IMO Secretary-General demands immediate and unconditional release of more than 90 seafarers held captive

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez issued an urgent statement on 24 August following the hijacking of Seamull, warning that six vessels are now being held by pirates or armed robbers and more than 90 seafarers are in captivity.

IMO says those crews face prolonged uncertainty, with potentially limited access to food, fresh water, medical treatment and other essentials.

"We cannot allow the resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters to go unaddressed," he said

“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.

“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.

“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.”

According to the IMO, the deteriorating maritime security situation in the region demands urgent attention. While international focus has been drawn to other areas of heightened tension, we cannot allow the resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters to go unaddressed. The safety and security of seafarers must remain a global priority.

The Secretary-General added: “I call on flag and coastal states to ensure ships flying their flag are adequately prepared to manage security risks and that crews are not exposed to avoidable dangers. This includes the implementation of industry best management practices (BMP Maritime Security) and relevant IMO guidance, including MSC.1/Circ.1601/Rev.2.

“IMO will continue to support regional efforts led by coastal States to address this resurgence of piracy, through initiatives such as the Djibouti Code of Conduct and its Jeddah Amendment. 

“At the same time, sustained international naval cooperation remains essential to protecting merchant shipping and the seafarers who serve it. The international community has successfully confronted this threat before, and it must do so again. 

“I will keep raising this important matter across the UN-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,” he said.