Anchored bulk carrier attacked and boarded by pirates/robbers at anchor off Cotonou, Benin. Nine crew reported kidnapped. Reamining crew sail vessel into port Cotonou.

EUNAVFOR Spanish frigate, ESPS Canarias,answered a distress call form Somali Navy vessel approx 60km north of Cadale. Seven Somali sailors were provided with medical assistance to the rescue sailors.

Actual incidents of piracy/armed robbery against ships at sea in Asia at lowest level in 13 year period for Jan - Sep period, but 54 incidents reported. Abduction of crew for ransom remains a concern.

Whilst the overall number of piracy & armed robbery against ships has dropped, the IMB's statistics confirm concerns over continued threats to safety & security of seafarers. 119 incidents reported.

CTF 151 issues notice of counter piracy Focused Operation, 'King Crab' to take place in he Gulf of Aden and Socotra Gap 23-26 Sep 2019

CGPCS to raise the matter of premature release of convicted pirates in Somaliland and Puntland to the attention of the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council

ReCAAP ISC July 2019 report states 33 percent decrease in incidents during July 2019. compare to July 2018. 6 incidents recorded.Threat of kidnap remains; Scrap metal theft continues

West African seas remain the most dangerous for global shipping with 75 seafarers taken hostage or kidnapped so far this year. South America also witnesses violent attacks