# Threats to merchant shipping and seafarers

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/threats-to-merchant-shipping-and-seafarers
> Updated: 2026-08-23T17:09:35.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) has called for immediate protection of civilian merchant vessels and their crews from armed conflicts. The association reported a “noticeable shift towards the direct targeting of commercial shipping,” specifically citing missile strikes near Odesa in the Black Sea and attacks on the MV Amir1. 

INTERCARGO urged the International Maritime Organization and other global bodies to enforce existing protections for non-military vessels, noting that seafarers are essential civilians whose safety is critical to global supply chains for food and fertilizer.

## Claims

- Six vessels are currently being held by pirates and armed robbers in the Gulf of Aden region. (disputed by 5 sources)
- The IMO has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of over 90 seafarers held captive. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The tanker SEAMULL (also known as Sibu 1) was hijacked on August 20. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez called on flag and coastal states to ensure ships are prepared to manage security risks. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The SEAMULL had 20 crew members on board, including 16 Indian nationals, at the time of its seizure. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-23: IMO warns of rising piracy in Gulf of Aden after tanker hijacking

The IMO has demanded the release of over 90 captive seafarers following a rise in piracy in the Gulf of Aden, including the August 20 hijacking of the tanker SEAMULL.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/imo-calls-for-urgent-action-as-piracy-rises-in-the-gulf-of-aden

### 2026-07-30: INTERCARGO urges stronger protection for seafarers as attacks on merchant ships rise

INTERCARGO calls on governments and the IMO to protect civilian merchant ships after a surge in attacks, notably in the Black Sea, threatening seafarers and global trade.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/intercargo-urges-stronger-protection-for-seafarers-as-attacks-on-merchant-ships-rise

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Cite as: Threats to merchant shipping and seafarers. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/threats-to-merchant-shipping-and-seafarers