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Piracy at its lowest level in seven years: IMBPiracy at its lowest level in seven years: IMB

Piracy is at its lowest level in seven years according watchdog the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), but it continues to warn of the threat in both East and West Africa.

Marcus Hand, Editor

October 17, 2013

1 Min Read
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In its third quarter report IMB said there were 188 incidents of piracy reported in the first nine months of this year down from 233 in the same period in 2012. According to IMB it was lowest third quarter level of attacks since the third quarter of 2006.

The number of seafarers taken hostage in the first nine months of 2013 also fell markedly to 266 compared to 458 in the same period in 2012.

“Although the number of attacks is down overall, the threat of attacks remains, particularly in the waters off Somalia and in the Gulf of Guinea. It is vital that ship masters continue to be vigilant as they transit these waters,” said Potengal Mukundan, director of the IMB.

The number of attacks off Somalia in the first nine months of 2013 fell to just 10, compared to 70 in the first three quarters of 2012. “The vital role of the navies off the coast of Somalia should not be underestimated. Their presence ensures that pirates do not operate with the impunity they did before,” Mukundan said.

However, in West Africa, in the Gulf of Guinea attacks have continued to increase with more than 40 attacks in the first three quarters of 2013 and some 132 crew taken hostage.

About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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