Piracy and Armed Robbery
IMB Piracy Reporting Centre incidents and global maritime threat levels.
Data source: IMB PRC Kuala Lumpur · Updated: 16 Jun 2026
Global Maritime Threat Levels
Highest concentration globally. Vessels transiting within 200nm of coast to exercise extreme caution. Kidnap for ransom the primary MO.
Multiple Nigerian anchorages reported as high risk. Armed robbery, crew assaulted and cargo stolen in recent incidents.
Increased Houthi activity affecting Red Sea and Gulf of Aden corridor. Somali piracy historically suppressed but not eliminated.
Generally under control with ReCAAP cooperation. Petty theft incidents in anchorages. Vigilance still required.
Sulu Sea and Celebes Sea remain areas of concern. Philippines coastal waters see sporadic incidents.
Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico anchorages. Armed robbery of anchored vessels and small fishing boats interfering with commercial traffic.
Recent Incidents — Last 30 Days
| Date | Position | Type | Vessel Type | Action Taken | IMB Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Jun 2026 | 04°08'N 007°12'E | Attempted boarding | Tanker (laden) | Crew mustered, SSAS activated, armed guards deployed, pirates repelled | IMB 2026-045 |
| 08 Jun 2026 | 01°22'N 004°55'E | Armed robbery at anchorage | Bulk Carrier | Crew held at knifepoint. Ship stores and crew effects stolen. All crew safe. SSAS activated post-incident | IMB 2026-041 |
| 05 Jun 2026 | 05°30'N 000°14'E | Kidnapping | General Cargo | 3 crew kidnapped. Vessel anchored Tema Roads. Master contacted coastguard. Incident under active investigation | IMB 2026-038 |
| 02 Jun 2026 | 11°42'N 043°24'E | Drone/projectile attack | Product Tanker | Vessel sustained minor hull damage. No casualties. UKMTO incident report filed. Escort requested | IMB 2026-034 |
| 28 May 2026 | 03°51'N 006°58'E | Boarding — piracy | Offshore Supply Vessel | 6 armed pirates boarded. Engine room seized. Vessel taken to alternate anchorage. Crew later released. Nigerian Navy responded | IMB 2026-029 |
| 24 May 2026 | 01°15'N 104°29'E | Petty theft | Container Ship | Thieves boarded from small craft during anchorage. Ship stores taken from forward storage. Crew alarm activated, thieves fled | IMB 2026-026 |
| 21 May 2026 | 09°12'N 014°35'W | Armed robbery | Fishing Vessel | Armed men in speedboat boarded and robbed crew of catch and equipment. No casualties. Reported to local coastguard Guinea-Bissau | IMB 2026-023 |
How to Report a Piracy Incident
- 1.Activate SSAS and transmit distress / urgency signal on DSC VHF Ch 70
- 2.Report to UKMTO via email or phone (24hr operations centre)
- 3.Report to IMB Piracy Reporting Centre — Kuala Lumpur (24hr)
- 4.Notify nearest coastal state MRCC and flag state
- 5.Submit full incident report to IMB within 24 hours