The UK Club has received the following annual report from the ICC International Maritime Bureau, regarding piracy and armed robbery against vessels throughout the year.

The report shows a notable increase in the number of attacks on vessels in 2018, particularly in the West Africa region. Worldwide, the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) recorded a total of 201 incidents of maritime piracy and armed robbery in 2018, up from 180 incidents in 2017.

The Gulf of Guinea remains dangerous for seafarers, particularly waters between the Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the majority of this year’s attacks took place, including all 6 reported hijackings.

Key statistics from the report:

• 201 incidents of piracy and armed robbery reported
• 143 vessels were boarded
• 6 vessels were hijacked
• 34 attempted attacks on vessels
• 18 vessels were fired upon
• 141 crew members taken hostage
• 83 kidnappings
• 8 injuries

Types of vessels attacked:

• 50 Tankers
• 59 bulk carriers
• 18 container vessels
• 74 other types of vessels

The full IMB report can be read. If Members have any questions, they should get in touch with their usual club contact.