The United Nations has adopted a resolution for continuous vigilance against threats of maritime piracy and armed robbery on the coast of Somalia. Piracy networks remain active despite long-running suppression efforts.
Despite the infrequency of attacks in the region andthe reductionof the designated High Risk Area (HRA) in August, a UN Secretary General report on the situation suggests that threats remain along the Indian Ocean coastlinebecause pirate cells are still active.
In early November, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution condemning piracy and armed robbery at sea off the Somali coast and underscored that it exacerbates instability by introducing “illicit cash that fuels crime, corruption and terrorism.” The Council said that investigations and prosecutions must continue for all who “plan, organize, illicitly finance or profit from pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia.”
The UN Secretary-General’s latest report on the piracy situation in Somalia illustrates that joint counter-piracy efforts have resulted in a steady decline in attacks and hijackings since 2011, but notes that threats remain real.
The report - which coversthe period from November 1 2020 to October 31 2021 -shows that no incidents of piracy were reported in the regional waters around the Somali coastline. However, an armed attack against a vessel occurred approximately three nautical miles off the coast of Middle Shabelle on August 13.Some member states also observed suspicious approaches towards merchant vessels in the region, indicating that progress achieved in combating piracy could be reversed if not consolidated.
“The continued absence of successful piracy attacks off the coast of Somalia demonstrates the effectiveness of the measures applied to combat piracy and armed robbery at sea . . .Nevertheless, the continued presence of pirate action groups and networks remain of concern and highlight that piracy has yet to be fully eradicated,” stated the report.
Multiple threats to maritime security remain, with piracy networks having shifted their focus toless risky activities - likesmuggling, which also requires attention from the international community.
Though maritime piracy is at near-zero levels along Somalishores,illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing remains common. This crime is hindering multilateral efforts to foster sustainable fisheries.
Attacks attributed to Somali pirates peaked in 2011, when 237 incidents were recorded. The number fell dramatically to just 14 between 2015 and 2020, a drop widely regarded as a result of joint efforts to reduce crimes at sea.
FAQs
The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) raises concern on the continued acts of maritime piracy off the coast of Somalia in its first quarter report for 2024, released today.
Are Somali pirates still active in 2024? ›
In the beginning of 2024, piracy seemed to have had a rebound in the region. In March 2024, MV Abdullah was hijacked by pirates and the crew taken hostage. The increase has been attributed to change of focus from Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea, by Indian think tank.
Are there still pirate attacks? ›
Ocean shipping is responsible for moving up to 90% of all internationally traded goods. But every year, dozens of ships come under attack from pirates: bands of maritime marauders that attempt to board ships moving through international waters to seize goods or hold crew members for ransom.
Do cargo ships still get hijacked? ›
Data from the Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa, the planning and coordination centre for the European Union's anti-piracy operation EUNAVFOR, show there have been more than 20 hijackings or attempted hijackings of ships in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin since November.
Are there still Somali pirates? ›
Hijackers are once again targeting ships off Somalia's coast and a recent spike in attacks has brought back memories from more than a decade ago. That was when armed Somali pirates scoured the waters, forcefully boarding vessels and raking in millions of dollars by demanding ransoms.
How many Somali pirates are in US prisons? ›
Some countries agreed to take pirates who attacked their own interests for trial – the US was one of them. Farah and his co-defendants were among the first pirates the US brought back for trial. Today, the Somali pirates incarcerated in American prisons number at least 28, stemming from just five cases.
Is it safe to travel to Somalia right now? ›
Do not travel to Somalia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy.
Which country has most pirates? ›
Indonesia's 17,500 islands and their surrounding waters now take the title as the world's most heavily pirated.
Are there real life pirates today? ›
Modern piracy still exists, particularly in regions where maritime security is a challenge. Some notable areas for modern piracy include the waters off the coast of Somalia, the Gulf of Guinea, and the South China Sea.
Do old pirates still exist? ›
Do pirates exist in the modern world? Yes, there are still pirates in the modern world. Pirates are usually armed with guns, knives, or machetes. They drive speed boats, board ships, gather and lock up the crew, and search the ship for valuables.
In modern sea piracy, small, fast boats are often used to approach and board larger, slower-moving ships to steal cargo or take the ship and crew hostage. “In the past, pirates stole gold, silver, gemstones, and rum barrels. Nowadays, they are taking over merchant ships and looting onboard containers.
Can ship crews shoot pirates? ›
Support ships are barely-armed by warship standards, but it's still generally enough to see off any pirates. Other than that pirates will generally stay clear of warships if they can - however if a warship intervenes in a hijacking then the pirates may well fire back.
Where are pirates most active today? ›
Nowadays, most pirate attacks are committed in the Singapore Straits and off the coast of Peru.
Have Somali pirates ever attacked a cruise ship? ›
In 2005, the cruise ship Seaborne Spirit was attacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia.
What do Somali pirates want? ›
We just want the money.” He said the pirates were asking for $20 million in cash; “we don't use any other system than cash.” But he added that they were willing to bargain. “That's deal-making,” he explained. Piracy in Somalia is a highly organized, lucrative, ransom-driven business.
