Shipowners have been urged to be vigilant by a maritime risk consultancy following a limited surge in Somali piracy.

Control Risks has recorded 17 incidents in 2017 and advised vessel operators to resume best security practices.

Cormac Mc Garry, maritime risk analyst at Control Risks, said: “While we have recorded a limited surge in Somali pirate activity in the first half of the year, it is unlikely to span beyond its current scope.