News release: “The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) has today released its annual piracy report which shows an unprecedented rise in maritime hijacking in 2008. The 2008 figures surpass all figures for hijacked vessels and hostages taken recorded by the PRC since it began its worldwide reporting function in 1992. In 2008 there was a worldwide total of 293 incidents of piracy against ships, which is up more than 11% from 2007 when there were 263 incidents reported. In 2008, 49 vessels were hijacked, 889 crew taken hostage and a further 46 vessels reported being fired upon. A total of 32 crew members were injured, 11 killed and 21 missing – presumed dead. Guns were used in 139 incidents, up from 72 in 2007…2008 attacks may also be viewed on the IMB Live Piracy Map.”