The International Maritime Organization (IMO) recorded 15 acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships in April 2025.
These incidents, reported by IMO Member States and international observers, illustrate persistent threats across major shipping lanes.
While no fatalities were reported, the attacks included armed boardings, theft, and abductions, reinforcing the need for heightened vigilance and coordinated responses.
West Africa: Armed Robbery Off the Nigerian Coast
One notable incident occurred 114 nautical miles southwest of Brass, Nigeria, where six armed pirates boarded a product tanker. Despite evasive maneuvers and the crew retreating to a citadel, the attackers managed to escape with stolen ship and crew property. The Nigerian Navy was promptly alerted.
Caribbean: Crew Abductions Near Haiti
A serious case took place near Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Armed attackers boarded a drifting bulk carrier, assaulted a crew member, and abducted two others before fleeing. The incident was escalated to the Haitian Coast Guard and other national authorities.
Southeast Asia: Multiple Incidents in the Singapore and Malacca Straits
The Singapore and Malacca Straits saw multiple piracy attempts:
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Several container and oil tankers were boarded by armed or knife-wielding intruders.
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Items such as lashing gear, padlocks, and equipment were stolen.
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In some cases, crew members detected intruders early, raised alarms, and avoided injury or major loss.
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All incidents were reported to Singaporean and Indonesian maritime security authorities, with safety broadcasts issued to warn other vessels.
These included incidents around Pulau Karimun Kecil, Pulau Cula, Batu Berhanti, and other traffic separation scheme (TSS) zones.
April 2025’s piracy data underscores the continued threat to maritime safety, particularly in narrow straits and under-patrolled zones. The IMO and regional coast guards remain actively involved in monitoring and response. Maritime operators are urged to maintain anti-piracy protocols, including evasive maneuvers, citadel use, and coordination with national maritime security agencies to minimize risk and ensure crew safety.
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Source: SAFETY4SEA
