Thursday July 11, 2024
The Bangladesh-flagged bulk carrier MV Abdullah, hijacked by Somali pirates in March 2024, seen here anchored before its capture. The vessel was released after a $5 million ransom was paid. CREDIT: Vessel Finder
Mogadishu (HOL) — The International Chamber of Commerce's (ICC) International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has called for sustained vigilance to protect seafarers amid increasing violence, despite an overall drop in the number of piracy and armed robbery incidents reported in IMB's mid-year report for 2024, released on Thursday, July 11.
The report recorded 60 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the first half of 2024, down from 65 incidents in the same period in 2023. "While we are reassured to see a fall in the number of overall reported acts of piracy," said ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton, "the concerning rise in incidents of a violent nature underscores the need for continued vigilance from the international community to ensure the safety of all seafarers — especially at this time of heightened uncertainty for maritime transport."
Of the 60 incidents reported, 46 vessels were boarded, eight reported attempted attacks, four were hijacked, and two were fired upon. Perpetrators successfully boarded 84 percent of targeted vessels. Violence towards crew continues, with 85 taken hostage compared to 36 in the same period last year, 11 kidnapped, and two threatened. Guns and knives were reported in 34 of the 60 incidents, a worrying increase from the same period the previous year.
"While the decline in reported incidents is welcome," added IMB Director Michael Howlett, "sustained and continued regional maritime cooperation remains essential to safeguard seafarers, global shipping, and trade. There is no room for complacency."
Somali Waters: Persistent Threat
Despite the global decline in reported incidents, Somali piracy remains a significant threat, with eight incidents reported in the first half of 2024, including three hijackings. Recent incidents demonstrate the continued capability and capacity of Somali pirates to target vessels up to 1,000 nautical miles off the Somali coast.
On January 4, 2024, the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier MV Lila Norfolk was boarded by armed pirates about 455 nautical miles southeast of Eyl, Somalia. The ship was fired upon and successfully boarded by seven pirates armed with machine guns. The crew mustered in the citadel, and an Indian Navy warship responded, sending a helicopter to locate the ship. The pirates escaped, and all 21 crew members were reported safe.
On March 12, 2024, the Bangladesh-flagged bulk carrier MV Abdullah was hijacked by Somali pirates approximately 550 nautical miles east of Mogadishu while en route from Mozambique to the United Arab Emirates, carrying over 55,000 tonnes of coal. The pirates, heavily armed and numbering over twenty, demanded a $5 million ransom for the release of the 23 crew members. The vessel was directed towards the Somali coast and anchored near Garacad, a notorious area for piracy. Following intense negotiations and the payment of the ransom, the MV Abdullah and its crew were released on April 14, 2024, marking a significant resurgence in Somali piracy.
IMB urges all vessel owners and masters to harden their vessels and follow all recommended guidelines in the latest Best Management Practices while transiting Somali waters. Vessels employing Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel (PCASP) should be cautious not to mistake fishermen for pirates.