STOWAWAY PROBLEM AREAS

The first chart was produced using information that has been collected over the past ten years, and highlights the long-term trends in stowaway nationalities according to Robmarine data. The second chart however, is based on information gained since the beginning of 2000, and therefore represents this years high-risk areas. Beside each chart is a list of countries in order of risk with icons which highlight changes in stowaway numbers ( - increase, - decrease, - constant).

Long-Term

(1989 - 2003)

Tanzania Morocco Ghana Nigeria Liberia Algeria DR Congo Ethiopia Guinea Cameroon

Long term stowaway trends show little change and despite the continued movement of illegals from eastern Europe and Asia, Africa remains the largest source of stowaway activity. European Union attempts to stem flow of immigrants to the continent appear to be making only limited progress and instances of organised gangs helping people move illegally across borders are becoming even more numerous. Further problems in Africa and new dangers in Asia are contributing to this flood.

Short-Term

(January - February 2003)

Ghana Tanzania Iraq Ivory Coast Angola DR Congo Cape Verde

February saw significant movement on the table once again. Although the number of illegals detected during the month fell slightly, they were enough to push Sierra Leone onto the table for the first time this year and to carry Tanzania to its perennial position at the top of the hotspot chart.

Once again, West African nations provide the bulk of the stowaway threat to shipping as the year's statistics begin to take shape.