More than 90 seafarers are now being held by pirates and armed robbers following a resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), as reported by Splash247. IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez issued an urgent call for their release on Monday, following reports that the vessel Seamull had been hijacked on August 20, according to the IMO. The latest seizure means six vessels are now being held in the region, the organisation said.
Deteriorating security situation
Dominguez said the captive seafarers were living under constant threat and uncertainty, with some having limited access to food, fresh water, medical assistance and other essential supplies, according to Splash247. The IMO warned that the deteriorating security situation requires renewed international attention, particularly as maritime security resources have been stretched by conflicts and attacks affecting shipping elsewhere, the news outlet reported.
I demand the immediate and unconditional release of all those being held captive. — Arsenio Dominguez, IMO secretary-general, as quoted by Splash247
Key figures at a glance
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Seafarers held captive | More than 90 |
| Vessels currently held | 6 |
| Latest hijacking | Seamull, August 20 |
| Affected area | Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters |
Operational impact for shippers and carriers
For ocean carriers, freight forwarders and 3PL operators with vessels operating in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters, the IMO's warning underscores the need for renewed international attention to the deteriorating security situation, according to the organisation. The IMO has urged flag and coastal states to ensure vessels and crews operating in the region are adequately prepared for security risks, including through implementation of the industry's Best Management Practices for Maritime Security and relevant IMO guidance, Splash247 reported.
Recommended actions for operators, based on the IMO guidance reported by Splash247, include:
- Verify that vessels operating in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters comply with the industry's Best Management Practices for Maritime Security.
- Apply all relevant IMO guidance on security preparedness before entering the region.
- Engage with flag states and coastal states, which the IMO has urged to take action.
- Support and participate in coordinated naval cooperation, which the IMO described as essential to protecting merchant shipping and crews.
The IMO said coordinated naval operations remain essential to protecting merchant shipping and crews, and it is calling for sustained international naval cooperation in the region, according to Splash247.
Watch list
According to the IMO, the organisation will continue supporting regional counter-piracy efforts through the Djibouti Code of Conduct and its Jeddah Amendment. In addition, Dominguez plans to raise the situation across the United Nations system and with governments, the IMO said in reporting covered by Splash247.
Freight operators transiting the Gulf of Aden should monitor:
- Implementation of the Best Management Practices for Maritime Security across their fleets.
- Any changes to naval force posture and international cooperation in the region.
- Status updates on the six vessels and the more than 90 captive seafarers.
- Future IMO and United Nations activities, including Dominguez's planned engagement with governments.
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