Diverse and complex threats dominate Q1 2015 maritime concerns

LONDON, April 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Dryad Maritime, the UK's leading maritime intelligence and operations company has released its analysis of worldwide reported incidents of piracy and crime against mariners from 1st January to 31st March 2015.

The report is not limited to traditional piracy and maritime crime, but includes commentary on other threats and issues; from civil war and terrorism in Yemen and Libya to criminal gang enabled mass migration in the Mediterranean.

Ian Millen, Chief Operating Officer, Dryad Maritime;

"The first few months of 2015 have demonstrated, in the most visible way possible, just how complex and sometimes dangerous the maritime domain can be, as well as how important it is to maintain awareness, treat the risks and avoid complacency at all costs."

The in-depth report tracks the latest trends and current threats which are collated from Dryad's global network of sources. These quarterly results are then analysed by Dryad Maritime's team of intelligence experts and presented in an extensive report and infographic to provide clear and essential guidance to shipowners and mariners.

In addition to the normal areas of reporting in the Gulf of Guinea, Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia, the latest analysis looks at regions and specific areas beyond these, such as Latin America and the Caribbean, Mediterranean waters off the shores of Libya and conflict areas such as Yemen. The kidnapping of crew for ransom continues to pose a real and viable threat to mariners off Nigeria and the political and military instability in Libya is intrinsically linked to difficult and dangerous conditions for trade and shipping. In addition to the praiseworthy work of rescue forces saving lives off Libya, Dryad reports that the privately funded Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS) ship 'Phoenix' will re-deploy in support of these efforts in May. The number of people attempting to cross from North Africa to Europe is up 40% on the same period last year and shows no signs of abating.

To read the full report and analysis please visit:
http://www.dryadmaritime.com/maritime-crime-figures-for-q1-2015/

Link to infographic PDF:
http://www.dryadmaritime.com/maritime-operations/wp-content/uploads/Infographic-April-2015.pdf

CONTACT: Nikki Carpenter, +44 7786513757, nikki@dryadmaritime.com