Aim to halve losses at sea

International Maritime Organisation (IMO) secretary-general Koji Sekimizu has outlined his vision of halving lives lost at sea and eradicating pirate attacks, as well as ensuring the release of all hostages. Sekimizu said the number of lives lost annually at sea has been more than 1,000 for each of the past five years. Figures for 2012 included approximately 100 lives lost in the fishing sector, 400 in domestic operations and around 500 in other categories, including international shipping.