Djibouti Code of Conduct Chair condemns renewed piracy surge

May 28 ------ The Chair of the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment has expressed grave concern over the resurgence of piracy in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden, warning that recent attacks show maritime security gains in the region remain fragile.

Speaking on behalf of the DCoC/JA Signatory States, the Chair strongly condemned the continued detention of the Republic of Palau-flagged tanker MT HONOUR 25 (IMO 9109735), which has reportedly been held by pirates since 24 April 2026.

The humanitarian situation onboard is deteriorating, with 17 crew members still held in captivity under dangerous conditions. They are reportedly in urgent need of assistance, as provisions onboard have reached critically low levels.

Concern was also raised over two other vessels reportedly held in the region: the Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged general cargo vessel SWARD (IMO 9174244), hijacked on 26 April 2026 with 15 crew members onboard, and the Togo-flagged oil tanker MV EUREKA (IMO 1022823), reportedly hijacked on 2 May 2026 with 12 crew members onboard.

These incidents underline that Somali piracy has been suppressed, but not eradicated. They also reinforce the need for sustained regional and international cooperation to protect seafarers, secure freedom of navigation, and preserve maritime security across the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden.

The Chair also referred to concerns raised during the IMO Maritime Safety Committee’s 111th session, where the renewed threat of piracy and armed robbery off Somalia was highlighted. Several DCoC/JA Signatory States, including Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, called for renewed attention and stronger operational responses.

Against this backdrop, the Signatory States urged the Federal Government of Somalia, in cooperation with regional and international partners, to make every possible effort to secure the safe and immediate release of the detained vessels and crew members.

They also called on the wider international community, including naval forces, international organizations, and maritime security partners, to intensify efforts to prevent further incidents and support the safe release of all affected seafarers.

Member States and industry stakeholders were further urged to strengthen reporting and information-sharing, improve transparency around maritime security measures, support implementation of the DCoC/JA framework, and fully apply relevant IMO instruments, including SOLAS chapter XI-2, the ISPS Code, IMO guidance, and Best Management Practices.

Emphasizing the humanitarian dimension of the crisis, the Chair said the situation should not be viewed solely as a maritime security issue. Seafarers operating in high-risk areas continue to face prolonged confinement, armed threats, uncertainty, and severe psychological pressure.

The Chair concluded that the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of seafarers are non-negotiable, stressing that practical solutions already exist and that what is now needed is collective will, urgent coordination, and decisive action.

To remind, according to information received and made available in IMO’s GISIS module, 171 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported to IMO as having occurred or been attempted in 2025 – an increase of approximately 17% at the global level compared to the 146 incidents in 2024.

Source: safety4sea.com