Special Piracy Report: By The Numbers

Most Dangerous Waters

Source: International Maritime Bureau

SOMALI PIRATES operating in the Gulf of Aden or the Indian Ocean accounted for nearly 60 percent of worldwide piracy in the first quarter of 2009, outdistancing by far pirates in Asia, South America and West Africa, according to the IMB Piracy Reporting Center. There were 61 attacks off the Somali Coast from Jan. 1 through March 31, including 41 attacks in the Gulf of Aden. Nine of those ships were hijacked, according to IMB.

Nigeria and Peru were the location of the next highest number of attacks: seven each.

Prime Targets

Source: International Maritime Bureau

TWICE AS MANY bulk cargo ships were attacked as container-carrying vessels in the first quarter, but container ships were the second largest target group. Generally, Somali pirates prefer slower, lower vessels that are easier to board, but with better equipment — vessels and firearms — they are expanding their range of targets.

Guns were used in 59 attacks in the first quarter of 2009, compared with 13 in 2008 and 10 in 2007. IMB data shows Somali pirates are much more likely to possess guns, and use them, than pirates in other parts of the world.