Heightened Vigilance Needed for Vessels off Somalia's Coast
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Synopsis
In a recent advisory, a global maritime organization urged foreign vessel operators to stay alert while navigating the Somalia coastline and Gulf of Aden due to persistent piracy threats. The IMB reported eight piracy incidents in 2024, emphasizing the need for caution and adherence to best practices.
Key Takeaways
- Vigilance is essential for vessel operators.
- Eight piracy incidents were reported in 2024.
- Two fishing vessels and a bulk carrier were hijacked.
- The threat of piracy persists despite a decline in attacks.
- 126 crew members were taken hostage in 2024.
Mogadishu, Jan 14 (NationPress) A global maritime organization has called on operators of foreign vessels to exercise heightened vigilance while navigating the Somalia coastline and the Gulf of Aden, emphasizing that piracy remains a significant concern.
The International Chamber of Commerce's International Maritime Bureau (IMB) highlighted in its recent annual report that eight piracy incidents were documented along the Somalia coastline in 2024.
Within these incidents, the hijacking of two fishing vessels and a bulk carrier in the first half of 2024 was noted.
IMB Director Michael Howlett stated that there is no room for complacency as the ongoing risks to crew safety underline the necessity for sustained caution.
"Masters and vessel operators are strongly advised to remain vigilant and adhere to all best management practices while navigating the Gulf of Guinea and waters off East Africa," Howlett asserted.
The IMB reported that Somali pirates can engage vessels over 1,000 nautical miles from the coast, utilizing mother vessels, according to the Xinhua news agency.
Recent occurrences illustrate the persistent capabilities of these criminals who continue to pose a threat, even though attacks have diminished since 2017.
Globally, the IMB's annual piracy and armed robbery report recorded 116 incidents against ships in 2024, a slight decrease from 120 in 2023 and 115 in 2022.
Although the number of reported incidents in 2024 was comparable to those in 2023 and 2022, the number of crew members taken hostage or kidnapped saw a significant rise, reaching 126 in 2024, compared to 73 in 2023 and 41 in 2022.
The IMB has consistently reiterated the need for a continued and robust regional and international naval presence to address these incidents and ensure safety at sea.
