Pirate Attacks Decline in First Half of 2010

While Somali pirates demonstrated increased range and capabilities, there has been a relative decline in pirate attacks worldwide for the first two quarters of 2010, according to a report issued Wednesday by the International Chamber of Commerce’s International Maritime Bureau (IMB). A total of 196 incidents around the world were recorded by the IMB’s 24 hour Piracy Reporting Center, compared to 240 incidents in 2009. This includes 31 vessels hijacked, 48 vessels fired upon and 70 vessels boarded.

During this period, one crew member was killed, 597 crew members were taken hostage and 16 were injured. The use of firearms including rocket propelled grenades was particularly marked in the waters off Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden. Attacks in this region and in the Red Sea represent more than half of the incidents reported over the past six months.

The coast of Somalia remains particularly vulnerable with 100 pirate attacks in 2010, including 27 hijackings. The number of attacks have decreased compared to 2009 in the most dangerous maritime area of the world.

Somali waters continue to pose the greatest threat to vessels: In 2009, pirate activity in the region accounted for more than half of all acts reported during the year. Whereas attacks off the Somali coast remain considerable, these have moved progressively from the Gulf of Aden towards the east coast; a rising number of high sea incidents has also been reported in the Indian Ocean.

Attacks from the Somali coast are dependent on mother ships which enable small pirate boats to attack ships on the high seas. The mother ships and skiffs have been the target of navy vessels operating in the area.

Since October 2009, many reported attacks have occurred up to 1,000 nautical miles off Mogadishu, the Somali capital.

Attempted attacks in the Southern Red Sea represent a new area of activity for Somali pirates. Monsoon season has pushed pirates into the southern Red Sea that is not affected by the monsoons.

Actual attacks in the South China Sea more than doubled in 2010. Incidents in the waters of Malaysia and Indonesia have increased whereas only one attack was reported in the Singapore Straits and one in the Gulf of Thailand. Incidents in Nigerian waters also declined but remain stable on a six-month basis. Many attacks go unreported in this piracy hotspot.

IMB has a dedicated hotline for seafarers and all concerned parties to report any information relating to maritime crime and security including terrorism, piracy and other illegal activities.

Source: International Maritime Bureau