By Hauwa Ali
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The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) in its latest report from January to June 2022 recorded only 12 incidents against ships in the Gulf of Guinea, as global reports hit the lowest numbers of reported piracy incidents in 28 years.
The report published 12th July, recorded the lowest number of reported incidents for the first half of any year since 1994 with only 58 incidents of piracy against ships globally, down from 68 incidents in 2021.
According to the report, of the 58 incidents were 55 boardings, two attempted attacks and one hijack.
For the Gulf of Guinea, IMB said the 12 incidents reported in the first half of the year include 10 armed robberies and two piracy.
IMB Director Michael Howlett said: “Not only is this good news for the seafarers and the shipping industry it is positive news for trade which promotes economic growth. But the areas of risk shift and the shipping community must remain vigilant. We encourage governments and responding authorities to continue their patrols which create a deterrent effect.”
While the overall number of incidents fell, IMB warned against complacency as such a high proportion of incidents resulted in boardings.
“While the reduction in reported incidents is indeed encouraging, the IMB PRC continues to caution against complacency – vessels were boarded in 96% of the reported incidents. Despite no crew kidnappings reported during this period, violence against and the threat to crews continues with 23 crew taken hostage and a further five crew threatened.” The report read.
According to the report, of the 58 global incidents, 30 bulkers were also targeted in the period, along with 18 tankers, five container ships and five other ships; 32 of the ships were anchored, 19 were steaming and seven were berthed when attacked.
IMB highlighted one incident where a panamax bulk carrier was boarded 260 nautical miles off Ghana; IMB’s Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) alerted authorities and navies in the region, leading to the intervention of an Italian Navy warship and its helicopter.
“IMB PRC commends the prompt and positive actions of the Italian Navy which undoubtedly resulted in the crew and ship being saved. It urges the Coastal response agencies and independent international navies to continue their efforts to ensure this crime is permanently addressed in these waters which account for 74% of crew taken hostage globally,” IMB said in its half year report.
There were no reported incidents in the Gulf of Aden, which includes the once-infamous Somali coast but IMB warned that Somali pirates still have the capacity to launch attacks.
“Although no incidents were reported there since the start of the year, the threat of piracy still exists in the waters off the southern Red Sea and in the Gulf of Aden, which include the Yemeni and Somali coasts. Although the opportunity for incidents has reduced, the Somali pirates continue to possess the capability and capacity to carry out incidents, and all merchant ships are advised to adhere to the recommendations in the latest Best Management Practices, while transiting in these waters.” The report read.
