News / Fewer pirate attacks on ships, but violence and kidnapping on the increase, says IDB

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Despite piracy on the world’s oceans falling “significantly”, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has reported a worrying increase of violent hijackings, resulting in the abduction of 44 individuals this year.

IMB said there were 37 armed piracy incidents in the first quarter of 2016, compared with 54 during the same period last year.

The Gulf of Guinea appears to be the most affected area, with 16 crew members taken from chemical and product tankers in four incidents.

Bulkers, oil tankers and vehicle carriers have been ...