The Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, urged urgent action following the resumption of the piracy in the Gulf of Aden and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of over 90 seafarers held hostage. Referring to the seizure of the Seamull tanker, which took place on 20 In August, Dominguez denounced that "the difficulties for browsing are on the rise due to the recent increase in piracy in the Gulf of Aden. With the latest hijacking, A sixth ship is now in the hands of pirates and armed robbers in waters that are becoming too dangerous for seafarers. Over 90 innocent seafarers are now being held hostage, their lives subject to constant uncertainty and threat, often with access to limited to adequate food, drinking water, medical care, and other essential services. Behind each of them there is a family who is living an unimaginable experience, with information unreliable and limited on the well-being of loved ones. I demand - he declared the Secretary-General of the IMO - the immediate and unconditional release of all those held captive. No seafarer should be subjected to violence, intimidation or exploitation simply for having done their job and having helped keep world trade moving."

'The deterioration of the maritime security situation in the The region - continued Dominguez - requires urgent attention. While international attention is focused on other areas of strong tension, we cannot allow the resurgence of the piracy in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters remains impunity. Seafarers' safety must remain a priority global. I call on flag States and coastal States to ensure that ships flying their flag are properly prepared to manage safety risks and that crews are not exposed to avoidable hazards. This includes the implementation of industry best management practices (BMPs) Maritime Security) and related IMO guidelines, including the MSC.1/Circ.1601/Rev.2. The IMO will continue to support the regional efforts led by coastal states to address this resurgence of piracy, through initiatives such as the Code conduct of Djibouti and its Jeddah Amendment. At the same time, Continued international naval cooperation remains essential to protect merchant shipping and the seafarers who they are needed. The international community has already addressed successfully this threat in the past and must do it again. I will continue to raise this important issue throughout the the United Nations system and to work with governments and all stakeholders to assess how the IMO can support the joint efforts to strengthen security maritime protection and to protect seafarers".

Meanwhile, today the Houthis attacked a ship off the coast of Saudi port city of Yanbu, in the Red Sea, a more north of those where these Yemeni militias have more frequently conducted attacks at sea. The last ship attacked is the Saudi company's very large crude carrier Amzan Bahri. The latter announced that all crew members They are safe and have not been damaged. The company has specified to be in contact with the vessel and to operate in close coordination with the competent authorities. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has made I notice that the ship was hit by a bullet.