IMO Chief Urges Immediate Release of 44 Seafarers Held by Somali Pirates

The head of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has called for urgent international action to secure the release of 44 seafarers being held captive by pirates in Somali waters, warning that crews remain under severe humanitarian strain as piracy incidents surge across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Speaking at the opening of the IMO Council’s 137th session in London on Monday, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the captive seafarers are running critically low on food and water while facing the constant threat of violence aboard three hijacked vessels.

The 44 crew members are being held on the MT Honour 25, Eureka,