Int’l Maritime Body Cautions Vessels Off Somalia Coast Despite Decline in Piracy Attacks

MOGADISHU, Xinhua: A global maritime body has urged foreign vessels to observe vigilance as they transit along the Somalia coastline and the Gulf of Aden despite a lull in piracy attacks in the third quarter of 2025.

The latest report by the International Chamber of Commerce’s International Maritime Bureau (IMB) showed that no incidents were identified in the waters off Somalia and the Gulf of Aden during Q3 due to the prevailing southwest monsoon conditions.

Only three vessels were hijacked in the waters off Somalia in the first six months of the year, said the IMB, yet advising vessels to “continue to adhere to guidelines, as 26 crew were taken hostage from two fishing vessels and one dhow in the first six months of 2025.”

“This is an important time to reinforce the need for vigilance. There can be no room for complacency and globally, vessel owners and operators are encouraged to follow industry guidelines and report incidents promptly,” said MB Director Michael Howlett.

Besides, the report indicated that 15 incidents were reported in the Gulf of Guinea region during the first nine months, compared to 12 in the same period of 2024. Of these, 10 occurred in territorial waters, under the definition of armed robbery and the remaining five under the definition of piracy.

The IMB said while incident numbers remain curbed, crew safety remains a concern, noting that 14 crew were kidnapped in these waters from January to September.