Sixty incidents of hijacking and armed robbery against ships were recorded in the first half of 2024. Of these incidents, perpetrators successfully boarded 85% of the targeted ships.
Michael Howlett, International Maritime Bureau director, said, “Violence against crews continues, with 85 hostages taken compared to 36 at the same time last year, 11 kidnappings and two threats. Guns and knives were reported in 34 of the 59 incidents, an alarming increase on the same period last year.”
ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said: “The alarming increase in incidents of a violent nature underlines the need for continued vigilance by the international community to ensure the safety of all seafarers – especially at this time of heightened uncertainty for maritime transport.”
For information about insuring your cargo shipments, please contact us at info@worldinsuranceagency.com.