IMB reports 132 incidents in 2021 with 115 successful boardings

Under the definitions of piracy and armed robbery at sea, 132 vessels have reported incidents to the IMB PRC in 2021.

These are the lowest recorded incident levels since 1994 and can be directly attributed to the robust actions of some international navies and coastal authorities.

Crews directly affected in the reported incidents

Majority of the successful incidents were reported while vessels were anchored or underway.

Regions where incidents reported.

Gulf of Guinea

The welcome presence of international navies in the Gulf of Guinea waters, in the last quarter of 2021, has contributed directly to the reduced number of reported incidents and crew kidnappings. Overall these waters have seen a decrease from 81 reported incidents in 2020 to 34 in 2021. Though a reported reduction in crew kidnappings has also been reported the levels remain unacceptable. All 57 crew kidnapped globally were reported in these waters itself. The IMB PRC commends the quick and robust actions of the Royal Danish Navy and the Russian Navy in their roles to assist crews in safeguarding themselves from being kidnapped. The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre further encourages the coastal states of the Gulf of Guinea to increase their collaboration and physical presence in their waters to ensure a long term and sustainable solution to address the crime of piracy and armed robbery in the region.    

Waters off Somalia

No incidents reported off Somalia. The IMB however urges caution to all Seafarers while transiting these waters especially as the Somali pirate continues to possess the capability and capacity. The reduction in the HRA size should also not be taken as a green light for complacency. ALL Masters are continued to be encouraged to follow all recommendations in the BMP5 while transiting these waters.

Asia (Singapore Straits)

Thirty-five vessels reported incidents while transiting the Singapore Straits – a 50% increase compared to 2020. In the 33 vessels successfully boarded in 2021, two crew were threatened and one each assaulted and injured. Knives were reported in 13 incidents and guns in two. 

The number of incidents reported to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre is a conservative figure. There may have been more incidents not reported to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre.  

Asia (Indonesia)

The continued efforts of the Indonesian Marine Police are credited for maintaining reduced levels of incidents in the Indonesian Archipelagic, reports received in 2021 were down to nine from 26 in 2020 and the lowest since 1993. Of the reported incidents four were off Jakarta and knives were reported in at least five, in which one crew was threatened.

Caribbean, Central and South America

All vessel types at anchor, underway, or during river passages under pilotage are being are being targeted and attacked .The attacks are affecting ships trading in and out of ports in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru as well as ports in Haiti and Mexico. Thirty-six incidents were reported in 2021 compared to 30 in 2020, with six crew threatened, four taken hostage and two assaulted. Thirty-one vessels were boarded in total, the majority at anchor, figures for the region include three reported attempted boardings and two vessels being fired upon. Incidents in the Peruvian anchorage of Callao have more than doubled from eight in 2020 to 18 in 2021.

The number of incidents reported to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre is a conservative figure. There may have been more incidents not reported to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre.  

IMB Piracy Reporting Centre

Founded in 1991, the IMB PRC’s 24-hour manned centre remains a single and trusted point of contact to report the crimes of piracy and armed robbery. In line with the International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC’s) purpose to enable business to secure peace, prosperity and opportunity for all, the Centre’s prompt forwarding of reports and liaison with response agencies, broadcasts to shipping via GMDSS Safety Net Services and email alerts to CSOs, all provided at no cost, help the response against piracy and armed robbery, promoting the security of seafarers globally and facilitating global trade.