IMB Somali piracy 2024 annual summary (aggregate)

Summary

ICC IMB Piracy Reporting Centre recorded 6 attempted attacks off Somalia during 2024, of which 2 succeeded (MV Lila Norfolk repelled + MV Abdullah hijacked). This represents a resurgence from the near-zero baseline of 2020-2023 during Combined Task Force 151 peak coverage. The diversion of CTF-151 naval assets to the Red Sea Houthi campaign (Operation Prosperity Guardian) reduced anti-piracy patrol density in the Somali Basin, creating opportunity for opportunistic pirate re-entry. Indian Navy + European allies backfilled some capacity + the Abdullah case became the wake-up call for renewed patrol commitment.

Other Arabian Sea incidents

• MT Mercer Street · 2021-07-30 · drone strike
• MV Lila Norfolk · 2024-01-04 · attempted hijack
• MV Abdullah · 2024-03-12 · hijack
• MV Sirius Star · 2008-11-15 · hijack
• MV Maersk Alabama · 2009-04-08 · attempted hijack