In areas where vast inland waterways are insufficiently policed, these kinds of vessels can be an easy target for pirates. These conditions are particularly common in the Amazon areas, where locals call these criminals 'river rats'.

In 2026, river piracy remains a significant safety concern in certain remote stretches of the Amazon, particularly in the border regions of Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. These modern-day "river pirates" are typically armed criminal gangs involved in the trafficking of drugs, gold, and timber, but they have also been known to target passenger vessels and cargo barges. While large-scale luxury cruise ships often carry specialized security or move in escorted convoys through higher-risk zones near Iquitos or Manaus, smaller independent travelers and local ferries are more vulnerable. Travelers are advised to stick to reputable tour operators who stay informed on "red zones" and avoid traveling on the river at night. The threat is not a romanticized version of high-seas swashbuckling; it is a serious issue of organized crime where perpetrators use fast skiffs to board vessels and rob passengers of electronics, cash, and fuel, making vigilant situational awareness essential for anyone exploring the deep Amazon basin.