IMO Mourns 5 Seafarers Killed in Hijacked Ship Rescue
Maritime security concerns remain high in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden after five seafarers were reportedly killed during a rescue operation involving the hijacked HONOUR 25. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez expressed condolences to the victims’ families and renewed calls for stronger international action to protect seafarers from piracy and armed robbery at sea.
The five seafarers died on 29 September 2026 in Somali waters during the operation to free the HONOUR 25. Several other crew members were seriously injured. The development came as three hijacked vessels, HONOUR 25, SEAMULL (SIBU 1) and MT EUREKA , were released, allowing a total of 44 seafarers to regain their freedom.
Five Seafarers Die During HONOUR 25 Rescue
Dominguez said he was deeply saddened by the loss of the five seafarers and offered condolences to their families, friends and fellow crew members.
He also called for injured seafarers to receive appropriate medical treatment and welfare support as they recover from the traumatic incident.
The HONOUR 25 was one of three vessels released this week after being held captive by pirates and armed robbers. The vessels had been seized between April and August 2026.
44 Seafarers Freed From Three Vessels
The remaining crew members of the HONOUR 25 were freed following the rescue operation. The crews of the SEAMULL, also known as SIBU 1, and MT EUREKA were also released during similar operations in the same region.
The IMO said 44 seafarers in total were freed from the three vessels. Their governments are now working with shipowners and relevant authorities to arrange their repatriation.
However, 22 seafarers remain in captivity aboard the ASANA, which was taken hostage by pirates and armed robbers earlier this year.
Maritime Security Needs Stronger Regional Cooperation
The latest incidents have renewed attention on maritime security in the Gulf of Aden and Western Indian Ocean, where commercial vessels and their crews continue to face security risks.
Dominguez called for renewed international cooperation, targeted action and the resources needed to combat piracy in the region. He stressed that established measures and maritime security best practices remain available and should be properly implemented.
He also highlighted discussions held during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) the previous week and in Brussels earlier in September, where maritime security was a shared area of interest.
The Secretary-General called on governments to bring new initiatives, including the Group of Friends of Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers, to the IMO for appropriate follow-up.
EUNAVFOR Operations Support Shipping Security
Dominguez also stressed the importance of EUNAVFOR Aspides and Atalanta operations in safeguarding maritime security across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Western Indian Ocean.
The operations are part of wider international efforts to support the safety and security of shipping and seafarers in the region.
IMO Continues Maritime Security Measures
The IMO continues to engage with relevant authorities, including the flag States of the affected vessels, to support the safety and welfare of seafarers, including those still in captivity.
Through the Djibouti Code of Conduct initiative, the IMO is also working to strengthen the capacity of countries in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden to improve regional maritime security.
The IMO has urged vessels operating in the region to conduct thorough security risk assessments to avoid exposing crews to preventable dangers. Ships are also encouraged to implement the industry’s Best Management Practices together with relevant IMO guidance.
Protecting Seafarers Remains Central to Shipping Security
The release of 44 seafarers marks an important development in the regional security situation, but the deaths during the HONOUR 25 rescue and the continued captivity of 22 crew members aboard ASANA demonstrate the risks still facing seafarers.
For shipowners and operators, comprehensive maritime risk assessment, established ship-security procedures and coordination with relevant authorities remain important measures when operating in piracy-affected waters.
The IMO’s response also places continued emphasis on international cooperation, regional capacity-building and implementation of established maritime safety and security practices to protect crews and support safer commercial shipping.
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