Beware of piracy - in retreat
90 piracy and armed robbery attacks on merchant ships were recorded worldwide from January to September this year. According to the most recent quarterly report on piracy published by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), this represents the lowest number of such incidents since 1992.
"Sustained and continuous efforts of the coastal authorities and international navies remain essential. There is no room for complacency,” said IMB Director Michael Howlett.
Thirteen incidents were recorded in the waters of the Gulf of Guinea, down from the 27 in 9M/2021. However, the number of incidents continues to rise in the waters of the Singapore Strait, where 31 attacks were reported in the first nine months of 2022, a 50% increase from the 21 in 9M/2021.
The number of incidents registered in the anchorage of the port of El Callao in Peru has also dropped from fifteen to eight. Another five such attacks were reported in the anchorage of Macapa, Brazil. (sh)