Report shows decrease in armed robbery against ships
The number of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Bangladesh have fallen significantly over the past few years, said a report of ICC International Maritime Bureau.
A total of three ships came under attack last year, while the number was 11 in 2015; 21 in 2014; 12 in 2013 and 11 in 2012, stated the report titled “Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships”.
Robbers usually target ships preparing to anchor. Most attacks reported at Chittagong anchorages. However, attacks in Bangladesh have fallen, it revealed yesterday.
The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB), a specialised division of the UK-based International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), prepared the report analysing worldwide reported incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships from January 1 to December 31, 2016.
A Liberia-based container “Yadanabon Star” came under attack at Chittagong anchorage on May 5 last year by seven robbers, who came in a small boat. Another Liberia-based container “Sicilia” was attacked by five robbers on June 14 in the same area.
A Marshall Islands-based bulk carrier “Sea Star” came under attack on September 14 last year at Chittagong anchorage while cargo operation was going on.
In its 2016 report, IMB recorded 191 incidents of piracy and armed robbery in the sea around the world. Pirates kidnapped 62 people for ransom in 15 separate incidents last year.
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