IMO Sec-Gen: More than 90 innocent seafarers are now being held captive

August 29 ------ More than 90 seafarers are being held captive aboard six vessels as piracy resurges in the Gulf of Aden, prompting the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to call for urgent action by governments and naval forces.

The warning follows the hijacking of the tanker Seamull on 20 August, the latest in a series of attacks that has heightened concerns over the safety of merchant crews operating in the waters between Yemen and Somalia. The vessel, also known as Sibu 1, was sailing west through the Gulf of Aden when it reported being approached by an unauthorised craft about 136 nautical miles east of Al Mukalla, Yemen. Six armed men subsequently boarded the tanker, seized control of the vessel and diverted it towards Somalia. The Seamull was carrying 20 crew members, including 16 Indian nationals.

Following reports of the hijacking, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez issued a statement warning of the renewed threat to commercial shipping and calling for an urgent response from governments and naval forces operating in the region. "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," Arsenio Dominguez highlighted.

He further noted that the deteriorating maritime security situation in the region demands urgent attention. While international focus has shifted to other areas of heightened tension, the resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters cannot be allowed to go unaddressed. The safety and security of seafarers must remain a global priority. "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," said Dominguez.

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, Arsenio Dominguez commented.

Source: safety4sea.com