On October 4, 2024, Spanish and French security forces seized 4 tons of cocaine from a Tanzanian-flagged vessel near the Canary Islands. The operation, named ‘Pascal-Lino 2024,’ led to the arrest of all ten crew members. The vessel’s suspicious activities and route indicated involvement in international drug trafficking, highlighting the challenges faced by authorities.
The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reported a decrease in piracy incidents from January to September 2024, with only 79 incidents compared to 99 in the same period last year. Most incidents occurred at night, with perpetrators armed in 45 reported incidents. Despite this decline, violence towards crew members remains a significant concern.
India has submitted three papers to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) addressing current issues regarding the security and contracting terms of seafarers. The upcoming 111th Session of the Legal Committee (LEG) will focus on fair treatment of seafarers and unlawful activities at sea, advocating for a holistic approach to maritime security and better contracts.
