Gulf of Aden (East Coast of Africa), Malacca Strait and West Coast of Africa are shipping routes which suffer incidents of pirate attacks. The Indian Ministry of shipping has released the number of Indian crew hijacked by pirates during the last three years and the current year along with the number of crew.
Year |
Indian crew Hijacked |
Indian crew Released |
| 2013 | 46 | 46 |
| 2014 | 30 | 29* |
| 2015 | Nil | Nil |
| 2016(Till date) | Nil | Nil |
* One Chief Engineer was found dead after attack of pirates.
Steps taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future are:
Actions Taken
- Guidelines for anti-piracy measures issued through Merchant Shipping Notice No.1 of 2011 dated 14.1.2011 to be implemented by Indian Ships. The guidelines provide for elaborate anti-piracy measures (Best Management Practices), including safe house/citadel for vessels.
- Banning of sailing vessels to ply in waters south or west of the line adjoining Salalah and Male through Merchant Shipping Notice No. 3/2010 dated 31.3.2010.
- Naval escorts provided by Indian naval ships in the Gulf of Aden since 2008 for Indian flag merchant ships.
- Enhanced vigil by the Indian Navy in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and westward up to 65 degree east longitude.
- Active participation of India in the security meetings of the International Maritime Organization, Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS)and other international fora.
Source: Ministry of Shipping
