When you set sail around the world, freedom sometimes comes at a price. In the euphoria of preparation, it's easy to forget that certain anchorages or compulsory passages expose yachtsmen to the risk of attack. Far from the romantic clichés portrayed in literature and film, maritime piracy remains a worrying reality. Faced with this potential threat, a number of questions arise: Where do these pirates from another era operate? What are the real dangers? And, above all, what can you do to protect yourself against them, so that you can sail safely?
Piracy and banditry: a contemporary reality
Since ancient times, the sea has been a magnet for greed. Where land routes end, the oceans open up infinite prospects, including for those who wish to enrich themselves by force. Yesterday's pirates have given way to today's equally determined attackers. If the myth of Blackbeard and Captain Hook still amuses, the figures speak for themselves: over 4,000 attacks were recorded between 2000 and 2020, with particularly active zones such as the Horn of Africa, the Gulf of Guinea and Southeast Asia. Two types of aggression are distinguished: piracy, violent acts perpetrated on the high seas by one vessel against another, and brigandage, which occurs in the territorial waters of a State. The former are governed by international law, the latter by national law. In both cases, yachtsmen are not spared.
Mapping risk zones
Certain shipping lanes account for the bulk of attacks. The most emblematic is the gulf of Aden a strategic gateway between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal. This area, which handles 40% of the world's maritime traffic, is a magnet for pirates. Pirates, often heavily armed, use fast boats to target both cargo ships and isolated sailing boats.
Further west, the gulf of Guinea is experiencing a worrying upsurge in attacks, particularly off the coast of Nigeria. In Southeast Asia, the strait of Malacca one of the busiest in the world, remains another red zone. Closer to our latitudes, the Caribbean, a popular destination for transatlantic yachtsmen, is seeing a proliferation of banditry, particularly at night, with thefts targeting tenders, on-board equipment and even physical aggression against crews on certain islands. As for the Mediterranean, while it remains relatively unscathed, there is no such thing as zero risk, especially in areas close to certain unstable coasts.
The key role of maritime safety centers
To sail safely, a few rules are essential. Before crossing a sensitive area such as the Gulf of Aden, it is imperative to join the international maritime safety corridor. This corridor, monitored by warships and merchant ships in radio contact on VHF channels 16 and 8, offers the best chance of assistance in the event of an alert. It is strongly recommended to carry a high-performance AIS transceiver, a satellite phone with regular geolocation (ideally every 4 hours), and a functional satellite messaging system for real-time exchanges with surveillance centers.
France has a reference organization: the MICA Center (Maritime Information Cooperation & Awareness Center), based in Brest. Created in 2016, it brings together around 30 experts, mainly from the French Navy, in liaison with several European countries. Its mission: to provide navigators with up-to-date data on at-risk navigation zones. Registration, which is free of charge, is easy via their site with transmission of route intentions, number of people on board, estimated dates of passage, and boat coordinates (MMSI number, GPS position, etc.).
In the Red Sea-Indian Ocean zone, the Alinden Marsec a team of 4 French naval officers based in Abu Dhabi, ensures specific monitoring of the yachts. They recommend prior testing of the satellite equipment to ensure a reliable link with their services, particularly to the Marseille base.
Prevention and defense strategies
If you're planning to sail in or near high-risk areas, specialists and yachtsmen strongly advise you not to divulge your itinerary or departure dates to unfamiliar people, to avoid attracting the attention of potential pirates. Discretion is therefore essential. All electronic devices can be tracked, and it is advisable to limit radio transmissions to emergency situations, monitor VHF channel 16, reduce the use of radar, minimize noise and dim lights at night.
On the other hand, sailing in a flotilla with several boats may seem like a solution, but it can also increase the risk of detection by pirates. If you choose to sail in a group, it's important to maintain regular contact, plan clear alert procedures and reassure crews while discouraging attacks. On the other hand, if your boat becomes a target despite all these precautions, it's imperative not to be reckless. Faced with armed and organized pirates, it is essential to don't resist . Many boaters regretted trying to defend themselves; others used subterfuge...
As far as weapons on board are concerned, there are strict regulations. Each country has its own rules, and possession of weapons requires a specific permit. In addition, weapons must be declared at each port of call, and the procedure for obtaining them can be complex, with the risk of confiscation. Although some yachtsmen consider carrying weapons for self-defense, it is often inadvisable to opt for this solution, as the risk of escalating violence is high. At night, don't try to take photos, especially with flashbulbs, as these could be interpreted by pirates as a shot. We also strongly advise against the use of flares as a substitute weapon.
The fast boats used by pirates, capable of speeds in excess of 20 knots, often come from pirated fishing boats or traditional dhows. Pirates target slower vessels, particularly sailing, fishing and coastal vessels. They generally operate both day and night, but their attacks take place mainly at dawn or dusk. Attacking skiffs are often difficult to detect from a distance, which is why it's important to maintain a rigorous visual watch, especially in less visible areas such as leeward and astern of the boat.
Reacting to an attack
In the event of an attack, boaters who have experienced the situation recommend starting the engine, if you haven't already done so, and maintaining maximum speed while performing maneuvers to complicate the boarding. The aim of the attacks is to put crews under pressure, take possession of valuable equipment and cash or, in some cases, take hostages for ransom.
Pirates are interested in anything that can be stolen on board: telephones, VHF, jewelry, identity papers and cash.
The probability of encountering pirates far from high-risk areas remains relatively low. In case of doubt, it is sometimes preferable to entrust your boat to a specialized carrier and find it once it has passed through a safer zone. Does this mean we shouldn't cross certain seas? Of course not. Thousands of yachtsmen sail safely every year. Being informed, discreet and connected to maritime safety networks considerably reduces the risks.
