The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) recorded 116 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in 2024, four less than in 2023 and one more than in 2022.
Of concern is an increase in the number of crew members either taken hostage or kidnapped. Pirates took 126 crew members hostage in 2024, compared to 73 in 2023 and 41 in 2022. Twelve crew members were reported kidnapped, compared to 14 in 2023 and two in 2022. A further 12 crew members were threatened, and one was injured in 2024.
The IMB said this is a call to continue prioritizing crew safety. Pirates boarded 94 vessels in 2024, attempted attacks on 13, hijacked six and shot at three.
“While we welcome the reduction of reported incidents, the ongoing threats to crew safety remain a significant concern,” Gen. John W.H. Denton, International Chamber of Commerce secretary-general, said in a statement issued by Commercial Crime Services, of which the IMB is part.
“Safeguarding routes and ensuring the security of seafarers, who are essential to maintaining global commerce, is vital. Every effort must be made to protect lives at sea while ensuring the seamless flow of goods through international supply chains. This requires a collaborative effort, with continued regional and international naval presence being crucial to this endeavor.”
Africa’s west coast, particularly the Gulf of Guinea, reported “relatively lower” piracy in 2024, with 18 incidents. This is four fewer than in 2023 and a big decrease from 2020’s 81. The 12 kidnapped crew members in the Gulf of Guinea are a little less than a quarter of the total kidnappings reported to the IMB. Across the continent, in the western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden, eight incidents were reported.
“Ongoing threats to crew safety highlight the importance of continued caution,” said IMB Director Michael Howlett. “Masters and vessel operators are strongly encouraged to strictly adhere to all recommendations in the Best Management Practices while transiting the Gulf of Guinea and waters off East Africa.”