The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has reported sixteen incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships worldwide during February 2025. The incidents, reported by IMO Member States and international organizations, highlight the ongoing threats faced by seafarers across key shipping routes.
Key Incidents
West Africa
JSP Vento (General cargo ship, Portugal)
Location: 40 nm WNW of Bata, Equatorial Guinea
Incident: Armed pirates boarded the vessel. The crew raised the alarm, sent a distress alert, and retreated into the citadel. Pirates later left without harming the crew.
Response: Incident reported to Equatorial Guinea authorities and PRC.
Malacca Strait
Haima (Oil product tanker, Panama)
Location: 1.4 nm west of Helen Mar Reef, Indonesia
Incident: Suspicious activity detected. Alarm raised and search conducted, but no perpetrators were found.
Response: Reported to the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA).
Belaja (Bulk carrier, Norway)
Location: Singapore Straits
Incident: Intruders sighted. Alarm raised, ship’s horn sounded, crew mustered.
Response: Reported to VTIS West, Singapore Police Coast Guard, and Indonesian Marine Police.
Zevirous (Product tanker, Malaysia)
Location: Malacca Strait
Incident: Three armed pirates boarded the vessel. Crew retreated into the citadel; no injuries reported.
Response: VTIS West and Central, Singapore Police Coast Guard, and Indonesian Marine Police informed.
Cancun (Bulk carrier, Liberia)
Location: 2.5 nm northwest of Pulau Cula, Indonesia
Incident: Alarm raised due to suspected boarding; search found no perpetrators.
Response: Reported to Singapore VTIS.
Atrotos Heracles (Bulk carrier, Panama)
Location: Malacca Strait
Incident: Six robbers armed with knives tied up engineers and stole engine spares. Alarm raised.
Response: Reported to VTIS West and Central.
Pelicana (General cargo ship, Norway)
Location: Malacca Strait
Incident: Four armed perpetrators stole electrical and engine room items. No crew injuries.
Response: Reported to Singapore VTIS.
Ocean Diligence (Bulk carrier, Marshall Islands)
Location: Malacca Strait
Incident: Three armed intruders stole engine spares. No injuries, safety broadcast initiated.
Response: Singapore VTIS and PCG boarded vessel upon arrival.
East Africa
Al Najma No.481 (Dhow, Yemen)
Location: 07° 54.00′ N, 049° 56.00′ E
Incident: Six armed persons hijacked the dhow, taking the crew hostage before stealing personal effects and abandoning the vessel.
Response: Somalia PRC received report; Eunavfor Atalanta assets located abandoned dhow.
Saytuun 2 (Fishing vessel, Yemen)
Location: Off Garmaal, North of Eyl, Somalia
Incident: Six armed pirates hijacked the vessel, taking Captain and four crew members hostage before releasing the ship.
Response: Puntland Police and Somalia PRC received the report; Spanish naval forces boarded the vessel.
The latest reports reinforce the persistent security challenges in key maritime hotspots such as West Africa, the Malacca Strait, and East Africa. Vigilance, timely reporting, and coordinated responses remain critical in safeguarding global shipping operations.
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Source: SAFETY4SEA
