Pirates in the Gulf of Aden are getting more aggressive in hijacking ships, according to a recent report from the IMO, that also stated the situation has “progressively worsened over the last 12 months.”

Pirates have moved their mother ships further out, enabling them access to more ships, including roaming east of the Horn of Africa.

At press time, approximately 685 seafarers were being held for ransom onboard 30 ships.

Options are limited as Somalia is not considered a functioning country. Furthermore, there are court costs and pirates may like the idea of going to jail and then being released in (most likely) a better place. Other thoughts, such as not paying ransoms, could result in more violence.