The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reported a sharp fall in global maritime piracy and armed robbery incidents in the first quarter of 2026, with figures dropping to their lowest Q1 level since 1991.
Between January and March 2026, 16 incidents were reported worldwide, down from 45 in Q1 2025 and 33 in Q1 2024. The incidents included 14 vessels boarded, one hijacking and one attempted attack.
In most cases, perpetrators were able to access the vessel, with successful boardings recorded in 94% of incidents. While the overall number of incidents fell significantly, risks to crews have not disappeared.
“Most of the world’s commerce travels by sea. Keeping key routes safe is therefore not just a maritime issue. It’s a confidence issue for the global economy,” said ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton.
During the first three months of 2026, two crew members were taken hostage and one was injured. Weapons were reported in a number of incidents, with knives identified in seven cases and guns in two incidents during the reporting period.
The Singapore Straits continued to account for the largest share of reported incidents globally, with eight incidents recorded in Q1 2026. While this remains the highest concentration worldwide, it marks a substantial drop from 31 incidents in the same period last year.
Most incidents in the Singapore Straits were considered low-level and opportunistic, though weapons were reported in six cases. In two separate incidents, one crew member was taken hostage and another injured. All targeted vessels were successfully boarded, including two bulk carriers over 150,000 DWT.
IMB notes that the decline reflects ongoing cooperation and enforcement efforts by regional authorities, while stressing that vessels should continue to remain alert and report incidents promptly.
Four incidents were reported in the Philippines during the first quarter of 2026. Two occurred at Manila anchorage and two at Bauan anchorage in Batangas Bay. This marks an increase compared with no incidents reported during the same period in 2025.
(Piracy image from IMO)