Pirate Incidents in Asian Waters Hit 10-Year High with 70 Cases in First Half of This Year

Amid a global surge in pirate incidents, a total of 70 cases were reported in Asian maritime regions alone during the first half of this year.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced these findings in its report, "Trends in Global Pirate Incidents in the First Half of 2025," released on August 10.

Distribution of Pirate Incidents by Maritime Region in the First Half of 2025

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In the first half of this year, there were a total of 90 pirate incidents worldwide, marking a significant increase compared to 60 cases during the same period last year. However, the number of victims among crew members decreased from 98 to 67. There were no reported damages involving Korean nationals or vessels.

By region, Asia recorded the highest number of incidents at 70, followed by West Africa with 12, and the Somalia-Aden Gulf region with 3. Pirate incidents continue to occur in various parts of the world.

The number of pirate incidents in Asian waters during the first half of this year was the highest since 2015, when there were 107 cases. The Ministry attributes this surge primarily to a sharp increase in maritime robbery aimed at stealing ship supplies from vessels transiting the Singapore Strait, which rose from 13 cases last year to 57 this year.

The number of ship hijackings remained unchanged from the first half of last year, with 4 incidents reported. Of these, 3 occurred in the Somalia-Aden Gulf region and 1 in West Africa. Notably, all pirate incidents in the Somalia-Aden Gulf region took the form of ship hijackings, during which 26 crew members were temporarily detained. The Ministry emphasized the need for heightened vigilance on board ships in response to these incidents.

Choi Seongyong, Director General of Maritime Safety at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, stated, "There has been a noticeable increase in pirate incidents in Asian waters. We urge vessels navigating this region to consult the latest information provided by the Ministry or coastal states and to make every effort to prevent pirate-related damages."

Data on pirate incident trends and the "Piracy Risk Index by Maritime Region" can be found on the homepage of the Ministry's Maritime Safety Information System.

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