Five seafarers died during a rescue operation to free the hijacked vessel HONOUR 25 in Somali waters on 29 September, prompting IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez to demand that governments revive coordinated anti-piracy action in the Gulf of Aden and Western Indian Ocean.

The HONOUR 25 was one of three ships released this week, alongside the SEAMULL (also known as SIBU 1) and the MT EUREKA. Pirates and armed robbers had held the vessels since seizing them between April and August 2026. Several seafarers were seriously injured in addition to the five killed.

"It is troubling to have to make these statements so often, and even more difficult to convey in words how distressing it is continuously hear that seafarers losing their lives simply for doing their jobs," Dominguez said. He offered condolences to the families, friends and fellow crew members of the dead and urged those responsible for the injured seafarers' care to ensure they receive treatment and support as they recover.

How many crew were freed?

In total, 44 seafarers were freed from the three vessels. Their governments are now working with shipowners and relevant authorities to arrange repatriation. Dominguez thanked the Government of Somalia for its role in securing the releases.

The relief is partial. "We must not forget the 22 seafarers who remain in captivity onboard the ASANA, which was also taken hostage by pirates and armed robbers earlier this year," Dominguez said. "Every effort must continue to secure their safe release."

What is the IMO asking governments to do?

Dominguez called for a return to the coordinated approach that suppressed Somali piracy a decade ago. "We have come together to stop piracy in this region before. We must do it again – with renewed resolve, targeted cooperation and the required resources – because seafarers should not have to lose their lives for the service they provide for the world," he said. "The measures and best practices are there, and remain relevant, let's focus on implementing them."

He highlighted discussions on maritime security held at the United Nations General Assembly last week and in Brussels earlier this month, and called on governments to bring initiatives such as the 'Group of Friends of Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers' to the IMO for follow-up.

He also stressed the importance of the EUNAVFOR Aspides and Atalanta operations for safeguarding shipping in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Western Indian Ocean.

What should operators in the region do?

The IMO continues to engage with the relevant authorities, including the flag States of the vessels concerned, to support the safety and well-being of seafarers — including those still in captivity. It is also strengthening the capacity of regional states through the Djibouti Code of Conduct initiative.

For shipowners and operators, the message is direct: conduct thorough security risk assessments before transiting the region, and implement industry Best Management Practices together with relevant IMO guidance to avoid exposing crews to avoidable danger.

With three vessels freed but 22 crew still held and the death toll mounting, the pressure on governments and naval missions to redeploy resources to the Western Indian Ocean is set to intensify.