IMO warns of rising piracy in Gulf of Aden after tanker hijacking

piracy Gulf of Aden seafarer captivity maritime security ship hijacking

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has issued an urgent call for action following a resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez demanded the immediate and unconditional release of more than 90 seafarers currently held captive.

The latest incident involved the hijacking of the tanker SEAMULL (also known as Sibu 1) on August 20, 2026. The vessel, which flies the Eritrean flag, was intercepted approximately 136 nautical miles east of Al Mukalla, Yemen, by armed individuals who redirected the ship toward the coast of Somalia. The crew included 20 members, 16 of whom are Indian nationals.

This hijacking brings the total number of vessels currently held by pirates and armed robbers in the region to six. Experts have noted potential links between Somali piracy networks and Houthi-related criminal elements, adding complexity to the security situation in one of the world's most critical maritime corridors. The IMO has urged flag and coastal states to implement best management practices to protect crews from increasing maritime security risks.

Entities

Arsenio Domínguez · Gulf of Aden · International Maritime Organization · Seamull · Somalia · United Nations

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 5 SOURCES] IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez called on flag and coastal states to ensure ships are prepared to manage security risks. portcalls.com · maritimemag.com · www.naucher.com · portalportuario.cl · cyprus-mail.com
[DISPUTED] Six vessels are currently being held by pirates and armed robbers in the Gulf of Aden region. portcalls.com · maritimemag.com · www.naucher.com · portalportuario.cl · cyprus-mail.com
[● 5 SOURCES] The tanker SEAMULL (also known as Sibu 1) was hijacked on August 20. portcalls.com · maritimemag.com · www.naucher.com · portalportuario.cl · cyprus-mail.com
[DISPUTED] The seizure of the SEAMULL brought the total number of vessels held by pirates in the region to six. portcalls.com · maritimemag.com · www.naucher.com · portalportuario.cl · cyprus-mail.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The SEAMULL had 20 crew members on board, including 16 Indian nationals, at the time of its seizure. cyprus-mail.com · www.sawt-alasima.net · www.yemen-window.com
[● 5 SOURCES] The IMO has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of over 90 seafarers held captive. portcalls.com · maritimemag.com · www.naucher.com · portalportuario.cl · cyprus-mail.com

Sources

IMO urges action as Gulf of Aden piracy resurges [portcalls.com]

about 11 hours ago

أخبار محلية - تنامي تعاون الحو. ثيين والقراصنة الصوماليين يهدد الملاحة في خليج عدن [www.sawt-alasima.net]

1 day ago

اخبار وتقارير - تنامي تعاون الحوثيين والقراصنة الصوماليين يهدد الملاحة في خليج عدن [www.yemen-window.com]

2 days ago

IMO calls for urgent action as piracy resumes in the Gulf of Aden [maritimemag.com]

about 20 hours ago

La OMI insta a tomar medidas urgentes ante el recrudecimiento de la piratería en el Golfo de Adén [www.naucher.com]

about 5 hours ago

OMI insta a tomar medidas urgentes ante el recrudecimiento de la piratería en el golfo de Adén [portalportuario.cl]

about 20 hours ago

IMO sounds alarm as pirates hold more than 90 seafarers [cyprus-mail.com]

about 6 hours ago