The International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre said that 55 vessels were boarded, while two attempted attacks and one vessel hijack were recorded in the first six months of 2022.
The IMB’s latest global piracy report detailed 58 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships – the lowest total since 1994- down from 68 incidents during the same period last year.
In the report, the IMB Director, Michael Howlett said, “Not only is this good news for the seafarers and the shipping industry it is positive news for trade which promotes economic growth. But the areas of risk shift and the shipping community must remain vigilant. We encourage governments and responding authorities to continue their patrols which create a deterrent effect.
“While the reduction in reported incidents is indeed encouraging, the IMB PRC continues to caution against complacency vessels were boarded in 96 percent of the reported incidents. Despite no crew kidnappings reported during this period, violence against and the threat to crews continues with 23 crew taken hostage and a further five crew threatened.”
Contact: theeditor[at]punchng.com
