Somali Pirate Attacks Low, Elsewhere Increasing
Global pirate activity jumped 52% compared to September, driven by increased attacks in the Gulf of Guinea, & off Indonesia.
Somali piracy remained low, with three attacks reported. Notably, a pirate group opened fire on naval warship.
Attacks increased in West African waters where two tankers were hijacked, and seven crew members were kidnapped from an oilfield supply vessel.
Attacks increased for the third consecutive month in South-East Asia; notably one tanker was hijacked for the purposes of fuel theft, akin to the type of piracy seen off West Africa.
No attacks were reported in South America.
At least 177 crewmembers are currently being held off Somalia, with many facing detention periods of over 300 days, at a current average of 170 days. Two vessels were released for ransom in October. Average ransom amounts are approximately US$5 million at present.
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