The waters off the Horn of Africa have become the most perilous for merchant shipping due to a resurgence of Somali piracy, despite a significant global decline in piracy and armed robbery incidents. The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reported that while piracy incidents are at historic lows, vigilance is essential across all maritime regions. Notably, the first nine months of the year saw only 51 piracy incidents, a sharp decrease from 116 in the same timeframe last year.
However, threats to seafarers remain a pressing concern, with 105 crew members threatened, injured, or killed in the first nine months of 2026, compared to 72 in the previous year. Somali pirates were responsible for eight hijackings and 94% of worldwide hostages, highlighting the need for continued vigilance. The IMB noted that bulk carriers are the primary targets for pirates, with many incidents occurring at night when vessels are either anchored or in transit.
While regions like the Singapore Strait and Gulf of Guinea have seen a decline in piracy, the resurgence in the Horn of Africa serves as a reminder that threats persist. The IMB encourages shipmasters and owners to report all incidents and adhere strictly to Best Management Practices to enhance safety and security at sea.
