Global seafarers have been warned to remain vigilant, with maritime kidnappings at a 10-year high last year.

The International Maritime Bureau’s (IMB) latest piracy report says while piracy incidents were at their lowest level since 1998, 62 people were kidnapped for ransom in 15 separate incidents last year – a threefold increase on 2015.

More than half were captured off West Africa, while 28 were kidnapped from tugs, barges, fishing boats and merchant ships around Malaysia and Indonesia.

There were 191 incidents of piracy and armed robbery recorded last year. Some 150 vessels were boarded, 12 were fired upon, seven were hijacked and 22 attacks were thwarted. The number of hostages fell to 151.

IMB Director Pottengal Mukundan says the escalation of crew kidnapping is “a worrying trend” in some areas.

He says kidnappings in the Sulu Sea between eastern Malaysia and the Philippines are of “particular concern.”

Captain Mukundan says ships should follow the latest best-management practices, take early action when possible to avoid being boarded, and contact the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre or regional counter-piracy centres for help.