IMB Piracy Report 2018: Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships
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 here. If Members have any questions, they should get in touch with their usual club contact.
Downloads
-
35319 - 2018_Annual_IMB_Piracy_Report_Abridged (209 KB)
11/01/2019
Download PDF -
35320 - 2018_Annual_IMB_Piracy_Report_MEDIA_RELEASE (153 KB)
12/05/2020
Download PDF
Tags
You may also be interested in:
More crew were kidnapped at sea in 2016 than in any of the previous 10 years.
The 2018 amendments to the MLC, 2006 will bring about a change to a seafarer's employment agreement (SEA) where it shall continue to have effect and wages shall continue to be paid while a seafarer is held captive on or off the ship as a result of acts of piracy or armed robbery against ships.
Best Management Practices (BMP) West Africa
31/03/2020
The International Group, in partnership with shipping industry associations, have launched new maritime security guidance. The Best Management Practices, West Africa is a new addition to the established BMP series and provides threat mitigation guidance on counter-piracy/armed robbery at sea.
The new resource aims to provide easy access for companies and seafarers to valuable information and guidance.