Crew Kidnapped in Haitian Waters: Latest Maritime Piracy Attack Highlights Escalating Threat

Bulk Carrier Boarded Near Port-au-Prince – Two Seafarers Abducted, Crew Injured

On April 2nd, 2025 at 0300 UTC, a bulk carrier drifting approximately 6 nautical miles west of Port-au-Prince, Haiti (Posn: 18:34.68N – 072:27.16W) was violently boarded by six armed individuals.

A bulk carrier was boarded in Haiti, 2 crew were kidnapped.

The assailants attacked the crew, injuring several, and forced others to seek refuge in their cabins and the engine room.

Two crew members were KIDNAPPED before the attackers fled. The incident was promptly reported to the Haitian Coast Guard, though at the time of writing, no official statements have been released on the recovery of the kidnapped seafarers.

Maritime Piracy Surges Off Haiti’s Coast: A New Global Hotspot?

The waters surrounding Port-au-Prince are becoming increasingly dangerous. This latest incident is part of a growing pattern of maritime violence linked to gang activity and lawlessness ashore.

Notable Recent Incidents:

September 2024: Two Filipino sailors were kidnapped from a container ship at anchor in Port-au-Prince.

April 2024: The general cargo vessel Magalie was hijacked by armed gangs, triggering a five-hour gun battle with Haitian police during the ship’s recovery.

These events reflect the emergence of Haiti as a piracy flashpoint—a situation not seen at this scale in the Caribbean in over a decade.

Haiti police had a 5-hour gunn battle with armed gang on ship in 2024.

Implications for Shipping Companies and Crew Safety

This attack is a stark reminder of the urgent need to reassess maritime security measures in the region.

The psychological toll on seafarers and the operational disruption for shipping lines are considerable, especially as kidnap-for-ransom tactics spread from traditional hotspots like the Gulf of Guinea into the Caribbean basin.

Strategic Recommendations for Maritime Operators in the Caribbean

As maritime threat levels rise, shipping companies operating in and around Haiti should:

1. Implement Physical Deterrents

Deploy visible anti-boarding systems, such as non-lethal barriers, to dissuade opportunistic attackers—especially for vessels at anchor.

2. Use Enhanced Crew Training & Drills

Ensure your crew is trained on citadel procedures, communication under duress, and response protocols during hostile boarding.

Palaemon's anti-piracy barriers are a physical denial of access system. — Physical Barriers, Like Palaemon's Rental Barriers, Prevent Unauthorised Boarding

3. Reroute or Limit Port Stays When Feasible

If security intelligence indicates elevated risks, consider reducing exposure time in high-risk anchorages.

4. Partner with Maritime Intelligence Providers

Access real-time, region-specific threat intelligence, and subscribe to maritime risk alerts to stay ahead of emerging trends.

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