The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre’s year-end report highlights a troubling 74 percent rise in piracy incidents in the Singapore Strait and Straits of Malacca, with 108 cases recorded in 2025. While most incidents involved minor thefts, the overall increase raises significant security concerns for vessels navigating these crucial waterways.
The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) holds immense Blue Economy potential, valued at USD 333.8 billion. Yet, maritime insecurity threatens this growth, causing annual losses of USD 1.14 billion from illegal activities. Despite reduced piracy, ongoing threats jeopardize coastal economies and ecosystems, necessitating urgent, sustainable regional security initiatives for economic stability.
The nine crew members of the LPG gas carrier CGAS Saturn have been safely released after a piracy incident off West Africa. The ordeal began on December 3 when pirates boarded the vessel, abducting the crew. Four remained on board, with one sustaining minor injuries. Repatriation is underway.
President Miguel Diaz-Canel condemned the U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker as “piracy and maritime terrorism,” calling it a violation of international law. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez supported this view, labeling the act a crime against humanity and asserting it undermines national sovereignty and international agreements.
Venezuela has formally accused the United States of “maritime piracy” following the seizure of a Venezuelan oil shipment in international waters. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil condemned the US actions as a “flagrant violation” of international law and demanded the return of the oil and the release of the crew. Tensions escalate.
Denmark’s Christiania Gas is striving to communicate with pirates who abducted nine crew members from its LPG tanker, the CGas Saturn, in the Gulf of Guinea. The company is working diligently to ensure the safe release of the seafarers and is collaborating with international authorities for assistance.
A merchant vessel successfully thwarted a pirate attack off Yemen’s Bab-el-Mandeb on Friday. The bulk carrier, Bobic, engaged in gunfire with around 15 approaching small crafts. Despite the assault, the crew remained unharmed, underscoring ongoing security concerns as shipping lines cautiously consider resuming Red Sea routes.
Christiania Gas has reported the kidnapping of nine crew members from its LPG tanker, CGAS SATURN, following a pirate attack in the Gulf of Guinea. Four crew members remain on board, with one injured. The company is prioritizing communication with the abducted crew and coordinating with authorities for their safe release.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Republic of Korea (RoK) are launching the SMART-C Maritime Security and Counter-Piracy project to enhance Gulf of Guinea coastal States’ capabilities against piracy. Funded by a $3 million pledge from RoK, the initiative focuses on strengthening cooperation, training, and regional coordination for maritime safety.
The EU vessel ESPS Victoria successfully reached the Malta-flagged tanker Hellas Aphrodite, hijacked by pirates off Somalia. All 24 crew members were found safe, as confirmed by Diaplous Group. The ESPS Victoria will remain with the tanker until it can navigate independently, highlighting ongoing piracy concerns in the region.
On November 3, the Cayman Islands-flagged chemical tanker MV Stolt Sagaland was attacked by pirates 330 nautical miles east of Mogadishu. The assailants, aboard a small craft, were repelled by armed security personnel. The attack reflects a concerning resurgence of piracy in the region, prompting maritime authorities to issue warnings.
A pirate attack occurred on the chemical tanker Endo Ponente off Togo’s coast in the Gulf of Guinea, known for maritime hijackings. The vessel, which had recently departed Lomé, made a sudden turn and slowed significantly before its last AIS transmission. Maritime security remains a pressing issue in the region.
On May 29, a cargo ship off West Africa was attacked by seven armed pirates, resulting in the kidnapping of the injured second engineer. The incident occurred between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe, highlighting a troubling resurgence in piracy in the region, despite an overall decline in maritime crimes.
A product tanker was boarded by pirates off the Nigerian coast, with the crew escaping unharmed. This incident highlights the ongoing threat of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and West Africa, despite being the first reported in the area in years. Security services are urging caution as pirate activity continues to rise.
The straits of Singapore and Malacca are facing a rise in boardings and robberies, causing concern for maritime safety. ReCAAP reported two recent incidents involving armed perpetrators boarding vessels, prompting calls for increased patrols and vigilance in the region. The International Maritime Bureau has labeled Southeast Asia as a piracy hotspot, urging action to address the escalating incidents.
