More attacks, fewer captures in the Indian Ocean. Concern in West Africa
(BRUSSELS2) Another record level for piracy in the world with 352 attacks recorded since the beginning of the year, according to the latest statistics from the International Maritime Bureau; Somali pirates being at the origin of more than one out of two attacks (199 compared to 126 during the same period in 2010)... Their audacity did not fail. With the attack and capture of a chemical tanker anchored in the port of Oman, no one can now claim to be safe throughout the Indian Ocean.
The action of the "Navy" and recommendations, effective, despite everything
Despite everything, explains the BMI, there were fewer boat captures than last year: 24 instead of 35 for the same period in 2010. That is a "success" rate of 12%, down from 2010 (28%). A good result which can be explained by the action of the various anti-piracy forces deployed in the region. " The marines are to be commended for their excellent work; they are a vital force in thwarting and deterring pirate activity explains Captain Mukundan of the BMI in a press release. The proper application of BMPs (good practices) is also highlighted, in particular the use of the "citadel" system, allowing the crew to take refuge in a safe place inside the ship in the event of an attack. and therefore to the armed forces to be able to attempt an assault without risk of collateral damage or hostage-taking. The rapid release of the Italian ship Montecristo a few days ago was only permitted because the crew was in a safe place.
This assessment could appear positive. This is to forget that the pirates took hostage during these nine months, 625 people. 8 sailors were killed and 41 injured.
Red signal for West Africa
What is worrying is the irruption in these statistics of West Africa. Local pirates seem to be on the rise with 19 attacks including 8 successful attacks on tankers this year, compared to 0 incidents in 2010. Pirates, often violent, have a different objective: cargo. They order " the captain to proceed to a discreet destination where they steal the goods on board the vessel and its cargo, before releasing the vessel explains the BMI. The start of joint patrols between Benin and Nigeria could be a solution.
The Security Council seized of the situation in the Gulf of Guinea
Phenomenon taken up by the UN Security Council. On Wednesday, Ban Ki Moon launched an urgent appeal to the States of the region to develop an “integrated and global strategy to combat maritime piracy”. " The threat is increasing as most Gulf (of Guinea) states have limited capabilities to secure maritime trade, freedom of navigation, protection of marine resources and safeguarding and securing life and property” explained the UN Secretary General during the meeting.
An assessment mission - comprising experts from the DPKO (peacekeeping operation), UNODC (crime and drugs) and the International Maritime Organization - will leave for the region next month to examine the measures to be taken. . It should act in close "consultation" with the " governments of the region, the European Union and other international partners “, specifies the press release of the UN (read here). Ban Ki Moon appealed to UN member states to support the anti-piracy operations already undertaken by certain countries. France and the USA are present in particular. Russia has promised its help. On the European Union side, we are "examining"...
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