Myth or reality?
- Between January and May Control Risks recorded 17 incidents of piracy and armed robbery at sea in the Horn of Africa region, including five successful hijacks and crew kidnaps. International naval patrols and improved national and local security forces will play a significant role in mitigating this threat
- Operators are advised to resume or reinforce the BMP4: Best Management Practices for Protection against Somalia Based Piracy
- Incident levels are unlikely to return to those seen between 2009 and 2012 when Somali piracy was at its height
- Onshore ‘push’ and offshore ‘pull’ factors mean isolated attempts of hijack-for-ransom are likely to continue
Cormac Mc Garry, Maritime Risk Analyst comments that, “While we have recorded a limited surge in Somali pirate activity in the first half of the year, it is unlikely to span beyond its current scope. However, the increase should serve as a reminder to vessel operators and governments with naval forces in the area that the threat still remains.
Vessels passing through the High Risk Area are likely to return to the best management practice measures which were essential in reducing Somali piracy five years ago. Similarly, international naval forces whose attention may have been diverted elsewhere after the decline in 2012 will resume a closer watch in the area.
The combined efforts of individual vessel operators along with renewed military focus will stem the expansion of this threat. A caution however that individual, one off incidents are likely to continue to take place if onshore push factors remain unchanged.”