Somali Pirates Hijack 8 Ships as Global Piracy Hits 1992 Low
IMB reports 51 incidents in nine months, the lowest since 1992, but Somali gangs now account for 94% of hostage cases.
Global maritime piracy and armed robbery incidents have plunged to their lowest levels in 34 years, with just 51 reported in the first nine months of 2026, according to the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB). The figure matches the record low last seen in 1992, despite a sharp resurgence of Somali pirate activity in the Horn of Africa, which now accounts for the majority of violent attacks on merchant vessels.
The IMB’s latest quarterly report reveals a dramatic drop in piracy, with 51 incidents recorded between January and September 2026, less than half the 116 reported in the same period last year. The decline spans traditional hotspots, including the Singapore Strait, where incidents fell from 73 to just 13, and the Gulf of Guinea, which reported only two attacks. Yet, the Horn of Africa has bucked the trend, emerging as the most dangerous region for shipping after Somali pirates carried out eight hijackings and seized 94% of all crew taken hostage worldwide in 2026.
The human cost of these attacks remains stark. Of the 105 crewmembers threatened, injured, or killed this year, 90 were taken hostage, six were injured, and five were killed. Weapons were present in over half of all incidents, with boarding attempts, most occurring at night, successful in 86% of cases. Bulk carriers bore the brunt of the violence, accounting for 20 of the 36 vessels boarded, followed by tankers (11), containerships (10), and other vessel types (10).
The Numbers Behind the Decline: somali piracy
The resurgence of Somali piracy has sent shockwaves through the shipping industry, with 15 vessels attacked in the region this year alone.
Michael Howlett, IMB Director, warned that the threat remains far from over.
“While incident levels are at their lowest in more than three decades, the recent uptick in Somali piracy activity is a reminder that the threats remain. Incidents this year have also shown that strict adherence to BMP recommendations remains one of the most effective ways to deter hijacking attempts and protect crews.”
Michael Howlett·IMB Director
The IMB’s Best Management Practices (BMP) guidelines, updated regularly to counter evolving threats, include measures such as maintaining high speeds in high-risk areas, deploying armed guards, and reinforcing citadels, secure rooms where crew can retreat during an attack. The bureau has repeatedly stressed that these protocols, when followed rigorously, significantly reduce the risk of successful hijackings.
Why the Horn of Africa Is Back in the Crosshairs
Despite the overall decline in piracy, the IMB has cautioned against complacency. The Singapore Strait, while far safer than in previous years, still saw perpetrators armed with guns or knives in 69% of incidents. Meanwhile, the Gulf of Guinea, once the epicentre of maritime crime, reported just two attacks in 2026, a testament to the efforts of littoral states to curb piracy through coordinated naval patrols and legal reforms.
However, the concentration of attacks in the Horn of Africa poses a significant challenge, particularly for vessels transiting key trade routes between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
The PRC also offers guidance on risk mitigation, including route planning and crew training, to help vessels avoid high-risk areas.
Insurance premiums for ships operating in high-risk regions have surged, while delays caused by rerouting or hijackings can disrupt global supply chains. The resurgence of Somali piracy, in particular, threatens to reverse years of progress in securing one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors.
Looking ahead, the IMB has called for greater international cooperation to address the root causes of piracy, including poverty, political instability, and the lack of economic opportunities in coastal communities. In Somalia, where piracy was once a lucrative industry, efforts to rebuild the economy and strengthen governance have shown promise, but the recent uptick in attacks suggests that criminal networks remain deeply entrenched.
For now, the shipping industry’s best defence lies in adherence to the BMP guidelines and a proactive approach to risk management. As Howlett noted, the lull in global piracy should not be mistaken for victory. The threat, though diminished, is far from eradicated, and the waters off the Horn of Africa remain a dangerous reminder of that reality.
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