Piracy incidents in the March quarter rose to 47 attacks from 38 a year earlier, according to the latest report from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).

The figures include 37 vessels boarded and six attempted attacks.

IMB says the figures underscore the need for ship owners and maritime authorities to remain vigilant.

“Navy patrols, onboard security measures, co-operation and transparent information exchange between authorities are all factors which help address the crimes of piracy and armed robbery,” IMB Director Michael Howlett said.

“The threat to crews is, however, still real. Ships masters must continue to follow industry best practice diligently and maintain watches. Early detection of an approaching pirate skiff is often key to avoiding an attack.”

Africa’s Gulf of Guinea remains the world’s piracy hotspot, with 21 recorded attacks, the IMB’s Piracy Reporting Centre says. In three of the reported incidents, 17 crew members were taken hostage for ransom.

In Indonesia, strategic deployment of marine patrol vessels has led to a decline in incidents, with just five anchored vessels reported boarded.