Press Releases

Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) will hold a hearing on Wednesday to review the efforts of the Federal Government to safeguard U.S. and international interests against acts of piracy off the coast of Africa and in other waters.

The subcommittee hearing, entitled “Update of Efforts to Combat Piracy,” is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 in 2167 Rayburn House Office Building. 

Statistically, the number of pirate attacks worldwide reached a five-year low in 2012. This reduction is primarily the result of a large drop in attacks off the East Coast of Africa, in particular off the Somali Coast.  However, the number of pirate attacks off the West Coast of Africa has risen in recent years.  Pirate attacks in these waters are often aimed at stealing refined oil products which are then sold on the black market.  Piracy is also prevalent in the waters off the Indonesian archipelago where the number of attacks has increased yearly since 2009. 

Since 2008, pirates have attacked or attempted to attack 20 U.S.-flagged vessels, taking three Americans hostage and killing four. 

Wednesday’s hearing will examine these recent trends, and U.S. efforts to prevent or deter acts of piracy on the open seas. 

Witnesses invited to testify at the hearing:

• Rear Admiral Servidio, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, United States Coast Guard
• Rear Admiral Joseph Kuzmick, Director, Operations and Plans, United States Navy
• The Honorable David Matsuda, Administrator, Maritime Administration
• The Honorable Thomas Kelly, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Department of State
• Mr. Neil Smith, Head of Underwriting, Lloyd's Market Association [updated April 5, 2013]

More information about the hearing, including testimony, additional background information, and link to live webcast, will be posted here as it becomes available. 

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