IMB reports a significant decline in piracy incidents, with 51 cases reported in 2023, the lowest since 1992, but threats remain for crew safety.
According to the report released by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) on October 15, a total of 51 piracy and armed robbery incidents against ships were reported worldwide during the period from January to September 2023. The number for the same period last year was 116. The institution notes that the nine-month incident count has reached its lowest level since 1992.
The report indicates that there were 36 boardings, eight ships were hijacked, four ships were fired upon, and there were three attempted boardings. The number of crew members directly affected increased from 72 to 105. The decrease in the number of incidents does not indicate that the threat to personnel has been eliminated.
Reported incidents in the Singapore Strait decreased from 73 to 13. In the Gulf of Guinea, two incidents were recorded over the nine-month period. The IMB highlighted the importance of adherence to current security practices, vigilance, and timely reporting, drawing attention to the activity off the coast of Somalia.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
