IMB: 50% increase in piracy incidents in first six months of 2025
Of the incidents reported, 79 vessels were boarded, six attempted attacks, four hijackings and one vessel fired upon. Concern for crew wellbeing continues with 40 crew taken hostage, 16 kidnapped, five threatened and three each assaulted and injured.
Concern over continued rise of incidents in Singapore Straits
The Singapore Straits recorded 57 incidents and accounts for roughly 63% of total globally reported incidents. Fifteen incidents were reported in these waters during the first half of 2024.
The Singapore Strait is a critical shipping route, with ships carrying roughly 30% of global trade. This rise in incidents is deeply concerning as it puts the safety of our seafarers and the security of international commerce at risk
… said IMB Director, Michael Howlett
The boarding of large vessels exceeding 150,000 DWT in this narrow and congested waterway remains a significant concern, particularly given the 95% success rate of boardings in the Singapore Strait. Although relatively low-level incidents, this risk is further compounded by the continued use of guns and knives in 34 of the 57 reported incidents. Crew safety and wellbeing also remain fragile, with 13 crew members held hostage during incidents, five threatened, three injured, and one assaulted.
To remind, on 2 July, 2025, the ReCAAP ISC issued an alert on the continued occurrence of incidents of sea robbery onboard ships while underway in the Singapore Strait and warned a possibility of further incidents.
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