International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Dominguez on the 6th called on the international community to take urgent action to swiftly rescue the 44 seafarers currently being held by Somali pirates and armed groups.
During the 137th session of the International Maritime Organization Council, he stated that these 44 seafarers are being held on three vessels. These three ships were hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden between April and May this year.
He said that the detained crew members are currently facing severe humanitarian conditions, with acute shortages of food and drinking water, and are continuously being threatened with violence.
He stated: “These incidents once again demonstrate that the threat posed by piracy and armed robbery at sea against seafarers has not subsided, and the international community must remain highly vigilant and strengthen coordination and cooperation.”
According to data from the International Maritime Organization, over the past three months there have been a total of 24 attempted or actual incidents of piracy and armed robbery at sea in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The weapons used by attackers have become more dangerous, and violent acts against seafarers have continuously escalated.
Dominguez said that the International Maritime Organization will continue to work closely with flag states, coastal states, regional organizations, and the shipping industry to promote the safe release of the affected seafarers, and urged shipowners and vessel operators to take necessary precautionary measures and conduct comprehensive risk assessments before passing through high-risk waters.
The 137th session of the International Maritime Organization Council is being held in London from July 6 to 10, with key topics including the security of maritime shipping routes, regional maritime security cooperation, and anti-piracy efforts.