Loss Prevention Advice
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Annual Piracy Report for 2025, revealing a 17% increase in global piracy and armed robbery incidents against ships, driven largely by a sharp rise in attacks in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.
Global overview
According to information received and made available in IMO’s GISIS module on piracy and armed robbery, 171 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported to the Organization as having occurred or been attempted in 2025. In 2024, 146 incidents were reported, whereas the number was 150 incidents in 2023. This, therefore, constitutes an increase of about 17% at the global level compared to last year.
Regional distribution of incidents
The areas affected by acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships in 2025 were:
- the Straits of Malacca and Singapore area (122 incidents),
- West Africa (21 incidents),
- Indian Ocean (10 incidents),
- South China Sea (6 incidents),
- East Africa (5 incidents),
- South America (Caribbean) (4 incidents),
- Arabian Sea (2 incidents),
- and South America (Pacific) (1 incident).
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Over the past week, 12-18 May, one incident of piracy or armed robbery against ships in Asia.
One CAT 3 incident of armed robbery against ships in Asia.
The incident occurred onboard a bulk carrier while sailing in the Straits of Malacca & Singapore on 13 May 2026. The perpetrator, armed with a knife, attempted to threaten the engine room watchkeeping staff, who ran away and secured himself in the engine control room. The crew members were not injured, and nothing was stolen.
Area of concern
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A warning following reports that a vessel anchored northeast of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates was allegedly taken over on 14 May by unauthorized personnel.
According to the incident report, received at approximately 0545 UTC on 14 May 2026, the ship was located around 38 nautical miles northeast of Fujairah when the incident occurred. The vessel’s Company Security Officer (CSO) reported that control of the ship had been seized while it was at anchor and that the vessel is now believed to be heading toward Iranian territorial waters.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing and has urged all vessels operating in the region to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.
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As part of its Good Catch series, has published guidance that underscores the importance of vigilance during cargo operations and work aloft.
A wide range of objects that have been involved in past incidents, including steel pipes, grease guns, twist locks, man lifts, bundles of rebar, flashlights, shipping containers, cell phones, hand tools such as wrenches and hammers, and steel coils. Each item serves as a reminder of how everyday equipment can become dangerous when accidentally dropped from height.
Numerous seafarers have suffered injuries as a result of falling objects or suspended loads, with some cases resulting in fatalities. The Club stresses that such incidents are often preventable and typically occur during cargo handling operations involving cranes or when personnel are working aloft.
How can these incidents be prevented?
The guidance emphasizes that gravity cannot be controlled, making strict adherence to procedures essential. Workers are urged to maintain constant awareness of overhead activities, avoid standing beneath suspended loads, and ensure proper securing of tools and cargo at all times.