The West Africa coastline recorded a 50% increase in kidnapping of sailors last year, according to a maritime watchdog, even as overall piracy incidents declined worldwide.
The number of sailors kidnapped off West Africa rose to 121 last year from 78 in 2018 in the Gulf of Guinea, says the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) in its annual report.
It represents 90% of global kidnappings reported at sea worldwide.
The gulf is considered among the most dangerous waters in the world. It stretches from Angola in the south to Senegal in the north.
The report said incidents of piracy had declined in 2019 but "vessels remain at risk in several regions, especially the Gulf of Guinea".
"These latest statistics confirm the importance of increased information exchange and coordination between vessels, reporting and response agencies in the Gulf of Guinea region,” said Michael Howlett, director of IMB.
Latest Stories
-
NHIA releases over GHS170m to settle healthcare providers
3 mins -
GFA will continue to support clubs in Africa – Kurt Okraku promises
5 mins -
Oheneyere Mrs. Helen Opong-Kesse
16 mins -
University of Ghana Stadium to host WAFU B U-17 Cup of Nations
23 mins -
Support us to demand better conditions of service – TEWU OF TUC tells members
35 mins -
CAFCC: Dreams FC holds dinner to honour players for reaching the semi-finals
38 mins -
200 students selected for KNUST e-learning ambassador training
44 mins -
KNUST gets its first virtual reality studios to boost teaching and learning
52 mins -
Don’t short-change labour under the guise of global economic recession – ICU-Ghana to government
59 mins -
We must guard against employers who want to short change us – ICU tells members
1 hour -
Dreams FC proved Ghanaian clubs can win CAF inter-club trophies – Ameenu Shardow
1 hour -
Naana Jane’s renomination shows NDC’s commitment to gender inclusivity – Kwabena Duffuor
2 hours -
Jordan Ayew and Jeffrey Schlupp up for Crystal Palace Goal of the Season award
2 hours -
Deputy Director of Health Services calls for stakeholder support to ensure child health and vaccination success
2 hours -
Kwame Sowu: The Perils of Posting Before Thinking: A call to re-evaluate our Social Media Habits
2 hours