Sea piracy worldwide surged to 266 attacks in the first half this year, up 36% from a year ago, as Somali pirates became bolder and raided more vessels, a global maritime watchdog has said.

Sea piracy worldwide has hit a record high of 142 attacks in the first quarter this year as Somali pirates become more violent and aggressive, a global maritime watchdog says.

Sea attacks worldwide surged 39% to 406 cases, the highest in six years, with Somali pirates' raids on vessels accounting for more than half of the piracy, a maritime watchdog said today.

MARITIME pirate attacks worldwide shot up 14% in the first nine months of 2007 from a year earlier, with Somalia and Nigeria showing the biggest increases, an international watchdog yesterday.