2008 World Piracy Report - Almost Double

12:50 AM Sun 18 Jan 2009 GMT

'Just freed after three months - Taiwanese-flagged fishing trawler' .

The 2008 report on International Piracy is out, and while its findings relate almost wholly to the commercial maritime world, the report is a good indicator of where the cruising sailor should - or should not - venture. The 2008 figures 'surpass all figures recorded by the Piracy Reporting Centre since it began reporting,' according to IMB's Director Captain Pottengal Mukundan.

The Kuala Lumpur based International Maritime Bureau's Piracy Reporting Centre reported that worldwide, in 2008, a total number of 49 vessels were hijacked, 889 crew taken hostage and a further 46 vessels reported being fired upon. Most tragic of all, 32 crew were injured, 11 killed and 21 missing - presumed dead. The total incidents in which guns have been used are 139, up from 72, a whopping 92% increase in the year.

In Somalia, the 111 incidents peaked in September with 19 attacks in that month alone.

Nigeria ranks second with 40 reported incidents, with 27 vessels boarded, five hijackings and 39 crew members kidnapped. However, under-reporting also poses a problem in Nigeria, and the kidnappings here are at least partly political.

Indonesia, on the other hand 'should be applauded', according to the Captain Mukundan, for their sustained efforts in curbing piracy and armed robbery in its waters. Since 2003, when 121 attacks were reported, there has been gradual decline, with only 28 incidents in 2008, the majority of which were opportunistic, low level attacks. Similarly, the Malacca Straits has seen a further reduction in the number of incidents, only two this year. Singapore and Malaysia, while small, have slightly increased.

There are two other areas to mention.

Bangladesh (Chittagong) and Tanzania (Dar es Salaam) are also notable. 14 vessels were attacked in Dar es Salaam, and 12 were attacked in Bangladesh, who have had success in the past year in reducing attacks.

In an effort to ensure that as many attacks as possible are reported, the Piracy Centre is now offering the full report free of charge. To request a report, PDF version, by email, please click here

by Nancy Knudsen

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2008 World Piracy Report - Almost Double

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