The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, issued the following statement, following an incident involving a cargo ship (TIHAMAH) which was hit by a projectile off the coast of Al Mokha, Yemen. Several seafarer fatalities have been confirmed.

“It is with sadness and regret to know that, once again, innocent seafarers have lost their lives in an indefensible attack on international shipping. I offer my deepest condolences to the families of those involved.

It is particularly troublesome that the most recent attack has taken place in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden area. I reiterate my call for shipowners and ship operators to thoroughly assess risks before transiting this and other regions and follow appropriate best management practices. Seafarers deserve to be protected and allowed to do their jobs in safety and security.

These continued attacks on shipping only serve to escalate tensions and threaten global supply chains on which everyone depends.

I also urge the immediate and unconditional release of all seafarers who continue to be held captive following piracy attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region.

Ensuring seafarer safety is a fundamental obligation under international law and a shared responsibility of the global community.”