High Risk Areas for Maritime Piracy

There are particular geographic regions that are prone to maritime piracy, and ship owners should therefore exercise extreme caution when traveling through these areas.

Somalia
The highest percentage of attacks and hijackings involve Somali pirates. 223 of the 397 reported piracy attacks from January through November 14, 2011 originated in this region. A particular area of concern is the Gulf of Aden, near the southern entrance to the Red Sea.

Straits of Malacca
The Malacca Straits, which lie between Indonesia and Malaysia, are another primary area for piracy. Pirates are easily hidden in the straits' thousands of islets.

Gulf of Guinea
On the western coast of Africa near Nigeria and the Niger River delta, the Gulf of Guinea is a region of concern. Robberies and violence against crew are more common in the incidents that have occurred in this area.

Indian Subcontinent
The region between India and Sri Lanka is particularly prone to piracy attacks.

South America
Though reported pirate attacks in the South America region are few and far between, the coastlines of Colombia and Venezuela should be considered as areas of concern.

These are just a few of the regions where piracy may occur. Ship owners should be ever-vigilant in detecting and deterring pirate attacks, no matter where the vessel may be located.

Injured in a pirate attack? Contact a Jones Act lawyer at our firm.

If you are an American seaman who was injured in a pirate attack in foreign waters or lost a family member in an attack of this kind, you may be able to file a claim to seek financial compensation under the Jones Act, Death on the High Seas Act or other applicable maritime law.

A Jones Act lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP can review the circumstances surrounding the attack to determine what may have contributed to the incident and what party should be held liable for your medical care, lost earnings and other damages or losses. With our understanding of national and international maritime law and our experience in this field, we are confident in our ability to properly handle your claim.

Contact a maritime attorney at our firm today to discuss piracy and your rights as an injured seaman.