Maritime piracy incidents declined slightly in 2024, according to the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) annual Piracy and Armed Robbery Report. A total of 116 incidents were reported globally, down from 120 in 2023. However, the report highlighted growing concerns about crew safety, as the number of hostages and use of weapons during attacks increased significantly. The data revealed that 94 vessels were boarded, 13 attacks were attempted, six vessels were hijacked, and three were fired upon during the year.
The safety of crew members remains a pressing concern, with 126 individuals taken hostage in 2024, a significant rise compared to 73 in 2023 and 41 in 2022. Twelve crew members were kidnapped, slightly fewer than the 14 reported in 2023, but far higher than the two in 2022. Weapons such as guns and knives were increasingly used in attacks, with guns reported in 26 incidents and knives in 39 incidents, reflecting a worrying trend in the nature of maritime crime.
The Gulf of Guinea, while experiencing a reduction in the number of reported incidents, remains a high-risk area for seafarers. Eighteen incidents were reported in 2024, compared to 22 in 2023. Despite the decline, the region accounted for all 12 crew kidnappings and 23% of global hostage situations.
Southeast Asia saw a rise in incidents, particularly in the Singapore Straits, where 43 attacks were recorded in 2024 compared to 37 in 2023. The majority of vessels targeted were boarded, and many incidents involved the use of weapons, such as guns and knives, during night hours.
The Indonesian archipelago also saw an increase in attacks, with 22 incidents reported in 2024, up from 18 in 2023. Two cases were classified as piracy, involving the temporary captivity of crew members.
The waters off East Africa reported eight incidents, including the hijacking of two fishing vessels and a bulk carrier, indicating a need for continued vigilance in the region.
In South Asia, Bangladesh experienced its highest number of incidents in a decade, with 14 attacks reported, primarily at anchorages in Chattogram. These attacks included hostage-taking and threats to crew safety.
ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO highlighted the need to protect seafarers, who are vital to global trade, through coordinated efforts to secure maritime routes.
IMB Director Michael Howlett urged ship operators to follow Best Management Practices and report all incidents promptly to enhance response measures and protect crew lives.
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