**IMO Sounds Alarm as Pirates Hold More Than 90 Seafarers in Gulf of Aden**
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has raised urgent concerns regarding the resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden, where over 90 seafarers are currently being held captive aboard six vessels. This alarming situation follows the hijacking of the tanker Seamull on August 20, 2023, which marked a significant escalation in piracy incidents in the region.
The Seamull, also known as Sibu 1, was en route west through the Gulf of Aden when it encountered an unauthorized vessel approximately 136 nautical miles east of Al Mukalla, Yemen. Six armed individuals boarded the tanker, took control, and redirected it towards the Somali coast. The ship was carrying a crew of 20 members, including 16 Indian nationals. The seizure of the Seamull brought the total number of vessels held by pirates and armed robbers in the Gulf of Aden to six.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez highlighted the rapid increase in piracy incidents, stating, “Shipping challenges are on the rise with the recent increase of piracy incidents in the Gulf of Aden.” He expressed grave concerns about the conditions faced by the crew members aboard the seized vessels, noting that they are subjected to constant uncertainty and threats, often lacking adequate food, fresh water, medical support, and essential services.
The impact of these hijackings extends beyond the vessels themselves, as families of the captured seafarers are left anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones. Dominguez emphasized the emotional toll on these families, stating, “Behind each of them is a family enduring an unimaginable ordeal, with limited reliable information about their loved ones’ well-being.” He called for the immediate and unconditional release of all captives, asserting that no seafarer should endure violence or intimidation while performing their duties to facilitate global trade.
The hijacking of the Seamull occurred just three days after armed pirates seized the Cameroon-flagged cargo ship Lutuf near Somalia’s Puntland coast. In this incident, eight attackers took control of the vessel, which had a ten-member crew, and directed it towards the Somali coast. Despite a decade of relative calm in the region due to international naval deployments and enhanced security measures on merchant ships, the recent seizures indicate a troubling resurgence of piracy. Since April, six commercial vessels have been seized, alongside numerous reported attempts of suspicious approaches and boardings throughout the Gulf of Aden and the western Indian Ocean.
This renewed threat comes at a time when international naval resources and attention are stretched across multiple maritime hotspots, including the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. Dominguez warned that the situation in the Gulf of Aden must not be overlooked. “The deteriorating maritime security situation in the region demands urgent attention,” he said, urging the international community to address the resurgence of piracy effectively.
Dominguez stressed that the responsibility for maritime security does not lie solely with naval forces. He called upon flag and coastal states to ensure that ships are adequately prepared to manage security risks and that crews are not exposed to avoidable dangers. This includes adhering to the industry’s best management practices and following relevant IMO guidelines on risk assessments, voyage planning, and appropriate actions during attempted boardings and attacks.
In addition to vessel-level measures, the IMO is committed to supporting regional initiatives led by coastal states through the Djibouti Code and its Jeddah Amendment, which provide a framework for cooperation against piracy, armed robbery, and other maritime crimes. Dominguez underscored the importance of sustained international naval cooperation in safeguarding merchant shipping and the crews aboard.
“The international community has successfully confronted this threat before, and it must do so again,” he stated. He pledged to continue raising this critical issue within the UN framework and engage with governments and stakeholders to determine how the IMO can best support collaborative efforts to enhance maritime security and protect seafarers.
As piracy once again poses a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden, the IMO's call for immediate action reflects the urgent need for a collective response to ensure the safety of seafarers and the security of maritime trade in this vital region.