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The International Maritime Organization has called for urgent action to address the resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden
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It also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of more than 90 seafarers reportedly held captive
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The IMO said the reported hijacking of the SEAMULL on August 20 brings to six the number of vessels being held by pirates and armed robbers in the region
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IMO secretary general Arsenio Dominguez urged flag and coastal states to ensure ships and crews are adequately prepared to manage maritime security risks based on best practices and relevant IMO guidance
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has called for urgent action to address the resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of more than 90 seafarers reportedly being held captive.
IMO secretary general Arsenio Dominguez issued the call following reports that the SEAMULL was hijacked on August 20, bringing to six the number of vessels being held by pirates and armed robbers in waters in and around the Gulf of Aden.
“Shipping challenges are on the rise with the recent increase of piracy incidents in the Gulf of Aden. With the most recent highjack, a sixth vessel is being held by pirates and armed robbers in waters that are becoming too dangerous for seafarers,” Dominguez said.
“More than 90 innocent seafarers are now being held captive, their lives subject to constant uncertainty and threat, often with limited access to adequate food, fresh water, medical support and other essential services. Behind each of them is a family enduring an unimaginable ordeal, with limited reliable information about their loved ones’ well-being,” he added.
“I demand the immediate and unconditional release of all those being held captive. No seafarer should face violence, intimidation or exploitation simply for doing their jobs and keeping global trade moving,” Dominguez said.
He warned that the deteriorating maritime security situation requires immediate attention, noting that the resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters must not be overlooked amid security concerns in other regions.
“The safety and security of seafarers must remain a global priority,” he said.
Dominguez called on flag and coastal states to ensure that ships are adequately prepared to manage security risks and that crews are not exposed to avoidable dangers.
He urged the implementation of industry best management practices for maritime security and relevant IMO guidance, including MSC.1/Circ.1601/Rev.2, the Revised Industry Counter-Piracy Guidance.
The IMO will continue supporting regional efforts led by coastal states to address the renewed piracy threat through initiatives such as the Djibouti Code of Conduct and its Jeddah Amendment.
Dominguez also stressed that sustained international naval cooperation remains essential to protecting merchant ships and their crews.
“The international community has successfully confronted this threat before, and it must do so again,” he said.
“I will keep raising this important matter across the United Nations-family, and engage with governments and all stakeholders to assess how IMO can best support collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing maritime security and protecting seafarers,” Dominguez added.
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