Piracy is Still a Thing! How to Protect Against It

Even in the 21st century, piracy remains a real threat—not just digital piracy, but the classic "Arr, matey" kind. Modern pirates may not speak with a West Country accent or wield cutlasses, but they are armed, often with assault rifles, and capable of hijacking boats and ships to steal cargo and anything of value. If items are bolted down, they may even unbolt them. In some cases, pirates may take the crew hostage and demand a ransom. While most piracy attacks occur in East Asia, it only takes one armed and desperate criminal on the Willamette River to cause significant harm.

How to Protect Against Piracy

Modern pirates often use small, fast, and highly maneuverable speedboats, making them difficult to detect until it’s too late. To reduce the risk, give a wide berth to any speedboats on the water, especially if they appear to be following your vessel. Be cautious of boats pretending to be in distress, as this is a common tactic used by pirates to lure ships closer. Some shipowners take proactive measures, such as lining the perimeter of their deck with razor wire to deter boarding attempts.

If pirates do manage to board your vessel, prioritize safety over resistance. It’s better to surrender cargo than to risk human lives. Fortunately, the financial loss from stolen cargo can be mitigated with cargo insurance. Cargo insurance helps businesses recover financially after a piracy incident, ensuring that the cost of lost goods doesn’t jeopardize operations.

Contact Choice One Insurance in Portland, OR

If you’re in the Portland, OR area and believe cargo insurance is a smart investment for your business, contact Choice One Insurance Inc. We’re here to help you protect your assets and prepare for the unexpected.