Maritime piracy attacks on the increase

According to an International Maritime Bureau report released on 11 July 2008, the frequency of maritime piracy attacks is on the rise in Nigerian and Somali waters. So far this year, 24 attacks have been reported in Somalia and 18 attacks have been reported in Nigeria. Authorities suspect the actual number of attacks to be even higher, as many go unreported due to rising insurance costs and fears of retaliation. The level of violence pirates use in their attacks is also worrisome, particularly in Somalia. Recent attacks suggest the pirates are frequently armed with rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons, often taking hostage or killing the ships' crew members or passengers. Attacks have also been reported this year in Indonesia, Tanzania, Bangladesh, India and Malaysia. In the Straits of Malacca -- the world's former piracy hot spot -- only two attacks have occurred this year, thanks to increased maritime cooperation between the straits' littoral states.