Piracy attacks drop to lowest level in six years: IMB

The IMB said that 264 attacks worldwide were reported to its piracy reporting centre, down 40% from the high seen in 2011.

“The single biggest reason for the drop in worldwide piracy is the decrease in Somali piracy off the coast of East Africa,” said Pottengal Mukundan, director of the IMB. Last year there were just 15 pirate attacks reported off Somalia, compared to 75 in 2012 and 237 in 2011.

A combination of factors was seen in the drop in Somali piracy attacks, including the international naval presence, the hardening of vessels, the use of private armed security, and greater stability from the Somali government.

However, the IMB believes the problem is far from being solved and if security measures are stepped down there could be a quick resurgence in attacks on shipping. “It is imperative to continue combined international efforts to tackle Somali piracy. Any complacency at this stage could re-kindle pirate activity,” Mukundan warned.

While progress has been seen on Somali piracy there are growing concerns over violent piracy of West Africa, a region which accounted for 19% of attacks in 2013.

Nigerian pirates were noted to be particularly violent killing one crew member and taking 36 hostage to be held onshore for ransom. Nigerian pirates accounted for 31 of the 51 attacks in the West Africa region.

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