(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) A total of 116 incidents were reported to the IMB Piracy reporting Centre between Jan – Dec 2024. These are broken down as 94 vessels boarded, 13 attempted attacks, six vessels hijacked and three fired upon. Violence against and the threat to crews continues with 126 crew taken hostage, 12 crew kidnapped, 12 threatened and one injured.
The majority of the successful incidents were reported while vessels were anchored or steaming.
| Status when Attacked | ATTEMPTED | BOARDED | FIRED UPON | HIJACKED | Grand Total |
| ANCHORED | 8 | 41 | 49 | ||
| BERTHED | 1 | 6 | 7 | ||
| STEAMING | 4 | 47 | 3 | 6 | 60 |
| Grand Total | 13 | 94 | 3 | 6 | 116 |
Regions where incidents reported.
| Region | ATTEMPTED | BOARDED | FIRED UPON | HIJACKED | Grand Total |
| Africa (Somalia) | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 8 |
| Africa (GoG) | 16 | 1 | 1 | 18 | |
| Americas | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||
| Indian Sub-Cont | 3 | 13 | 16 | ||
| East & SE Asia | 8 | 62 | 2 | 70 | |
| Grand Total | 13 | 94 | 3 | 6 | 116 |
Somalia
At least eight incidents reported in these waters. This included the hijacking of two fishing vessels and one bulk carrier. Masters are urged to follow all recommendations in the latest BMP edition.
Gulf of Guinea
Activity remains relatively lower in the Gulf of Guinea with 18 incidents reported in 2024, compared to 22 in 2023, 19 in 2022, 35 in 2021 and 81 in 2020. However, crew members continue to be at risk, with the region accounting for all 12 kidnapped crew and 23 % of the total number of crew taken hostage in 2024.The IMB commends the efforts of the Regional Cooperations and Coastal Authorities and encourages efforts to be sustained and built upon.
Asia
Indonesia:Â A year-on-year increase in reported incidents has been observed in the Indonesian archipelago, up from 10 in 2022 and 18 in 2023 to 22 in 2024. While 20 incidents remain under the definition of armed robbery, two fall under the definition of piracy. Overall, 31 crew were taken hostage and one threatened. Knives were reported in 10 incidents and guns in three.
Singapore Straits:Â Incidents in the Singapore Straits continue to rise with 43 in 2024 compared to 37 in 2023 and 38 in 2022. The 2024 IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery report reveals that 93% of vessels targeted were boarded and 11 large vessels over 100,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT) were targeted in this strategically important seaway.
Bangladesh: The highest number of incidents in a decade reported at anchorages in Bangladesh. IMB recorded 14 incidents in 2024, of which 13 were onboard ships anchored at Chattogram and one at Mongla anchorage. Two crew were taken hostage and a further three threatened. Knives were reported in seven incidents.
IMB Piracy Reporting Centre
Founded in 1991, the IMB PRC’s 24-hour manned centre remains a single and trusted point of contact to report the crimes of piracy and armed robbery. The centre has not only assisted ships in a timely manner, it also provides the maritime industry, response agencies and governments with data received directly from the Master of the vessel under attack - or its owners.
The importance of prompt reporting of incidents to the IMB PRC cannot be emphasised enough. It serves three main purposes:
- The reports are relayed to the most appropriate coastal or regional authorities with requests to render a meaningful response.
- Information about the incidents are broadcast to shipping via GMDSS Safety Net Services and email alerts to ships’ CSOs (all free of charge). This helps highlight to seafarers, globally and areas of risk or emerging trends.
- Incidents recorded and reported to the IMB PRC are used as a catalyst for change. Over the years this has benefitted not only seafarers and fishers but also many coastal authorities who have been able to allocate valuable resources, in an informed manner, to reduce risk to crews who bring much needed trade into these Regions.
The full Annual World-Wide incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships report can be downloaded below:
