Piracy is defined as an act of violence committed for private purposes outside territorial waters against a ship, its passengers or the equipment on board. All types of ships are concerned, commercial cargo ships, pleasure boats and ferries are at risk of this type of attack. The authorities, with the Quai d'Orsay in the foreground, issue recommendations and relative opinions.
Few attacks, but very violent
In 2019, 360 piracy events were recorded worldwide. While this figure is relatively modest, the majority of attacks are violent and result in injury or death. These attacks are usually carried out with the aim of putting enormous pressure on crews to take possession, depending on the motives of the pirates, of the effects held on board, cash, the ship, or worse, to take hostages with the hope of obtaining some ransom. More generally, all the equipment that can be stolen on board a ship (mobile phone, VHF, jewellery, identity papers...) will be stolen.
Southeast Asia and the Gulf of Guinea, two areas to avoid
The authorities explain that two regions are now affected by piracy
- the Gulf of Guinea (one third of all acts of piracy)
- south-East Asia, where there is a real risk of abduction
The good news is that this phenomenon has all but disappeared from the Indian Ocean. This in no way means that it is without risk of sailing there, as the economic and political situations have not stabilized, especially around Somalia.
East Africa
Critical risk area, the gulf of Guinea . Kidnappings are on the rise, with a total of 146 in 2019, or 92% of the world total for the zone alone Ghana / Gabon . The majority of these abuses take place on the bottom of the Gulf of Guinea. The zone starting on a line from Libreville (Gabon) to Accra (Ghana) is to be proscribed. The zone of Sao Tome & Principe is to be avoided as much as possible.
More or less local pirates act from the Guinea-Bissau at the Angola ...mainly near the coast. The most critical area in this vicinity remains the area between the Togo and the Equatorial Guinea s, especially in the anchorage areas.
Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean area has once again become an area with a low incidence of piracy. The 25 cases recorded in 2019 have never been hijacked. It is undeniable that the massive European military presence along the coastline Somali woman which it's safer to avoid.
Red Sea
From the southern Red Sea to the east of the gulf of Aden (in the bab el-Mandeb Strait ), no act of piracy, but a high risk of being confronted with illegal fishing vessels or various forms of trafficking, including in human beings. As the reactions of the crews of such vessels are inherently unpredictable, it is best to stay away from any suspicious activity.
Southeast Asia
South-East Asia remains a moderately rising area of mistrust, particularly around the malacca Strait where attacks can occur at night or in the morning. Similarly, the coasts of Brunei Darussalam are to be avoided at all costs. Finally, as a whole, the java Sea is a risk area in which navigation is to be considered twice.
Americas
Latin America is not to be outdone, with a constant increase over the last 3 years. In 2019, 135 cases were recorded, particularly in the Caribbean . The major risk areas are the waters peru and Venezuelan women . The coasts of the Brazilian Highlands and the Colombia . Finally, a few attacks took place in the Gulf of Mexico .
Generally speaking, it is recommended, whatever the sailing area, to keep on guard near the coast, especially when sailing a sailing boat, which is a relatively slow means of travel. Moreover, discretion is required, both in terms of the route and the date of departure from a risk zone, particularly to avoid attracting covetousness.
