There were 66 incidents reported worldwide compared to 102 duringthe same stage of 2011, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said in a report.
However while attacks off Somalia are on the wane thanks toarmed guards and the presence of naval forces, the Gulf of Guinea continues togive cause for concern.
There were 15 incidents recorded in the region, including three hijackings,while Nigeria accounted for 11 incidents.
Somalia accounted for just five attacks but IMB DirectorPottengal Mukundan warned shipowners not to drop their guard.
“Although the number of acts of piracy reported in Somaliahas significantly decreased, there can be no room for complacency,” he said.
“The drop in reported attacks is due to proactive navalactions against suspect Pirate Action Groups, the employment of privatelycontracted armed security personnel and the preventive measures used by themerchant vessels (as per latest Best Management Practices recommendations).
“The attacks will rise to past levels if the naval presenceis reduced or vessels relax their vigilance.”
Four vessels were hijacked globally during the quarter, 51 wereboarded and seven were fired upon.
Seventy-five crew were taken hostage, 14 kidnapped and onekilled.
Somali pirates continue to hold five vessels with 60 seafarerson board and are holding an additional 17 captive on land.
The latest figures continue the trend seen lastyear which saw a huge slump in attacks to the lowest level for five years.
