The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, has urged immediate global cooperation to secure the release of 44 seafarers currently being held captive by pirates and armed robbers in Somali waters. The appeal comes as maritime security concerns intensify across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, where a series of hijackings and attacks has raised alarm among international shipping authorities.
The seafarers are reportedly being held aboard three vessels, the MT Honour 25, Eureka, and Sward, which were seized in separate incidents between April and May off the Somali coast and within the Gulf of Aden. According to the IMO, the crews have remained in captivity for months under deteriorating conditions, facing severe shortages of food and water while also being exposed to ongoing threats of violence.
Addressing the IMO Council during its 137th session in London this week, Dominguez described the situation as a serious humanitarian concern and stressed the need for urgent, coordinated action among member states. He stated that piracy and armed robbery at sea remain persistent threats despite international efforts to contain them, and called for strengthened vigilance and cooperation to ensure the safe release of the hostages.
Dominguez appealed directly to governments, regional bodies, and the shipping industry to work together in addressing the crisis. He reaffirmed the IMO’s commitment to supporting flag and coastal states in ongoing efforts to resolve the situation and prevent further attacks in the region. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of maritime crews operating in high-risk waters.
The IMO Secretary-General further urged shipowners and operators to adopt comprehensive security measures when transiting affected regions. These include adherence to established Best Management Practices for Maritime Security and conducting detailed risk assessments before entering areas known for piracy activity.
The latest incidents come amid what the IMO describes as a broader deterioration in maritime security conditions, particularly in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden corridors. Over the past three months alone, the organization has recorded 24 attempted and confirmed incidents of piracy and armed robbery in the region. Officials note that these incidents increasingly involve more dangerous weapons and a growing level of violence directed at crews.
Globally, the IMO reported a 17 percent increase in piracy and armed robbery incidents between 2024 and 2025, rising from 146 to 171 cases. The organization has warned that these trends reflect a widening threat to international shipping and maritime personnel, particularly in strategically significant sea lanes.
The IMO continues to coordinate with regional partners through initiatives such as the Djibouti Code of Conduct and its Jeddah Amendment, which bring together 22 coastal and island states across the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden. These frameworks are designed to enhance maritime security cooperation, strengthen information sharing, and support capacity-building efforts across the region.
The issue of maritime safety remains a key agenda item at the ongoing IMO Council session in London, where member states are also discussing broader strategies for protecting critical shipping routes and improving responses to piracy and armed robbery at sea.
