The International Maritime Bureau, has disclosed that no fewer that eighty four ships were attacked and one hundred and thirty seafarers abducted by sea pirates in the Gulf of Guinea in 2020.
According to the bureau, there were nearly 50 percent increase in kidnapping for ransom between 2018 and 2019, and around 10 percent increase between 2019 and 2020.
IMB said the region now accounts for just over 95 percent of all kidnappings for ransom at sea, noting that the Covid-19 pandemic brought about increased economic hardship resulting in emboldened reliance on illicit, yet lucrative, activities.
The report was made available to newsmen by the organizers of 2nd International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference.
According to the report, “the Gulf of Guinea is a vast and diverse region stretching from Senegal to Angola, covering 6,000 kilometres of coastline.
“It is an important shipping zone transporting oil and gas, as well as goods to and from central and southern Africa. Around 1,500 fishing vessels, tankers, and cargo ships navigate its waters at any given day.
Piracy, armed robbery at sea, kidnapping of seafarers, illegal fishing, smuggling and trafficking, and transnational organised crime pose a major threat to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and ultimately to the economic development of the entire region.”
A 2020 report published by Africa Risk Compliance, issued about piracy attacks, revealed that a total of 147 vessels were attacked in 2020.
The report stated some other alarming figures, noting 149 members of the crew were kidnapped with 27 kidnapped for ransom.
The event will take place from6-8 July, 2020 at Kempinski Hotel in Accra, Ghana. It which will be addressed by the 15 Chiefs of Navies and Air Forces along with 300 senior officials.
International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC) is the largest maritime security exhibition and conference in West Africa. Held in partnership with Ghana Navy and Ghana Air Force, the IMDEC will be graced by the participation of key government leaders including H.E. Vice President of Ghana Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
