Gulf of Aden — The International Maritime organisation (IMO) has called for urgent international action after a renewed wave of piracy in the Gulf of Aden.
The warning follows the reported hijacking of the SEAMULL on 20 August 2026. The IMO says more than 90 seafarers are now being held captive in the region.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has called for the immediate and unconditional release of all captive seafarers.
He also urged governments and maritime stakeholders to act quickly to protect crews and commercial shipping.
Piracy Threat Is Growing Again
The IMO says the recent incidents show a worrying deterioration in maritime security.
According to the organisation, the latest hijacking brings the number of vessels being held by pirates and armed robbers to six. More than 90 seafarers are affected.
The development has raised fresh concerns over the safety of ships using the Gulf of Aden.
The waterway is a major route for international trade. It connects the Red Sea with the Arabian Sea and forms part of an important shipping corridor.
Seafarers Face Serious Risks
The IMO has placed the safety of seafarers at the centre of its response.
The organisation said those being held captive face difficult conditions. These include limited access to food, fresh water and medical support.
Dominguez said seafarers should not face violence or intimidation while carrying out their work.
He also highlighted the impact on families. Many relatives have limited information about the condition of their loved ones.
IMO Calls for Stronger Preparedness
The IMO has urged flag and coastal states to ensure ships are properly prepared for security risks.
It also called for the implementation of recognised maritime security best practices and relevant IMO guidance.
These measures are intended to improve preparedness and reduce exposure to avoidable security risks.
The IMO will also continue working with regional authorities and other maritime stakeholders.
Regional Cooperation Is Key
The organisation highlighted the Djibouti Code of Conduct and Jeddah Amendment as an important regional framework.
The initiative supports cooperation among countries in the Western Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden and surrounding areas.
It provides a platform for states to work together against piracy, armed robbery and other maritime crimes.
The IMO says stronger regional action will be important as piracy threats return.
Naval Cooperation Remains Important
The IMO has also stressed the need for continued international naval cooperation.
International efforts helped reduce piracy in the Gulf of Aden during previous years. The latest developments have renewed calls for sustained cooperation.
Dominguez said the international community had confronted the threat before and must respond again.
The IMO is expected to continue discussions with governments and other stakeholders on ways to strengthen maritime security.
Threat Extends Beyond Piracy
The renewed piracy threat comes at a difficult time for shipping in the wider region.
Commercial vessels already face several security challenges around the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The situation creates additional pressure on ship operators and seafarers. It may also affect decisions about vessel routes, security measures and operational costs.
Recent maritime security reporting indicates that piracy and armed robbery incidents have increased across parts of the region during 2026.
Impact on Global Shipping
The Gulf of Aden is strategically important to global trade.
Thousands of commercial vessels use routes connected to the wider Red Sea and Indian Ocean shipping network. Disruption in the area can therefore have consequences far beyond the region.
A prolonged security crisis could increase:
- Shipping security costs
- Insurance expenses
- Crew safety concerns
- Voyage planning challenges
- Pressure on regional maritime authorities
For African coastal states, the situation also reinforces the importance of maritime domain awareness and regional cooperation.
IMO Seeks Coordinated Response
The IMO has said it will continue raising the issue within the United Nations system.
The organisation also plans to engage governments and other stakeholders on practical ways to strengthen maritime security.
The immediate priority remains the safe release of the seafarers being held captive.
Longer-term efforts will require cooperation between coastal states, flag states, international organisations and the shipping industry.
The resurgence of piracy is a reminder that maritime security gains can be fragile. Continued international cooperation will be essential to protect seafarers and maintain the safety of global shipping routes.
Related Stories
- Original MaritimAfrica report
- International Maritime organisation
- IMO: Piracy and armed robbery
- Djibouti Code of Conduct and Jeddah Amendment
Notes
- Western Indian Ocean Strengthens Maritime Information Sharing
- Mauritius Strengthens Security Cooperation With the United States
- The Gambia Takes the Helm of MOWCA
- Cutlass Express 2026 Targets Maritime Crime
- Africa Calls for Greater Maritime Security Ownership
- Nigeria Customs Deepens Security Cooperation in Benue
