Suriname: Pirate attack leaves 16 fishermen missing as of May 1

Event

Suspected Guyanese pirates attacked a group of 20 fishermen off the coast of Suriname on the evening of Friday, April 27 (local time). The pirates reportedly attacked and robbed the fishermen before four of them escaped from the scene and swam to shore. The remaining 16 fishermen were still missing according to media reports on Tuesday, May 1, and are feared dead. Additional pirate attacks may be carried out off the coast of Suriname in the coming weeks and months.

Context

Piracy is not uncommon along the Surinamese and Guyanese coasts; historically, most such incidents have not often involved lethal violence. However, in February, pirates killed the captain of a Surinamese ship after he resisted theft from his vessel.

Advice

Maritime travel through areas off of the Surinamese coast is advised against due to the threat of piracy.