The International Maritime Organization has called for urgent international action following an increase in piracy incidents in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters, where more than 90 seafarers are reportedly being held captive.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez issued the appeal after reports that the SEAMULL was hijacked on 20 August 2026. According to his statement, the incident brought the number of vessels being held by pirates and armed robbers in the region to six.

Dominguez demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all captive seafarers. He said those detained face continuing uncertainty and threats, with some having limited access to food, fresh water, medical assistance and other essential services. He also highlighted the impact on their families, which may have little reliable information about the condition of their relatives.

The Secretary-General warned that increasing maritime insecurity in the area requires immediate attention, despite international attention being focused on other regions experiencing heightened tensions. He stressed that violence, intimidation and exploitation must not be accepted as risks faced by seafarers carrying out their work and supporting global trade.

Flag and coastal States were urged to ensure that ships are properly prepared to manage security threats and that crews are not exposed to avoidable danger. Dominguez specifically called for the application of the shipping industry's BMP Maritime Security practices and relevant IMO guidance, including MSC.1/Circ.1601/Rev.2.

The IMO said it would continue supporting regional measures led by coastal States, including work under the Djibouti Code of Conduct and its Jeddah Amendment. These frameworks are intended to strengthen cooperation against piracy and other maritime security threats in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden region.

Dominguez also underlined the importance of sustained cooperation among international naval forces to protect merchant vessels and their crews. He noted that the international community had successfully confronted the piracy threat in the past and called for renewed collective action.

The Secretary-General said he would continue raising the issue across the United Nations system and engaging with governments and maritime stakeholders. The aim will be to assess how the IMO can further support coordinated efforts to strengthen maritime security and protect seafarers operating in the affected waters.