The Human Cost of Somali Piracy

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New – Human Cost of Piracy 2011 – New
The latest version of the joint study by Oceans Beyond Piracy and the International Maritime Bureau was launched at the International Maritime Organization’s headquarters in London on June 22, 2012 and details the plight of seafarers at the hands of Somali pirates. The report is a combination of information provided by the signatory states to the Declaration Condemning Acts of Violence Against Seafarers, the Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Programme (MPHRP), and data compiled by OBP. 

• 3,863 seafarers were fired upon by Somali pirates with assault rifles and rocket propelled grenades
• 968 seafarers came into close contact with pirates, who managed to board their vessels
• 413 seafarers were rescued from citadels
• 1,206 hostages were held captive by Somali pirates
• 555 seafarers were taken hostage in 2011; 645 hostages were captured in 2010 and remained captive during 2011; 6 tourists and aid workers were kidnapped on land
• 35 hostages died as a result of pirate captivity in 2011
• Average length of captivity was 8 months

The Human Cost of Somali Piracy 2011 Files for Download
 
Download the full report here: Human Cost of Piracy 2011 - Full Report
 
Download a 2 page summary here: Human Cost of Somali Piracy 2011 - Summary
 
Download the press release here: Human Cost of Somali Piracy 2011 - Press Release
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The latest Oceans Beyond Piracy Study named "The Human Cost of Somali Piracy" was launched at Chatham House in London on June 6. The study’s findings indicate that during the course of 2010: 

• 4185 Seafarers were attacked with firearms and Rocket Propelled Grenades.
• 342 Survived Incidents in Citadels (ships’ reinforced security rooms).
• 1090 Seafarers were taken hostage.
• 516 Seafarers were used as human shields.
• The cost to the Somali community is also concerning. Piracy affects food security and endangers Somali youth.

The new study notes that the economic cost of piracy is now well-known, but it makes clear that the extent of the human cost is much less well-known and understood. Please find the the full report, a two-page summary, the presentation from the launch, and the official press release for the report  below.