Global Piracy Falls to Lowest Level in Over Three Decades, but Somali Pirates Show Signs of Resurgence

London (WDN) – Global piracy and armed robbery at sea have fallen to their lowest levels in more than three decades, according to a new report by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB). Yet amid the encouraging decline, the report warns that Somali pirate groups are showing renewed activity, raising concerns that one of the world’s most notorious maritime threats may not have disappeared.

The IMB recorded just 38 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships worldwide during the first half of 2026—the lowest six-month total since the organization began compiling records in 1992. The figure marks a dramatic decline from 90 incidents reported during the same period in 2025 and 60 incidents in the first half of 2024.

According to the report, pirates boarded 27 vessels, hijacked five ships, opened fire on three vessels, and attempted three additional attacks between January and June.

Despite the sharp global decline, the IMB cautioned that the threat to seafarers remains significant, particularly off the coast of Somalia. During the first six months of the year, 67 crew members were taken hostage, two were threatened, and one was injured during piracy-related incidents.