Web alert: IMB publishes third quarter report on piracy and armed robbery for 2015

The IMB cautions against complacency in its latest report on piracy and armed robbery which covers the period from 1 January 2015 to 30 September 2015.

190 incidents have been reported to the IMB in 2015, with the majority focused upon low-level incidents in Southeast Asia. 154 ships were boarded, 21 attempted attacks took place and 15 vessels were hijacked.

In relation to crew, the IMB reports that 226 crew members were taken hostage, 14 assaulted, 13 injured, 10 kidnapped and one killed.

The following five countries make up the main bulk of the 190 reported incidents for 2015:

Southeast Asia
The majority of reported incidents in 2015 have taken place in Indonesia. Attacks in Southeast Asia tend to be low-level in nature and take place at night. Ships should maintain strict anti-piracy watches and report any incident or suspicious behaviour to local authorities and the IMB.

Gulf of Guinea
There have been 26 reported incidents in the Gulf of Guinea region in 2015, with only one new reported incident for the third quarter of the year. The IMB considers that in reality there are significantly more attacks than those reported.

Somalia/Gulf of Aden
There have been no reported incidents in this region, continuing the trend from recent years, although 29 crew members continue to be held for ransom by suspected Somali pirates.

Changes to High Risk Area
Members are likely aware that the High Risk Area (‘HRA’) is due to be reduced with effect from 1 December 2015 to reflect the downturn in piracy in this region. Despite the reduction of the HRA, the club urges members to comply with BMP4 in all affected areas and to maintain vigilance. The club’s update on the HRA may be found at the following link:

HRA in Indian Ocean reduced in size

Attack by ship-type 
The main ship-types affected are as follows:

The club continues to strongly recommend that members comply with the latest version of Best Management Practices (version 4) and related guidance in all affected areas. Members should exercise vigilance in all areas which may be subject to piracy, despite the reported downturn in incidents and the reduction of the HRA in the Indian Ocean.

For further information, please contact your usual contact at the club or the authors of this article.