Piracy in decline around the world

[KaptainRob]

 

The Covid-19 pandemic has been rough on everyone. But as we focus on rebuilding tourism and the economy, spare a moment in your thoughts for Jack Sparrow. A new report says that last year worldwide pirate activity was at its lowest since 2008, and possibly since 1992.

Piracy and robbery on the high seas are at their lowest levels since records were first established 14 years ago, according to the Maritime Information Cooperation and Awareness Centre (MICA). The organization, which is run by members of the French Navy, and partner navies, reported that there were only 300 reports of piracy on the open waters worldwide last year.

Full story HERE > https://thethaiger.com/news/world/piracy-in-decline-around-the-world

 

[BigHewer]

From the article: 

Territorial waters aren’t as lucky though. They are considered separate from the high seas and robberies in local waters aren’t considered piracy. There has been an increase in the number of robberies in territorial waters, particularly in the Malacca and Singapore Straits.

Perhaps with rising fuel costs, the pirates have simply become more efficient and switched to robbery?

[KaptainRob]

29 minutes ago, BigHewer said:

Perhaps with rising fuel costs, the pirates have simply become more efficient and switched to robbery?

Robbery in the Malacca Straits has always been a problem for small to medium sized vessels.  Cruising sailors usually traverse the region in convoy during daylight to minimise risk

Somalian waters, off the Horn of Africa, was formerly the worst-affected area for major piracy with ships and crews held for ransom in the millions of $'s.  This article provides reasons for the change in recent years > https://issafrica.org/iss-today/is-somali-piracy-finally-under-control

[Alavan]

I know a few former colleagues who got pirats aboard aboard their ship in Malacca Straits, and those ships were over 200 meters. They try to rob the money in the Captain's safe and all other. The crew normally locks themselves in a safe place.
I got those people on board for anchor on the West-African coast in the seventies. Luckily they weren't armed at that time and just trying to steel mooring ropes and paint at night. When discovered they normally fled.