The worldwide reporting centre for pirate and maritime armed robberies has recorded the bottom variety of incidents since information started.
The Worldwide Maritime Bureau (IMB) obtained 132 reviews of assaults towards ships in 2021, the bottom since 1994.
It has attributed the drop in incidents to motion taken by authorities however is asking for continued co-ordination and vigilance to make sure the long-term safety of seafarers.
“Whereas the general discount in globally reported incidents is welcomed the IMB piracy reporting centre urges coastal states to acknowledge the inherent threat from piracy and armed theft and robustly deal with this crime throughout the waters of their unique financial zone,” IMB Director Michael Howlett stated.
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“The IMB stays dedicated to actively interact and trade info with coastal states to advertise security for seafarers and commerce.”
Incidents final yr included 115 vessels being boarded, 11 tried assaults, 5 vessels fired upon and one vessel hijacked.
Final November the crew of Danish navy patrol vessel Esbern Snare shot 5 pirates, killing 4, within the Gulf of Guinea in an trade of fireplace off the coast of Nigeria.
The incident occurred when the Danish frigate, which has been patrolling the realm since early November, tried to board the pirate ship.
The IMB stated the elevated presence of worldwide naval vessels and co-operation with regional authorities has had a constructive influence in combating felony gangs.
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It stated the general discount in incidents in 2021 adopted a decline within the Gulf of Guinea area, to 34 reported incidents final yr from 81 in 2020.
Nevertheless, though kidnappings at sea dropped 55 per cent in 2021, the Gulf of Guinea continued to account for all kidnapping incidents globally, with 57 crew taken in seven separate incidents.
The IMB urged crews to stay cautious and stated the violent gangs proceed to pose a excessive threat.
“The IMB commends the sturdy actions of the worldwide navies and regional authorities within the Gulf of Guinea which seems to have positively contributed to the drop in reported incidents and making certain continued security to crews and commerce,” Mr Howlett stated.
“Whereas the IMB applauds these actions it additional calls on the coastal states of the Gulf of Guinea to extend their collaboration and bodily presence of their waters to make sure a long run and sustainable resolution to handle the crime of piracy and armed theft within the area.”
It recorded 35 incidents towards vessels navigating the Singapore Straits, a 50 per cent improve from 2020 and the very best variety of reported incidents since 1992. Vessels had been boarded in 33 of the 35 incidents.
The EU has introduced funding for a ÂŁ1.3 million ($1.72m) coaching programme to enhance the protection of vessels within the Gulf of Guinea.
Supply: Nationwide Information
