IMB reports significant fall in attacks by Somali pirates

Washington, United States (4E) – Global maritime organization on Monday acknowledged a significant fall in attacks by Somali pirates since 2009.

However, the International Chamber of Commerce International Maritime Bureau (IMB), in a report on Monday, said that the pirates are still holding 11 foreign vessels for ransoms.

The fall has brought down global figures for armed robbery at sea to 233 cases this year, which is lowest third quarter total in past four years.

In 2012, Somali pirates attacked 70 times against 199 in 2011. “And from July to September, just one ship reported an attempted attack by Somali pirates, compared with 36 incidents in the same three months last year,” the report showed.

“It’s good news that hijackings are down, but there can be no room for complacency: these waters are still extremely high-risk and the naval presence must be maintained,” said Captain Pottengal Mukundan, IMB Director told Xinhua.

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