Sea Piracy at Lowest Level in Six Years

40 percent decrease

Piracy at sea is at its lowest level in six years, with 264 attacks recorded - a 40% drop since Somali piracy peaked in 2011, a maritime watchdog has said.

There were only 15 incidents off Somalia last year, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said.

This is down from 75 in 2012, and 237 in 2011, its records show.

Armed guards on ships, international navy patrols and the "stabilising influence" of Somalia's government had helped deter pirates, the IMB said.