The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) recorded 51 cases worldwide of pirate attacks and armed robberies targeting ships between January and September 2026, down from 116 in the same period of 2025.
The figure is the lowest nine-month total since 1992. However, the number of crew directly affected rose to 105 from 72 a year earlier, with Somali hijackings accounting for most of the increase.
There were 36 vessels boarded, eight hijackings, four vessels fired upon and three attempted boardings. In 86 per cent of incidents, perpetrators accessed ships at anchor or underway, with most boardings occurring at night. Weapons were identified in 53 per cent of cases.
All eight hijackings were attributed to Somali pirates, who were responsible for 94 per cent of crew taken hostage worldwide. Most hijacked vessels have been released, with their crews reported safe.
The Palau-flagged product tanker Honour 25, hijacked on April 21, was an exception. Puntland authorities said five crew were killed before the vessel was freed in a rescue operation in late September.
According to the IMB, ships following the latest best management practices (BMP) had continued to prevent hijacking attempts, even when pirates had managed to board. It said Somali activity was less extensive in scale and geographical reach than the deep-sea piracy of 2008–2013.
"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," said IMB Director Michael Howlett.
The Singapore Straits recorded 13 incidents, down from 73 a year earlier. Perpetrators boarded every targeted vessel, and guns or knives were reported in more than 69 per cent of incidents. Two crew were taken hostage, two were threatened and one was injured.
In the Philippines, nine anchored vessels were boarded, six in Manila and three in Batangas, after no incidents in the equivalent period of 2025. Two crew were taken hostage.
The Indonesian archipelago recorded six incidents, down from nine. The Gulf of Guinea recorded two, with none reported between July and September.
The IMB had recorded 137 incidents worldwide in 2025, up from 116 in 2024. The Singapore Straits accounted for 80 of those incidents.
