Web alert: ICC IMB 2014 first-quarter report shows reduction in piracy incidents

The International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC) International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has reported 49 piracy incidents in the first quarter of 2014, the lowest first-quarter figure since 2007. The latest report from the ICC IMB covers the period from 1 January 2014 to 31 March 2014.

Globally, during the first three months of 2014, two vessels were hijacked, 37 boarded, five vessels fired upon and five attempted attacks were reported. In relation to crew, 46 were taken hostage and two were kidnapped from their vessel.

In relation to East Africa, five reported attacks are attributable to Somalian piracy, with a total of six incidents having been reported in the region. Somali pirates are understood to continue to hold one vessel for ransom with three crew members on board as hostages. A further 49 crew members are held on land and four are reported missing.

Off West Africa, 12 incidents were reported, with attacks concentrated off Nigeria. The first attack in waters off Angola was reported in 2014, which indicates the increased range and capability of pirates in the area according to the ICC IMB.

In South-East Asia, 23 incidents were recorded. Indonesia reported the highest number of attacks, with 18 in the first quarter of 2014 (a reduction from 25 attacks in the first quarter of 2013). As previously stated in our web alert on 15 January 2014, attacks in the area are opportunistic and low level, although the ICC IMB reports that seven crew members were taken hostage in five incidents.

Despite a reduction in incidents, the ICC IMB report indicates that shipowners continue to face a risk from piracy and caution should be exercised.

For further information please visit the ICC website at http://www.icc-ccs.org/icc/imb.