IMO Chief Demands Release of More Than 90 Seafarers Held by Pirates

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Tuesday August 25, 2026

The head of IMO has called for the immediate and unconditional release of more than 90 seafarers held captive amid a resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said in an emailed statement on Monday that the reported hijacking of the Seamull ship on August 20 brings the number of vessels held by pirates and armed robbers in the region to six.

“More than 90 innocent seafarers are now being held captive,” Dominguez said, warning that their lives are subject to “constant uncertainty and threat”.

He said seafarers face limited access to “adequate food, fresh water, medical support and other essential services”, while their families endure an “unimaginable ordeal”.

“I demand the immediate and unconditional release of all those being held captive,” Dominguez said.

“No seafarer should face violence, intimidation or exploitation simply for doing their jobs and keeping global trade moving.”

He called for urgent action to counter the resurgence of piracy, including stronger security preparedness and sustained international naval cooperation to protect merchant shipping and crews.

Ship & Bunker News Team
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