Arsenio Domingo, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), expressed concern over the casualties of seafarers following an increase in attacks on commercial ships, announcing that five seafarers lost their lives on September 29 while rescuing the ship HONOUR 25 in the waters off Somalia. This incident followed several similar cases in various parts of the world, including the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, and the Black Sea.
Casualties and Frequent Attacks
The Secretary-General of the IMO stated in a statement that these casualties are alarming and that seafarers, who are civilians performing their duties, should not become victims of transnational conflicts. So far, 80 attacks on commercial ships in and around the Strait of Hormuz have been reported, resulting in the deaths of 22 seafarers and several others injured.
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Domingo further emphasized that geopolitical conflicts should not be used as a pretext for attacking ships and seafarers. He stressed the need to protect seafarers, stating: "No seafarer should risk their life for doing their duty."
Repetition of Violent Patterns
In recent months, attacks on commercial ships have significantly increased, raising serious concerns in the maritime industry. In March, following attacks on ships near the Strait of Hormuz, at least one seafarer lost their life and several others were injured. In light of these incidents, the Secretary-General of the IMO called for immediate action from member states to protect seafarers.
In June, the International Maritime Organization confirmed 46 attacks on international ships around the Strait of Hormuz, stating that 14 seafarers had lost their lives in these attacks. With the rise of this violence, the Secretary-General has again urged governments to take necessary actions to support seafarers.
Domingo also warned about the increase in piracy in the Gulf of Aden, stating that this issue requires renewed international cooperation to address it. As a result of the rescue operations for the ships HONOUR 25, SEAMULL, and EUREKA, 44 seafarers were freed, but these operations also led to increased casualties.
On the occasion of World Maritime Day, the International Maritime Organization emphasized the need to focus on the security of seafarers and protect them from attacks, calling for targeted cooperation and necessary resources to combat these threats.
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