IMB: Death toll from pirate attacks increases

IMB: Death toll from pirate attacks increases    The International Maritime Bureau reported an increase in crew deaths due to pirate attacks in 2004.
   The London-based bureau’s annual piracy report cited 30 crew deaths in 2004, compared to 21 in 2003.
   However, the number of attacks reported worldwide through the IMB Piracy Reporting Center in Kuala Lumpur was 325, down from 445 in 2003.
   Indonesian waters continue to be the main hot spot for pirate attacks with 93 incidents reported in 2004. “While in the past these attacks had been thought to be the work of Aceh rebels, there were now increasing signs that crime syndicates are using fishing boats for such attacks,” the IMB said in a statement today.
   There were 28 reported pirate attacks in Nigerian waters in 2004 down from 39 in 2003. The IMB report noted Nigeria’s coast is still the most dangerous area in Africa for piracy and armed robbery at sea.