Increase in hijackings a cause for concern as IMO calls for release of seafarers

IMO Secretary-General demands immediate and unconditional release of more than 90 seafarers held captive

More than 90 seafarers are now being held captive after the most recent hijacking of the Seamull last week – more than doubling the number quoted by the International Maritime Organization last month.

“Shipping challenges are on the rise with the recent increase of piracy incidents in the Gulf of Aden. With the most recent hijack, a sixth vessel is being held by pirates and armed robbers in waters that are becoming too dangerous for seafarers, said IMO Secretary General, Arsenio Dominguez in a statement issued today.

Condemning the deteriorating situation, Dominguez called for urgent attention to be given to the unfolding issue.

“While international focus has been drawn to other areas of heightened tension, we cannot allow the resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters to go unaddressed. The safety and security of seafarers must remain a global priority,” he said.

He further urged flag and coastal States to ensure ships flying their flag to manage security risks to ensure that crew are not exposed to avoidable dangers.

Prior to the latest incident on Thursday last week, three vessels were hijacked and detailed in separate incidents between April and May off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden. The 44 seafarers onboard the MT Honour 25, Eureka and Sward remain in captivity.

In a July statement IMO noted that 24 attempted and actual incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the region had been reported in the preceding three months. These involve increasingly dangerous weapons and escalating violence against innocent seafarers.

Globally, reported incidents of piracy and armed robbery at sea increased by 17% between 2024 and 2025, rising from 146 incidents to 171.

“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,” he added.