IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has condemned an attack on the cargo ship TIHAMAH off Al Mokha, Yemen, after the vessel was hit by a projectile and several seafarers were confirmed dead.
Dominguez expressed condolences to the families of those killed and said the incident marked another loss of seafarer lives linked to an attack on international shipping.
He said the latest incident was particularly concerning because it occurred in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden area.
Dominguez urged shipowners and operators to evaluate transit risks carefully and apply appropriate best management practices before operating in the region and elsewhere.
He also stressed that seafarers should be able to work in safe and secure conditions.
The IMO chief linked the continued attacks on shipping to rising tensions and risks to global supply chains.
He separately called for the immediate and unconditional release of seafarers who remain captive following piracy incidents in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region.
Dominguez concluded by pointing to international law and the shared responsibility of the global community to protect seafarers.
