As Covid-19 continues to dominate news headlines, traditional issues affecting the shipping industry have taken a back seat.
Latest news from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) however has revealed a significant uptick in piracy attacks on the world’s seas.
In the first three months of 2020, the organisation recorded 47 attacks, up from 38 in the same period last year. Pirates boarded 37 ships in the first quarter of 2020.
The Gulf of Guinea remains the world’s piracy hotspot with 17 crew kidnapped in three incidents in these waters, at distances of between 45 and 75 nautical miles from the coast.
IMB’s latest global piracy report shows zero hijackings in the last two quarters, and no incidents around Somalia. But with no sign of a reduction in attacks worldwide, the organisation has encouraged shipowners to stay vigilant, calling for continued international cooperation.
“Navy patrols, onboard security measures, cooperation and transparent information exchange between authorities, are all factors which help address the crimes of piracy and armed robbery,” said IMB director Michael Howlett.
“The threat to crew is however still real – whether from violent gangs or opportunistic armed thieves inadvertently coming face to face with the crew. Ships’ masters must continue to follow industry best practice diligently and maintain watches. Early detection of an approaching pirate skiff is often key to avoiding an attack,” he added.
