IMO calls for urgent action as piracy resumes in the Gulf of Aden

The International Maritime Organization has signaled an urgent need to address escalating security threats following the hijacking of the SEAMULL on August 20, 2026. According to Hellenic Shipping News, this latest attack brings the number of vessels currently detained by armed groups in the Gulf of Aden to six. Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez expressed grave concern for the welfare of more than 90 crew members currently held in deteriorating conditions with limited access to basic necessities.

Mr. Dominguez called for the immediate release of all detained personnel, emphasizing that maritime workers should not face violence while facilitating international commerce. He warned that global attention must return to this region as piracy incidents resurface. The Secretary-General stated that "we cannot allow the resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters to go unaddressed," urging the international community to prioritize seafarer safety through renewed cooperation.

To mitigate these rising dangers, the IMO is advising flag and coastal states to ensure merchant vessels strictly follow established security protocols and industry best practices. The organization plans to maintain its support for regional initiatives like the Djibouti Code of Conduct while engaging with United Nations stakeholders. Mr. Dominguez noted that previous international naval collaborations were successful in curbing such threats and advocated for similar joint efforts to protect global shipping lanes.