The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has urgently called for global action to ensure the safe release of 44 seafarers held captive by pirates and armed robbers in Somali waters. These crew members are aboard three vessels—the MT Honour 25, Eureka, and Sward—hijacked in separate incidents between April and May off Somalia’s coast and in the Gulf of Aden. During a recent IMO Council meeting in London, Dominguez highlighted the dire humanitarian situation these seafarers face, reporting critical shortages of food and water amid ongoing threats of violence.
Dominguez emphasized that these incidents underscore the persistent dangers of piracy and armed robbery at sea, urging for coordinated international efforts to secure the crew’s release. He reaffirmed the IMO’s commitment to collaborating with flag States, coastal authorities, and the maritime industry to address this crisis. He also called on shipowners and operators to enhance security measures in high-risk areas, advocating for the implementation of Best Management Practices for Maritime Security and thorough risk assessments.
Recent data from the IMO indicates a troubling rise in maritime security threats, with 24 incidents of piracy and armed robbery reported in the region over the last three months. The organization noted a 17% increase in global piracy incidents from 2024 to 2025, prompting a need for vigilance. To combat this rising threat, the IMO continues to support regional initiatives, such as the Djibouti Code of Conduct, aimed at improving maritime security cooperation among 22 coastal and island States in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden. Protecting seafarers remains a top priority as the international community works to resolve this ongoing crisis.
