IMB cites concerns over rising pirate attacks in Gulf of Guinea
THE ICC International Maritime Bureau ( IMB) has expressed concern that the rise in piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea in 2023 has continued to make the region dangerous for seafarers.
The IMB stated this in its yearly piracy and armed robbery report, which revealed a rise in maritime piracy incidents in 2023.
According to the report, the IMB recorded 120 incidents of maritime piracy and armed robbery against ships in 2023 compared to 115 in 2022.
The report also revealed that 105 vessels were boarded, nine attempted attacks, four vessels hijacked and two were fired upon.
The report stated that despite the continued restraint in the number of reported incidents in the Gulf of Guinea, it recorded 22 attacks in 2023 compared to 19 in 2022.
The report stated that the waters accounted for three of the four globally reported hijackings, with all 14 crew kidnappings as well as 75 per cent of reported crew hostages and two injured crew in the year under review.
“Where the number of 2023 reported incidents has slightly increased compared to 2022, the IMB urges caution for crew safety as the number of crew taken hostage and kidnapped increased from 41 to 73 and from two to 14 in 2022 and 2023 respectively. A further 10 crew were threatened, four injured and one assaulted in 2023,” the report stated.
On Nigeria waters, the report listed Apapa/ Lagos, Off Bayelsa/ Brass, Bonny Island/ Port Harcourt, as hot spots where pirates and robbers are often well armed, violent and have attacked and hijacked/ robbed vessels as well as kidnapped crews along or far from the coast, rivers, anchorages, ports and surrounding waters.
The report disclosed that the incidents have also been reported up to about 300nm from the coast, stating that generally, all waters in/ off Nigeria remain highly risky. The report noted that kidnapping for ransom remains the biggest risk for crews, while it advised vessels to be vigilant as incidents may have gone unreported as well take additional measures in these high- risk waters. “In the past, tankers were also hijacked, and part of cargo stolen ( gas oil). Incidents dropped drastically for Nigeria, but vessels are advised to be vigilant as waters remain risky,” the report stated.
The IMB Director Michael Howlett said the rise in piracy incidents is a cause for concern while calling for all masters and vessel owners to continue following the recommendations and reporting procedures as per the latest version of the Best Management Practices. Howlett also expressed concern about the late reporting and under reporting by vessels, while encouraging timely reporting of all incidents, as it contributes to a more accurate understanding of risk.