuous than firearms, making them a preferred tool for pirates, especially in regions where gun control is stricter.They’re effective for close-quarters combat and can be used to threaten or harm crew members without drawing immediate attention.
Key Takeaways: A Call for continued vigilance
Sarah Thompson: What are the key takeaways from the IMB’s 2024 report,and what steps should the maritime industry take to address these challenges?
Dr. James Carter: The report is a reminder that piracy remains a persistent threat, even as global incidents decline. The safety of seafarers must remain a top priority. Shipping companies should invest in training crews to handle piracy situations, implement robust security protocols, and adhere to the IMB’s Best Management Practices. Regional and international collaboration is also crucial to combat piracy effectively.
Sarah Thompson: what message would you like to convey to the global maritime community?
Dr. James Carter: Vigilance is key.Piracy is a dynamic threat that evolves with changing circumstances. By staying informed, sharing intelligence, and working together, we can create safer waters for seafarers and ensure the uninterrupted flow of global trade.
For more insights, explore the full IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Report here.
