Alarming Rise in Numbers of Seafarers Kidnapped, Detained

A sharp rise in the number of workers on commercial shipping vessels being kidnapped or detained by local authorities is “devastating and highly concerning,” said the heads of the biggest shipping industry organizations, at a February 6 meeting in Athens.  

A recent report from the International Maritime Bureau found a rise in the number of seafarers taken hostage in 2024, up to 126 seafarers, from 73 in 2023, and 41 in 2022, despite an overall decline in piracy.

The chairpersons of the world’s biggest shipping industry organizations — BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), INTERTANKO and INTERCARGO — had gathered to discuss topics including greenh…