Piracy incidents rise in Somalia waters

NAIROBI, Kenya - The number of piracy incidents within Somali waters has raised concerns among members of the international community, with a report from the anti-piracy body painting a picture of a troubled coastline along the Indian Ocean.

On February 7 and March 16, two fishing vessels and a dhow were hijacked within Somali waters, leading to questions about the safety and stability of the region, which serves as a gateway to the Horn of Africa.

The report by the International Chamber of Commerce's International Maritime Bureau (IMB) shows that 26 crew members were taken hostage, further showcasing the dangers posed by the pirates in the country.

“The IMB advises ships navigating these waters to exercise caution and to strictly follow the latest version of the Industry Best Management Practice,” the IMB said. According to the agency, all crew members and the vessels have been released.

Vessel owners and operators have been cautioned against complacency, but the international navies continue to coordinate activities across the waters to make the waters safer in line with safety standards.

“Although three Somali piracy incidents have been recorded, several hijackings of dhows and fishing vessels may have gone unreported,” the IMB said.

IMB has also cautioned users on the Gulf of Guinea waters as the crew risk piracy cases, although the number of reported incidents within the region and adjoining littoral states continues to be at its lowest in nearly two decades.

“All 13 kidnapped crew were reported in these waters in two separate attacks, with a total of six incidents reported in the first quarter of the year,” the IMB said.

“While we welcome the reduction of incidents, the safety of crew members in the Gulf of Guinea remains at greater risk. It is essential to maintain a strong regional and international naval presence to address these incidents and ensure the protection of seafarers,” IMB Director Michael Howlett said.

Piracy cases have, however, reduced significantly in comparison with the last two decades, when Somali waters were extremely dangerous. The government of Somalia is also training naval crews, who are important in the fight against piracy.

GAROWE ONLINE