AMO Currents - Pirate attacks increase in first two quarters of 2009

AMO Currents - Posted: November 3, 2009

Pirate attacks increase in first two quarters of 2009

The International Maritime Organization reported that attacks on vessels and hijackings both increased during both the first and the second quarters of 2009.

The most prevalent area of attack for both quarters was East Africa, including the Gulf of Aden. Between January and March of this year, eight vessels were hijacked, resulting in 144 crewmembers held hostage, five crewmembers injured or assaulted and two crewmembers killed, according to the IMO. The organization reported 97 total “acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships” in the first quarter of the year, with 53 “alleged attempted attacks.”

Between April and June of this year, 26 vessels were hijacked, with 303 crewmembers held hostage and six injured or assaulted, the IMO reported. No crewmembers lost their lives due to pirate attack in the second quarter of the year. According to the IMO, there were 138 total acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the second quarter with 65 alleged attempted attacks.

These numbers reflect only reported incidents.