International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has issued an urgent and uncompromising call for the immediate, unconditional release of more than 90 innocent seafarers currently held captive by pirates and armed robbers in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters.
The appeal comes in the wake of the hijacking of the SEAMULL on 20 August 2026—marking the sixth vessel currently detained by pirate groups in a region experiencing an alarming escalation in maritime security threats.
Secretary-General Dominguez highlighted the severe humanitarian toll of the crisis, noting that the detained seafarers face constant threats and uncertainty, frequently deprived of adequate food, clean water, medical care, and other essential services. Families back home are enduring agonizing ordeals with little to no reliable information regarding the well-being of their loved ones.
“No seafarer should face violence, intimidation or exploitation simply for doing their jobs and keeping global trade moving,” Mr. Dominguez stated. “I demand the immediate and unconditional release of all those being held captive.”
Emphasizing that the deteriorating security situation requires urgent international attention, the IMO chief cautioned against complacency. While global attention has often been drawn to other geopolitical hotspots, the resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden must not go unaddressed.
To mitigate ongoing risks and prevent further tragedies, the Secretary-General outlined key directives for the maritime community and governments:
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Adherence to Security Standards: Flag and coastal States must ensure that vessels are fully prepared to manage security risks and that crews are protected from avoidable danger through the strict implementation of industry Best Management Practices (BMP Maritime Security) and relevant IMO guidance, including MSC.1/Circ.1601/Rev.2.
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Regional and International Cooperation: The IMO will continue supporting regional initiatives led by coastal States, such as the Djibouti Code of Conduct and its Jeddah Amendment. However, Mr. Dominguez stressed that sustained international naval cooperation is equally vital to safeguard merchant shipping.
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Multilateral Engagement: The Secretary-General confirmed he will continue raising the issue across the United Nations family and actively engage with governments and stakeholders to mobilize collaborative support for maritime security and seafarer protection.
“The international community has successfully confronted this threat before, and it must do so again,” Mr. Dominguez concluded. “The safety and security of seafarers must remain a global priority.”
