Global pirate attacks decline on poor weather

09 July 2012 17:03  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (ICIS)--Pirate attacks worldwide declined in June, with activity off the coast of Somalia falling as a result of unfavourable weather conditions, data released on Monday showed.

A monthly report from Dubai-based logistics firm GAC Protective Solutions and UK-headquartered AKE Group showed the total number of pirate attacks globally decreased to 23 in June, down from May’s total of 25.

AKE predicts a reduced risk of piracy in the East African sea lanes, Indian Ocean and southern Arabian Sea due to poor weather conditions created by the southern monsoon season from May to September.

There were 12 reported attacks off the East African coast in June, a fall of 14% from May.

With weather conditions in the region expected to worsen, AKE expects attacks are “likely to be focused in more sheltered coastal waterways and chokepoints such as the northern Gulf of Oman and Bab al-Mandab straits”.

Attacks off the West African coast increased in June, with four reported incidents, compared with three in May.

The report also said that “it is likely that additional incidents of low-level robbery at ports and anchorages occurred, but were not reported”.

“Operators should remain wary that many attacks and robberies go unreported off West Africa and official statistics do not necessarily reflect the realities of the maritime security environment,” the report added.

By: Neha Popat
+44 208 652 3214

For the latest chemical news, data and analysis that directly impacts your business sign up for a free trial to ICIS news - the breaking online news service for the global chemical industry.

Get the facts and analysis behind the headlines from our market leading weekly magazine: sign up to a free trial to ICIS Chemical Business.

Printer Friendly