“Piracy attacks drop to zero for first full month in five years” from Mike Plantz, Daily Telegraph.
While July and August are the normal “slow season” for attacks due to monsoons, a complete absence of attacks is still dramatic. The story cites tactical improvements by ship captains and naval patrols, and the big increase in armed private security for vessels.
Here are the latest total piracy statistics for the year-to-date through July 29 from the ICC’s IMB Piracy Reporting Centre:
Incidents Reported for Somalia:
Total Incidents: 70
Total Hijackings:13
Total Hostages: 212
Current vessels held by Somali pirates:
Vessels: 11 Hostages: 174