Though the term “maritime piracy” may remind you of swashbuckling captains and buried treasure, the reality is far more serious than any fairy tale. Modern-day piracy poses a significant danger to those working in the maritime and offshore industries, including armed attacks with assault rifles, violent hostage situations, and the risk of capsizing vessels during violent encounters.
Today, workers on the high seas face an evolving landscape of life-threatening scenarios, as pirates employ increasingly sophisticated tactics and weaponry to overpower crews and seize valuable cargo.
Read on to learn what maritime piracy is, what causes it, and how our undefeated maritime accident lawyers can protect your rights if you’ve been a victim of this horrific crime.
What Is Maritime Piracy?
Maritime piracy occurs when bad actors commit criminal acts on the high seas. It is an international problem, with crime issues occurring in several places, including the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, the South China Sea, and more. These crimes can involve anything from detaining or hijacking an entire ship to plundering and stealing its cargo.
The International Maritime Bureau reported 60 maritime piracy incidents in the first half of 2024 alone. This type of crime not only interrupts and negatively impacts global commerce but also puts those working on pirated ships in significant danger of bodily harm.
What Leads to This Phenomenon?
There are a number of issues that cause maritime piracy and allow it to proliferate. The first is the potential financial gain for pirates. In places where people are in desperate need, pirates may find themselves driven to plunder what is on those ships or hold maritime workers for ransom. This is their way of remedying their economic situation.
Additionally, some shipping routes provide easy access for criminals to carry out these acts. Many routes have what are known as “chokepoints,” which are narrow areas of high congestion. These congested areas allow criminals to get on cargo ships without anyone knowing until it’s too late.
Often, pirates know there is very little security to stop them from gaining access to a cargo ship, as geopolitical issues make policing the seas difficult. Pirates also know that many ships operate with a skeleton crew, making it easy for them to take a crew hostage and steal items from the ship.
Why Is Maritime Piracy Such A Problem?
If allowed to go unchecked, maritime piracy can significantly affect global trade. If shipping companies are forced to find different routes or constantly replace stolen goods, the price of shipping will rise.
Eventually, the situation will become financially unsustainable. Consumers will be less likely to spend, cargo companies will have to lay off employees, and world economies may not grow as much.
Still, maritime piracy isn’t just about monetary losses. In recent times, the International Maritime Bureau has reported a rise in violent maritime piracy incidents. Of the 60 incidents occurring in the first half of 2024:
- Two ships were fired upon
- Four ships were hijacked
- 85 crews were held hostage
- 11 crews were kidnapped
- Two crews were threatened
It is clear that maritime piracy makes working offshore on the high seas quite a dangerous job in more ways than one. Crew members may suffer not only bodily injury but also great psychological harm.
What Can You Do if You’re Injured at Sea?
Being injured in a maritime piracy incident is a complex situation. Because the criminals may not even be U.S. citizens, you may be wondering how you can hold anyone responsible for the physical and psychological injuries you’ve sustained. You may also be wondering if your employer has any obligations to you under the law or whether you will lose your job if you bring a lawsuit.
This is why getting in touch with a maritime injury lawyer is essential. A legal professional can answer all of these questions for you, breaking down your rights under the Jones Act. You’ll be able to rest assured that you have an experienced legal advocate on your side as you pursue compensation for your injuries.
Undefeated Maritime Accident Lawyers: Call 1-888-603-3636 for a Free Consult
Having recovered the largest, record-setting verdicts and settlements for injured offshore workers across the Gulf Coast and the United States, our undefeated Texas maritime injury lawyers know exactly how to stand up, fight, and win for you and your family.
Contact our Undefeated Maritime Lawyers for a free consultation at 1-888-603-3636 or by sending us a confidential email through our Contact Us form.
Whether your claim falls under the Jones Act, DOHSA, or General Maritime Laws, we’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and make sure you have the information you need to do what’s best for you and your family.
All consultations are free, and you won’t pay us a dime unless we win your case.