Five seafarers die in Gulf of Aden rescue: Why piracy is still killing
IMO Secretary-General condemns the deaths of five crew members during the rescue of hijacked vessel HONOUR 25 in Somali.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has confirmed the deaths of five seafarers during a rescue operation to free the hijacked vessel HONOUR 25 in Somali waters on September 29. The incident occurred as part of a broader effort to secure the release of three ships held captive by pirates since mid-2026.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez expressed deep sorrow over the fatalities, calling the loss of life “tragic” and “distressing.” In a statement, he emphasized that seafarers should not face such risks while performing their duties in global trade. Several other crew members sustained serious injuries during the operation and are receiving medical care.
Rescue operations and ongoing threats: Gulf of Aden
The HONOUR 25 was one of three vessels freed in late September, alongside the SEAMULL (SIBU 1) and MT EUREKA, which had been seized between April and August. Somali authorities played a key role in securing the releases, with a total of 44 seafarers rescued from the three ships. Their governments are now coordinating repatriation efforts with shipowners and relevant agencies.
However, Dominguez warned that the crisis is far from over. Twenty-two crew members remain in captivity aboard the ASANA, another vessel hijacked earlier this year. He stressed that “every effort must continue to secure their safe release,” urging the international community not to overlook their plight.
Calls for stronger maritime security
The IMO Secretary-General highlighted recent discussions at the United Nations General Assembly and in Brussels, where maritime security emerged as a critical concern. He advocated for new initiatives, including the Group of Friends of Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers, to be advanced within the IMO framework for concrete action.
Dominguez also underscored the importance of existing security operations, such as EUNAVFOR Aspides and Atalanta, in protecting shipping lanes in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Western Indian Ocean. While past efforts have reduced piracy in the region, he warned that renewed commitment and resources are essential to prevent further tragedies. “We have come together to stop piracy before,” he stated. “We must do it again with targeted cooperation and resolve.”
The IMO is also reinforcing regional security through the Djibouti Code of Conduct initiative, which aims to strengthen the capacity of countries in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden to combat piracy. Additionally, the organization urges vessels operating in high-risk areas to conduct thorough security assessments and adhere to industry best practices to minimize risks to crews.
“It is troubling to have to make these statements so often, and even more difficult to convey in words how distressing it is to continuously hear that seafarers are losing their lives simply for doing their jobs.”
Arsenio Dominguez·IMO Secretary-General
The IMO continues to collaborate with flag states and authorities to support the safety of seafarers, including those still held hostage. The recent fatalities serve as a stark reminder that piracy remains a persistent threat in one of the world’s most vital shipping corridors.
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