Audio By Carbonatix
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
-
Peru cracks down on illegal gold mining in Amazon reserve with military show of force
2 hours -
NPP polls: Makafui Woanya re-elected as Volta Regional Chairman
2 hours -
NPP polls: List of newly elected NPP regional chairmen
3 hours -
MTN launches Bright Scholars Alumni Network to harness opportunity
3 hours -
Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council demands apology from Akyemansa DCE over chieftaincy interference
3 hours -
Rescuers search for survivors of powerful Indonesia earthquake
3 hours -
Ghana Prisons Service on manhunt for 29-year-old escapee
4 hours -
Researchers warn Ghana’s coastal erosion could worsen
4 hours -
Morocco detains dozens of migrants trying to cross into Ceuta, reports say
4 hours -
AKSA power deal: Dafeamekpor says Ghana must confront its accountability deficit
4 hours -
AKSA power deal: Baffour Awuah says alleged bribery exposes serious failures in Ghana’s systems
4 hours -
Algeria claim first-ever podium finish after penalty shootout win over hosts Morocco
5 hours -
NPP struggled even in traditional strongholds in 2024 – Annoh-Dompreh
5 hours -
NPP must elect strong parliamentary candidates to reclaim Greater Accra seats – Patrick Boamah
5 hours -
Abdul Rahman retains Upper West NPP chairmanship despite Nandom protest
5 hours