Pirate threat diminishing?

[Sabbatical II]

It appears that Noonsite is reporting that no successful pirate attacks occurred off Somalia from June 26 - August 26, the first such period for 5 years. I wonder if it means anything for the private yachtie. It would be nice to think that we may be able to consider this route again soon. Anyone with more info on emerging trends in the area?

[Sand crab]

Most of the big ships are armed with mercs now. If a fast skiff even approaches then that is the end of that. Also more patrols by everyone including the Russians and Iranians are making it known that pirating isn't as safe and profitable as it once was. There's the Youtube vids. I'll bet even the Somalis have seen these.

[david7]

I wonder if it has something to do with private yachts not going there as much. If their only targets are armed freighters then I can see the stats turning out like that. Don't know that it necessarily means it's safer.

[Katiusha]

I know that on Russian boating forums there are ads for armed merc hire for the trip or even for chartering in Seyshelles or Maldives. Usual hire for a regular charter (like Moorings and such) is two people with arms with one person on a lookout at all times. Though not everyone likes hiring them for a charter as their families don't feel comfortable having armed mercs live on the boat.

[storyinframes]

Originally Posted by Sabbatical II

It appears that Noonsite is reporting that no successful pirate attacks occurred off Somalia from June 26 - August 26, the first such period for 5 years. I wonder if it means anything for the private yachtie. It would be nice to think that we may be able to consider this route again soon. Anyone with more info on emerging trends in the area?

This could be a temporary lull. For all you know they might be planning/working out a new strategy. The pirates are still there on land (Somalia) armed with guns / RPGs etc. the scourge has not yet ended. Sad!

[svBeBe]

Originally Posted by Sabbatical II

It appears that Noonsite is reporting that no successful pirate attacks occurred off Somalia from June 26 - August 26, the first such period for 5 years. I wonder if it means anything for the private yachtie. It would be nice to think that we may be able to consider this route again soon. Anyone with more info on emerging trends in the area?

Piracy is down because there are no easy targets.

• Private Yachts are not there
• Commercial ships are armed
• The war ship patrols have increased and improved
• Land-based assets have been attacked by military

I would certainly warn against changing any of the above. Pirates know that a private yacht is worth at least $1 million in ransom.

Bill

[Reefmagnet]

Hmm, here's an interesting photo essay published today so maybe there is truth to the rumours

Somalia End of Piracy | Is heyday of Somalian piracy over? | The Courier-Mail

[hblask]

Is this the same story as the previous link? The pictures are the same, but I don't see an article with the pictures on the other one, but maybe I missed it:

Party appears to be ending for Somali pirates | Fox News

[davehen]

Just sailed from Maldives to Egypt via Socotra.No issues to report.Several other yachts in touch with us on same route and no problems.Heard shelling from Yemeni coast but kept to west shore all way north.Yacht nos.are definitely on increase doing this passage.I think about 20 so far this year.Check our blog Laragh456.
Hope this helps.
Dave

[daletournier]

Thanks for update.

Sent from my vivo Y35 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[zboss]

Somalia is has a growing economy. From the IMF report from last year:

"That said, economic conditions improved rapidly in 2012-14, with real GDP rising by 3.7 percent during 2014. The recovery was led by growth in livestock and fisheries, and a very active private sector resurgence of the services industry, notably telecommunications, construction, and money transfer services, mainly associated with the return of diaspora Somalis. If security improvements continue, the entrepreneurial private sector will continue to be the most dynamic contributor to economic growth."

[maxingout]

When we sailed up the Red Sea, the piracy came from Yemen rather than Somalia. That's why we sailed down the middle of the Gulf of Aden.

I hope piracy remains down because the Red Sea cruise is unique with lots to see and do.

[Jim Cate]

[QUOTEthe entrepreneurial private sector will continue to be the most dynamic contributor to economic growth."][/QUOTE]

Hmm... that sounds like a description of, well, piracy as practiced in Somalia!!

Hope that the trend is maintained...

Jim

[GordMay]

26 sailors (crew of the FV Naham 3) held hostage by Somali pirates have been rescued from their captors.
➥ Sailors abducted 4½ years ago by Somali pirates freed - World - CBC News

[GordMay]

More details here ➥ British-led mercy mission frees sailors held hostage by Somali pirates for nearly five years