Piracy is an ongoing hazard in the Gulf of Aden, along the Somalia coast and south along the coast of Africa, in other areas in the Near and Far East and Southeast Asia, as well as Central and South America. Piracy is an expensive hazard: one tanker was held for 6 months, and released only after payment of $2.5 million in ransom. The London-based International Maritime Bureau reported piracy attacks nearly doubled in the first half of 2009 from year-ago figures. 78 vessels were boarded worldwide, with 561 crew taken hostage, and over 20 kidnapped, killed or missing. “Violence against crew members continues to increase,” the report concluded.

Worldwide losses to piracy are estimated at $13-16 Billion annually. Roll over the blue buttons for information about the region shown. For recent events, see our Piracy News Update