IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has expressed profound sorrow following the death of a seafarer who sustained fatal injuries during an attack on the MV Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden on September 29, 2025. The Secretary-General strongly condemned the assault and issued an urgent call for an immediate end to attacks on international shipping, stressing the need for constructive dialogue to resolve regional tensions.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a crew member of the MV Minervagracht, as a result of injuries sustained during an attack on the vessel in the Gulf of Aden,” said Secretary-General Dominguez. “My thoughts, along with those of the Secretariat and of the entire membership of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), are with the family of the crew member.”
The Secretary-General reiterated the IMO’s unwavering condemnation of all acts of violence against international shipping.
“I strongly condemn any type of attack against international shipping, regardless of its motivation or cause,” he stated. “These deplorable attacks in the Red Sea violate international law and freedom of navigation. Innocent seafarers and local populations are the main victims of these attacks and the pollution they cause.”
Secretary-General Dominguez concluded his statement by emphasizing that dialogue is the only path forward to de-escalate the crisis and safeguard the lives of seafarers.
“Constructive dialogue is the solution to resolving ongoing geopolitical crises affecting seafarers and international shipping,” he affirmed.
The IMO continues to monitor the situation closely and calls on all parties to prioritize the safety and security of seafarers, international trade, and the marine environment.
