Total Number of Attacks in March: 33
Total Number of Attacks this year: 115
Ships Released in March: 3
Crew Released in March: 40
New Ships Taken in March: 8
New Crew Taken in March: 83
Ships Held at end of March: 18*
Crew Held at end of March: 300
Summary
Global pirate activity dropped slightly by three attacks from February’s total of 36, but piracy increased off Somalia. Eight vessels were hijacked, the highest number in a single month since December 2010, ultimately resulting in the acquisition of four new motherships and one large commercial vessel to be ransomed. Activity increased across the HRA and intensified in the northern Arabian Sea for the third month running. Attacks dropped off West Africa, but a serious attempt launched from a mothership around 100NM from the coast highlighted the expanding offshore threat. Fewer attacks were recorded in Asia, although the drop is likely to be caused by under reporting, rather than an actual reduction in attacks. One attack was officially recorded in Latin America.
At least 300 crewmembers are currently being held, with many facing detention periods of over 300 days, at a current average of 181 days. No vessels were released for ransom from Somalia in March. Average ransom amounts are approximately US$4.8m.
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