Amidst global angst over the increased tempo of piracy in Somalia’s Gulf of Aden, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) says that Nigeria maintained its second position on the world piracy chart, even as the global body disclosed that there were more than 100 cases of unreported piracy attacks within Nigeria’s territorial waters in 2008.
In its 2008 report, the global body which records all cases of piracy attacks submitted that Nigeria ranked second in the report with 40 reported incidents including 27 vessels boarded, five hijackings and 39 crew members kidnapped.
The IMB through the Piracy Reporting Bureau (PRC) said that last years there were approximately 100 additional unconfirmed incidents that have occurred in Nigeria. Under-reporting from vessels involved in incidents in the Nigerian waters remains a great concern.
The 2008 figures surpass all figures for hijacked vessels and hostages taken recorded by the PRC since it began its worldwide reporting function in 1992, the report added.
Nigeria had since April 2008 maintained a comfortable number two position on the global piracy table; a development which led the International Transport workers Federation (ITF) and ship owners to threaten differential wages and freight rates respectively on ships coming into Nigeria,.
In 2008 there was a worldwide total of 293 incidents of piracy against ships, which is up more than 11% from 2007 when there were 263 incidents reported. In 2008, 49 vessels were hijacked, 889 crew taken hostage and a further 46 vessels reported being fired upon. A total of 32 crew members were injured, 11 killed and 21 missing – presumed dead. Guns were used in 139 incidents, up from 72 in 2007.
The increase is attributed to the number of attacks in the Gulf of Aden with 111 incidents reported on the east coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden. The rise peaked in September with 19 attacks. In October and November there were 15 and 16 vessels attacked respectively.
This is an increase of nearly 200% from 2007. In addition, 2008 saw the largest tanker ever being hijacked by Somali pirates, and successful attacks being carried out at greater distances from land than in previous years. All types of vessels with varying freeboards and speeds were targeted. The pirates boarding the vessels were also better armed than in previous years and prepared to assault and injure the crew.
“We are encouraged by recent efforts to tackle Somali piracy and hope that more governments will continue to devote more assets to the region. International navies are the only ones capable of effective response against piracy in the region and can help to secure the safety and security of this major maritime trade route,” said Captain Pottengal Mukundan, Director of the ICC International Maritime Bureau.
On the positive side, there have been declines in other regions.
“Indonesia should be applauded for its sustained efforts in curbing piracy and armed robbery in its waters,” said Captain Mukundan. “Compared to 2003 when 121 attacks were reported, there has been a continued year-on-year decline with 28 incidents reported in 2008, the majority of which were opportunistic, low-level attacks.”
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