Maritime piracy dropped in 2024 but crew safety remains at risk 

The IMB annual Piracy and Armed Robbery Report recorded 116 incidents against ships in 2024 compared to 120 in 2023 and 115 in 2022. It reveals that 94 vessels were boarded, 13 attempted attacks, six vessels hijacked and three fired upon.  

While the number of reported incidents in 2024 remains similar to those reported in 2023 and 2022, IMB urges caution to promote crew safety given an increase in the number of crew taken hostage or kidnapped –  from 126 taken hostage in 2024 compared to 73 in 2023 and 41 in 2022. Twelve crew were reported kidnapped, compared to 14 in 2023 and two in 2022. A further 12 crew were threatened and one injured in 2024. 

The reported use of weapons also continues to rise. In 2024, guns were reported in 26 incidents compared to 15 in 2023. Knives were reported in 39 incidents in 2024, compared to 42 incidents in 2023. 

ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said:   

“While we welcome the reduction of reported incidents, the ongoing threats to crew safety remain a significant concern. 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 endeavour.” 

Crew safety at risk in Gulf of Guinea 

Activity remains relatively lower in the Gulf of Guinea with 18 incidents reported in 2024, compared to 22 in 2023, 19 in 2022, 35 in 2021 and 81 in 2020. However, crew members continue to be at risk, with the region accounting for all 12 kidnapped crew and 23 % of the total number of crew taken hostage in 2024. 

In East Africa, at least eight incidents were reported, including the hijacking of two fishing vessels and a bulk carrier in the first half of 2024. IMB encourages vigilance and adherence to the recommendations in the latest Best Managements Practices. 

IMB Director Michael Howlett said:  

“Despite the restrained activity, there is no room for complacency as ongoing threats to crew safety highlight the importance of continued caution. 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.” 

A rise in weapons and incidents in Southeast Asian waters 

Incidents in the Singapore Straits continue to rise with 43 in 2024 compared to 37 in 2023 and 38 in 2022. The 2024 IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery report reveals that 93% of vessels targeted were boarded and 11 large vessels over 100,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT) were targeted in this strategically important seaway.  

Harm to crew continued, with 13 taken hostage, five threatened and one injured during the incidents. While considered low-level opportunistic crimes, the use of guns and knives increased to eight and 19 in 2024 respectively, compared to three and 15 in 2023. Most incidents were reported during the hours of darkness and while vessels were underway.  

The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) has also expressed concern of late reports as well as under reporting, by vessels being boarded in these waters. 

“The increase in use of weapons and the late and under reporting by vessels are areas of concern. We continue to urge vigilance and strongly encourage the timely reporting of all incidents, as the optimal way of providing a clearer understanding of the risks and safety measures to take.”

said Mr Howlett.  

A year-on-year increase in reported incidents has been observed in the Indonesian archipelago, up from 10 in 2022 and 18 in 2023 to 22 in 2024. While 20 incidents remain under the definition of armed robbery, two fall under the definition of piracy.  

In these two incidents, crew members were taken hostage for the duration of the incidents. Overall, 31 crew were taken hostage and one threatened. Knives were reported in 10 incidents and guns in three. 

The highest number of incidents in a decade was reported at anchorages in Bangladesh. IMB recorded 14 incidents in 2024, of which 13 were onboard ships anchored at Chattogram and one at Mongla anchorage. Two crew were taken hostage and a further three threatened. Knives were reported in seven incidents. 

Download your copy of the 2024 Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships report here. 

About the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre  

Since its founding in 1991, IMB’s Piracy Reporting Centre has served as a crucial, 24-hour point of contact to report crimes of piracy and lend support to ships under threat. Quick reactions and a focus on coordinating with response agencies, sending out warning broadcasts and email alerts to ships have all helped bolster security on the high seas. The data gathered by the Centre also provides key insights on the nature and state of modern piracy. 

IMB encourages all shipmasters and owners to report all actual, attempted and suspected global piracy and armed robbery incidents to the Piracy Reporting Centre as a vital first step to ensuring adequate resources are allocated by authorities to tackle maritime piracy.