Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Somalia: Somali Pirate Attacks Show Sharp Fall

Somalia: Somali Pirate Attacks Show Sharp Fall

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The International Maritime Bureau (IBM) noted in a report issued Monday (October 22nd) that attacks by pirates on shipping off the coast of Somalia had fallen sharply this year.

Seventy attacks had been reported in the first nine months of this year compared to 233 in 2011, and only one attack has been reported in the past three months off Somalia. The director of the IMB, Captain Pottengal Mukundan, said it was good news that hijackings were down, but added "there can be no room for complacency - these waters are still extremely high-risk and the naval presence must be maintained." The Bureau warned seafarers to remain vigilant in the waters around Somalia. Somali pirates are still holding 11 vessels for ransom with 167 crew members as hostage. The IBM report said anti-piracy operations by international naval operations had significantly contributed to the decline. Other factors include the presence of armed guards on ships and the improving security situation on the ground in Somalia itself.

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