UKMTO warns that ships going round Cape face greater piracy risk

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations naval authority (UKMTO) warned on Monday that ships diverting around Africa would mean that more traffic would be passing through high-risk areas where pirate gangs operate.

“Whilst the threat of Somalia-based piracy is currently suppressed through a combination of military operations, application of BMP 5 (ship protection measures) and the presence of armed guards, an increase in maritime traffic through the area may present opportunities for Somali pirate groups to attack shipping,” UKMTO said.