Maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea is still a thorn in the flesh
The first nine months of the year 2023 global report on piracy activities by the International Maritime Bureau, IMB, has revealed a cause for concern in the erstwhile improved safety record at the Gulf of Guinea, which currently experiencing a relapse in Pirates attacks on the axis.
The report indicated that 21 piracy incidents were recorded in the first nine months of 2023. While in the same period in 2022, 14 incidents were recorded.
Of the 21 incidents, 17 were classified as armed robberies and four were classified as piracy.
The report also identified a clear and present danger, to the safety of crew members on the Gulf of Guinea as 54 were taken hostage, 14 were kidnapped, and two were injured.
Singapore Straits
The Singapore Straits also raised concerns, with 33 reported incidents in the first nine months of 2023, compared to 31 incidents during the same period in 2022.
Out of these incidents, 31 vessels were boarded, five crew members were taken hostage, and two were threatened. The majority of incidents were reported in July, with ship stores or properties being the primary target for theft.
The report also identified as an issue, the navigational challenges of the Singapore Straits. And that It further compounds the risks posed by these incidents, potentially affecting safe navigation in these congested waters.
IMB emphasizes the importance of early reporting of incidents, even low-level opportunistic ones, to protect seafarers and ensure the safety of regional and international shipping and trade. The organization commends local authorities for their efforts in investigating nearly all reported incidents.
Indonesian Archipelago and South America
The IMB’s report also highlighted an increase in the number of incidents in the Indonesian archipelagic region, with 12 incidents reported during the first nine months of 2023, compared to 10 incidents during the same period in 2020 and seven incidents in 2021. Knives were sighted in five out of the 12 reported incidents.
Furthermore, reports from Callao Anchorage in Peru increased to 13 incidents from eight during the same period in 2022. These incidents included nine crew members being taken hostage, one member being threatened, and another member being assaulted.
SUMMARY
Succinctly put, the report identified a total of 99 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the first nine months of 2023, marking an increase from 90 incidents during the same period in 2022.
Among the reported incidents, 85 vessels were boarded, nine had attempted attacks, three were hijacked, and two were fired at. The perpetrators successfully boarded 89% of the targeted vessels, with most incidents occurring at night.
While the reported violence towards crew members is relatively low compared to the past three decades, there remains a real risk to crew safety. In the first nine months of 2023, 69 crew members were taken hostage, 14 were kidnapped, eight were threatened, three were injured, and one was assaulted
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