Expert warns of piracy increase

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An insurance expert has warned operators of vessels off the East coast of Africa to prepare for an increase in the number of pirate attacks when the southwestern monsoon ends.

The monsoon is due to come to an end in the coming weeks and William Tobin of Shipowners’ Protection has claimed this will lead to an increase in piracy.

“There is a temporary lull in pirate activity at the moment off the East coast of Africa…but we expect this to be just that - a temporary lull,” stated Tobin. “When weather conditions improve we expect an increase in activity over and above what we have witnessed in the recent past. The lack of any law and order, particularly in Somalia, continues to deteriorate.”

There are more than 30 naval vessels from 16 countries operating off the Somali coast to deter piracy. Despite this pirates have attacked vessels more than 130 times this year, while 28 ships have been seized.

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“The increasing activity has raised the matter to a very high level of awareness as to the importance of shipowners having adequate marine insurance cover - particularly hull and machinery, war and protection and indemnity insurance,” added Tobin.

“There is also the issue of whether weapons of war are involved in an attack, which is a contentious matter. There are various views as to what constitutes a weapon of war - modern day pirates use very sophisticated weapons.”

Tobin was speaking ahead of the 2009 Middle East Workboats exhibition, taking place from 5-7 October at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.