Attacks on ships

Chronicle

2025: The number of pirate attacks on ships in the world rose to 137 cases in a year

In 2025, 137 pirate attacks on ships were recorded globally, compared with 116 incidents in 2024 and 120 cases in 2023. This is stated in the report of the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), published in mid-January 2026.

In 2025, 121 ships were boarded, four were captured, and two were fired at. Another 10 incidents are classified as attempted attacks. 46 crew members were taken hostage, compared with 126 in 2024 and 73 in 2023. In addition, 25 people were abducted against 12 a year earlier and 14 in 2023. Another 10 crew members were threatened, four were injured and three were beaten. In 2025, 42 cases of gun violence were recorded, and in 33 episodes the attackers used knives. A year earlier, the number of such incidents was 26 and 39, respectively.

Most pirate attacks on ships in 2025 are classified as minor. The Singapore Strait saw the highest number of attacks on ships, with 80 cases, up from 43 in 2024. These incidents accounted for more than half (58%) of the total number of attacks that occurred in 2025. In the Gulf of Guinea, 21 incidents were registered, compared with 18 in 2024 and 22 in 2023. Only a few attacks occurred off the coast of Somalia, but two such attacks were carried out away from the coast: this, according to experts, suggests that pirate groups are still able to operate over long distances on the high seas. The number of incidents registered in the Indonesian archipelago decreased to 12 against 22 in 2024 and 18 in 2023.

Maritime trade remains the cornerstone of real economic activity and growth. The increase in reported pirate attacks underscores the importance of protecting sailors and keeping key shipping routes safe, the report said.[1]

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