Arsenio Dominguez, the IMO Secretary-General, expressed regret following reports of the death of five sailors during the rescue operation of the ship HONOUR 25 in the waters off Somalia. This ship, along with two other vessels named SEAMULL (SIBU 1) and EUREKA, was freed after months of captivity by pirates and criminals.
Details of the Rescue Operation
The ship HONOUR 25, which was freed on September 29, 2026, was one of three vessels rescued this week. The rescue operation took place in the Gulf of Aden, during which five sailors lost their lives. Several other sailors were also seriously injured.
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The IMO Secretary-General emphasized that more actions must be taken to protect sailors. He stated, "It is concerning that I have to issue such statements repeatedly, and it is hard to say that sailors are losing their lives simply for doing their jobs."
International Efforts for Sailor Security
Secretary-General Dominguez said that 44 sailors have been freed from the three ships, and the relevant governments are cooperating with the ship owners and authorities to arrange their return home. He also thanked the Somali government for its efforts in securing the freedom of these sailors.
The IMO Secretary-General also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in maritime security and called for new initiatives to support sailors. He said that we must focus on implementing measures and best practices to ensure sailors are not put at risk.
Currently, 22 other sailors are held captive by pirate groups, and the IMO Secretary-General stressed the need to continue efforts to secure their freedom. He also referenced discussions he has had at the United Nations General Assembly and in Brussels regarding maritime security, emphasizing the importance of EUNAVFOR Aspides and Atalanta operations in maintaining maritime security in the Gulf of Aden and the western Indian Ocean.
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