PIRACY: Maritime kidnapping rises by 150% in one month

By Eyo Nsima

The number of the kidnapped crew has increased by 150 per cent globally because of increased piracy around the world.

In its latest report obtained by The Daily, www.thedaily-ng.com, FleetMon, stated that as a result of increasing criminal activities, the number of kidnapped crew increased from six, recorded in January 2019 to 15 in January 2020.

However, it also disclosed that the number of accidents, ships involved and casualty dropped from 108, 11, and 59 in January 2019 to 86, six, and 28 in January 2020.

This means that the movement of goods and persons through the global waterways has been threatened, thus posing a serious challenge to business and international trade.

Nevertheless, FleetMon, stated: “Principal idea and character of MB Daily is somewhat similar to Ambulance Emergency Service – MB priority is to find out about maritime accidents, involving merchant marine ships, ASAP. MB monitors only some major accidents in their development and outcome, i.e. further development of most part of reported accidents isn’t monitored.”