Piracy rises in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters

Piracy is resurging in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters, creating a high-risk environment for international shipping. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), six vessels and more than 90 crew members are currently under the control of pirates or armed robbers.

The recent escalation follows the seizure of the product tanker SIBU 1 on August 20. The IMO notes that attacks have tripled on an annual basis, a trend attributed to a security vacuum caused by the redirection of international naval forces toward tensions in the Middle East.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has warned of a rapid deterioration in safety and has called for renewed international naval cooperation. He urged shipping companies to strictly implement best practices, including risk assessments, selecting safer routes, increased surveillance, and the use of armed guards to protect vessels.