During the first nine months of 2018 there were 156 pirate attacks and armed robberies reported by ships around the world. This compares with 121 attacks during the same period last year. The figures have been published on the ICC/IMB website. In total, 107 ships were involved, of which 13 were fired upon and 112 seamen were taken hostage. Worst affected were vessels in the waters off Nigeria (41 attacks).

(LS)